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[Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/feat-of-clay-we-take-a-peek-inside-toyotas-calty-design-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/feat-of-clay-we-take-a-peek-inside-toyotas-calty-design-center/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/feat-of-clay-we-take-a-peek-inside-toyotas-calty-design-center/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Toyota's Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, CA - Click above for high-res image gallery

In anticipation of the debut of the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna at the 2009 LA Auto Show in December, the folks responsible for the minivan invited us to take a peek inside their Calty design center in Newport Beach, California. Calty Design Research is the Toyota design center that created production cars like the '78, '90 and '00 Toyota Celica, '07 FJ Cruiser, '07 Tundra, '08 Highlander, '08 Scion xB, and '09 Venza, as well as the Lexus LF-C, FT-SX, Scion t2B, Scion FUSE, FT-HS and A-BAT concepts.

It's not very often that they open the doors of this design center to the public - let alone journalists - so we jumped at the chance. We spent a day with the group directly responsible for the 2011 Sienna and also met with Calty and Toyota officials. It was an enlightening day in which we learned about what inspired this third generation people-hauler, what Calty offers to differentiate it from other Toyota design houses, and why full-size clay models are still so important in the world of design, among other things.

Follow the jump to travel with us past the velvet rope and into Calty.


Gallery: Calty Design Research Tour

Continue reading Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center

Feat of Clay: We take a peek inside Toyota's Calty design center originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Caltycalty design researchCaltyDesignResearchdesigndesign housedesignerdesignersDesignHousefeaturedlexuslexus designLexusDesignscionscion designScionDesigntoyotatoyota designToyotaDesignTue, 08 Dec 2009 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Production Nissan Qazana will bring new era of design, love it or hate it reaction]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-production-nissan-qazana-bringing-new-era-of-design-lov/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-production-nissan-qazana-bringing-new-era-of-design-lov/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-production-nissan-qazana-bringing-new-era-of-design-lov/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Nissan Qazana - Click above for high-res image gallery

By this point in the year it's not as easy to find worthy entries for Understatement of the Year - there is just so much competition - but a comment made about the Nissan Qazana certainly qualifies: a Nissan insider told UK-based Autocar that the gelatinous crossover "will split opinion."

And not only will you get your chance to buy one in 2012, statements by Nissan indicate that you'll have your chance to buy other cars that also look like it. Nissan's customer research appears to have also given the company every reason for believing "it will be a success," and that this will give the brand "a more attractive and emotional appeal in the future."

Nissan hasn't said what Qazana design features might be seen on other cars, and we don't know if we're ready to even think about that possibility. Europeans have three years to get ready for it, and we in the States have that time to prepare for an Altima that looks like Admiral Ackbar.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Nissan Qazana


Photos copyright (C)2009 Chris Paukert / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Autocar]

Production Nissan Qazana will bring new era of design, love it or hate it reaction originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 nissan2012 nissan qazana2012 qazana2012Nissan2012NissanQazana2012Qazanacrossoverdesignnissan qazanaNissanQazanaqazanaMon, 30 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Porsche releases limited edition "Designed 4 Ambition" calendar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/porsche-releases-limited-edition-designed-4-ambition-calendar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/porsche-releases-limited-edition-designed-4-ambition-calendar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/porsche-releases-limited-edition-designed-4-ambition-calendar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2010 Porsche calendars and diary -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche has released info and images on its three calendars and diary that will be happy to keep you company throughout 2010. Two of them are especially focused on the Panamera, because damn it, you're going to like that car whether you like it or not...

The Driver's Perspective calendar provides images of various models, highlighting the Panamera, and comes with a collector's coin "which shows the motto and the year." The Designed 4 Ambition Calendar was hatched by the designers at the Development Centre in Weissach and is focused on "extraordinary sporting performance and individual exclusivity," taking its subject as -- you guessed it -- the Panamera. It comes with a CD-ROM that also holds a short film and a screensaver, and there will only be 4,000 made.

Finally, the One of a Kind calendar take behind-the-scenes peeks at classic cars, like the Martini Racing car pictured above, of which only one was ever built. You can find out more about the calendars and the diary in the release after the jump, and check out some of the images in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: Porsche 2010 Calendars


[Source: Porsche via Car Body Design]

Continue reading Porsche releases limited edition "Designed 4 Ambition" calendar

Porsche releases limited edition "Designed 4 Ambition" calendar originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriescalendardesigndiaryetcpanameraporscheporsche panameraPorschePanameraFri, 30 Oct 2009 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Cadillac quietly unveils new, old-look logo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-cadillac-quietly-unveils-new-old-look-logo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-cadillac-quietly-unveils-new-old-look-logo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/report-cadillac-quietly-unveils-new-old-look-logo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As with its model line, Cadillac has performed surgery on its logo. The previous logo, at right, was a sleek bit of matte color and metal unveiled in 1999 as a result of Cadillac wanting a new icon to represent its "art & science" campaign. The aim was "to combine suggestions of high technology and elegance through faceted shapes-inspired by the stealth fighter and by gemstones." Sure.

