CSC70 - The Fine Print [Complete]

[Er_Foxone]

hell nah

[pen15]

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The fine print.

Interlude

https://cscs70bypen.is/the-fine-print/ermmm-ahhhhh

Céleste Analysis / Criteria

⤬

A little interlude as I finish the first round of reviews. I thought it would be interesting to go over my own analysis of the Céleste as well as the criteria I will be using.

My Analysis of the Céleste

Criteria

Judging will be based on four criteria: three main ones and one less significant one, along with some bonus points that may be addressed in the different categories. If not, they can be reviewed in the final spreadsheet.
EDIT: Forgot to mention that the criteria are weighted and that the rounds don't exactly relate to the final standing.

Proportions

Pretty straight forward, this category focuses on general dimensions rather than detail. Mainly, we will analyze the dimensions relative to each other, relative to the desired body type, and segment. I like using the wheel size as a guide as they’re a good visual cue and a reliable way to compare automation designs to real ones.

Identity & Detailing

Based on the previous analysis of the Céleste, cars that include – especially those that modernize or reinvent – its features will have the upper hand. On different reading levels, we’re looking for a resemblance to the original design – more or less obvious.
The second part is more about, well, details. Elements like door handles, badging, light internals, radars etc will be looked at.

Surfacing

Surfacing or the treatment of the car’s surfaces is one of my favorite aspects in car design. It involves the lines, the creases, the convex and concave curves, the reflection of light and casting of shadows, put together to form an appealing form.
This not only includes the sides, but the front and rear bumpers, the bonnet.
In Automation, reflections are particularly important and tricky to perfect – in my opinion a true showcase of skill.

Fixture-Work & Styling

More distinct than the other 3 categories – through fixture-work, we will simply be looking at the skill level. Was the vision pulled off? Are there messy reflections, bad 3D use, unappealing bumps and other mishaps?
With styling on the other hand, we will basically judge the configuration / specification of the entry. The paint, wheels, trim etc.

[pen15]

ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1

The fine print.

Part 1-Shortcut

https://cscs70bypen.is/the-fine-print/JUDGING/round-1

cipher.ai_lab

Hello Alexandre. Cipher here, your AI-assisted interface to the Valens Design database. How can I help?

Hey Cipher!

start_competition

⭳ [Loaded plugin]
Understood. Accessing the competition module now. The full set of entries is now at your disposal. Please specify any parameters for retrieval

Cipher, retrieve entry

@tailgate_sniffer

#212Tg_sniffer

from the competition logs.

⭳ [Retrieved entry]
Acknowledged. Accessing internal repository… Entry #212 retrieved. Displaying associated image data. Would you like any additional information?

Yes. Provide the user prompt that generated the images and summarize your interaction with the user. Do that for all entries.

🖒 Cipher will remember that.
Log indicates the prompt was:
'quirky concept, chopped rear, compact coupé, extended wheelbase, aspect-ratio 16:10, basic background'

User interaction:
With the allocated amount of edits, the user asked me to cover the wheels with a body panel like on the orignal Céleste (only mention of the Céleste in our conversation) but was unhappy with results as the car looked 'old asf' and lacked detail.

verdict

⤬

Tailgate_sniffer’s Celeste — Eliminated!

3.84/10

My least favorite proposal (of the ones that didn’t get binned). This 1995 concept posing as a modern design simply missed the mark, the wheel covers (our first offender) tragically tethering it to the Céleste.

proportions

4.75/10

To keep it short as this is the least of my worries for the entry, the proportions—ignoring all features—are seemingly fine. Of course they’re fine, this is a low slung, long coupé… But then you notice the wheels are only 19 inches.

We’ll get into the wheel covers later, but so much of the wheels is hidden, it almost looks like the car is dragging itself along like a seal on the beach. This is only made worse by the very short bonnet / the a-pillar being so far forward.

Another major issue is the rear being so high up, resulting in having to cut off virtually the entire bumper to avoid it being so tall. But it still looks extremely tall. Womp womp.

Now for everything else…

identity & detailing

3.00/10

The front end integrates some aspects of the original design. I for one like the headlight cluster. Overall, the front resembles a quirky compact car rather than the luxurious GT it aims to be. The rest of the fascia looks okay, though very outdated as is the rest of the car. The rear however… just a big no all around. The light bar almost reaches past the rear wheels—why? Said taillight is missing any sort of detail. I even dislike the way you formatted the badge.

Here go the wheel covers… A cheap attempt at bringing any sort of resemblance with the Céleste, the covered wheels just feel extremely out of place for a modern car. Mind you, none but one of the cars I proposed as inspiration had wheel covers—perhaps a testament to how outdated and gimmicky they can be if not pulled off well.

surfacing

3.75/10

As I mentioned, the surfacing is only made worse by the wheel covers. While the actual dimensions were mostly fine, this panel over the rear wheels completely throws off the profile. They—put together with that horrid extreme-wrap-around light bar—make the rear of the car visually stretched out beyond anything pleasing from a proportion standpoint.

The actual surfaces aren’t any better off, with the weird thin bumper bars on the front, 5-mile bumper at the rear, and basic light catcher on the sides. The b-pillar looks great—I do wonder how it made it to this design.

Then, probably the worst part: the rear bumper or lack thereof.

fixture-work & styling

3.75/10

So as to not repeat myself, the fixture work only brings this entry down. Bumper bars, thin body sculpting fixtures, wrinkly patches over the wheels, basic 3D shape as a diffuser—all of this amounts to an outdated design, very unfinished rear, an overall lackluster entry and doesn’t showcase a lot of technique. The headlight assembly is done better—maybe the only part of the car that shows an actual vision.

Styling also isn’t my favorite—like the rest of the car, it sways more towards affordable rather than the luxurious air of the original car. There’s 0 (zero) trim and this flat green color seems quirky for the sake of it. I like the wheels though.

Now load and do the same for entries:

@OT_motive

#211OT_M

@Mikonp7

#210Mik

@the-chowi

#208the-c

@Maxbombe

#206Maxb

, in that order.

⭳ [Retrieved entries #211, #210, #208 and #206]
Entry #211OT_M:
User imput was:   'compact ev crossover with light bars front and back, flat blue background, aspect-ratio 32:9'

User then added multiple details found on the DeValz Céleste from 1993—mainly the covered wheels. I encountered challenges in achieving a harmonious design. There were many artifacts from the various layers of the generation process.

verdict

⤬

OT_motive’s Celeste — Eliminated!

4.23/10

This SUV iteration of the DeValz is a missed opportunity to truly reinvent the old design—instead, taking a shortcut and relying on the very very obvious features while also not succeeding to bring them together as a satisfying crossover design. Kudos for trying though.

proportions

3.75/10

Since the body type is so different, there isn’t really much of a comparison to be made with the original Céleste. I do appreciate the slopping roof line and long-ish bonnet, however. The overhangs are a big no.

