From Miami to the Motor City, Ren Stone’s journey into car design started with a childhood obsession and a dream called Viper. Growing up in the vibrant streets of South Florida, surrounded by flashy cars and art, Ren found his spark early. A fourth-grade portrait assignment turned into a defining moment when his teacher noticed his talent and helped set him on a specialized art path. That journey would eventually take him to Detroit—the only place, in his words, “where I had to be to design cars.”
What I love about Detroit is just how much the love of cars is ingrained in everybody. Whether it’s people who build them, wrench on them, or just live for them—it’s not just a hobby here. It’s a way of life.
Now a Manager of the Advanced Design Studio at Stellantis North America, Ren lives at the crossroads of creativity and innovation. He’s worked on some of the most iconic vehicles of our time, from the Charger Hellcat to the Gen 5 Viper—a car that first inspired him and eventually became one he helped shape. His personal Viper now sits in his garage, a full-circle moment that never fails to remind him of the kid who used to dream big behind showroom ropes.
For Ren, cars aren’t just machines. They’re avatars. They represent identity, attitude, and aspiration. Whether it’s sculpting the future of mobility or mentoring the next generation of creatives through programs like Design Connect, he’s passionate about building community through design.
Detroit, to Ren, is unlike any other city. “What I love about Detroit is just how much the love of cars is ingrained in everybody,” he says. “Whether it’s people who build them, wrench on them, or just live for them—it’s not just a hobby here. It’s a way of life.”
And when it comes to the Detroit Auto Show? It’s where it all clicked. “I remember braving ten-degree weather with my dad just to get into the show. It was like stepping into the Mecca of the auto industry,” Ren recalls. “The Detroit Auto Show gave me my first real look at what was possible—and now, being part of the future reveals is surreal. It’s full circle.”
My Drive. My City. My Show.
For Ren, it’s more than a tagline—it’s a personal anthem. His drive began as a kid with a sketchpad. His city gave him the stage. And now, at the Detroit Auto Show, he’s helping define the show of the future.