Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: Honda closing European design office in Germany]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-honda-closing-european-design-office-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-honda-closing-european-design-office-in-germany/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-honda-closing-european-design-office-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto designAutoDesignautomotive designAutomotiveDesigncar designCarDesigndesigndesign studioDesignStudiohondahonda designhonda design studiohonda offenbachhonda research and developmentHonda Research InstituteHondaDesignHondaDesignStudioHondaOffenbachHondaResearchAndDevelopmentHondaResearchInstitutehrihri euHriEuOffenbachMon, 05 Oct 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/video-franz-von-holzhausen-talks-about-the-2011-tesla-model-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/video-franz-von-holzhausen-talks-about-the-2011-tesla-model-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/09/video-franz-von-holzhausen-talks-about-the-2011-tesla-model-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2011 Tesla Model S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The crew from On Cars had a chance to spend some quality time with the Tesla Model S and some of the key people bringing this sweet sedan to fruition. In the first of three videos (the other two haven't been released yet), not only are we treated to some gorgeous shots of the Model S, inside and out, but also have the chance to listen to designer Franz von Holzhausen talk at length about the object of our fastback desire. If you've been paying attention to every detail released about the all-electric so far, there might not be a lot of new material for you here, though interestingly, the Model S does get the year 2011 attached to it. That seems a little soon seeing as a factory hasn't been built or acquired yet, but we digress.

Even if you do happen to know every bit of Model S minutiae, it is nice to hear the passion and excitement Franz has for the project as he talks with ardor about proportion and aerodynamics. You can see why Tesla chief, Elon Musk hired him on in the first place. But enough jabbering, hit the jump and check it out for yourself.


Gallery: Tesla Model S


Gallery: Tesla Model S: LIVE REVEAL


[Source: On Cars]

Continue reading VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S

VIDEO: Franz von Holzhausen talks about the 2011 Tesla Model S originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesignFranz von HolzhausenFranzVonHolzhausenModel SModelSTesla Model STeslaModelSTue, 09 Jun 2009 20:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Bavaria's new Flagship: Cruiser 55 sailboat by BMW DesignworksUSA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/bavarias-new-flagship-cruiser-55-sailboat-by-bmw-designworksus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/bavarias-new-flagship-cruiser-55-sailboat-by-bmw-designworksus/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/28/bavarias-new-flagship-cruiser-55-sailboat-by-bmw-designworksus/#commentsFiled under: ,


Bavaria Cruiser 55 by BMW DesignworksUSA - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The term "flagship" gets thrown around a lot in the auto biz, but this time the term really fits the mold. Styled by the the automaker's design firm, the BMW DesignworksUSA Bavaria Cruiser 55 became the largest vessel in Bavaria's fleet when it launched this past weekend at the Palma Boat Show in Majorca, Spain.

Even in the rapidly reproaching disciplines of automotive design and naval architecture - recent examples of whose collaboration have included Viper-powered, Porsche-designed speedboats and a nautical Volkswagen Caddy - this isn't the first time the BMW design studio has dipped its toes in the water, having designed the Deep Blue 46 motoryacht for the same firm and the even larger 60-foot sailing vessel for Belgian shipyard Zeydon. This latest design benefits from lessons learned in automotive design, while incorporating some of the latest features in naval architecture. Follow the jump to read more in the press release and click the thumbnails below to view the images in high resolution.


Gallery: Bavaria Cruiser 55 by BMW DesignworksUSA

Continue reading Bavaria's new Flagship: Cruiser 55 sailboat by BMW DesignworksUSA

Bavaria's new Flagship: Cruiser 55 sailboat by BMW DesignworksUSA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For those who have been wondering when and where lightning-rod designer Chris Bangle will surface again, Automotive News has some scuttlebutt for you. According to the industry publication, the controversial BMW stylist has some plans of his own - for a new design studio.

While Bangle has not yet gone on record as saying anything, BMW's development head, Klaus Draeger has reportedly spilled the flame-surfaced beans, saying: "He's going to make his own dream come true. He's going to open his own design studio."

It isn't yet clear whether Bangle's next project will have an automotive focus or take his talents to other disciplines, but early reports (and a likely non-compete clause in his Bavarian contract) would probably indicate that he will move on to other things. If Bangle does make room for automotive consulting at some point, his design influence could well spread beyond BMW.

[Automotive News - subs req.]

Former BMW designer Chris Bangle to open own studio? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Automotive designAutomotiveDesignBimmerBMWChris BangleChrisBangleDesigndesign consultantdesign housedesign studioDesignConsultantDesignHouseDesignStudioflame surfaceflame surfacingFlameSurfaceFlameSurfacingStylistFri, 13 Feb 2009 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Buick Reatta a design flop?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/buick-reatta-a-design-flop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/buick-reatta-a-design-flop/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/28/buick-reatta-a-design-flop/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Buick Reatta a design flop? That's what a University of Michigan professor told The Wall Street Journal recently. Really? The Reatta is the one car that he could find to pick on as an automotive design flop? Sure, the high-tech coupe was overweight and underpowered, overpriced and under-appreciated. But a design flop? I think most of us would agree there are uglier, slower, more poorly-made cars in the history of automobiles. Our Dan Roth even called it a Future Classic not too long ago.