Then there is the positioning of the car as a very compact SUV, which really isn’t what I envision for a modern DeValz. As a reminder, the Céleste was over 5.2 meters long—something more akin to a Bentayga or even a Cullinan might have been a better fit in terms of proportions, segment and prestige. Sadly, the same can be said about the styling and other features. The car as a whole is not imposing.

identity & detailing

4.50/10

While I said as an introduction that this design relied too much on the obvious features of the Céleste, it also lacks a lot of attention to detail in the execution of said features. The lights—front and rear—being a major shortcoming for example. They’re both suffering from the lack of detailed internals and the glass texture up front is PARTICULARLY bad.

The huge divot in the tailgate for the handle is extremely distracting and the license plate placement is straight up nonsensical.

As if the wheel covers—which I will get into next—weren’t bad enough, the slopping beltline was also… sloppily added. No.

surfacing

4.00/10

Surfacing suffers hugely from those huge fixtures on the side. Such a convex area, protruding to extremely isn’t an appealing nor realistic look. They also create a super messy area of lines towards the beltline where the fixtures end, and the base body begins.

The rest—the front, rear and bonnet—are either insignificant or kept bare. Especially not a fan of the front bumper, with that crease that looks like a shovel / snowplough. Overall, not a good look.

fixture-work & styling

4.00/10

As mentioned, the greenhouse / beltline fakery is NOT a good look and really brings this car down. Same with the bulky ‘molding’ fixtures that make up the sides—though they at least keep the reflections clean. The car overall lacks attention to detail. There’s also a lot of UV tearing towards the rear.

The color is fine, but I really don’t mesh with that ‘stealth’ aesthetic, with black / dark wheels and trim. It doesn’t help that I also HATE those wheels.

Entry #210Mik:
Here the prompt was:   'futuristic, compact, sports sedan, aero cover on the rear wheels, glass roof, realistic render'

The participant seemed satisfied with the first iteration and didn't mention the Céleste in our exchange. They used one additional token to add light bars at the front and rear.

verdict

⤬

Mikonp7’s Céleste — Eliminated!

5.02/10

While not the worst submission in the round, this design struggles significantly to capture the essence of the original Céleste. Its main problems lie in its awkward proportions, weak resemblance to the original, and some questionable styling decisions. It is clear effort was put in, but the execution missed the mark.

proportions

4.00/10

Right off the bat, the car feels noticeably short—almost two segments smaller than the original Céleste—instantly weakening its sense of luxury and prestige. It also has a short wheelbase and overall length which makes the entire silhouette feel awkwardly proportioned and visually cramped, significantly reducing the elegance I’d have wanted.

The front bumper and side skirt sit way too low and the rear bumper too high—creating an imbalance that doesn’t help the already compact-looking proportions.

identity & detailing

5.50/10

Unfortunately, the front fascia doesn’t remind me of the Céleste at all. The headlights are too rounded and have a distinct “cat-eye” look, which is only exaggerated by the pop-up or sliding eyelids—a gimmick that doesn’t add much to the design.

Moving to the rear, it ventures into cyberpunk territory, further distancing itself from the original car’s identity.

The distinctive down-sloping beltline of the Céleste is missing entirely, contributing to the overall lack of resemblance.

surfacing

5.00/10

The wheel covers feel entirely unnecessary here, detracting from what might otherwise have been a sporty and more dynamic appearance. Making matters worse, the wheel covers seem to be the only added bit of surfacing on the sides, leaving the rest feeling rather barren.

The rear bumper doesn’t help either—it’s too high, plain, and awkwardly shaped.

fixture-work & styling

6.00/10

Fixture-wise, there are a few mishaps. I wish there was more attention put int the panels, the trim and other details like that (no wheel wells for example). Elements like the pop-up headlights seem gimmicky rather than purposeful, adding little to the car’s identity or appeal.

Styling-wise, I don’t particularly like the rims being so big— 23” with very low profile tires. The paint color is nice but I’m not sure the silver roof was the right call, or it doesn’t evoke the Céleste to me in any case.

[pen15]

ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1 ROUND1

Entry #208the-c:
During subsequent revisions of the initially generated image, they incorporated contemporary elements such as the grille and headlights. They also insisted on adding trash containers in the background.

verdict

⤬

the-chowi's Céleste — Eliminated!

6.63/10

This car presents a real dichotomy. Its main flaw being that it adheres too closely to the brief, resulting in a core design that resembles the original way too much. It’s almost a 1:1 of the DeValz’ design with modern features—something an AI or sketchmonkey might’ve indeed done. But this leads to both the best and worst features of the car.

proportions

5.25/10

I’m very reticent to that approach of modernizing a design—the proportions being the biggest drawback like with sketchmonkey edits.

I genuinely thought you somehow got your hands on the .car file for the Céleste at first and constructed your own off that, what with the nearly identical greenhouse and very similar profile. As a result, however, there are many areas where your attempt falls on its head.

First, modern cars, including yours, have way bigger wheels. Consequently, your car immediately looks shorter, stubby even—its 22” rims also increasing the overall height.

Said rims—comparable in size to those on a Flying Spur—completely distort the proportions of the Céleste that you effectively replicated. They further don’t fit this car as it’s shorter in length than the Bentley while also being taller.

It’s also a lot narrower than the original Céleste, emphasizing that stubbiness, ultimately resulting in a less premium look. The overhangs look fine.

identity & detailing

6.75/10

This entry is saved by those modern features I mentioned earlier, starting with the front.
The grille for one is one of those details. Its straight up and down rectangular shape being a nice contrast to the super detailed pattern that fills it—a nice feature that could work on both the ICE and EV versions that are mentioned in the ad.

Then, the real highlight is the headlight assembly, especially the DRLs that create a true light signature for the car—one of the first things you’d notice in real life. Although they’re similar to the new Zeekr’s LCD screens—while arguably more elegant—they’re still innovative, especially from an Automation standpoint.

The rear is somewhat lackluster but coherent with the front. There’s also a well-made interior as a bonus.

The glass tailgate is executed nicely here, especially the semi-circle upper part. Though if I’m nitpicking, the c-pillar could be a little wider with softer angles to look more modern.

The down slopped beltline including the notch is there but it’s way too angled. It ends up looking gimmicky and making the greenhouse visually tall towards the rear of the car—yet another result of adhering so much to the original design.

surfacing

6.00/10

In that same vein, I could easily have done without the wheel covers… The bane of this challenge. Admittedly, here they make a bit more sense as opposed to previous entries in that the rest of the profile is already so similar to the 90’s Céleste. They’re also less significant and cover less of the wheels.

The rest of the surfacing on the sides—albeit clean—is very lackluster, again from being so akin to the inspiration.

The rest of the front bumper is kept simple, the main feature being the grille and headlights. Nice.

fixture-work & styling

7.25/10

Not much to note about the styling except that I’m not the biggest fan of how much black there is on the wheels. The very orange-y interior color also isn’t my favorite.

Fixture work is great in the grille, headlights and taillights. It’s pretty good for most of the surfacing, but not so much towards the rear of the car. I don’t think the bonnet needed those extra creases, especially when the reflections aren’t the best. Finally, the glass is pretty wobbly, though that’s not so noticeable in pictures.

