We had long and in depth conversations with FCA Group Chief Designer Klaus Busse and his team…
What we saw and heard on our visit to the Torino based Centro Stile was nothing short of absolutely stunning. We had long and in depth conversations with FCA Group head of design Klaus Busse and his team, both from Alfa Romeo and Fiat styling.
The beautiful instrumentation and interior of the Tonale, with Klaus Busse watching in the background…
Needless to say that we are the coming days eager to report on all this extensively, and indeed you can expect to read our findings in several reports…
Alfa DNA styling revived on the drawing boards provides the mould for the new Tonale design…
The next few photos just lift a tip of the veil of the vast material we collected and photographed…
Rewriting democratic mobility and opening many new doors in design: the Centoventi Fiat
We just want to thank here the magnificent efforts of the dynamic PR team of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Belgium, notably Dominique Fontignies, PR & Communication Director and Wim Willems, Press Officer, for sharing the knowledge of these experts and their creations with us.
Full of revolutionary, practical solutions: the interior of the Centoventi…
We will have this week a workshop visit the
Centro Stile of the FCA Group, where we will also be able to have an interview
and talk with the designers who created the stunning Alfa Romeo Tonale and Fiat
Centroventi. Both cars are very important harbingers of things to come, both
for Alfa and Fiat.
The Tonale concept car is the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid compact SUV, and after its global debut in Geneva, it was first seen in Italy at the 58th edition of the “Salone del Mobile.Milano”.
The Tonale will be one of the stars discussed and seen at the workshop…
The Tonale concept car embodies all Alfa
Romeo’s trademark language of beauty: it is a compact UV for urban use with a
sporty personal In keeping with the Alfa Romeo manifesto, every detail is designed
around the driver, with driving pleasure delivered through ergonomics, use of
premium materials and, above all, unrivalled dynamic handling. Furthermore, the
Tonale concept car is the Alfa Romeo take on electrification.
The front end displays the trademark
trefoil and the distinctive Alfa Romeo shield, which acts as a bold focus
point. Completing the design of the front end and accompanying this iconic
element are “3 plus 3” light clusters which in turn evoke the proud
look of SZ and Brera.
The rear of Tonale is characterized by an
enveloping rear window completed on the top by a suspended wing that exalts
continuity with the clear sunroof. As for every Alfa Romeo, design is
characterised by a distinctive touch. The rear light clusters are more like a
graphic sign than an optical lighting element, a sort of signature created
directly by the hand of an artist.
On the sides, the full and elegant volumes recall
the Duetto or the Disco Volante Spider, while the “Linea GT” of
Tonale reinterprets the pouncing stance and feeling of safety conveyed by the
award-winning GT junior.
Several celebrated style elements are
picked up in its design to become a tangible manifestation of the brand’s
history in a performance which elicits a modern approach to new Alfa Romeo
anatomy. The “teledial” wheel, for instance, is an element which hints
to the traditional DNA of Alfa Romeo. The design of 21-inch rim of Tonale
invokes the concept of a rotary telephone dial through a light architectural
structure for a clear, high-impact interpretation of the circular theme. This
style choice dates back to the 1960s, when it was sported by the iconic 33
Stradale.
The cockpit of Tonale is boldly designed
around driver but also to accommodate passengers in comfort. The contrast of
premium materials, such as cool solidity of aluminium that meets the warm softness
of leather and Alcantara, enhance the emotions of both driver and passengers.
Inside, there are translucent panels and a backlit central tunnel. The DNA mode
selector, one of the key elements of Alfa Romeo, is perfectly at ease on the
tunnel.
Comes the Concept Centoventi…
Fiat Concept Centoventi is fundamentally a “blank canvas” ready to be painted to suit the customer’s tastes and needs at any time of his life or day, without no customisation restrictions linked to the specific time of purchase. In fact, it will be produced in just one livery, which customers will be able to personalise using the “4U” program, with a choice of 4 roofs, 4 bumpers, 4 wheel covers and 4 external wrappings. So, just like modern devices, this vehicle can be updated with the greatest freedom and imagination in its colours, interior configuration, roof configuration, infotainment system and even battery range. And this is one of the concept car’s strong points: owners no longer have to wait for new special editions or facelifts, as they can “change” their cars any day they like. It is made even more revolutionary by the presence, at the launch, of 120 additional accessories that will generate a genuinely new business model, as well as a community of Fiat Concept Centoventi fans.