The new logo cranks up the texture effect on the wreath, adds texture inside the crest, and plays up the embossing and light effects of the crest edge. It's new, but it's got a shiny bit of retro about it that we don't mind.

Cadillac doesn't appear to have said anything about it, and while it appears on the 60-day Guarantee site we can't tell if it's made it onto Caddy's official plot of the interwebs. The real test, though, will be how it looks when it makes it onto the cars. Thanks for the tip, Scott!

[Source: Under Consideration]

Continue reading REPORT: Cadillac quietly unveils new, old-look logo

REPORT: Cadillac quietly unveils new, old-look logo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brandingcadillaccadillac logoCadillacLogodesigngeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmlogoTue, 13 Oct 2009 08:58:00 EST<![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[REPORT: Ferrari poaches new design director from Volkswagen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-ferrari-poaches-new-design-director-from-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-ferrari-poaches-new-design-director-from-volkswagen/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/report-ferrari-poaches-new-design-director-from-volkswagen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Few lines are as fluid as those between the Italian and German automobile industries. Executives seem to move back and forth between the two faster than the exotic supercars for which they're responsible, and all the more so when it comes to designers.

Frank Stephenson moved to Ferrari and on to the Fiat group after 11 years at BMW. Italian designer Walter de Silva cut his proverbial teeth at Fiat and Alfa Romeo before moving to Audi, where he also oversaw Lamborghini's design department - and he has since been promoted to head of design for the entire Volkswagen group. German-born, Italian-schooled Wolfgang Egger has similarly bounced back and forth between Alfa Romeo, VW and Lancia before succeeding de Silva as head of Audi and Lamborghini design. The list goes on and on, and if the latest reports from Italy are to be believed, you can now add to them one Flavio Manzoni.

As director of creative design in Wolfsburg, Manzoni was known as de Silva's right-hand man. But now he's said to be moving back to Italy to head up Ferrari's design department. If these reports are accurate, Manzoni will be replacing current Ferrari design director Donato Coco (who in turn replaced the aforementioned Stephenson), report directly to managing director Amedeo Felisa and work to establish a Ferrari style center to bring more of the design work, currently handled by Pininfarina, in-house.

[Source: Quattroroute via eurocarblog]

REPORT: Ferrari poaches new design director from Volkswagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>centro stile ferrariCentroStileFerraridesigndesignerferrariferrari style centerFerrariStyleCenterflavio manzoniFlavioManzonimanzonipininfarinastylevolkswagenWed, 30 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, a good reason to take the bus: BMW street furniture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/finally-a-good-reason-to-take-the-bus-bmw-street-furniture/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/finally-a-good-reason-to-take-the-bus-bmw-street-furniture/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/finally-a-good-reason-to-take-the-bus-bmw-street-furniture/#comments
BMW street furniture - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's DesignworksUSA isn't new to the furniture game, but instead of having to take a plane or buy a yacht to sample the creative firm's wares, all you need to do is... take a bus. After two years of consultations with Landscape Forms, a company specializing in outdoor site furniture, Designworks created a 7-piece selection of furniture for public transport spaces called "metro 40."

The seven pieces are broken down into categories: connect, rest, ride, collect, hi glo, lo glo, and show. Together, they cover everything you'd generally need to do at a bus stop: sit down, get under cover, lock up a bike, throw things away, and see things.

The point of the pieces is to enhance "the overall perception of inner cities with high traffic density and to convey a personal atmosphere to these particular areas." Not hard to do when the furniture outside is nicer than the furniture in your own house. But if we can make a suggestion: since it's public transport, where's the bar? You can read about metro 40 in the press release after the jump and check out the goods in the high-res gallery of photos below.