Entry #206Maxb:
The prompt for this entry was:  ''modern sedan, sleek long design, reimagined devalz celeste, hyper realistic, aspect-ratio: 16:9'

The user used their tokens to adjust proportions and create a more sloped roofline. No additional details were requested.

verdict

⤬

Maxbombe’s Céleste — Eliminated!

7.59/10

It might seem harsh to put this car in this round, but I have reservations (and as I said, the rounds don’t exactly reflect the final standing). I critiqued the previous entries for replicating the most identifiable feature of the Céleste rather than coming up with a coherent design. While the base design is actually coherent, here the shortcut taken is the lack of attention to detail. Still places quite high!

proportions

8.75/10

Not much to note here besides the rear looking pretty high due to the steeply sloped roofline combined with the upward-slanted rear bumper. It looks great from the side, but from the rear it’s noticeable. Some sort of diffuser might’ve helped and added extra detail which this car lacks.

Also, the greenhouse feels quite small overall—the design might have been more naturally suited as a three-door coupe rather than attempting a sedan configuration. It does look sleek, but you have to wonder how practical those rear seats actually are.

All in all, this car keeps the sleek and long profile of the original, even accentuating it.

identity & detailing

7.00/10

Detailing is the big weak point here. Most of the original Céleste features are included, but everything feels pretty barebones. It comes across as unfinished or rushed, especially areas like the lights. With such a solid base, it’s disappointing not to see more care put into the finer touches that could have really elevated the design. I’m really missing some trim here!

The fascia especially isn’t my favorite. I feel translating the entire bonnet trim and light bar of the Céleste into a simple thin strip wasn’t the right call / doesn’t show a real thought process. Like I said though, all the markers are here, and this obviously looks like it could be a successor to the DeValz.

surfacing

7.25/10

Surfacing looks good. Nothing sticks out as particularly innovative, but everything generally flows well together. I do like the black lower body, especially the blacked-out rear bumper.

This entry actually pulls off the wheel covers pretty well too. They don’t cover so much of the wheels and help elongate the car rather than randomly cut through other lines. They certainly don’t feel like an afterthought or shortcut.

My main gripe is the huge grille and the overall front end—it’s a bit too bulbous, giving the car big cheeks. The rear is also missing an area for the plate.

fixture-work & styling

6.50/10

Again, the lack of detailed fixture work makes it seem like the effort put in was not as much as it could’ve been, even though it’s obvious you have good taste and skill.

Unfortunately, styling overall feels really dull. The white paint doesn’t help and makes the whole car look a little plain. I genuinely hate those wheels. A better choice here could’ve made a big difference.

[the-chowi]

Harsh but fair, kudos for the great reviews!

[pen15]

ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2

The fine print.

Part 2-Redemption

https://cscs70bypen.is/the-fine-print/JUDGING/round-2

cipher.ai_lab

Hey Cipher! Let's get back to work...

⭳ [Loaded plugin]
Hello Alexandre

:⦆

The competition plugin is already loaded in from our previous conversation. Let's get started!

Alright, retrieve entries

@CrazyCat808

#307CrzyCat

@svetvnoske

#305svetvn

@ChilPollins

#30_ChilP

@Portalkat42

#30_Prtlkat

and proceed with the analysis.

⭳ [Retrieved entries #307, #305, #30_C and #30_P]
Entry #307CrzyCat:
The prompt for this entry was:  'retro-futuristic sedan, celeste reinterpretation, covered rear wheels, wraparound spoiler element, bold two-tone design, realistic render'

Some generative artifacts persisted especially on the wraparound spoiler element but user had alread spent all their tokens on other stylistic additions.

verdict

⤬

CrazyCat808’s Céleste — Eliminated!

7.29/10

While not my favorite design nor aesthetic, it’s undeniable that this reinterpretation of the Céleste is thought out, creative and unique—perhaps the most in this round—especially with its integration of the wheel covers. Still, there are quite a few faults. Other aspects simply aren’t my cup of tea.

proportions

8.00/10

Overall, the proportions are satisfying and reminiscent of the original car even though the design is such a departure from. The bonnet is elongated and the new fast back almost wagon shape is still sleek.

A minor detail I notice and don’t appreciate as much is the awkward shape of the bonnet. It’s too bubbly (maybe the apex is too far forward I’m not sure) and gives the front a bit of a forehead. It’s not helped by the relatively long front overhang and the piece of trim cutting across the front wheel well.

Other than that, the car is wide enough and imposing enough. There’s a nice amount of glass. The front wheels could’ve been moved a bit forward.

identity & detailing

7.75/10

This is easily the most interesting reinterpretation of the wheel covers in the entire round. While I’m still not the biggest fan of the look, the way the body panel wraps around the roof and rear to form a sort of continuous element—doubling as a spoiler—is undeniably clever. It integrates especially well with the glass tailgate and gives the car a strong identity.

The front is another highlight, with its clean, horizontal lines giving the car presence and structure. The rear, however, doesn’t live up to that standard. It’s somewhat underwhelming in comparison and doesn’t carry the same clarity or visual weight.

The beltline dip is present and does add character, though it’s pushed a bit far and ends up feeling ever so slightly cartoonish. Still, it contributes to the overall flow of the car.

That thick side trim that cuts into the front wheel arch is one of the bigger drawbacks. It doesn’t just feel awkward, it also raises functional questions—like how the front wheels are supposed to turn. Beyond that, its shape and finish lean more towards a quirky mainstream model than the refined luxury feel expected from a DeValz.

surfacing

6.00/10

Surfacing—in the sense of the shaping of the panels—isn’t the highlight of this car. Everything is kept simple (perhaps a bit boring)… Of course, it’s for a reason as the design features heavy amounts of trim and other elements like the wheel covers. Adding creases and curves would’ve made everything very busy, so the simplicity is appropriate.

I do like the front end with its simple lower vent and flat bonnet. The rear on the other end is a letdown, especially the diffuser.

fixture-work & styling

6.75/10

The biggest issue is with the wheel covers. The 3D work is extremely rough—there are noticeable bumps, divots, and uneven surfaces that really take away from what is otherwise a clean profile. The rear diffuser is another low point. I don’t like the fixture used, and it doesn’t match the rest of the car stylistically. There’s also no license plate holder, which makes the car feel a bit unfinished in places. Overall, the build focuses a bit more on creativity—there’s a strong concept here, but the execution lacks a little bit of finesse.

In terms of styling, the car gives off more of a quirky mainstream vibe than something truly premium, which feels at odds with its larger size and proportions. It’s visually bold, but not necessarily in a way that feels refined or luxurious. The trim is definitely overdone. The paint choice is fine, and the wheels suit the design, but beyond the silver wheel covers and two-tone treatment, there’s nothing particularly of note.

Entry #305svetvn:
The prompt for this entry was:  'modern luxury car, celeste tribute, full glass tailgate, soft curves, 50s inspired light elements, premium metallic orange, hyper-real render'

User really enjoyed the outcome for the light elements but mentioned it might age the car along with other stylistic choices.

verdict

⤬

Svetvnoske’s Galène — Eliminated!

