Car Design News looks at some of the design stories that may have gone under the radar over the past week. Read on for the latest from Alpine, Caterham, Skywell and more…
Welcome to this week’s round-up of car design short stories. There are various HMI-themed entries this time round, some news around the coming and going of some significant powertrains and another EV newcomer looking to make its mark in the UK.
Autonomous cars to get the white light?
New research from North Carolina State University has investigated whether the addition of a white light to the traditional red, amber, green would aid the deployment of autonomous vehicles. The suggestion is that a white light would indicate ‘follow the flow of traffic’ – although it would only work if around half (or more) of cars in the area were autonomous. Implications for UX teams, perhaps?
Alpine Alpenglow HY4
The Alpenglow concept was originally shown at the 2022 Paris Motor Show but has now been assembled as a fully-functioning prototype. At present the track-focussed racer uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but will soon be given an innovative hydrogen-powered V6 (expected by the end of 2024). Design director Antony Villain describes the Alpenglow as “a true racing car with all the visual and acoustic expression you would expect.”
Full release here.
Bentley retires certain models
Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is on the way out, and special ‘Edition 8’ variants of the Continental GT, Continental GTC and Flying Spur have been created in tribute. These will be available in North America only, with the current V8 versions being discontinued first in the UK, Europe and Middle East first. An ‘ultra performance hybrid’ will take its place. The Edition 8 trim includes both exterior and interior tweaks.
Full release here.
BMW x Qlocktwo
BMW says it is helping to create a relaxed environment with its digital clock interface, as well as improving situational awareness while driving. Originally offered as a widget in 2022 and now integrated more seamlessly into the BMW operating system, Qlocktwo Earth displays the time in words (e.g. Twenty Five Past Eight).
Full release here.
Mini mixes it up
The Mini design team is investigating how virtual reality might be employed behind the wheel, transforming what drivers see (hopefully not too significantly) and overlaying information. Like other systems, it involves popping on a VR headset that adjusts the experience based on the car’s movements. It’s worth noting that experiments of this nature have, in some cases, highlighted issues around motion sickness. The study is linked to the BMW Group’s ambitions with autonomous driving.
Full release here.
Super-fast, super-limited Caterham’s
At a time where the driving experience is becoming decreasingly analogue, the work of brands such as Caterham and other two-seater, open-top sportscar brands feels increasingly significant. The British manufacturer has just revealed its fastest ever production car. The Seven 486 (and 485 CSR Final Edition) will be available to European buyers in very limited numbers. These will be fast, but also relatively luxurious by Caterham’s pared-back standards, sporting Alcantara, full carpet interior and a carbon IP.
Full release here.
Automobili Pininfarina hits Japan
Dave Amantea and co. at the Cambiano design studio have been busy of late. The company’s two most recent production cars – the B95 hyper Barchetta and the never-before-seen Battista Cinquantacinque hyper GT – have been on show in Japan to gauge interest from prospective buyers. Some pretty phenomenal photos with this one.
Full release here.
Skywell BE11
Chinese tech giant Skyworth has, through its Skywell automotive subsidiary, revealed plans to bring its electric SUV to the UK in the second quarter of 2024 (read: anytime now). The brand touts “superior levels of comfort and refinement” which feels in line with what Brits in the market for a premium EV would be after. Visually, the Skywell BE11 does feel a little generic, if we are honest, but it is not unattractive.
Full release here.
VW’s “most innovative” California ever
VW’s description of the new California does feel a little grandiose, but there is certainly more than the usual creature comforts on offer. There is a fold out camping kitchen, an internal digital display on the C-Pillar and a ‘three room’ layout (cabin, awning and bedroom) that feels in line with how most car campers set up these days.
Full release here.
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