One of the most exciting stages of the design process is the development of the clay model. It is at this stage that all the promise and anticipation of a design is finally given actual physical form and substance. The opportunity to physically experience the model allows the observer to gain a truer sense of the design's size, proportion, and design character.

The sculptor receives input from a variety of sources: oral direction from a designer, a sketch, engineering sections, or math data. Clay model sizes range from 1/5 scale to full size. They are constructed of an aluminum core, a secondary wood structure, styrofoam and a 50mm clay outer shell. The final clay surface is coated with a thin plastic membrane called Dinoc that simulates a reflective paint surface. The finished model is a product of refined craftsmanship that is so detailed, it is difficult to distinguish from a real car.