Gallery: Metro 40 by BMW DesingworksUSA and Landscape Forms


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Finally, a good reason to take the bus: BMW street furniture

Finally, a good reason to take the bus: BMW street furniture originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw designworksbmw designworks usaBmwDesignworksBmwDesignworksUsadesigndesignworksdesignworks usadesignworksusafalsefurniturelandscape formsLandscapeFormsmetro 40Metro40public transitpublic transporationpublic transportpublic transportationPublicTransitPublicTransporationPublicTransportPublicTransportationWed, 23 Sep 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: High-tech muffler speakers make diesel engine sound sporty, cut noise levels by 20 dB]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/11/report-high-tech-muffler-speakers-makes-diesel-engine-sound-spo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



An exhaust-system and heating-solution supplier has reportedly engineered an electronic way to modify the sound coming from a vehicle's tailpipe. The company, Eberspächer, claims the innovation can make diesel-powered vehicles sound sportier and add an audible sound track to near-silent electric vehicles.

While mechanical devices - including flaps, dampers, or acoustic materials - have become commonplace in modern exhaust systems, this unique technology utilizes a dedicated electronic control unit (ECU) to emit sound waves to counter much of the unwanted frequencies (similar to the process of noise-canceling headphones). Of course, the same speaker technology that generates the "white noise" may be used to create new exhaust notes.

The obvious benefits are more appealing exhaust tunes, but it doesn't just stop there. This sound-deadening technology allows automakers to reduced the size of the existing mufflers (saving both weight and cost), and it may add some needed noise to the electric vehicles navigating our roads and highways.

[Source: SAE International]

REPORT: High-tech muffler speakers make diesel engine sound sporty, cut noise levels by 20 dB originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DesignElectronicsExhaust NoteExhaustNoteInnovative TechnologyInnovativeTechnologyMuffleMufflerNoise-CancelingSAESilencerSoundFri, 11 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Maserati, <i>Architectural Digest</i> celebrate best real and concept garages]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/maserati-i-architectural-digest-i-celebrate-best-real-and-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/maserati-i-architectural-digest-i-celebrate-best-real-and-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/maserati-i-architectural-digest-i-celebrate-best-real-and-co/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Maserati garage design winners -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Maserati makes beautiful cars. In a contest they held with Architectural Digest, the home of the trident went looking for the best homes for those cars -- not the actual houses, but the garages that house their creations. Entries came in two categories, Existing and Concept, and were judged on "noted architectural element, uniqueness and individuality."

The winning existing garage could barely be considered a garage -- more like a living room where you park your car. The winning concept garage has three turntables that can place cars in three different positions depending on whether you're coming, showing off, or going. You can read the press release after jump and check out the stunning high-res images of the winners' designs below.


Gallery: Winning Garages of Maserati "Design Driven" Competition


[Source: Maserati]

Continue reading Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages

Maserati, Architectural Digest celebrate best real and concept garages originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingarchitectural digestArchitecturalDigestarchitectureartcontestdesigngaragemahalgaragmahallifestylemarketingmaseratiMon, 27 Jul 2009 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Chrysler christens Brandon Faurote as new chief designer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-chrysler-christens-brandon-faurote-as-new-chief-designer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-chrysler-christens-brandon-faurote-as-new-chief-designer/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/report-chrysler-christens-brandon-faurote-as-new-chief-designer/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Chrysler Firepower Concept - Click above for a high-res image gallery

When Sergio Marchionne revamped Fiat, he installed new designers at each company division and charged them with creating products that would define each brand and move metal. Marchionne has apparently done the same with Chrysler, putting Brandon Faurote in charge of Chrysler, Joseph Dehner in at Dodge, and Mark Allen in at Jeep.

Faurote has been with the Pentastar since he was 22, and has worked on offerings like the 1999 Jeep Cherokee and the 2001 Chrysler and Dodge minivans. Since 2003, his title has been Chief Designer - Advanced Product Design, and he's given us concept cars like the 2005 Chrysler Firepower (pictured). He's also given us the Chrysler Imperial, so we pray his eye for the brand leads more toward artillery than royalty.

Joseph Dehner leads the Dodge charge and has the Crossfire and 2001 Chrysler Sebring in his quiver... but also the exterior design of the 2007 Sebring. Mark Allen has the the 2006 Jeep Wrangler and 2009 Dodge Ram 150 to take credit for, as well as super cool Jeep concepts like the Jeep JT and Jeep J8 Sarge. Here's to hoping Fiat encourages - and pays for - them to give us their best. Hat tip to 13enS!