The story is part of a larger collection of design studies that looks at everything from blue jeans to concrete saws. One other automotive element of the series is a gushing story and video about Buick's Invicta concept car. If the piece is to be believed, the LaCrosse that may be based on the Invicta, will surely never make it onto a list of design flops.

So by that logic, fake, plastic portholes insure design success, but sexy, restrained style doesn't.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Buick Reatta a design flop? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I was young when I set up my first automotive company. It was small, as you might expect of a corporation founded by a 14-year-old. CJT Inc. produced only two vehicles. The MF2000 was a super-swoopy, gullwinged sports car with a tri-turbo V-12 that ran on either hydrogen or unleaded. Our other vehicle was an unnamed sport truck I swear GM stole and now, 22 years later, calls the Avalanche (what does that say about GM design? Hmmm).

Both cars, of course, were totally on paper and in my head. In fact, this may be the first time I've ever told anyone about them. They were awful-looking things, of course, since most of the design cues were taken from the mid-80s domestics I saw in my small rural hometown and a few over-the-top Italian supercars.

How many "amateur designers" reading this right now are nodding in agreement, remembering high school notebooks with 20 variations on the 911 profile, but only one page of physics notes?

A.J. Starkey of Texas is one of us armchair car designers. Starkey says his sketches are not meant to attempt to improve upon the pros, but instead are his escape from a relatively mundane cubicle-worker's life. He submitted to Autoblog his take on the admittedly gorgeous Dino rendering of Ugur Sahin. Starkey's take (seen above, with more here.) utilizes more design cues of the past, keeping the rear air intake lower on the body, and generally being more true to classic Ferraris.

Continue reading after the jump.

Continue reading Amateur car design: How fast do your dreams go?

Amateur car design: How fast do your dreams go? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesigncar designCarDesigndrawing carsDrawingCarsWed, 04 Jul 2007 11:34:00 EST<![CDATA[GM shuffles global design team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/06/gm-shuffles-global-design-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/06/gm-shuffles-global-design-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/06/gm-shuffles-global-design-team/#commentsFiled under: ,

GM's made some fairly significant changes to its domestic and international design teams, with former Chrysler designer Bryan Nesbitt coming out pretty good. Nesbitt moves from executive director of design for GM Europe to vice president of design for North America, reporting directly to Ed Welburn, vice president of GM global design. The VP of design NA is a new position according to GM's press release (on the jump). You probably remember Nesbitt's role in the PT Cruiser, HHR and Solstice designs.

Mark Adams will take Nesbitt's place in Europe and also report directly to Welburn. Adams is currently director of exterior design for GM Europe.

Another interesting note is the transfer of Dave Lyon, executive director of design for Asia Pacific, to executive director of interior design for North America. We wonder if it has anything to do with the success of Buick in China. Perhaps GM is hoping some of that success will rub off in the States.

Other design personnel changes are detailed in GM's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Car Body Design]

Continue reading GM shuffles global design team

GM shuffles global design team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 May 2007 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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With Scion as their inspiration, three recent graduates from Coventry University's Automotive-Design program are creating their idea of a youth car. For now, the trio is only releasing this conceptual sketch, but they hope to have a 3-D model in 8 weeks.

Kazanori Inomota, Edward Stubbs, and Mujammil Khan-Muztar began the project to envision what young car buyers would want in 2020. Like Scion, the team sees individuality as a driving force in choosing a car, even that far into the future. But instead of wild graphics or neon shifters, they expect even more radical customization.

"It doesn't have to mean crazy paint-jobs and stick-on flames; more likely people will want a 'music-studio option' or a 'gaming experience option', which represents what's important in their life," Mujammil says in a press release that you can read in its entirety after the jump.

Update: Edward Stubbs sent us a series of sketches (see them after the jump) of their vehicle showing several more views and providing a better idea of the car's dimensions and attributes.

Continue reading Scion in their sights: Coventry design students developing customizable youth car

Scion in their sights: Coventry design students developing customizable youth car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesignChris TutorChrisTutorcoventry universitycoventry university automotive designCoventryUniversityCoventryUniversityAutomotiveDesignEdward StubbsEdwardStubbsKazanori InomotaKazanoriInomotaMujammil Khan-MuztarMujammilKhan-muztarFri, 09 Mar 2007 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford launches "Innovations" site]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/ford-launches-innovations-site/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/ford-launches-innovations-site/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/17/ford-launches-innovations-site/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Autoblog reader Josh sent us in a tip about Ford's new "Innovations" site, a testament to the company's investments in alternative fuels, safety, design and technology. So far, the site's only active offering is the alternative fuels area, where it boasts Ford's leadership in the development of vehicles that run economically on gasoline, E85, diesel, and in the future, hydrogen.

The site is both promotional and educational -- in the case of the alternative fuels area, the site talks about Ford's current and future product offerings for the various fuel types and even offers up a gas calculator that shows how far one can get on a tank of gas with each type of fuel in each class of vehicle (hydrogen wins out every time, by the way). There is also a timeline conveying Ford's past accomplishments in each of the four areas the company is highlighting on the site, including Ford's plan for the future.