In other words, Fiat Concept Centoventi is
the response to a real design and business challenge, which embodies the
functional spirit of the brand and pays tribute to its 120 years of history, at
the same time, with a modern take on some trademark style elements that hint to
the Panda of the 1980s. Fiat Concept Centoventi is inspired by Italian design
and embodies Fiat’s “less is more” concept, which means getting rid
of everything unnecessary and complex in a car to provide more space for people
(More You), for attention to the environment and the community (More Care) and
for the brand’s DNA in terms of values and looks (More Fiat). By playing these
three cards, Fiat Concept Centoventi revolutionises the idea of electric
mobility, in town and out, successfully overcoming the tougher and tougher
challenges – in terms of traffic, regulations and costs of ownership – while
simultaneously making the most of the new opportunities offered by electricity.
Soon we will treat you in these columns
with a fascinating tale about what we heard, saw and experienced at the Centro
Stile in Turin… stay tuned!
Mazda styling is reaching top levels
nowadays, and the Mazda 6 clearly shows it. Just have a look at the fluent
contours and the ideal proportions and balanced surfaces of this large sedan,
and be convinced with us. The Mazda 6 body has recently been revised and has
gained further in maturity and elegance, with also the interior having had a
stylish make-over. Under the hood, the G 2,5 and other SKYACTIV powertrains
have been further perfected, and driving dynamics have also been improved. We
took this elegant sedan for a test, and it showed its many qualities. Just read
on…
A design studio which works amidst a wide
audience, where their 3D models and drawings are made under the eyes of
interested viewers? That is what the bold man and women of the DS Design Studio
are doing.
These designers are the creative pillar of DS
Automobiles, a young car brand whose designs for DS 7 CROSSBACK and DS 3
CROSSBACK are already a benchmark. DS DIVINE, DS E-TENSE and DS X E-TENSE are also
the results of a creative process that came about within DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS
These designers are now leaving their usual work space and setting up over the three floors of DS WORLD PARIS at 33 Rue Francois 1er, Paris.
The DS World Paris is the elegant setting where the public can admire the iconic “DS” or “Déesse”, the godess on wheels, but now also the men and women of the celebrated DS design department will be at work under their eyes…
There, the men and women of DS Automobiles design under the direction of Thierry Metroz, DS Design director, will be revealing the innovative projects they’re working on and sharing their secrets through “CONFIDENCE The art of the senses”.
More than an exhibition, this is a
residency of artists, brought to life by DS Automobiles designers who are on
hand to explain their jobs, present their work and talk with visitors.
Indeed, the men and women of DS DESIGN
STUDIO PARIS are on hand throughout the event to explain their work and answer
visitors’ questions.
Some confidentiality restrictions have been
lifted so they can reveal additional secrets. The work of the 60 people who
make up the DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS is presented by the different teams:
exterior design, interior, ProLab, VLab, modellers, colour and material
workshops and upholsterers.
The brand wants them to share their
inspiration and most recent work to cast a new light on the design and build of
a car.
So, if you are interested to see these design artists at work, we give you here some practical information: “CONFIDENCE The art of the senses” is held from 22 March to 23 April 2019 at DS WORLD PARIS, 33 Rue Francois 1er, Paris.
Three years ago, Lexus caused a stir with the debut of the LC coupe at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Since then, its design team has been exploring how the brand can evolve, leading to the creation of the new Lexus LC Convertible Concept, an appealing open-top roadster that makes its first European appearance at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show on 5 March.
The designers had one major goal for the concept, and that was ‘ultimate beauty’. From the rake of the windscreen to the smooth contours of the rear deck lid that houses the retractable top, every line was drawn to evoke an emotional response. The result is, as Lexus calls it, a halo vehicle for the entire Lexus brand.
