A Chat With Mihai Panaitescu, Winner of Boston Motors

Mihai and I did a little email "interview" after he won the Boston Competition. Here it is:

AFC: What was your inspiration for the Boston Bullet?

MP: My main inspiration source for the Bullet was old American custom cars, also known as Hot Rods. I think those cars incorporate very well an ideology of innovation within a traditional frame. In my opinion this kind of thinking fitted the requirements for the contest, by involving the background of Revere's legacy.

AFC: Why is this car fit for Boston and Boston drivers?

MP: From my limited knowledge the car fits a Boston lifestyle. It is bold, innovative and efficient. The car stands out and I think this is what Boston should be all about. I think the rest is about intuition and trying to think like the potential customer. I tried to become a Boston resident in spirit while drawing and I am glad the car came out so that people liked it.

AFC: Why do you think this design won? What is your favorite detail?

MP: I believe the design was well placed at the end because of its coherency with the contest requirements and the users' kindness and keen sense of observation. I think the community is great and they're role in establishing the podium was crucial. There were a lot of good competitors and I am sending my regards to all of them.

A feature I liked to work on was the lateral intakes which also house the electrical charging hub. I did that while trying to contain the detailing level on the car, since sometimes too much detail can harm a design.

AFC: Did the Checkup Process impact your final design? Was Checkup a useful tool?

MP: The checkups were useful because the people that vote can share their expectations with you before you submit. This is very good since you will not go out on the field unarmed. Thus I changed some details before submitting and everything went ok after.

AFC: What will you do with your $2,000 prize?!

MP: I will probably get a skiing holiday with my prize money.

AFC: Are you starting to get ideas for the Chicago Competition?

MP: I will have to imagine the Chicago lifestyle in order to get some valid ideas for the new contest coming up. I have friends from there but it is hard since I have never been to the US. I will do my best to understand the characteristics of the big lakes area and I am sure you will help with that too.

AFC: Do you have any special plans for the holiday?

MP: I will spend my holidays in Romania since after I will probably change continent for work.

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Mihai answered these questions via email. Then, earlier today I had a chance to talk to him on the phone. I will be able to share our conversation tomorrow. Mihai made a point to thank all of the community members who commented and voted, and I am excited to share it with all of you.