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 Renault, Ultrafabrics, McLaren and more…
With Paris around the corner it is no surprise to see the marketing departments of French OEMs in full flow. There are plenty of models – both concept and production – due to be revealed, so let’s get into it. Plus, all the other stories you may have missed away from the main headlines.
Renault Emblème
Renault has another concept car on the block. This time, it is a sleek four-door coupe-shaped EV that is described as a shooting brake (although we know a true SB is a three-door). At 4,800mm long and a wheelbase of 2,900mm, there is real presence from the side profile with super short overhangs. A relatively low height of 1,520mm emphasises the coupe feel while the interior space is designed for “comfortable family travel with passengers and luggage.”
Full release here.
Peugeot E-408
One new model was given a digital reveal earlier this week. The electric 408 is a similar flavour to the Renault concept above but builds on an existing model line-up, including PHEV and ICE variants of the 408. Proportions are such: 4,690mm long, 1,850mm wide, wheelbase of 2790mm and a height of 1,490mm. The rear track is ever so slightly wider than the front for a touch of muscle. Visually, the E-408 is almost identical to its ICE and hybrid siblings.
Full release here.
Rivian designer joins Ultrafabrics
Stephen Gatny has joined Ultrafabrics as director of business development and automotive advanced design. He had been working with Rivian as director of perceived quality since 2019. The CCS graduate will remain in California for his new role in Mission Viejo, not far from his previous office in Irvine. “In this role,” he says, “I will collaborate directly with automotive design studios to develop some of the industry’s most premium, innovative, and sustainable fabric solutions.”
McLaren’s successor to the P1
McLaren’s next supercar will be called the W1 and plays tribute to the iconic F1 of the 1990s, the P1 hybrid as well as the brand’s “World Championship” mindset. Just a short teaser has been shared for now, with the full reveal on 6 October.
Full release here.
Lynk & Co interior sketches
The Lynk & Co team is particularly proud of its latest project, the Z10, and shared some illustrations of the interior design with us. Minimalist but far from boring, it combines light tones with soft ambient lighting – in this case shown in a teal colour that pairs well with the grey and white elsewhere. As a sucker for steering wheel design, it is always pleasing to see the kind of work that goes on to refine something that sits in your hands – and in front of your face – for the entire drive.
BMW champions mixed reality
BMW M Mixed Reality “breaks down the boundaries between the physical and virtual worlds” where the vehicle itself becomes the controller, “a unique 3D interaction between driver, vehicle and environment.” In short, drivers can immerse themselves in a digital world while behind the wheel of a moving car, in this case M135 hatchbacks.
Precise GPS technology is able to transfer the car’s movements – acceleration, braking, steering – to the virtual world. BMW says the technology behind this is already integrated within the standardised in-vehicle systems of all BMW and BMW M models: “These systems are so precise that no additional sensors are required.” A VR headset is needed, however, so bear this in mind should you suffer from motion sickness…
Full release here.
Skoda Elroq
The electric compact SUV will be the first production model to adopt Skoda’s Modern Solid design language. Revealed in Prague on 1 October with CEO Klaus Zellmer, board members Martin Jahn and Johannes Neft, plus head of design Oliver Stefani, it was a masterclass in colour coordination. Stefani describes it as “a real eye-catcher.”
Full release here.
Kia to show restomod
A unique ‘restomod’ will be displayed at the Bicester Heritage Scramble on 6 October. The show car builds on a donor vehicle from the brand’s UK heritage fleet and celebrates the brand’s 80th anniversary. Kia says it offers a similar power-to-weight ratio of iconic 70s and 80s hot hatches, and the teaser image suggests a gloriously boxy design language.
Full release here.
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