Few industrial design students can expect, while still students, to design an entire car—both the interior and exterior—that will actually be prototyped. But that's exactly the opportunity pursued by Daniel Rauch, who was studying ID at Germany's Folkwang University of the Arts back in 2017. In conjunction with the Bochum University of Applied Sciences, German industrial engineering conglomerate Thyssenkrupp was developing the third generation of their blue.cruiser, a solar-powered car, and tapped Rauch for the project. Thyssenkrupp and the university then actually built a functioning prototype of Rauch's design.

"The design of the thyssenkrupp blue.cruiser combines the silhouette of a classic coupe with a clear and modern design language."

"As a student at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Daniel Rauch designed the entire vehicle (exterior, interior, color and trim) on his own. He accompanied the process from the first sketches and concepts, through simulation CAD models and production data, to the final design and ensuring implementation down to the last detail."

"More efficient and practical for everyday use than ever before, the new four-seater features a spacious and modern interior. Innovative lightweight steel structures characterize the development of the body: the lattice frame with roll cage, the specially developed steel rims and the rear seat made of the sandwich material LITECOR represent the increased use of steel and have the advantage of making the car particularly light - without compromising on safety. In addition, as in any other sports coupe, there are special features such as distance warning, central locking, info display, heated seats and electrically adaptable suspension for maximum driving comfort."

I do wonder what happened to the car, but the website for it doesn't mention its current condition nor whereabouts.

Today Rauch is a fully minted industrial designer with his own firm. You can check out his work here.