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Stellantis Celebrates the Future of Design

Stellantis has recently announced the winners of the Drive for Design 2026 contest, showcasing the remarkable talents of young designers. This initiative, aimed at high school and younger students, encourages them to unleash their creativity through the lens of automotive design, specifically focusing on Street and Racing Technology (SRT) vehicles.

Winners Across Categories

The contest recognized exceptional creativity across various age groups, from kindergarten through high school. This year’s theme, "Design the Future of Fast," invited participants to envision what high-performance mobility could look like in a future vehicle, harnessing the power of Stellantis’ iconic brands such as Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep®, and Ram. The winners are a testament to the innovation and imagination that young minds can bring to the automotive industry.

Grand Prize Winner

Among the notable winners, 12th-grade student Felix Bucaro from Wisconsin stood out, earning the grand prize for his outstanding design. Students had the task of creating futuristic performance vehicles that embody the attributes of speed, power, and attitude. "The imagination and talent we've seen over the years was seriously notched up with the SRT design theme," said Mark Trostle, vice president of Ram Truck, Mopar, and SRT exterior design.

Recognizing All Winners

• - Grades 10-12:

- 1st Place: Felix Bucaro (Wisconsin)
- 2nd Place: Owen Bronson (Michigan) - showing consistent performance by placing among the top three for three years running.
- 3rd Place: Javier Espino (Michigan)

• - Junior Winners: In the Drive for Design Junior category, young talents were also celebrated:

- Grades 7-9: Jaxon Brobst (Ohio)
- Grades 4-6: Richie LeBlanc (Michigan)
- Grades K-3: Catherine Codouni (Michigan)

Exciting Prizes for Participants

Winners from the senior categories will receive various exciting prizes, including eligibility for a summer design internship with Stellantis, featuring their sketches on digital platforms. The top three also gain an invitation to judge designs at the prestigious EyesOn Design at Ford House car show in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, on Father’s Day, June 21, 2026. Junior winners, on the other hand, will enjoy a unique classroom experience with Stellantis designers, quality art supplies, and an autographed official Drive for Design poster.

A Legacy of Inspiration

The Drive for Design initiative has become a cornerstone of Stellantis’ commitment to fostering the next generation of automotive designers, now entering its 14th year. With the introduction of the junior category this year, Stellantis has expanded its reach, inspiring creativity among younger students and highlighting the importance of design in the automotive field. Notable alumni from past competitions have transitioned into careers as interns and employees at Stellantis, showcasing how this contest can pave the way for future professionals in the automotive industry.

Emphasizing Innovation

As Stellantis looks forward to the future of automotive design, the Drive for Design contest remains a vibrant reminder of the value of youthful perspective and innovation in shaping the future. The next generation of designers holds the key to what lies ahead in the realms of mobility and performance, reinforcing the message that creativity knows no bounds.

For more details on this year's winners and ongoing initiatives, visit Stellantis’ official website at Stellantis.com. Let’s celebrate the innovation and passion of these budding designers who are paving the way for the future of automotive design and technology.