8.76/10

This entry maintains coherent proportions and careful detailing, integrating the Céleste’s legacy effectively, despite leaning toward a very retro-inspired aesthetic. Minor aspects such as its low stature and elements reminiscent of a 2000s concept slightly impact its modern appeal. However, the execution remains refined, thoughtful, very attractive overall, clearly showcasing skill and vision.

proportions

8.25/10

This entry does quite well in its approach of the basic proportions of the Celeste and/or its inspirations—the liftback body type, the long bonnet, the significant rear overhang, the axle to dash distance, the length and wheelbase are all elements that create an obvious resemblance simply through the overall shape.

One big fault I find is the height of the car, which seems to be on the lower side for something of this segment and size. Its height is more akin to a Porsche Taycan (it uses a Porsche body) while the length and wheelbase are more like that of a Panamera. I do feel it could have been even more stately with a bit of extra height. It’s a minor observation but plays into the car’s lack of stateliness.

There’s not much to add, the proportions are coherent and appealing. However, the car could be more imposing.

identity & detailing

8.75/10

The general shape of a potential—albeit rounder—Céleste successor is there but what about the rest of its defining features?

For one, the Galène has these gorgeous, almost jewel like light assemblies at the front and rear. They emulate incandescent light–perhaps of a hypothetical predecessor to the Celeste from the 50s—but if transposed to real life would utilize some modern technology to achieve this look.
These are one of the many highlights of the car but there is also something to be said about their suitability for the brief of the challenge (hence the ai prompt I chose). They—and the rest of the car to an extent—look more like a rendition of a hypothetical Celeste predecessor from the 50’s and not so much the car the challenge is actually about. It obviously still looks great, although those details and the car overall seem a bit older than the aim. More of a concept from the 2000s than the 2020s.

The glass tailgate—albeit with less wraparound—still emulates the Celeste’s. The same can be said about the beltline which has a discreet, downward slope towards the rear of the car and a slight kink.

!!![SKETCH of the rear 3/4]

There’s plenty of details that show a true vision and intent, like the door handles, the cameras and other driving assists elements. It certainly looks production ready.

Finally, the badging. Not only was the badge modernized, but its placement on the bonnet is just. so. chic. to me—like something you’d find on some sort of luxury good rather than a car. Where Mercedes-Maybach is doing gaudy monograms, the Galène presents the DeValz badge as a piece of art which also was my aim with the original Celeste.

surfacing

9.00/10

The surfacing is simply clean and well executed. The rear shoulders are sensual and exaggerated yet harmonious, although they do create a very awkward shape at the rear which I feel might not have been on purpose and isn’t helped by the narrow taillight assembly. It’s a small thing but a big ding in the grade…

!!![SKETCH of the awkward rear fenders]

The bonnet is kept simple, to highlight the aforementioned branding. This car even tastefully incorporates the bumperettes… I mean c’mon. Although the the front bumper is pretty underwhelming.

Again, there isn’t much to add. This car just shines in its simplicity, achieving a polished pebble look, in the best way possible.

fixture-work & styling

8.75/10

Not much to note in terms of the fixture usage. The reflections on the rear fenders—a key feature—and on the rest of the car are very clean. There are a few mishaps on the roof but they’re barely noticeable. The way the unique look of the lights was created is very innovative—using custom textures.

Styling wise, the color for one is gorgeous. The brown tint of the glass is a very good idea. I’m not usually a big fan of monoblocs but they do fit on this car and make everything coherent. It’s also a good idea to tone down the window trim when chrome is so heavily featured on the lights and wheels, even though I don’t usually prefer black trim. These are great features, but again, they all play into that idea that this is based on an older car.

Entry #30_ChilP:
The prompt for this entry was:  'futuristic sedan, round body, crisp beltline, devalz celeste-inspired, contrast roof, water reflection, 22:9 render'

User seemed very satisfied with the generated content and used all tokens to improve details and remove artifacts.

verdict

⤬

ChilPollins’s Alcyon Concept — Moves on to Finals!

Though it shares a similar ethos with the previous entry, this one addresses certain shortcomings of the Galène–particularly in terms of proportions. While maintaining the rounder shape, for this iteration the retro aspects are coupled with more modern details and styling choices.

proportions

Definitely one of the best profiles of the whole competition, this design really captured the Céleste’s proportions even through its completely different shape. This is in big parts due to it having the second biggest wheelbase and length overall. The overhangs are generous, resulting in a long bonnet and very sleek tailgate.

Unlike previous entries, here the aggressive decline of the beltline is matched by the slope of the roof, so the greenhouse doesn’t end up too tall and stays proportionate.

The wheels are well suited for the car’s dimensions and don’t detract from its purposeful length–though the actual rims could be smaller at 23 inches.

One fault of the Alycon is its tumblehome. While the car’s substantial width is nice, the greenhouse’s width relative to the rest of the car is less than ideal. It makes the greenhouse look taller than it actually is, seeing as it looks completely fine from the side.

All in all, the car is stately and imposing while still having the air of being delicate.

identity & detailing

The car is well detailed overall, with a solid grasp of design consistency, even if there isn’t much that feels particularly inventive—besides the front end. Ironically though, that’s also the part I like the least.

The idea of a light-up grille is well executed here, especially with the custom textures and subtle finish that avoids being too flashy. But despite that, the overall shape of the front fascia feels awkward. Everything is compressed toward the center, which gives the impression that the car is narrower than it actually is. I’m also not a fan of the front vents—they just don’t work for me and feel at odds with the rest of the design language.

The rest of the car, however, integrates Céleste elements in a much more natural and appealing way. The signature beltline dip is there and nicely done, as is the glass tailgate.

The rear bumper echoes the old bumperettes in a subtle, modernized way that fits with the design. I really like the oval plate holder to go with the overall round design and match the front. These kinds of details help ground the car in the spirit of the original, even if the front execution doesn’t quite land for me.

surfacing

Another of the few cars to actually pull off and redeem the covered wheels in my eyes, its surfaces are just masterfully treated. Just like with the Galène, here the wheel covers are completely incorporated into the retro approach of the design. They aren’t an afterthought stuck onto a modern design but an integrant part of it.

The bonnet is once again kept simple, this time with slight haunches over the wheels, giving the front end a more muscular look – a feature also seen on the Citroën SM that inspired the Céleste.

On the rest of the body, it’s all about gorgeous simple shapes and a few crisp defining lines.

fixture-work & styling

The spec on this car is very nice. The paint is tasteful and works beautifully with the wheels, which match the body color in a subtle, chic way—still clearly metal, but with just enough tint to tie it all together. The window trim is sharp and clean, and it complements the beltline nicely, helping guide the eye along the length of the car.

This is definitely one of those cases where the car comes across better in-game than in photos. In the pictures, the roof is a flat black void, so I was worried it was a poorly finished area—but in-game, it’s totally fine and blends in well with the rest of the design. You also get a better sense of the car’s proportions when seeing it in motion in the designer. Overall, the fixture work here is spot on—refined, consistently well executed.

