An AI-designed Dodge Viper RT/10 Shooting Brake concept has unexpectedly gained significant attention, even sparking potential production talks. Created by Sebastian Simonsson, a veteran automotive visualizer with 25 years of experience at companies like Koenigsegg, the vehicle’s rapid viral success highlights the growing influence – and debate – surrounding AI in automotive design.
The Project: From Sketch to Viral Sensation
Simonsson, who describes himself as an “AI Designer,” began with a traditional sketch before leveraging AI tools to refine the final rendering. The result is a Viper Shooting Brake that, despite its unconventional body style, appears remarkably realistic and has already garnered over 100,000 likes and 30,000 shares within 24 hours of posting. Even F1 driver Jenson Button expressed his interest online.
Simonsson’s approach is rooted in Scandinavian design principles: restraint, balance, and clarity. “I avoid loud, overly saturated colors and unnecessary forms,” he explains, aiming for an “OEM+” aesthetic with subtle racing heritage cues.
The AI Debate and Designer’s Perspective
The use of AI has naturally sparked controversy. Simonsson acknowledges the ethical concerns, but defends his role as a “creator” rather than a traditional designer. He emphasizes that AI is merely a rendering tool in his workflow, stating that all design intent and decisions remain his own.
“AI is something I’ve only been using for the past six months,” Simonsson says. “Prior to that, everything I did was based on traditional 3D modeling. What has changed is that I’ve been forced to become better at sketching and clearly communicating intent.”
This project raises questions about the future of automotive design. While AI cannot replace the fundamental creativity of human designers, it can accelerate the design process and potentially unlock new aesthetic possibilities. It is a tool, and the quality of the output depends on the skill and vision of the user.
From Concept to Potential Production
The project’s viral success has already led to meetings with potential partners, including those with direct experience with the Viper platform. Discussions are underway to address technical challenges such as chassis development, weight distribution, and structural integrity.
Simonsson and his collaborators are treating this as a serious opportunity. The initial response suggests a strong market demand for a Viper Shooting Brake, even if it’s born from an AI-assisted design process. The speed with which this concept has evolved from a digital sketch to a potential production vehicle is unprecedented, and demonstrates the rapid shift in how automotive design is being approached.
The AI-generated Dodge Viper Shooting Brake has quickly moved from a thought experiment to a tangible possibility. Whether it reaches the road remains to be seen, but its success serves as a powerful reminder that the automotive industry is undergoing a transformation, with AI playing an increasingly prominent role.
