Autoblog

Chery hires Porsche's Saracoglu as new head of design studio in Shanghai

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, China, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Chery, Design/Style

The eastward migration of automotive designers bearing European pedigrees continues with Chery Automobile reportedly hiring former Porsche stylist Hakan Saracoglu. The move comes almost a year after Chery hired James Hope from the General Motors Exterior Design Studio in Russelsheim, Germany to be its corporate director of design.

Saracoglu had been with Porsche since 1998, and he showed his abilities on the 997-series Porsche 911 GT2 and GT2 RS, previous-generation Boxster and Cayman and the 918 Spyder. He will join Hope's team with the aim of taking Chery beyond the car it is most known for, the QQ, to a company "standing for value, for design and gaining customer confidence. That's where we want to go." Saracoglu will lead a group of 30 designers to create a range of concepts in various segments.

Chery hires Porsche's Saracoglu as new head of design studio in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW design boss de'Silva says clean and simple design is the new black

Zach Bowman — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:14:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Moving forward, we can expect Volkswagen to shift its design language away from anything remotely extravagant. While speaking at the Tokyo launch of the Volkswagen Up!, company global design chief Walter de'Silva said minimalist styling is set to make a resurgence. De'Silva made it clear he believes design is an integral part of resale value, and that the design of models like the Golf helps solidify his brand's value worldwide. The designer said that while the flashier exteriors of models like the Hyundai Sonata, Ford Fusion and BMW 3 Series have been popular in recent years, he believes such looks are already starting to age. Perhaps that's why the redesigned CC "four-door coupe" shown above seems a bit more traditional than its predecessor.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, offers buyers design security, according to de'Silva. As quoted in Automotive News, the executive says: "People want to understand what they buy. There is a certain security in our design."

VW design boss de'Silva says clean and simple design is the new black originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 10:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM designer Lyon bails just days before taking over Opel/Vauxhall

Zach Bowman — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, GM, Opel, Vauxhall, Design/Style

Dave Lyon won't be taking over as head of design for Opel and Vauxhall after all. The Detroit Free Press reports the designer abruptly left General Motors last week for unknown reasons, just days before he was supposed to step into his new role. The defection is the latest in a string of management upsets at the two marques. Earlier this month, Opel CEO Karl-Friedrich Stracke departed to assume other duties within GM, opening the door for Steve Girsky to step into the role for the time being.

Lyon joined GM in 1990 and worked as the executive director of GM Asia Pacific design before transitioning to his post as head of North American interior design. He was instrumental in penning the cabin of the 2013 Cadillac XTS and the Chevrolet Volt. He also helped steer Buick toward greater design consistency with Opel. The new position would have made him vice president of design for GM Europe.

GM designer Lyon bails just days before taking over Opel/Vauxhall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legendary designer Sergio Pininfarina passes away

Chris Paukert — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Ferrari, Celebrities, Design/Style

The world of automotive design has lost another great. Sergio Pininfarina - the honorary chairman of the Pininfarina Group that bears his family name - passed away last night at age 85.

Sergio took control of Pininfarina as chairman back in 1966 after his father, Gian Battista 'Pinin' Farina, passed away. He would hold this role until transitioning to honorary chairman in 2006.

Over his tenure, his Pininfarina firm worked on design projects for everyone from Alfa Romeo to Chevrolet to Bentley and Volvo, but he is perhaps most known for his work for Ferrari and Maserati. No stranger to edgy aesthetics, Pininfarina presided over designs like the 2002 Ferrari Enzo and the 1984 Ferrari Testarossa before it. Conversely, he was also responsible for some beautifully simple forms, including the lauded 1996 Peugeot 406 Coupe and 2003 Maserati Quattroporte.

Sergio Pininfarina is survived by his wife and two children. You can learn more about him by scrolling down to read the company's official statement.

Continue reading Legendary designer Sergio Pininfarina passes away

Legendary designer Sergio Pininfarina passes away originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jul 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar designers deconstruct XF clay model... with axes

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Videos, Jaguar, Design/Style, Luxury

It's no secret that automotive designers build large clay models of their cars while working out a final design. But let us axe you something: What happens when a design is approved and the car is put into production? Deconstruction. And boy, it sure looks like fun.