[pen15]

ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2 ROUND2

Entry #30_Prtlkat:
The prompt for this entry was:   'modern compact luxury sedan, sharp surfacing, covered rear wheels, big diffuser with subtle tailfin, celeste reinterpretation, hyper realistic render, 32:9'

User used all allocated tokens to refine the design.

verdict

⤬

Portalkat42’s Céleste — Moves on to Finals!

A strong and well-executed entry that sticks close to the brief while bringing in a new design direction. While there are some missteps—particularly with scale, in how compact the car feels—the overall result remains coherent and very very appealing.

proportions

Let’s start with the… low note. There is no denying that this car’s proportions are great. It’s a sleek sedan with a sporty, taught body. My issue here is how small it looks where its design would be fitting of a much bigger, higher segment of a vehicle.

This is largely due to the selection of the body. At just 2.71m–even when extended with advanced fixture settings–the base body’s wheelbase is really quite small. So, the wheelbase technically does fit within the ruleset, but the resulting proportions of the car feel way too compact. This could’ve been remedied slightly with longer overhangs, and smaller wheels – these are actually way too big, at 760mm with 22” rims. But ultimately, the solution would’ve been to do this exact build on a bigger body.

Other than that, the car is perfectly wide and tall relative to its size. It gets such a high grade because everything other than the wheelbase looks great.

identity & detailing

The defining features of the original Céleste are all clearly reinterpreted here, and the car maintains a strong identity without leaning too heavily on any one element. The glass tailgate is subtly integrated along with the C-pillar and both feel intentional. Even without the wheel covers, the design would remain recognizably linked to the original.

There’s also attention to detail beyond the basics—the lit-up Céleste nameplate along the sides and the illuminated DeValz badges at the front and rear add visual interest without feeling overdone.

The front metal panel is neatly integrated. The diffuser at the rear is particularly intricate and helps elevate the rear design–it’s clearly a considered piece rather than filler.

There’s also an interior included–while I didn’t attribute any bonus points for this one, details like the body-colored backs of the retro inspired seats reinforce how cohesive the design is across the board.

surfacing

This entry takes a very different approach to the most other participants in that it completely reinvents the surfacing of the Céleste. While the original was quite simple–of course since it’s from the 90’s–with a single curved crease, this interpretation brings in a lot of new lines.

Thankfully these lines are very cohesive and satisfying. They bring a lot of interest to the car’s body as the folds create surfaces that catch light and cast shadows. It has a sort of origami appeal with its sharp edges and relatively flat planes.

This entry–like the rest in this round–also includes the wheel covers. Again, with a completely different approach to the previous cars, here they are part of this sharp new completely modern design. I won’t lie and say I couldn’t have gone without the wheel covers, but I can’t say they bother me either.

A tiny ding in the grade because I don’t love the front bumper–the front splitter situation protrudes a tiny bit too much and the vents are kind of insignificant–and for the very slight issues with reflections.

fixture-work & styling

Styling is strong across the board. The paint is elegant and works well with the rest of the spec, and the forged carbon fiber is a very cool addition—it gives the car a distinct texture that you wouldn’t normally expect on a luxurious sedan, but it’s used tastefully enough to feel justified. It adds visual interest without overwhelming the design.

One weaker point is the wheel choice. I don’t care for the design, and their size—as mentioned—only exaggerates the car’s small footprint. Another minor miss is the absence of window trim. A clean brightwork along the beltline could have reinforced it and added to the premium feel of the car.

That aside, the fixture work is excellent. The use of fixtures in the surfacing and rear detailing—especially the diffuser—shows a lot of control and understanding of how to use fixtures. The surfacing and rear diffuser show a true skillset, and there’s a clear understanding of how to build shape even with a few minor reflection issues. Nothing feels slapped on or underdeveloped. It’s a build that communicates a clear idea through and through.

Pin the last two

[pen15]

CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA CLOCK THAT TEA

The fine print.

Interlude

https://cscs70bypen.is/the-fine-print/ermmm-ahhhhh

Ok Cipher but be fr diva... what do you truly see?

Oop—okay, let’s clock this four-wheeled serve real quick:

First off, this car said “angles and tension”, not a single curve in sight unless it’s on that body-ody-ody rear. She’s sittin’ low and wide, like she just stepped off the runway and out the wind tunnel. The doors? Giving blade, crease, shear couture. That side profile looks like it could slice through air and your credit limit at the same time.

Now let’s talk about the rear—girl not the taillight wrapping around like a red lash on a bad bitch in the rain. That cutback trunk moment? Fully giving “I don’t do cargo—I do drama.” And the wheels?? Spinning harder than a messy queen dodging accountability. Multi-spoke, chrome tease, straight from the ballroom to the Autobahn.

And baby that stance? Slammed like she said “I will scrape this bumper and I will not apologize.” The proportions are screaming concept car but the execution said “street legal if you squint.”

In short: she’s not just a car, she’s a conceptual diva with rage issues and a silk robe, ready to spin out and read you at 120 km/h.

Work

Script by ChatGPT.

[ChilPollins]

The reason for the crappy glass was Nvidia photo mode not working. When high quality mode is used, the reflections show up fine.

[Portalkat42]

Any progress?

[pen15]

ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3 ROUND3

The fine print.

Part 3-Uncovered

https://cscs70bypen.is/the-fine-print/JUDGING/round-2

cipher.ai_lab

Alright Cipher! Last couple entries right?

⭳ [Loaded plugin]
⭳ [Retrieved entries

@vero94773

#409ver0

,

@iivansmith

#40_iivnS

and

@Xepy OO

#40_Xepy

]
You are correct Alexandre, here are the last three entries for the Valens Design Competion. Let's do it!
Entry #409ver0:
The prompt for this entry was:  'modern luxury SUV, devalz celeste beltline, tall upright proportions, monolithic silhouette, oversized wheels, strong chrome detailing'

User focused heavily on details such as the headlights and taillights but ran out of tokens before being able to adjust bodyshape and proportions.

verdict

⤬

Vero94773’s L’Enorme — Eliminated!

6.05/10

Though the challenge was open to most reinterpretations of the celeste, this one appears to be too far of a reach. SUVs are a completely valid way to modernize old models—especially today—but this specific segment really didn’t help to incorporate the Céleste elements or any true resemblance.

proportions

3.75/10

Probably the worst proportions in the entire competition. Being a full-size American style SUV, it was never going to be the prettiest shape but here it’s even less ideal than real life counterparts. The most blaring issue being that it’s taller than it is wide… In my eyes a big no-no, even comparing it to models like the Navigator, Escalade or even the BMW XM which shares a similar square rear-end.

Even more unfortunate because a lot of those issues could’ve been solved with morphs and Advanced Fixture Settings rather than having to redo the entire body (which I understand would’ve been a big ask). Lowering the roof using morphs—for example—would’ve helped quite a bit.

