WILD ONE

3D | ANIMATION | LIVERY | AWARD-WINNING

Mashin Auto Salon is a virtual car show that has arguably some of the best automotive 3D modelers and artists from around the world compete for awards in various categories. I have been one of the three judges for the show every year, but also entered my own 3D project and was awarded a trophy (in which I had no say as a judge, of course).
The submission comprised of a set of rendered images and an animated short film showcasing the car’s details, how the bed dances and the suspension actuates. This submission won me the ‘Golden Cube’ award for Most Outstanding Rookie 3D entry.
The project is known as WILD ONE and is a ’90 Mazda B2200 pickup truck modified into an EV-powered, bed-dancing custom minitruck. This was built from scratch by me, with only a few small items sourced from others (mainly the hydraulic pumps, tires, and seat buckets). Tesla dual motor system, Z-frame hydraulic bed setup, Enkei Violence 4×4 wheels, custom ‘living’ LED head- and tail lights, the list goes on.

2-WILD

The next evolution of WILD ONE was made for another animated short film. Known as 2-WILD, this version saw more custom work done including a livery, simplification of the EV system based on new knowledge, and showcar-inspired tricks like scissor doors and a split tonneau cover hiding a sound system in the bed.
The goal for this was to make the truck feel like something straight out of a mid-90s minitruck magazine – albeit anachronistic with the EV power – with that showcar flare and insanity.
As such, the short film and rendered images were treated to a VHS/Handicam look. Lo-fi, grainy, shaky and period correct.