Tag Archives: designer

Car design legend Marcello Gandini dies at 85

Legendary automobile designer Marcello Gandini, who formed among the greatest identified and most revered Italian vehicles of all time, has died on the age of 85.

The Turin native, extensively recognised as some of the prolific and influential automobile designers of his period, made a reputation for himself within the mid-Sixties whereas working for the storied Bertone design home, the place he was accountable for such icons because the Lamborghini Miura, Lancia Stratos and Ferrari 308/GT4 – Maranello’s solely Bertone-designed automobile.

Gandini’s rise to prominence started when he changed Giorgetto Giugiaro on the Italian agency in 1965. One of his earliest works there was a two-seat, drop-top remodeling of the Porsche 911 that by no means made manufacturing, and an imposing luxurious coupé primarily based on the Jaguar S-Type adopted quickly after.

Arguably his best-known creation was the Lamborghini Countach, which is outlined by its aero-optimised, wedge-shaped silhouette – a Gandini hallmark that has come to be emblematic of experimental automobile design within the Seventies and Eighties and which nonetheless has an enormous affect immediately.

But Gandini did not restrict himself to penning radical, low-volume supercars: among the hottest vehicles of the previous half-century got here from his studio, together with the unique BMW 5 Series, first Volkswagen Polo, Fiat 132, Renault 5 Turbo and Citroën BX.

The jaw-dropping Alfa Romeo 33 Carabo and Navajo ideas have been Gandini efforts, too, and so have been the unique ideas for the Bugatti EB110 and Lamborghini Diablo.

He broke from conference with a collection of extra rounded and outlandish designs within the Nineteen Nineties after leaving Bertone and designed fashions for manufacturers together with Nissan and Perodua.

Among his ultimate vehicles was the Stola S86 Diamante – an idea created in simply 5 weeks for the 2005 Geneva motor present.

Legendary Lamborghini Designer Marcello Gandini Has Died

Marcello Gandini, legendary designer answerable for quite a few Italian vehicles, has died, in response to RaiNews, Italy’s state-owned information outlet. He was 85 years outdated.

Gandini was best-known for his work with Lamborghini, the place he was answerable for designing poster vehicles just like the Miura, the Countach, and the Diablo. He was additionally the designer behind icons just like the Lancia Stratos, the Bugatti EB110, and the Fiat X1/9.

The Turin-born designer created his most well-known designs whereas working at Italian design home Bertone from the mid-Nineteen Sixties till 1980, penning the strains for vehicles just like the Alfa Romeo Montreal, the Maserati Khamsin, the unique Volkswagen Polo, and the Ferrari 308 GT4.

Gandini branched out and away from Bertone later in his profession, working independently with automakers like Citroën to develop the favored BX and Renault to design the now-iconic 5 Turbo hatchback. Other notable Gandini designs embrace the unique BMW 5 Series, the Lamborghini Espada, and the Cizeta-Moroder V16T.

Even later in life Gandini continued to pursue design. He labored with TaTa Motors in 2017 to create the TaMo Racemo, a sportscar idea proven on the Geneva Motor Show. He additionally concerned himself within the industrial and furnishings design areas. In January, Gandini was awarded an honorary diploma in mechanical engineering by the Polytechnic Institute of Turin. 

A funeral chapel is being organized in Gandini’s Almese design studio, set to be held Thursday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., and Friday 10:00 A.M to 12:00 P.M. native time, in response to RaiNews. The funeral itself is anticipated to be held on Friday night or Saturday.

 

Ex-JLR design boss Massimo Frascella replaces Marc Lichte at Audi

Ex-Jaguar and Land Rover designer Massimo Frascella has been introduced as the brand new head of design for Audi, changing Marc Lichte, who has held the function for 10 years.

Frascella’s appointment at Audi comes only a month after his departure from JLR, the place he had led the styling of a number of core mannequin traces, together with the Land Rover Discovery, Defender and Range Rover

Prior to his arrival in Gaydon in 2011, the Italian had labored at Kia and Ford.

He takes the reins at Audi’s design studio on the cusp of a transformative period for the model, with a wave of recent electrical vehicles and overhauled combustion fashions due within the coming years. 

Frascella stated: “Joining Audi is a really particular second for me. I’m deeply honoured to imagine the function of chief artistic officer and to information such a proficient crew in shaping the way forward for the model to new heights of innovation and distinction. 

“I imagine within the emotional energy of design to encourage, join and drive change, and I’m right here to nurture and promote creativity because the beating coronary heart of our model.”

