Talk about being ahead of schedule. Mazda yesterday announced the launch of a unique contest which uses the internet networking website 'FaceBook' to seek out design-savvy folks to help create the look of the 2018 Mazda 3.

The contest is called "Mazda Design Challenge". The winning entrant work with Mazda North America's lead designer, Franz von Holzhausen. Together, they'll bring the new machine to life at the 2007 Los Angeles autoshow.

Voting takes place on the FaceBook website, where winners will be paired with a real-life Mazda designer to hone their concept sketch. These further developed concepts will then be voted on again before the final winner is chosen to present a full scale model at the autoshow.

Winners also receive travel, accommodations and $1,000 spending cash for the ten-day event.

"The 'Mazda Design Challenge' is an exciting, interactive competition that capitalizes on the power and influence of social networking," said David Klan, director of marketing at Mazda.

"By inviting young voices into the highly classified and secretive design process, Mazda will prove it's a company involved in an active partnership with its customers. Never before has any other automaker built a concept car on the show stand, in full view of show attendees. The pressure's really going to be on all of us -- especially the contest winner -- to get it finished in time for the closing weekend of the show."

For those interested in automotive design with an eye for the future, it's a once in a lifetime chance to help pen the future variant of Mazda's global bestseller.

Source: Auto123.com