It’s especially bad at the rear since it’s so vertical. The sides are less problematic as the wheelbase and big black sideskirt help to reduce the height visually.

identity & detailing

6.50/10

This is definitely one of the better aspects of the car, though it has the same overall issue of not really feeling like a true DeValz. While the rear and front light elements themselves are cool and executed uniquely, the rear especially doesn’t clearly convey a strong enough resemblance to be a DeValz.

However, the sideskirt I mentioned earlier does successfully integrate an important feature of the original Céleste, creating a defining line stretching from front to rear. That specific detail is handled well. On the other hand, the beltline is overly pronounced, not helped at all by the heavy-handed application of chrome trim around remotely all the windows.

surfacing

7.00/10

Surfacing definitely helps lift this entry back up a bit. Most surfaces are smooth and well-executed, creating an overall sharp look especially on the profile. I like the flat tailgate shape—again somewhat reminiscent of the BMW XM—even there’s this persistant issue with the height of the car.

I also don’t mind the lack of defined shape on the bonnet, since that simplicity is faithful to the original Céleste. However, it creates an awkward raised hump towards the center, which doesn’t look as good. I’m fairly certain there’s a morph available to flatten that out, making this another missed opportunity for easy improvement.

Otherwise, not much to add here—the front bumper looks good.

fixture-work & styling

7.00/10

Some slight mishaps with the panel gaps—for example, the UVs very are messy in areas. Same with the fixtures making up most of the surfacing and panels on the side—there are noticeable gaps, particularly obvious when ray tracing is enabled. Otherwise, the lights, surfacing and the car—overall amidst its faults—showcase a very solid skillset. Then there are those mirrors…

Styling-wise, there’s nothing blatantly unappealing besides the wheel size and excessive chrome trim. I think I especially could’ve done without the chrome around the rear quarter window / rear windshield.

Entry #40_iivnS:
The prompt for this entry was:   'modern grand tourer coupe, celeste reinterpretation, minimalist surfacing, sleek beltline, wide taillight, satin champagne paint, 16:9 render'

User was very content with the result—though they used all tokens to refine the base design.

verdict

⤬

IIvanSmith’s Celeste Dodici — Moves on to finals!

A masterclass in blending careful research with thoughtful creativity. Though not entirely without issues, its execution shows a high level of finesse and genuine understanding of the original design’s intent and achieves a design that feels both believable and appropriately modernized.

proportions

Amazing proportions. Not only from a realism standpoint but also to convey the elegance of the Celeste as a ‘super GT’. The axle-dash distance is increased compared to the original car to fit that new powertrain and accentuate the cab backward / sporty dimensions. However, the front overhang is kept substantial which in my eyes maintains a luxurious air.

Dimensions feel very correct—an obvious comparison can be made with the 12Cilindri (but also with other GTs like Astons and the likes). Thorough research has been done on those cars’ proportions and for that reason, realism on that front is remarkable and nothing feels off.

Except perhaps the width, which seems a bit exaggerated from heads on especially, but only ever so slightly and is 100% due to limitations of Automation and available bodies.

identity & detailing

Besides the overall proportions and name, this car looks nothing like the aforementioned Ferrari. There are other clear inspirations (most of which were in my list ) but they’re all adjusted, edited and put together to create an harmonious luxurious GT successor to the Céleste.

The beltline, the-b pillar, the silver trim, the all-around skirt, the long bonnet, the simple bumpers—perhaps every element is brought in and modernized. One notable aspect is the hidden exhaust—a feature of the original car that would be uncommon for a twelve-cylinder vehicle, but to me indicate a real understanding of the car’s ethos.

Attention to detail is extremely high. From wipers to cameras and radar sensors, to license plate lighting—this might as well be a CAD model straight from DeValz, ready for production. I especially appreciate the badging, with the Motorelli script on the fenders and the illuminated DeValz badges embedded in the bonnet and tailgate like jewels.

surfacing

Surfacing is also nearly perfect in my eyes. As previously noted, the bonnet retains its length and flat design similar to the Céleste. However, it has been updated with a full-width yet very discreet vent, in the same vein as the concealed exhaust system.

The front bumper is kept just as simplistic—in its shape—to keep the silver trim as the focus. It also highlights the width of the car and is still as detailed as the rest of the car, with a simple grille mesh that bends to fit a radar censor and a nicely shaped splitter.

The rear is just as nice but adopts a slightly squarer appearance—again a feature of the Céleste or more so of its main inspiration the SM—due to the lower skirt. I do have a slight issue with that area which I’ll illustrate.

The upper part of the rear is elegant in its simplicity, with a slight concave surface leading to a deeper divot where the taillight is inset.

Finally, I find the side crease too deep, but the profile is otherwise perfectly fine.

fixture-work & styling

Fixture work is obviously top tier so I won’t repeat myself too much. Reflections are unclockable, there’s zero UV tearing, the shut lines are custom…
The styling is also great, with the two-tone and silver trim. I especially love the wheels that bring back the _ look of the DeValz in a discreet way—and the fact they are fully silver. I didn’t mention it previously, but the black roof also emulates the glass tailgate of the Céleste very well.

Entry #40_Xep:
The prompt for this entry was:   'ultra-luxury fastback coupé, celeste reinterpretation, long glass tailgate, light blades, bespoke proportions, realistic studio render'

While they were very adamant on adding a kink in the beltline, the user was less satisfied with this aspect of the car compared to the rest. They used all alocated tokens on other details.

verdict

⤬

Xepy’s Empyréen — Moves on to finals!

Another coupé and only our third entry with uncovered wheels, but here with a completely different ethos. This enormous fastback is a genuinely unique object of luxury—call it boutique, niche, or whatever suits it best. Despite a few mishaps, it’s clearly another front runner in this competition.

proportions

The Empyréen is one the most relevant entries as a successor to the Céleste, primarily due to its imposing size. Comparable to cars like the Rolls Royce Spectre, it boasts the third largest wheelbase in the entire competition and the largest among all coupés entered.
Unlike the Spectre, however the Empyréen is exceptionally sleek and low-slung, accentuating its substantial length and impressive presence.

The rest of the proportions are equally strong, notably the generously sized overhangs. This is especially satisfying at the rear, where the extended overhang beautifully stretches the glass tailgate, a signature feature of the original Céleste.
Overall, the proportions feel unique yet realistic, perfectly suited to an ultra-luxurious boutique grand tourer.

identity & detailing

This design successfully integrates and modernizes a lot of the Céleste’s core features. While other entries have accomplished this, the Empyréen distinctly preserves—and even emphasizes—the quirkiness of the original.

Notable examples include the previously mentioned glass tailgate and the distinctive fastback silhouette, which is pretty uncommon and striking in this segment. It evokes a similar type of luxury to that of the Cadillac Celestiq (one of the inspirations provided for this challenge).
The kinked beltline is also included, although it’s not completely free of issues. While the beltline itself is executed cleanly, it introduces some awkward visual tension in the profile—especially noticeable from a ¾ angle. This is admittedly nitpicky, as the overall design remains impressive and honestly, shines through its inherent quirkiness.