He cited “simplicity” as a key pillar of his method to automotive design and stated he was “passionate about creating designs that are free from superfluous ornaments and do not merely follow trends”.

“Instead,” he stated, “we will rely on a timeless and sophisticated design language.”

That ethos tallies neatly with that of his predecessor Lichte, who defined to Autocar in 2021 his guiding rules for designing an Audi for the trendy period: “Design-wise, an Audi may be very easy. It’s aesthetic intelligence, which has lengthy been a part of Audi. We’re looking for the proper symbiosis between progressive and progressive design. 

“That’s the key to Audi: it was in the past and will remain so in the future.”

LA CLIPPERS ANNOUNCE LEXUS AS FOUNDING PARTNER OF INTUIT DOME

Exclusive Lexus Courtside Lounge at Clippers’ new enviornment is designed by famend inside designer Rita Konig

LOS ANGELES (Feb. 15, 2024) – As the LA Clippers put together to open their new residence Intuit Dome in August, the group has introduced luxurious automotive model, Lexus, as an Intuit Dome Founding Partner. As certainly one of its longest-tenured companions, Lexus might be named “the official luxury vehicle of the LA Clippers and Intuit Dome,” receiving entitlement of the Lexus Courtside Lounge on the new enviornment.

“As a longstanding partner of the LA Clippers, Lexus is proud to support the team as it moves into its new home Intuit Dome,” stated Marcus Williams, common supervisor, Lexus Western Area. “We look forward to elevating the fan experience of Clipper Nation and concertgoers at the Lexus Courtside Lounge, delivering a premium destination only Lexus could offer.”

The Lexus Courtside Lounge will present an unique, high-end hospitality expertise for flooring seat holders in any respect Intuit Dome occasions, together with Clippers video games and live shows. It is designed by internationally famend inside designer Rita Konig, whose experience has earned her AD100, House & Garden Top 100, and ELLE DECOR A-List honors. Konig’s customized idea for the house contains the distinctive, layered finishes she is thought for, comparable to cloth walling and utilizing mirrors and brass finishes to mirror mild across the house and create intrigue and glamor.

“We look for partners who share our priorities and our vision, and there’s none better than Lexus, with its emphasis on creativity, innovation, and customer interaction. At Intuit Dome, the Lexus Courtside Lounge will deliver an extraordinary hospitality experience in a space created by Rita Konig, one of the most creative designers in the world. We’re excited to align with Rita and with Lexus to bring their expertise to Intuit Dome and deliver an experience that could not be picked up and placed in any other arena,” stated Gillian Zucker, President of Business Operations, LA Clippers and Intuit Dome.

The lounge options an all-inclusive premium meals and beverage program, plus a pathway by the middle of the house that Clippers gamers will use to take the ground.

“For many years the Clippers have facilitated connections between dedicated, passionate members of Clipper Nation and Lexus through successful high-touch-point events and activations,” stated Scott Sonnenberg, Chief Commercial Officer, LA Clippers and Intuit Dome. “Lexus is one of our longest-tenured partners and we’re thrilled to expand our relationship with them as an Intuit Dome Founding Partner to create the Lexus Courtside Lounge.”

Lexus will obtain distinguished presence in different areas of Intuit Dome as effectively, together with a car show within the Main Lobby and entitlement of the South VIP Entrance. Integrations proceed throughout the group and enviornment’s digital and broadcast shops although standard partnership parts like Lexus Looks participant style content material, the Lexus Dinner Series, and premium hospitality experiences.

Lexus joins naming rights associate Intuit and AT&T, Pechanga, and Ticketmaster as Intuit Dome Founding Partners.

Intuit Dome’s key options embrace 5 basketball courts, an outside Plaza, 51 uninterrupted rows of seats close to the customer’s bench known as The Wall, and the largest-ever double-sided Halo Board ever in an enviornment. Additional details about the world and tickets to Clippers video games and occasions there beginning in August is out there at www.intuitdome.com.

About Lexus

Lexus’ ardour for courageous design, imaginative expertise, and exhilarating efficiency allows the posh way of life model to create wonderful experiences for its clients. Lexus started its journey in 1989 with two luxurious sedans and a dedication to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to satisfy the wants of world luxurious clients in additional than 90 international locations. In the United States, Lexus automobiles are bought by 245 sellers providing a full lineup of luxurious automobiles. With eight fashions incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the posh hybrid chief. Lexus additionally affords 9 F SPORT fashions, one F efficiency mannequin and one F mannequin. Lexus is dedicated to being a visionary model that anticipates the longer term for luxurious clients.
www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/LexusVehicles
www.instagram.com/lexususa
https://www.pinterest.com/lexususa

About Intuit Dome
Opening in August 2024, Intuit Dome is the brand new residence of the LA Clippers and can host a whole bunch of sporting occasions and live shows annually. Located in Inglewood, Calif., Intuit Dome is constructed completely different — it can redefine followers’ expectations for dwell experiences and alter the music panorama in Los Angeles. Media details about Intuit Dome is out there at www.intuitdome.com/press. To signal as much as obtain all Intuit Dome press releases and updates, e-mail [email protected] and observe @IntuitDomePR.

