Sugar3D Car Models Reviewed

Sugar3D Car Models Reviewed
By Jeff Mottle

I recently had a chance to review the newly released set of car models produced by a company called Sugar3D. They currently offer 25 different models ranging from the VW Golf and Chrysler Crossfire to the Mercedes CLK. The models come in three resolutions (low, medium and high), three file formats (max7, 3ds, and maya 6) and three texture types (standard max7, vray, and basic shader Maya 6). I reviewed the 3dsmax 7 format with vray shaders.

When I review models of any kind for production, my first concern is of course model quality but also easy of use. In other words, how much work do I have to put in to actually work with the models, tweak textures, or modify the models? I was very pleasantly surprised to finally find a company that has really done it right. Supurb models quality, nicely divided meshes and perfectly named and organized multi-sub materials.

Models

The poly count of the models themselves vary depending up the car, but range in the 70,000 to 100,000 range for most hi-res models. Medium-res models vary from 18,000-30,000 polygons with the low-res models coming in around 5,000 to 7,000 polys. Surprisingly unless you are very close up to the car the difference in quality between the low and hi-res models is very similar.

Wireframe (Left to Right: Medium, High, Low Resolution)


Range Rover V8


Example of the model components and quality.

The division of the components within the models is very nicely done as well. You will not find endless nested groups, but rather nicely named collapsed geometry. All of the important elements of the vehicles are easily accessible.

Model components

Textures

As with the model, the textures are also very well done. With many people now using Vray for architectural renderings and animations, it is also wonderful to find versions pre-textured with V-ray materials. The textures are for the most part mapped from actual vehicle photography, which definetly adds to the overall realism of these models.

Sample interior textures used on the inside of the Audi A8
(watermarked for copy protection)

Conclusion

No doubt these are some of the best car models I have seen. In fact some of the best models I have seen period. My only complaint would be the lack of more North American cars models. Currently most are of European make and model.

The models are priced very reasonably at $69 US for 1-2, $59 for 3-9 models and $49 for 10 or more models. Each model comes with the 3 polygon versions. Typically car models of this quality are well over $100 each, so the Sugar3D vehicles are by far the best models for the price anywhere. You can download a sample vehicle and view the current model offerings on their website at www.sugar3d.com

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