Welcome to the first car design news-in-brief for 2025
The car design world is very much back in the swing of things. Let’s get to some of the stories going around this week away from the main headlines.
Italdesign makes it in America
The design house has used the platform of CES to announce a new spot in the US. Italdesign has opened a new studio in Bloomfield, Michigan where 24 new jobs will be created. It also ties in nicely with the outing of the Quintessenza in Las Vegas, an enormous pick-up concept that combines the best of a luxurious grand tourer with the utility of an outdoorsy big-bed truck. The new site seems to have pleased local authorities, who describe it as “a milestone for the state’s innovation ecosystem.” Italdesign says it will be looking to support both big name OEMs – there are a few nearby – as well as start-ups.
Full release here.
Mazda6e
The Brussels motor show is generally viewed as second fiddle to the likes of Paris and Geneva, but that does not mean there are still some interesting launches to be seen. Previewed last year for the Chinese market – sold as the Mazda EZ-6 – this electric mid-size sedan cuts a sleek figure and brings a luxurious interior that we have come to expect from the brand. And yes, it is Mazda6e, no spaces.
Full release here.
Renault Twingo interior
Indeed, we may have seen the Twingo concept earlier at Paris 2024, but that was without a complete interior – or a finished one at that. The team decided to use Brussels as a chance to showcase more of a complete cabin, which ties in with the quirky, functional and ultimately fun interior of the award-winning Renault 5 E-Tech. ”Every aspect of the [Twingo] interior is designed to make life easier,” Renault says.
Full release here.
European RAM reveal
Where else than Brussels would you expect to see the launch of a 540bhp extreme off-road pick-up? It does seem a curious choice, but Europe is a large market with plenty of interest in the sector. It is here where the new Ram 1500 RHO and all-black Laramie Night Edition received their first European outing; the RHO sporting a ”widened stance, composite flares, and an hourglass body shape.” A new grille, bonnet scoop and skid plates ”reinforce its commanding presence,” the brand says.
Full release here.
Microlino spider
The beauty of a motorshow is that cars with very conflicting ideologies can sit side-by-side on the show floor. Indeed, the Microlino Spider is explicity described as the “anti pick-up” and with an open roof and doors, channels ”the simplicity and functionality of a golf cart.”
Full release here.
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