Retaining the styling language of the LC Coupe
“This concept takes the unmistakeable design of the LC coupe and interprets it as a future convertible,” said Tadao Mori, Chief Designer of the LC Convertible Concept. “It blends all the best aspects of the original coupe with the dynamic design of an open-air convertible.”
Long, low and lean, the LC Convertible Concept retains the LC coupe’s athletic proportions. The shape evolved naturally from the original LC design, yet it has its own, distinct identity.
More than just a grand tourer, the concept has a performance pedigree, its potential expressed in its short overhangs, 22-inch wheels and wide stance.
Beyond the visual appeal of the sheet metal, the cabin is an attractive space for driver and passengers alike. The tailored seats are upholstered in crisp white leather with yellow accents providing a splash of colour without disrupting the subtle elegance of the overall design.
The Lexus LC Convertible Concept measures 4,770mm long, 1,920mm wide and 1,340mm high, and has a 2,870mm wheelbase.
The upcoming Geneva Salon is as always a festival of creativity, with car manufacturers pulling all the stops when it comes to design and new visions. So concept cars abound, and Kia is no exception. Its European branch has unveiled new images of its bold new all-electric concept car, which is to be presented on the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show.
Gregory Guillaume, Vice President of Design for Kia Motors Europe, comments his design here. Just read further…
We will treat you in the coming days ans weeks to an extensive report on the Brussels Motor Show, with some notable (world) premieres like the Range Rover Evoque, for instance. We will also let you listen in with some interviews, notably of the designer of the Evoque, and also celebrate 60 years of Mini with further interesting encounters. Driving into the future autonomously on e-power is also very much in tht foreground, like this Smart Vision EQ fortwo you see here on the photo. It is designed with car sharing in mind, and takes its passengers whenever and wherever they want to go, and it doesn’t even have a steering wheel or any commands…
At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the BMW Group will showcase the future of driving pleasure and the potential of digital connectivity in a variety of different ways. From January 8-11 2019, visitors will have their first chance to take a virtual drive in the BMW Vision iNEXT, accompanied by the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. In this way, the BMW Group is underlining its innovative capabilities in the fields of design, automated driving, connectivity, electrification, and services (D+ACES), which are all defined as key areas of future activity in its corporate strategy NUMBER ONE > NEXT.
The vision vehicle will be displayed alongside a sophisticated mixed-reality installation that, for the first time, provides a virtual and immersive impression of what it is like to drive autonomously, emission-free, and fully connected in the BMW Vision iNEXT.
To begin the simulation, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant suggests an agenda for the day and plans the activities for the trip perfectly. See the photo here above.
With virtual reality goggles and a specially-designed spatial concept, visitors are able to immerse themselves in this virtual world: Initially, they drive the BMW Vision iNEXT themselves, but the vehicle soon takes over the driving function. In autonomous “Ease” mode, the driver interacts with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which makes suggestions and controls various digital services for the driver – from videoconferencing, to shopping, to smart home functions.
You don’t have to steer this wheel all the time: soon the vehicle takes over…
Quite an experience! For the moment, we can only show you some photos…
At the Annual General Meeting, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Harald Krüger, unveiled an initial design concept for the BMW iNEXT. The pure-electric BMW iNEXT will be built at Plant Dingolfing from 2021. The company’s new technology flagship incorporates all major strategic areas of innovation in a road-ready vehicle. It is not much to go for yet, but nevertheless, a silhouette is a silhouette, but at eleast the shareholders, and you dear reader, got an idea of it.
Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, commented: “The iNEXT project is our building kit for the future. It will benefit the entire company and all our brands. For the first time, we are combining all key technologies for future mobility in one vehicle. The iNEXT is fully electric, fully connected and also offers highly automated driving. Later this year, we will be presenting the BMW iNEXT as a Vision Vehicle.”
DS designers were asked what their dream car would look like within 17 years. New forms, new materials, new technologies. The team came up with a truly stunning result: The fruit of their collective fantasy and out of the box thinking is DS X E-TENSE, a car with stylish refinement and very bold solutions indeed…
Just look at the photos and read further, and be amazed…
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 