Using the Scion as inspiration, three recent graduates from Coventry University's Automotive-Design program have been hashing out designs for a customizable "youth car." The project is aimed at envisioning what young car buyers would want in 2020, but the customization goes beyond graphics and neon shifters.

"It doesn't have to mean crazy paint-jobs and stick-on flames," said Mujammil Khan-Muztar. "More likely people will want a 'music-studio option' or a 'gaming experience option,' which represents what's important in their life." Khan-Muztar and his partners Kazanori Inomota and Edward Stubbs intend to create a vehicle that can cross international cultural markets, and they will be presenting their design to OEMs worldwide.

The idea for developing a futuristic car concept comes from the notion of separatism of Japanese Harajuku gangs, where trendy teens create their own fashion and style to stand out from their peers. Customization is also a common trend in personalized iPods, mobile phones and other gadgets; higher degrees of customization would appeal to the youth and encourage a stronger bond between the owner and their car. The group aims to have a finished 3D model for presentation purposes within the next couple months.

Via Autoblog