Chrysler’s Future? These High Schoolers Might Already Be Designing It

You’d think more teens would be all over a chance to design their own dream car and land a legit internship with a major automaker, right? Surprisingly, this year’s Stellantis “Drive for Design” contest only pulled in fewer than 30 entries from high schoolers across the U.S. The few who participated put in significant effort.

Taking the top spot is Ryan Panizzoli, an 11th grader from Michigan, with his out-there concept called the Chrysler Quantum. This thing blends 1930s luxury with futuristic tech. Picture a long, elegant hood, a sleek floating roof, and a body embedded with fiber optics and powered by, wait for it: quantum computing. Yeah, this kid went deep.

As the winner, Ryan scores a summer internship at the Ram design studio. That’s not just a cool experience—it’s the kind of opportunity that opens doors. He’s also getting a brand-new iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil and a spot as a student judge at the EyesOn Design car show in Grosse Pointe. Safe to say his summer just got a lot more exciting.

Second place went to Felix Bucaro from Wisconsin, also in 11th grade. His futuristic Chrysler Airstream bears a striking resemblance to a spacecraft on the road. It’s got a retractable canopy, the driver sits front and center with two passenger seats beside, and the taillights look like blades. It's wild in the best way.

Coming in third is Owen Bronson, another 11th grader from Michigan, with his Chrysler 600 concept. This one pays tribute to Chrysler’s roots, drawing inspiration from the original Chrysler Six and even nodding to the 2005 Firepower concept.

While Felix and Owen don’t get internships, they’re still walking away with some solid rewards: an iPad Pro, a scholarship to a summer program at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, and virtual sessions with Stellantis designers. Plus, all three students will help judge the EyesOn Design show this summer.

It’s always fun to see fresh talent take on big ideas, especially with a brand like Chrysler looking to redefine its future.