LEXUS ANNOUNCES COLLABORATION WITH MARJAN VAN AUBEL FOR MIAMI ART & DESIGN WEEK 2023

RENOWNED SOLAR DESIGNER TO PRESENT INTERACTIVE INSTALLATION AT ICA MIAMI, CELEBRATING LEXUS AND VAN AUBEL’S PIONEERING, SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS

PLANO, Texas (Oct. 31, 2023) – Today, Lexus announced a new collaboration with acclaimed Dutch solar designer Marjan van Aubel to create a vibrant, sun-powered installation within the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) sculpture garden. The interactive installation will showcase the potential of harnessing carbon-neutral energy and will be unveiled in early December during Miami Art & Design Week 2023.

The installation, titled “8 Minutes and 20 Seconds,” represents a sculptural interpretation of Lexus’s new model of electrification, the LF-ZC Lexus Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Concept car. It incorporates organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells used in solar power applications, capturing the ingenuity of Lexus’s environmentally-conscious and technologically-pioneering electrified vehicle.

The LF-ZC concept is part of Lexus’s commitment to sustainability, driving dynamics, and uncompromised design in the electric age. The collaboration with Marjan van Aubel marks her first-ever public project in Miami and the second year of Lexus’s partnership with ICA Miami.

Marjan van Aubel is a renowned solar designer known for integrating solar energy into everyday life through aesthetically pleasing solutions. She has received global recognition and her works are displayed in prestigious institutions worldwide.

The installation, realized in collaboration with spatial experience design studio Random Studio, will feature a scaled model of the LF-ZC constructed with OPV sheets that create colorful shadows in response to sunlight. The installation will also include light and motion sensors for an engaging and interactive experience.

“Lexus’ dedication to innovation and craftsmanship aligns with the ethos of my own practice, which is that functional design can be both sustainable and aesthetically beautiful,” said Marjan van Aubel. “With this collaboration, I hope we can bring light to the concept that sustainable design solutions are works of art.”

Lexus will also host “Lexus Art Series: Art and Innovation talks with Whitewall” during Miami Art & Design Week, featuring discussions and talks between Lexus ambassadors and industry leaders in the art and design worlds.

ABOUT MARJAN VAN AUBEL

Marjan van Aubel Studio is an award-winning innovative solar design practice that brings solar energy into daily life. The studio integrates solar power seamlessly into environments and aims to make solar power more accessible for everyone. Marjan van Aubel has collaborated with global brands and has been recognized as an ambassador of Dutch Design Week.

ABOUT INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART MIAMI

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) promotes experimentation in contemporary art and fosters the exchange of art and ideas locally and internationally. It provides a platform for the work of local and emerging artists and offers free admission.

ABOUT LEXUS

Lexus is a global luxury automotive brand known for its bold design, craftsmanship, and performance. It has developed a lineup of vehicles to meet the needs of the next generation and is available in over 90 countries/regions worldwide.

ABOUT RANDOM STUDIO

Random Studio is a spatial experience design studio based in Amsterdam and Paris. The studio creates spaces that evolve based on their interaction with people, architecture, nature, and technology.

Bugatti Chiron Successor: Everything We Know So Far

Summary

  • The next Bugatti hypercar will have hybrid technology.
  • It will have upgraded dimensions, new features, and a lighter chassis.
  • The Bugatti Chiron successor aims to redefine automotive performance and luxury with a hybrid powertrain.

With Bugatti’s chief designer Achim Anscheidt’s departure, the era of the Bugatti Chiron and Veyron Super Sport comes to a close. The production of the Bugatti Chiron is also ending, but its successor will introduce hybrid technology. The Bugatti Chiron successor will be developed by Bugatti Rimac, a company jointly owned by Bugatti and Rimac, and it will feature a powerful V-8 engine and an electric motor.

The upcoming Bugatti Chiron successor is expected to be spectacular, with upgraded dimensions, cutting-edge technology, unique features, and a leaner chassis. It will retain the iconic Bugatti design elements like the horseshoe grille and C-shaped side bodywork. The transition from the W-16 engine to the V-8 engine will make the car lighter and more agile, promising an enhanced driving experience. The interior will combine elegance and practicality, with modern controls and an advanced infotainment system.