Jaguar gave its XF sedan an updated skin for the 2012 model year, and now that the car has been on sale for many months now (we've driven it, in case you forgot), it's time for the sculptors who built the original life-size clay model to take it apart in the most violently awesome way possible. That's right - with axes. Is this the way they do it in England all the time? We have no idea, but it sure seems like a good stress reliever.

Scroll down to watch a trio of identically dressed Jaguar engineers hack a full-size XF model down to just scraps in a matter of edited-for-video minutes.

Continue reading Jaguar designers deconstruct XF clay model... with axes

Jaguar designers deconstruct XF clay model... with axes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA Design Challenge concepts toast Tinseltown

John Neff — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:13:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Etc., Design/Style

As we revealed last month, the theme for this year's LA Design Challenge is Hollywood - more specifically, what the silver screen's next iconic automobile might be. For some reason, this year's challenge features a lot fewer entrants than year's past. In fact, half of the field comes from Daimler, with concepts submitted by Mercedes-Benz, Maybach and Smart. The other three competitors are Honda, Hyundai and Subaru.

Their challenge was to dream up the next DeLorean, Highland Green Ford Mustang or Black Audi S8 that will capture the attention of moviegoers in the year 2050. Each entrant picked a different style of film; everything from westerns to thrillers to fairy tales and vampire movies is represented.

We've collected all six entrants, including descriptions of a blockbuster Hollywood storyline that goes along with each vehicle, after the jump. Check them out and then vote for your favorite in our poll. We'll see if the Autoblog community was right on November 17 when the winner is announced at the 2011 LA Auto Show.

View Poll

Continue reading LA Design Challenge concepts toast Tinseltown

LA Design Challenge concepts toast Tinseltown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Are sex and biology the future drivers of automotive design?

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Design/Style

It might not get you a date, but this Porsche definitely taps into our biology drives and pumps us up

"Is that a Porsche in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?" That's the subtitle on a funny and informative piece by colleague Diego Rodriguez over at AOL Autos. In it, Rodriguez looks at the connection between biology and our attraction to certain cars. While relating how deflated he felt every time he had to get into his faded Taurus in a lot full of "Range Bruiser Nantucketmobiles" and Aston Martin DB5s, he points out that it wasn't social conditioning so much as "a hard-wired biological mechanism," at work.

To explain the phenomenon, Rodriguez looks back more than a century to 1899, when "economist Thorstein Veblen published his seminal work The Theory of the Leisure Class, in which he postulated that we buy expensive things not so much for their inherent qualities, but for the attention we receive as we experience said object." He blames it on lekking, the mating dance done by species for eons, but Rodriguez says it goes much further than that:

"...a 911 literally makes a driver more potent from a biological standpoint, whether or not there are witnesses to your possession of the car. A Porsche driver, science says, no matter where or how they drive, have higher testosterone levels than if they were stuck in a sedan. By driving a Porsche they become more potent competitors in the game of life..."

Because of that, Rodriguez sees the future of automotive design linked more closely to biological wants and needs. It's a good read and definitely worth the click over if for nothing else other than the graphic that tops the page - Priceless.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

[Source: AOL Autos]

Are sex and biology the future drivers of automotive design? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Honda closing European design office in Germany

Noah Joseph — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, Honda, Design/Style

2008 Honda Open Study Model - Click above for high-res image gallery

The car design community has been sent reeling by word that Honda plans to close down its European design studio. The office forms part of Honda R&D Europe in Offenbach on the outskirts of Frankfurt, Germany, and while the rest of the research and development facility will continue operating in other capacities, the design studio is reportedly being axed.

The two-floor, 3000-square-meter design studio at Offenbach opened its doors in 1992, and has since handled a variety of automotive and motorcycle design duties for the Japanese automaker - including the Open Study Model pictured above. The reported announcement of its closure arrives against the backdrop of cutbacks across the board for Honda, including its withdrawal from major auto shows, the sale of its (now championship-leading) Formula One team, and temporary closures at assembly plants.