Finally, the standout feature for me: the taillights. They are simply stunning—a very creative touch on an already distinctive design. They manage to capture the unique character of the Céleste by connecting visually to the wheel wells on the profile, while also avoiding an overly flat rear panel on the rear due to their verticality.

surfacing

Unfortunately, surfacing is where this car stumbles a bit.
The front bumper in particular stands out as a significant miss. The angular design of the lower vent clashes with the otherwise coherent styling of the car, feeling out of place. On the other hand, the rear bumper is handled better, though the diffuser execution leaves room for improvement.

Most of the surfacing issues appear along the profile. While the general bodywork looks solid, the design falls slightly apart upon closer inspection. The aforementioned beltline, and specifically how it flows (or rather, doesn’t flow) into the rear, is a notable concern.
In short, there’s a somewhat confusing interaction of lines in certain areas that, depending on the viewing angle and body color, can distract from the rest of the design.

fixture-work & styling

Though not perfect, this entry deserves praise for its ambitious shape and cohesive vision. Bringing together so many bold elements and making them work together is commendable. However, I do wish there had been a bit more attention to smaller details like badging and trim. The design is very well pulled off in general, despite those slight mishaps I’ve already mentioned.

The paint choice is especially good because it hides the issues I mentioned about the surfacing for better or worse. I also appreciate the two-tone treatment, which adds another layer of quirkiness while honoring the original Céleste’s legacy. The wheels look good as well.

Keep the last two again. Yay it's done! Cipher end_chat

Happy I could be of service. See you soon Alexandre.

Chat closed | 02.20.25-2.05.25   [Reopen] [Delete] [Go back up]

Finalists / Simple Formatting

⤬

Will move on to finals:
@ChilPollins @iivansmith @Portalkat42 and @Xepy

Thank you again to all participants. The finals should be something cool or at least interesting and come out next week!

[pen15]

FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS

The fine print.

Finals

https://cscs70bypen.is/the-fine-print/FINALS

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Dead Valens Marque Celebrates Centennial Anniversary

Defunct French automaker's legacy lives on through celebration of their iconic DeValz Céleste liftback.

By John Johnjohn
Official  - Feb 25 2024

Valens Design Competition Almost at Deadline

As Valens’ AI-driven contest wraps up, questions over the easy to miss fine print stir controversy.

By Richard McCock
Official  - Mar 29 2024

Valens Drops Cosworth Engine Deal — Rumored Talks with Different Manufacturers

Negotiations with Cosworth fall through, sparking speculation of a new partnership with other companies.

By Hunter American
Industry  - Apr 27 2024

Alexandre Klee Reportedly Involved in Undisclosed Valens Project

Insider sources hint at internal reshuffling within Peter Nis’ design team as Klee may be taking on a larger role.

By Dick O’Balls
Rumors  - Oct 30 2025

Valens Group Announces Upcoming Event, Promises ‘Exciting News’

Head of Design Peter Nis hints at potential vehicle reveal during the livestreamed event.

By Cocky Beefshaft
Official  - Jun 23 2026

2027 DeValz Céleste-Dodici Unveiled in Surprise Revival of Historic Marque

Valens stuns viewers by resurrecting the dormant DeValz marque with the debut of their boutique Grand Tourer.

By Duvet de Cockhead
Exclusive  - Jul 1 2026

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News Reviews Features

Home • Exclusive

2027 DeValz Céleste-Dodici Unveiled in Surprise Revival of Historic Marque

Valens stuns viewers by resurrecting the dormant DeValz marque with the debut of their boutique Grand Tourer.

Photo by: DeValz

By: Duvet de Cockhead
Jul 1 2026, at 2:07am C&BT

27 Comments

Valens’ much-anticipated livestream, which was teased last week, took an unexpected turn today as the group revealed the return of the DeValz marque—a historic but long-dormant French brand now reborn.

The event centered around the unveiling of the Céleste-Dodici, a low-slung, V12-powered hybrid grand tourer. It marks the beginning of a newly formed joint venture between Valens and Italian performance manufacturer Moretelli, whose hand is evident in both the design execution and the bespoke powertrain. The silhouette and nameplate draw clear inspiration from the original DeValz Céleste, though the execution is entirely modern, sleek, and aggressively high-spec.

Photo by: DeValz

Céleste-Dodici: What We Know So Far

Specifications

Powertrain:

Electric Assist:

Combined Output:

Drivetrain:

Performance:

5.8L Naturally Aspirated V12 (635 PS)

123 kW Rear-mounted Hybrid Motor

800 PS

Rear-wheel drive, 8-Speed Transaxle

0 - 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds – 335 km/h Top Speed

Klee Steps Into the Spotlight

The livestream also confirmed what industry insiders had suspected: Alexandre Klee, long-rumored to be moving into a senior design role, has been appointed Head Designer of the Valens–Moretelli venture.

Asked during the post-reveal Q&A about the car’s design process, Klee spoke proudly of the team’s methods:

“We made full use of advanced generative AI to explore form, proportion, and detail at an accelerated pace. It allowed us to move beyond conventional thinking and arrive at something truly fresh.”

He did not mention Valens’ recent Cipher design competition, which invited the public to reinterpret the Céleste using the group’s proprietary AI tools—an omission some viewers were quick to note.

Source: Valens AG

Alongside the reveal, Moretelli released a formal statement providing its perspective on the joint venture and the development of the Céleste-Dodici. The document outlines the structure of the partnership and affirms the brand’s continued independence. The full release is included below.

📄Official statement from Moretelli Automobili, issued July 1, 2027

---

© 2025 @Pen15 CSS Works. All rights reserved.

https://www.motor2.com/news/valens-surprise-announcement/

－

⤬

2027 DeValz Céleste-Dodici: This Is It

Valens confirms rumored Moretelli joint venture, revealing an entirely new bespoke platform co-developed for the French-Italian super GT.

By Garfunkel Shart
Official  - Jul 3 2026

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2027 DeValz Céleste-Dodici: This Is It

Valens confirms rumored Moretelli joint venture, revealing an entirely new bespoke platform co-developed for the French-Italian super GT.

Photo by: DeValz

By: Garfunkel Shart
Jul 3 2026, at 8:00am C&BT

19 Comments

In a move that caught nearly everyone off guard, Valens has officially revealed the 2027 DeValz Céleste-Dodici, reviving the long-defunct DeValz nameplate without warning. What looked like a dormant brand is now the flagship of a surprising new joint venture. Just months ago, it was little more than a rumor buried in patent filings and cryptic press language—today, it’s a fully realized grand tourer, proudly bearing a badge not seen in decades.

The Céleste-Dodici is the first product of a new collaborative entity formed between Valens and Italian performance manufacturer Moretelli. The revived DeValz brand will operate under this joint venture, with Valens holding a 60% stake and Moretelli the remaining 40%. Moretelli contributes engine development, vehicle architecture, and interior craftsmanship, while Valens supplies hybrid systems, platform engineering, and manufacturing. Final assembly will take place in France, at a retooled Valens-owned estate near Douai in the country’s north, formerly home to one of the group’s heritage divisions.

