Car Design News takes a look at the news that may have gone under the radar this week, including the latest from Lexus, Rolls-Royce and Auto Shanghai

Auto Shanghai

It’s safe to say there were plenty of new car launches and concept showcases at Auto Shanghai earlier this week – including three new Volkswagen concepts and a Keith Haring Art Car concept.

Discover more car launches at Auto Shanghai via our live blog coverage here

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smart 3 Keith Haring Art Car concept

Lexus reveals the new ES

The new Lexus ES has been premiered, a larger and more technologically advanced version of the current ES.

The exterior remains minimalistic, but small changes have been made – like the tyres being subtly adjusted to obtain a wide and low stance. The front lights double as the Lexus icon in an ‘L’ shape with a continuous lightbar along the rear side. 

Inside, the car features Lexus’ new Hidden Tech switches, which are only visible when the driver switches the vehicle on and provides the driver with tactile feedback when used.

Renault introduces a two-tone paint process

The production line at the Maubeuge plant in France has received an upgrade with the introduction of a Jetprint Paint system for two-tone paintwork.

This technology will not only save paint waste, but it will also allow further personalisation for likes of the Renault 4 E-Tech electric, on which the technology was inaugurated. Traditionally, a two-tone finish is obtained by sending vehicles back to the paint shop for a second time. 

Renault 4 E-Tech electric introduces a revolutionary two-tone paint process

Renault 4 E-Tech electric introduces a two-tone paint process

Rolls-Royce reveals latest bespoke commission

The Black Badge Cullinan Daisy took inspiration from a field of daisies on the client’s favourite trail in the High Tatras mountains in Slovakia.

The daisy flower is handpainted on the powder blue exterior and inside, dasies also cover the front fascia and the waterfall section between the rear seats. Fleet blue leather is showcased within, complemented by Selby grey and black leathers with fleet blue seat piping. 

Oh and of course, the bespoke umbrella located in the rear coach doors also has daisies on the inside because, well, why not?