While some of Offenbach's motorcycle design responsibilities are expected to transfer to Honda's comparatively tiny 200-square-meter studio in Milan, there's no telling what will happen to the company's automotive design unit. But if we were living and working in Frankfurt, we'd be pushing for a transfer to Italy like there was no tomorrow - because with the rate at which Honda has been cutting back overhead, we'd bet that's where the future is.

Gallery: Honda OSM Concept

[Source: Car Design News]

REPORT: Honda closing European design office in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: 'Personality traits' of automobiles studied

Dan Roth — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc., Lifestyle

Reader-submitted "Cars" Photoshops - Click above for image gallery

The styling of your vehicle makes a statement, of course. Designers spend years perfecting the craft of automotive sculpture, and are finely attuned to what types of shapes and conventions send a given message. Now, the researchers want to move in and figure out how to express what the artists already know with a scientific approach called morphometrics. The practice of shape analysis, usually used for more classical studies like medicine and biology, is useful in improving healthcare equipment or possibly aiding in the identification of unknown remains.

People inherently look for faces and patterns, and the front of a car lends itself to being anthropomorphized. Professor Dennis Slice and his colleagues at Vienna University think the information gleaned from looking deeper into what the "faces" of various cars say - meek or mild appearance, for instance - and how to zero in on just what features will send the automaker's intended message. Of course, design teams already seem to be doing a good job of telling a story with design, with or without the newfangled algorithm. Possibly harder to nail down is the answer to the question of whether styling makes drivers behave differently, the next topic Slice and his team are tackling. Hat tip to Matt.

Gallery: Pixar CARS Photochops

REPORT: 'Personality traits' of automobiles studied originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Peter Horbury returns to head Volvo design; Moray Callum in as Ford's design chief

Chris Paukert — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Volvo

Peter Horbury is returning to finish what he started. The charismatic British designer is shifting from leading Ford's American design efforts back to Volvo, the Swedish automaker at which he helped bring emotional surface language to the fore in the Nineties. Horbury leaves the Blue Oval having presided over the department's design efforts for much of its current portfolio (2010 Mustang, Fusion, Milan, 2009 Flex, etc.), along with numerous Lincolns, including the MKS, MZK, and MKT. Horbury's official title will be vice president, design, and he will be based in Gothenburg, Sweden. He replaces Steve Mattin, who left Volvo suddenly under mysterious conditions late last week.

Horbury's departure creates a leadership vacuum at Ford, a gap into which Moray Callum will fit as executive director for Ford Americas design. As a report to Horbury, Callum oversaw design on the 2010 Taurus, and he also led the teams that conceived the 2010 Mustang, Fusion, and Mercury Milan. Callum is perhaps better known for his work at Mazda, which included the 2003 Mazda 3, 2007 CX-7 and CX-9, along with a string of concept vehicles.

Both appointments are effective May 1. Full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Peter Horbury returns to head Volvo design; Moray Callum in as Ford's design chief

Peter Horbury returns to head Volvo design; Moray Callum in as Ford's design chief originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Volvo design chief Steve Mattin leaves company

Chris Paukert — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Volvo

Details are scarce at the moment, but we have learned that Volvo's award-winning design director, Steve Mattin, has left the company. While no further details are immediately available (why he left, where he is headed, possible successors, etc.), Dan Johnston, Volvo's East Coast PR manager confirmed the news to us after placing a call to his counterparts in Sweden this afternoon.

U.K.-born Mattin has been Volvo's design director since May of 2005 and was instrumental in creating designs like the C30, XC60, and most recently, the S60 Concept from Detroit. Mattin joined the Swedish automaker after coming over from (then) DaimlerChrysler, where he was employed for 17 years. Mattin left DCX as the company's senior design manager after having a hand in vehicles as wide-ranging as the SL, SLK, SLR, R-Class, M-Class, and the Maybach line.

