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 Apple, Dodge, Fiat, Infiniti, Jeep and more…
We’re sure you know the deal by now – read on for a round-up of what’s been happening away from the main headlines.
Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail
It was May 2022 at the shores of Lake Como where we saw the Boat Tail, and Rolls-Royce’s latest coachbuilt commission is another stunner. The Arcadia Droptail is a one-off and design boss Anders Warming says it reflects the lifestyle of an individual with “a unique appreciation for British luxury.”
Full release here.
Jeep Avenger 4xe
The all-wheel drive system makes use of 48V mild-hybrid technology, which although sitting at the lower end of the electrification spectrum (micro hybrid, PHEV, BEV etc.) aims to improve the Avenger’s off-road prowess. From the front-on render, the obvious design changes include lime green accents, slightly flared arches and more of a rugged front mask with integrated skid plate.
Full release here.
Look – a spider!
Maserati has revealed the GranCabrio, a new open-top version of the GranTurismo coupe. When viewed from the side, the sweeping shoulder line flows right from the A pillar through to the boot lid, matching the upward angle of the subtle spoiler and tail lights.
Full release here.
Peugeot e-5008 sneak peek
A teaser in the truest sense of the word. There is not much being given away here beyond a few interior shots. The star of the show is a floating 21’’ screen that curves around the dash, combining the head-up display with the central touchscreen. Full details of the new seven-seater will come this month, we are told.
Full release here.
Fiat’s colourful concepts
Revealed on the eve of the Geneva Motor Show, it would have been nice to see these five concepts in the metal. Alas, these are positive signs from the Italian brand. There is nothing bland or samey here, with neon and pastel colours, new geometric design language and a reimagined Panda that has a whiff of the Sisley about it. All variants bear a kind of digi-block ‘Tetris’ style lighting design, and preview a new set of vehicles to come between July 2024 and 2027 – with a new model due each year.
Full release here.
New Dodge Charger
Dodge fans, mark this date in your calendar – 5 March, 2024 – for the reveal of the all-new Charger. We expect it will have some degree of electrification going on, building on the (working!) concept previewed earlier in 2022.
Full release here.
Infiniti QX80 on the way
We saw the QX Monograph concept at Monterey last year, previewing the next generation of the brand’s flagship QX80. The Monograph is an imposing thing, large even for a full-size SUV, and head of Infiniti design Taisuke Nakamura has said that the aim was to make it look and feel “graceful.” From the images released this week, it seems the Monograph very closely reflects the production version to be revealed later this month on 20 March.
Full release here.
Apple EV goes sour
Reports that Apple has axed its longstanding electric car programme have been confirmed, and brings an end to the drawn out, highly secretive saga that has spanned the better part of a decade.
Many saw this coming, particularly those who understand the intricacies of vehicle manufacturing: high volumes, low profit margins and no room for error, not to mention the fierce competition for market share. It leaves Chinese tech giants Xiaomi, Baidu, Tencent (via holdings in Nio and Tuhu Car); Taiwan’s Foxconn – which manufactures the iPhone – and Amazon (via Zoox robotaxis) in the EV game.
No comments yet