Iconic automobile designer Frank Stephenson is on the move again. After six years in the Fiat Auto Group, Stephenson is stepping down from his position as head of design for Alfa Romeo. Stephenson denies the conclusion that he's leaving Fiat because of Lorenzo Ramaciotti, the former Pininfarina design chief sho Fiat coaxed out of retirement to head its group design.
Stephenson is widely known as the father of the retro-hatch, having designed the MINI while at BMW before designing the Fiat 500, Alfa Mi.To and, it's speculated, the upcoming Lancia Ypsilon. Stephenson also had a hand in designing cars as diverse as the original BMW X5, Maserati MC12 and Quattroporte, and Ferrari F430 and 612 Scaglietti. With a portfolio like his, the big question is where he will turn up next, a subject on which the American-educated designer remains mum.
[Source: AutoWeek]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dildomassive @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:12AM
GM Or FORD should abduct this guy immediately.
Mike @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:33AM
I hope for Alpha's sake he had a good understudy...I hope for our sake Ford can afford him.
P.S. Awesome username...
Dausman @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:24AM
What a talent!
Thought all the designs mentioned were from the minds of Italian and German artists.
Andrew @ Apr 2nd 2008 9:14AM
It is still quite true. He had a "hand" in them - he didn't design them alone/himself.
steve clark @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:25AM
CHRYSLER should grab this guy!
Throwback @ Apr 2nd 2008 8:50AM
Chrysler needs the most help. GM's designs under Ed Welburn have been outstanding. I would'nt rule out Tata throwing a boat load of money at him.
Jack @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:11AM
Yea, but what's up with the hair?
steve clark @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:22AM
He designed it himself. : )
halogenrepublic @ Apr 2nd 2008 11:28AM
Hopefully, he would go back to BMW and fix that Bangle mess in the whole lineup from 1 to 7 series.
James @ Apr 2nd 2008 4:36PM
Amen brother.
Thanh T. @ Apr 4th 2008 7:12AM
Legendary automotive designers will always be remembered for their vision, passion, and creative talent.
I would agree, I think Mr. Frank Stephenson has designed some of the most admired "luxury sport" vehicles in the world. (BMW's X5, Maserati's MC12-Quattroporte, and Ferrari's F430-612 Scaglietti.)
Perpahs, he may consider teaching next...smiling. My best regards and wishes.
I believe designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti will do well for Alfa Romeo.
Perhaps, the next design will be a performance sport luxury sedan-SUV from Alfa Romeo...very interesting.