The Bugatti Chiron successor represents a major step towards electrification for the brand. It will combine a gas engine with an electric motor to deliver thrilling acceleration and performance. The hybrid powertrain will also contribute to reduced pollutants and fuel consumption, without compromising on speed. The expected debut year for the Bugatti Chiron successor is 2024, with production starting in 2026. The estimated cost of the hypercar is at least $5 million.

The Bugatti Chiron successor not only continues the legacy of Bugatti but also pushes the boundaries of automotive performance and elegance. The name “Chiron” pays homage to Louis Chiron, a legendary Bugatti racing driver. Like its namesake, the Bugatti Chiron Successor embodies boldness and reinvention. It combines heritage with cutting-edge engineering to create a true masterpiece.+

Chevy Camaro That Could Have Been Teased By GM Design

Brian Malczewski, a lead exterior designer at General Motors, recently shared a rendering from 2018 on the General Motors Design Instagram page. The rendering showcases a Chevy-branded sports coupe with a striking resemblance to the Camaro.

In his post, Malczewski mentioned the intriguing sketch from 2018 and wondered what it was for.

While the rendering bears similarities to the Camaro with its long nose, broad fenders, small passenger compartment, and short rear deck, it does not represent the latest sixth-gen model released in 2016. The purpose behind this rendering remains a mystery.

Malczewski has also contributed to the design of the sixth-gen Camaro. He shared another rendering on his Instagram page that closely resembles the production model, except for the exaggerated size of the fenders.

The current generation of the Camaro is nearing its retirement, with the 2024 model year being its last. The assembly of the vehicle will conclude in January 2024.

To bid farewell to the sixth-gen model, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Collector’s Edition. This edition is available for the LT/RS, LT1, SS, and ZL1 trims and offers unique features such as Panther Black paint, a revised body kit, and a panther emblem on the steering wheel.

The ZL1 Collector’s Edition is limited to only 350 units and features a matte-finish Panther Black paint. Customers who purchase this edition will also receive a Shinola Canfield Sport watch with a serial number corresponding to the car’s steering wheel.

While the Camaro’s future remains uncertain, Chevrolet Global Vice President Scott Bell stated that the end of the current generation does not mean the end of the Camaro’s story. The Camaro name may continue in some form, although no official details have been released regarding its return.

For more information and discussions about the Camaro, you can watch the episode of “Rambling About Cars” below:

Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin bypass dealers in bespoke push

Bentley Mulliner designer Hugo R Chizlett recalls a unique customer request where the design manager traveled to Texas and was given a lump of sandstone. The customer desired a car that matched the color of their house, and Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner service was happy to accommodate. Chizlett humorously mentions that the design manager had to pay extra due to overweight luggage.

There is significant profit to be made from customizations, leading ultra-luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach unit to go the extra mile. They are now sending members of their design teams directly to customers during the car purchase process, creating opportunities to sell highly profitable personalized options.

To facilitate this approach, brands like Rolls-Royce, Maybach, and Aston Martin are even establishing their own luxurious spaces in close proximity to their customers’ locations, which maintain a direct connection to the brand headquarters.

It’s important to note that this model isn’t a direct-selling, agency-type format.

Nissan GT-R designer creates lightweight, 483bhp EV sports car

Shiro Nakamura, the former chief designer at Nissan, will unveil a new compact two-seat electric sports car called the AIM EV Sport 01 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car is known for its impressive performance and lightweight design.

Nakamura, who retired as vice-president of Nissan in 2017, has an extensive background in automotive design, having overseen the creation of popular models such as the Cube, Qashqai, Leaf, and GT-R. He now leads the independent design outfit SN Design Platform.

The AIM EV Sport 01, developed for Nagoya-based engineering firm AIM, aims to provide an engaging driving experience. Currently undergoing dynamic testing, the car will make its debut on the Goodwood hillclimb.

The EV Sport 01 weighs 1425kg and features two liquid-cooled, high-performance electric motors. Each rear wheel is powered by one motor, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 10,000rpm. The motors draw power from an 81kWh battery split into four packs, delivering a combined output of 483bhp and 582lb ft of torque. These figures are typically seen in larger and heavier vehicles, suggesting that the EV Sport 01 will likely achieve a sub-6.0 second 0-62mph time.

To reduce weight, the car incorporates lightweight materials in its body panels and monocoque chassis, such as carbon fiber. Additionally, aluminum is used extensively in the car’s frame.