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MOPAR SKETCH BATTLE RETURNS FOR SEMA360: WINNERS CHOSEN BY GILLES, TROSTLE

This New Format Will Also Consist Of Two Rounds

by Manoli Katakis October 29, 2020, 8:44 pm 1 Comment

We’d love to see this become a regular thing. FCA has announced another sketch battle for any and all challengers, this time with the goal to conceptualize the ultimate Mopar SEMA concept vehicle for the upcoming SEMA360 virtual event, in place of the traditional 2020 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Like before, FCA Head of Design Ralph Gilles and current Head of Ram Truck and Mopar Design Mark Trostle will be the judges of the entries. But unlike before, the winner will be decided after not one, but two rounds of sketch battles.

While anybody can enter, high school and college students are encouraged to name their school and anticipated graduation dates on their work, which is due almost immediately: Saturday, Oct. 31 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Contestants need to upload their work on a specific FCA North America Facebook page Sketch Battle post, which we linked to here, or they can tweet @FiatChrysler_NA. Entrants need to also use the #DriveforDesign hashtag.

By Thursday, November 5 at 4:00 PM ET, Gilles and Trostle will select their Top 10 sketches via Facebook Live, where they will offer their thoughts on each sketch and answer fan questions. The Top 10 winners get to rework their sketches for Round Two. From there, the Top 10 have a chance to resubmit their sketches on or before 5:00 PM Eastern on Monday, November 16 via FCA North America’s Facebook Messenger, or a Twitter Direct Message.

On Thursday, November 19, Ralph and Mark will select their Top Three Mopar SEMA360 sketch battle favorites. Those artists win virtual one-on-one time with Ralph and Mark and their sketches will be posted on the design chiefs’ Instagram channels. Fans and followers can then vote on their choice for “Fan Favorite” via Instagram, with the winning sketch featured on the FCA North America social media channels.

Besides the recognition and bragging rights, the top three designers will have the opportunity for one-on-one time both with Ralph Gilles and Mark Trostle. If you’re a young, hungry, talented designer, consider this your chance.

But don’t forget: the deadline for Round One for this Mopar SEMA360 sketch battle is 11:59 PM Eastern this Saturday, Oct. 31. That’s Halloween, and since you probably shouldn’t be out partying during a pandemic, spend it drawing something instead. Once the clock strikes midnight, you’re locked out. So do not wait.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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