Summary

1/3 scale model of the Time Attack Racer concept car, made about 2018. The Time Attack is significant in being a virtual concept car, designed to showcase the modern techniques used to develop concepts with no full size model being created, only the 1/3 scale model. With the end of Holden's Australian production and end of the Australian International Motor Shows this concept car was 'a digital advertisement for the advanced skills, capability and technology of the GM Holden team', (Richard Ferlazzo, Design Director).

The inspiration for the racer came from the team's desire to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Holden's first win at Mount Panorama. The 1000kW virtual race car claims to lap Mount Panorama in just 1:29 minutes, which the design team captured in a video documenting a simulated lap around the iconic circuit for which they won yet another international award.

Richard notes that 'the technology we employ today has transformed the way we design cars. We have the ability to simulate a car's appearance, technology and dynamics in convincing animations, which enables us to deliver better designs in a shorter time.' It features cutting edge as yet unrealised technology including fans that direct airflow in order to improve downforce through each and every corner the car tackles. Each of the four electric motors has its own gearbox delivering a total power output of 1,340-horsepower.

Physical Description

1/3 scale model of the Time Attack Racer mostly digitally printed and painted. White, translucent black, and black coloured plastic model on black acrylic base.

Significance

'Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars' - when this hook for a 1970s Holden commercial jingle was written, Holden was clearly seen as a fundamental pillar in contemporary Australian culture. In fact, for the best part of a century Holden was one of the nation's biggest employers, and in the automotive industry's 'golden age' it often sold more than 50% of new cars in Australia. The end to local manufacture of Holden cars in 2017 and retirement of the brand from 2021 have been received by the Australian public as the end of an era.

Though manufacturing ended in 2017 Holden's Design Centre and Proving Ground facilities remained operational. The Design Centre was one of General Motor's (GM) nine global design centres and one of only two GM design facilities able to design and build concept cars from paper to fabrication. However as sales of new Holden's plummeted the decision was made to close the Design Centre and Proving Ground and only retain a core staff to honour Australian warranty commitments.

These two 1/3 scale models of the EFIJY and Time Attack concept cars were made by the GM-Holden Australia Design Team with both winning international design awards. They help tell the story of the expertise and capability of Melbourne's industrial and automotive design industry, and its continuing value to global companies when local manufacturing is no longer taking place.

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