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 Pininfarina, AMG and the latest raft of Chinese EVs
Welcome to this week’s round-up, which kicks off with very much a Chinese EV crossover affair. There is also news of a design competition for students at many of the world’s top schools, and several interesting launches.
Omoda 5 and E5 hit the UK
The official launch event for Omoda in the UK last night did not exactly play to British conservatism, with a bizarre light show and parade of supermodels that did anything but draw attention to the new electric crossover. Regardless, the car looks well placed to tap into the seemingly endless appetite for vehicles in this segment, backed up by strong sales in Europe already.
We were a little underwhelmed by the exterior design, which currently does little to stand out from the competition, but design boss Steve Eum told us that the aim is to continue devleoping this further via Chery’s studios in Shanghai and Frankfurt. Look out for our full interview soon.
Zeekr 7X
We are starting to see changes at Zeekr design, with more of a distinct point of difference to sister brand Lynk & Co. It has been – and continues to be – a drawn-out effort. Its latest model, the 7X, adds a family SUV to the line-up and is primarily a story of interior design; there’s a clear focus on comfort, entertainment and clever storage solutions. You can read more about the wider approach in a past interview with interior boss Sergio Loureiro da Silva.
Full release here.
Avatr x Kim Jones
Dior and Fendi designer Kim Jones was enlisted to work on the new Avatr 012, a limited edition sedan that draws inspiration from the fashion legend’s home. It aims to combine avant-garde art with haute couture fashion, “breaking the boundaries of traditional luxury automotive design.”
“This is my first time working on a car,” the designer says, “a project that challenged me to translate the luxury I’m accustomed to into automotive design.” The wheel design is particularly striking, in our view: the 21-inch forged rims are like carefully machined dishes and almost have a matte Maybach feel to them.
Full release here.
Pininfarina launches global design contest
Students specialising in mobility and interaction design (and architecture) are being invited to take part in a contest to envision future living and transportation, with an emphasis on “the impactful role of materials in creating groundbreaking design solutions.”
Submissions are open as of today, August 30, and close on September 27, 2024.
Full release here.
Volkswagen experiments with hemp
The carmaker is working with German start-up Revoltech to develop a fully bio-based leather alternative made from industrial hemp, which it says could find its way into interiors from 2028. The material, LOVR (leather-free, oil-free, vegan and residue-based), is produced from residues of the hemp industry that have no further use. Generally speaking, various experts in the CMF space see big opportunities for innovative materials but also more traditional solutions.
Full release here.
AMG PureSpeed nears production
The limited-run model is currently undergoing test drives in northern Italy and at the high speed test track in Nardò. This completely open, two‑seater supercar pays homage to racing cars of the 50s and evokes the 2009 SLR McLaren Sterling Moss.
Full release here.
More restomods
The restomod train is not slowing down any time soon. In fact, it’s gathering pace. Oxfordshire-based Kingsley has introduced its new Defender series, with each model gaining a fully rebuilt powertrain (including the option of different V8s) and drivetrain along with upgraded suspension and brakes. Modern creature comforts such as Apple CarPlay are subtly integrated while “colour and spec options are nearly endless.” As with most projects like these, the overarching design itself is untouched and simply elevated to modern sensibilities.
Full release here.
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