We will probably have to wait until Monday for further details, but sit tight - Volvo's already winding road may have just gotten a bit bumpier.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept

BREAKING: Volvo design chief Steve Mattin leaves company originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Where the hell was this? Car design summer camp launched for Michigan high school students

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 01 May 2007 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc.

Design sketch by program director, Vance Hanna

Dude, I would not be blogging right now if this were offered to me in high school. Actually, more than one of us had that reaction to this news item. High school students with a desire to get into automotive design are being offered a unique summer camp opportunity from Lawrence Technological University this summer. The Southfield, MI tech school has been providing Detroit with mechanical engineers for more than 75 years, but as a way of introducing the world to its new Bachelor of Science degree in Transportation Design, Lawrence Tech will be offering its first automotive design summer camp for high school juniors and seniors. The one-week camp runs June 25-29 and runs $200, or $350 for students who choose to stay on campus for the week.

The camp will be run by practicing automotive designers, Vance Hanna and Keith Nagara. They are the co-directors of the new transportation design degree program at Lawrence Tech. Campers will learn about designing and developing concept cars, and will actually produce sketches and scale models. They'll see how the pros do it and will have their own work professionally evaluated, as well. "Top Camp" students can even win scholarships for the transportation design degree program with their work. Follow the Read link for full details and the application form if you're interested.

[Source: Lawrence Technological University via TopSpeed.com]

Where the hell was this? Car design summer camp launched for Michigan high school students originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Land Rover designer quits, says no more

Chris Tutor — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover

Geoff Upex worked with Land Rover for 23 years to help create and re-create the company's iconic boxy Range Rover line and in August, he relinquished the helm to Gerry McGovern. This week, Upex took his retirement on step further, saying that after his last day on Dec. 25, never again will he design another car. Not for Land Rover, not for Ford. Not for any automaker ever again.

It seems a tragedy that someone would completely give up something they devoted so much of their life to. We encourage Mr. Upex to continue creating stylish, attractive automobiles. If not for Land Rover, then maybe help a young, headstrong automaker in need of your sense of elegant restraint.

One charity case we think greatly deserving of your help, Mr. Upex (and we think we have a lot of support on this), is our style-challenged, hyper creative (and apparently nausea immune) Chinese friends at DongFeng. Please, Mr. Upex, for the sake of humanity, at least introduce DongFeng's designers to modern eraser technology. Please?

Land Rover designer quits, says no more originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi's next A4 to get edgy

John Neff — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Audi

Wheels24 has produced a sketch of what it believes the next Audi A4 will look like based on insider info and analysis of recent Audi design trends. The A4's face appears much more aggressive the the current model's, with headlights angled down towards the large grille and similar LED light bars to those currently found on the S6. As we mentioned in the first part of our In the Autoblog Garage review of the Audi A3 and VW GTI (the final two are on their way!), the A3's front fascia benefits greatly from the "angry eyes" look, and it also looks good on the A4 in this conceptual sketch.

The website is also postulating the A4 will move further upmarket to give the A3 some more breathing room in its own segment. This means that build quality will be improving, as well as road manners, in an effort to meet the standards set by the BMW 3-Series. On account of this, the the next A4 probably won't be offered with the 1.8T engine as its base motor, but rather the new 200-hp, 2.0L FSI units.

[Source: Wheels24 via Winding Road]

Audi's next A4 to get edgy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fantastic plastic sparks freaky future designs

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 10 May 2006 12:06:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars

Here at Autoblog we are flat-out fascinated by concept cars, the wilder the better. The design shown above is one of the award winners in the Royal College of Art's recent "PLASTicon" project, sponsored by GE Plastics (the creators of lexan and other wonder materials).

As you might expect, the creative use of plastics was one of the contest themes, and the creations of the winning "Material icons" team certainly fill the bill. Ana Zadnik's pictured concept vehicle is envisioned as a plastic form stretched over a flexing metal structure that allows customers to spec the length of their vehicle to suit their needs.

More after the jump...

[Sources: General Electric, Car Design News]

Continue reading Fantastic plastic sparks freaky future designs

Fantastic plastic sparks freaky future designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 May 2006 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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