[Source: Ford Motor Company]

Ford launches "Innovations" site originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesignE85flex-fuelfordinnovationsafetyThu, 17 Aug 2006 08:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Caddy draws on history for richer interior in the 2007 SRX - UPDATED]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/caddy-draws-on-history-for-richer-interior-in-the-2007-srx/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/caddy-draws-on-history-for-richer-interior-in-the-2007-srx/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/12/caddy-draws-on-history-for-richer-interior-in-the-2007-srx/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cadillac is borrowing a page out of its own book -- one written decades ago -- to offer consumers an interior in the 2007 Cadillac SRX that's hand-crafted by GM's finest.

The luxury crossover offers up a richer cabin thanks to what GM calls its "cut and sew" method, a manual manufacturing process allowing for decorative French stitching and hand-wrapped coverings on the doors, center console and instrument panel. The result is a hand-tailored appearance, higher quality, softer surfaces and an overall more luxurious feel, the automaker says.

Modern technology complements the old world craftmanship with an upgraded sound system for the 2007 model, including a standard Bose audio system with digital surround sound and a jack for an iPod or other media player.

(Full release and more pics after the jump)

UPDATE - replaced pics with sharper versions

[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading Caddy draws on history for richer interior in the 2007 SRX - UPDATED

Caddy draws on history for richer interior in the 2007 SRX - UPDATED originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto interiorAutoInteriorautomotive designAutomotiveDesigncar designcar interiorCarDesignCarInteriorhand-stitchingtailoredWed, 12 Jul 2006 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Bold Moves: Episode 2 - Commitment to Design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/09/ford-bold-moves-campaign-highlights-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/09/ford-bold-moves-campaign-highlights-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/09/ford-bold-moves-campaign-highlights-design/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Half Real World, half late-night SPEED channel documentary, Ford's Bold Moves campaign is onto its second episode, Commitment to Design. Ford design gurus J Mays, Peter Horbury and Hau Thai-Tang chime in to accept responsibility for bringing Ford back from the abyss via design. The episode hones in on vehicles such as the Ford Iosis, Superchief truck and Shelby GR-1 to show how Ford is going after bold flavors of design and not vanilla to get its "design mojo back," as Mark Fields says in the episode.

As a bonus, check out an article on the site by our very own John Neff, "The Inside Story: Why A Car's Interior Design Matters More Than Ever" -- you can even vote for our fearless leader's contribution by logging into the Bold Moves site.

[Source: FordBoldMoves.com]

Ford Bold Moves: Episode 2 - Commitment to Design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Jul 2006 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inside Line brings us news of a designer's panel that took place in Detroit on Wednesday, featuring notables like Chrysler Group vice president of Jeep, truck and component design Ralph Gilles. Mr. 300 and others lamented about the horrors of going retro, while Ford North American Car director of design Pat Schiavone remarked upon the idea that "heritage," not necessarily retro, is of importance to American car manufacturers.

Designers also gave something of a vocabulary lesson during the panel. Apparently in designer slang, a vehicle that is awful despite a beautiful presentation is "craptastic."

[Source: Inside Line]

Is retro a dirty word? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesigncraptasticdesignfordralph gillesRalphGillesFri, 28 Apr 2006 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[While car design gets 'edgier', motorcycle styling aiming to look more human]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/27/while-car-design-gets-an-edge-motorcycles-aim-to-look-more-hu/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/27/while-car-design-gets-an-edge-motorcycles-aim-to-look-more-hu/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/27/while-car-design-gets-an-edge-motorcycles-aim-to-look-more-hu/#commentsFiled under: ,

Both the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and TechnoRide are reporting on interesting trends affecting vehicle design.

According to the former, automobile and SUV styling is becoming edgier and more menacing, backtracking from previous attempts to make them more friendly-looking. (Remember the Dodge Neon and its 'Hi' advertising?) Examples include the slanted headlights of the BMW 3-Series; the Dodge Charger and its 'tiger eyes'; and the Audi Q7 and its gaping mouth of a grill. The Mazda Miata, with its 'winking cartoon character' fascia also follows the trend. "The original Miata had a happy smile," said Ken Seward, lead designer for Mazda. "The new one has more of a sly grin."

The reason for the shift, designers argue, is that drivers are feeling threatened by large SUVs, increased traffic, and other road hazards, and may be seeking security by projecting a more aggressive image with their vehicles.

Motorcycle design, on the other hand, is going in the opposite direction. Honda and the Wako Research Center have determined that drivers and pedestrian notice objects that have anything akin to a human face. Honda has developed an experimental motorcycle, the ASV-3 (pictured), with a distinctly human-looking fairing, in an effort to draw more attention to the bike and its rider.

[Source: Wall Street Journal via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and TechnoRide.com]

While car design gets 'edgier', motorcycle styling aiming to look more human originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Mar 2006 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Automotive designAutomotiveDesignstylingMon, 27 Mar 2006 10:03:00 EST