12

Source: DeValz

V12 Soul, Electric Edge

At the core of the Dodici lies a hand-built 5.8-liter naturally aspirated V12 with 48 valves and a redline of 7,100rpm. It produces 635 hp, sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted 8-speed transaxle. An additional 123kW electric motor integrated into the gearbox boosts combined output to 800 hp, allowing for a 0–100 km/h sprint in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 335 km/h.

Valens and Moretelli are quick to emphasize that this isn’t your typical hybrid GT. The Dodici offers a “low-stress brute” driving experience—no artificial sound enhancement, no synthetic urgency—just pure analog feel, assisted discreetly by torque-fill and electric low-speed capability. A 65 km EV-only range supports daily usability, while the total range reaches over a 1,000 km under mixed conditions. Claimed fuel consumption sits at 8.7 L/100km, with 89g/km CO2 emissions.

Photo by: DeValz

Familiar, Yet Unaccounted For

The design of the Céleste-Dodici is striking, with a clean, stretched fastback form, an expansive glass canopy look with its black roof flowing directly into the tailgate. Reduced lighting signatures wrap around the front and rear in narrow horizontal bands. The surfaces are smooth and taut, with just enough tension in the surfacing to catch light without appearing overwrought.

Inside, the Céleste-Dodici leans fully into handcrafted excess. Plush materials line every surface, while a fully customizable HUD and 360-degree ambient lighting system blur the lines between analog tactility and digital theater. Even the gearbox-mounted electric motor is driver-configurable, with multiple torque delivery profiles depending on use case.

A Revival or a Redirection?

The Céleste-Dodici is built on a new modular platform developed jointly by Valens and Moretelli, specifically engineered for low-volume performance luxury vehicles. While no additional models have been confirmed, sources suggest that variants—includind a convertible—are already in early development.

This isn’t just a revival of a legacy brand—it’s a structural repositioning. The new DeValz exists as a distinct entity within the Valens ecosystem, one designed to move quickly, operate independently, and deliver products that sit apart from the group’s mainstream offerings.

Source: DeValz

Production of the Céleste-Dodici is expected to begin in the last quarter of this year, with first deliveries projected early next year for a 2027MY. While no official pricing has been confirmed, Valens describes the car as “positioned above traditional grand tourers, but below ultra-limited exotics”—a hint that it will likely occupy a niche in the €350,000 to €450,000 range, depending on configuration. Final pricing, specs, and order books are expected to be revealed closer to launch.

With its blend of expressive engineering, restrained design, and carefully calibrated messaging, the Céleste-Dodici positions itself as a modern GT with old-world discipline. And for now, at least, it leaves as many questions as it answers.

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https://www.motor2.com/news/new-devalz-celeste-reveal/

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⤬

The fine print.

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© 2025 @Pen15 CSS Works. All rights reserved.

PS: You can scroll through the post and click to open the blurred articles

[pen15]

FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS FINALS

The fine print.

Final Results / Last Words / Simple Formatting

⤬

Finalists Grades & Notes (In order of appearance)

A reminder that each category is weighted and there are bonus points as well which aren’t visible here. See Spreadsheet.

Chilpollins

A well-proportioned and neatly executed entry with nice surfacing and a unique grasp of the brief. The overall identity was clearly there, with thoughtful reinterpretations of Céleste elements. Its biggest shortcoming stylistically was the front end, which I didn’t like as much and held the entry back quite a bit.

Proportions

Identity & Detailing

Surfacing

Fixture & Styling

Total

9.13

9.50

8.25

9.00

9.00

Portalkat42

One of the most cohesive and well-thought-out entries. While the compact scale slightly hurt its presence, everything else—from surfacing to material choices—was handled with confidence. The visual identity was clean and modern, with strong references to the Céleste and one of the best wheel cover integrations in the comp.

Proportions

Identity & Detailing

Surfacing

Fixture & Styling

Total

9.62

9.00

9.75

9.75

9.75

IIvansmith

The most complete and resolved entry of the competition. The Dodici modernized nearly every element of the Céleste—from the trim and proportions to the badging and black roof—while showing extreme attention to detail. Clean surfacing, thoughtful restraint, and top-tier fixture usage made it a clear front runner.

Proportions

Identity & Detailing

Surfacing

Fixture & Styling

Total

10.00

10.00

10.00

9.50

10.00

Xepy

Last but not least, the Empyréen delivered on boldness and presence, with massive proportions, strong identity, and one of the most inventive lighting designs in the round. Its fastback shape and taillights were standout features. But minor surfacing issues and profile inconsistencies slightly hurt its overall cohesion. Still, a highly memorable and distinctive take.

Proportions

Identity & Detailing

Surfacing

Fixture & Styling

Total

9.62

10.00

9.25

9.00

9.50

Final Standings

Podium:

ChilPollins

IIvanSmith

Xepy & Portalkat42

3nd Place

1st Place

2nd Place(tie)

Ranking:

1

2

(tie)

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

@iivansmith

@Xepy

@Portalkat42

@ChilPollins

@svetvnoske

@Maxbombe

@CrazyCat808

@the-chowi

@vero94773

@Mikonp7

@OT_motive

@tailgate_sniffer

Last Words

TLDR the Lore:

An ambitious young designer at a major automotive group helps launch a public design competition. There’s a catch: participants are required to create their entries using the group’s proprietary generative AI, Cipher. Buried in the terms of service’s fine print—barely visible to anyone who doesn’t go looking—is a clause stating that anything generated through Cipher belongs entirely to the company. What seems like a creative opportunity is, in reality, a calculated move to revive a dormant marque by outsourcing the design process to the public. As entries pour in, the competition quietly feeds Cipher’s internal library, training it with free data. Using the AI as a legal filter, the company collects ideas, imagery, and even conversations—all technically theirs—to construct a fully realized concept. The designer, proud to be part of the project, doesn’t realize he’s just a pawn in a broader corporate strategy to crowdsource innovation without ever having to pay for it.

TLDR the TLDR:

A car company disguises corporate data mining as a design contest. Designers hand over their ideas to an AI they don’t own, and the company walks away with a free car design and a trained model. Everyone else gets played.

Notes:

So that was my idea behind the story. AI is obviously raising all kinds of ethical issuesownership, authorship, exploitation. We know the system is not harmless and feeds on our input, and most of the time, we feed it anyway. That includes me, I used AI to speed up writing this whole thing.

Sorry it took so long to complete this. The writing was actually the most time consuming part surprisingly, not even the CSS. Thank you again to everyone that participated and congrats to Ivan!

Links:

Spreadsheet

Challenge Brief

First Judging Post

Cipher EULA

[Kanye_West]

i gotta say this is some of the most impressive css i have ever seen, amazing creativity, congrats to the winner

[iivansmith]

Congrats to the other finalists and good work on the certified Pen15 CSS.

Think i have an idea for the next one, shouldn’t take too long to put the post up.

[iivansmith]

CSC71 - Hyper Family (Rules Delib)

More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more fun - More doors more…

[ChilPollins]

Wooo! The coveted 3nd place finish!

Great job y’all!

Thanks Pen15 for putting this all together! The presentation really knocked my socks off!