Gallery: Chrysler Firepower Concept


[Source: The Motor Report]

REPORT: Chrysler christens Brandon Faurote as new chief designer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chryslerdesigndesignerdesignersdodgejeepsergio marchionneSergioMarchionneWed, 01 Jul 2009 09:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Ken Okuyama Design takes over at former Mercedes Advanced Design studio in Irvine]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ken-okuyama-design-takes-over-at-former-mercedes-advanced-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ken-okuyama-design-takes-over-at-former-mercedes-advanced-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/04/ken-okuyama-design-takes-over-at-former-mercedes-advanced-design/#commentsFiled under: ,


K07 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

Anybody can start sketching cars in their basement and call themselves a design studio. Of course it helps if you've got the clout and experience that comes with having steered an established coachbuilder like Pininfarina. But if you're going to make a dent in the increasingly troubled independent automotive design community, you're going to need a fancy facility to make it all happen. And that's just what Ken Okuyama has done.

The former Pininfarina chief stylist, since turned independent, has established an American arm to his expanding design enterprise, and they've set up shop at what used to be the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design studio (which in turn moved into Chrysler's former Pacifica Advanced Design Center in Carlsbad). The facility at 17742 Cowan Street in Irvine, California, (close to the line with Newport Beach) was purpose-built by Mercedes and boasts some 13,500 square feet of space right in the heart of Southern California's automotive design epicenter. While Okuyama himself will presumably continue to work from his headquarters in Italy, he's assembled a crackerjack team to lead the American studio, including Neil Brooker, Michael Castiglione and Stuart Macey - the team credited with such work as the Porsche Carrera GT and Dodge Challenger, designs which clearly speak for themselves. In addition to automotive design, the crew at Ken Okuyama Design USA will be working on furniture, eyewear and mass transit, among other things, as well as a custom coach-building operation to allow discerning (read: filthy rich) customers create their own one-of-a-kind rides. We'll expect to see more from the studio in the near future.


Gallery: K.O. 7 and K.O. 8


[Source: Car Design News]

Ken Okuyama Design takes over at former Mercedes Advanced Design studio in Irvine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiadesigndesign studioDesignStudiofacilityirvineirvine californiaIrvineCaliforniaken okuyamaken okuyama designken okuyama design usaKenOkuyamaKenOkuyamaDesignKenOkuyamaDesignUsamercedes-benz advanced designMercedes-benzAdvancedDesignokuyamastudioThu, 04 Jun 2009 07:58:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive designAutomotiveDesignbavariabavaria cruiser 55BavariaCruiser55bmwbmw designworksbmw designworksusaBmwDesignworksBmwDesignworksusadesigndesignworks usaDesignworksUsanauticalnaval architectureNavalArchitecturesailsail yachtsailboatSailYachtyachtTue, 28 Apr 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Bertone family back in court over management issues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bertone-family-back-in-court-over-management-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bertone-family-back-in-court-over-management-issues/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/14/bertone-family-back-in-court-over-management-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Bertone girls can't seem to keep their disputes out of local courts, as the widow of the late Nuccio Bertone and their daughters are at each others' throats once again.

Previous legal disputes centered around matriarch Lilli Bertone's attempt to sell the company to Domenico Reviglio, to say nothing of the bankruptcy administration under which the company fell recently. The latest saga once again involves Lilli, who, despite holding the largest share of the company and acting as its chair, serves no management role.

Apparently, Lilli attempted to hire former Pininfarina and Ghia designer Emanuele Nicosia for a disputed role in the newly formed Stile Bertone. Nicosia was supposed to act as an adviser, but Marie Jeanne Bertone, who runs the company hands-on, and managing director Teresio Gigi Gaudio took the matter to court after they apparently saw a business card circulating that placed Nicosia's title as managing director.

Complicated enough? This is only one of several lawsuits currently backing up the Italian courts filed between Lilli Bertone and her daughters Marie Jeanne and Barbara. Hopefully, they can stay out of the way of Jason Castriota and his crew while they work away on the highly anticipated upcoming Project M. Stay tuned for more.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - subs. req'd]

Bertone family back in court over management issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barbara bertoneBarbaraBertonebertonedesigndesigneremanuele nicosiaEmanueleNicosiagaudiolilli bertoneLilliBertonemanaging directorManagingDirectormarie jeanne bertoneMarieJeanneBertonenicosiastile bertoneStileBertoneteresio gigi gaudioTeresioGigiGaudioTue, 14 Apr 2009 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai fills chief designer vacancy with GM's Phillip Zak]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/hyundai-fills-chief-designer-vacancy-with-gms-phillip-zak/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/hyundai-fills-chief-designer-vacancy-with-gms-phillip-zak/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/06/hyundai-fills-chief-designer-vacancy-with-gms-phillip-zak/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hyundai's North American operations have been without a chief designer since the December 2008 departure of Joel Piaskowski, but the Korean automaker has finally announced a successor in Philip Zak, pictured at right with a woman's dress for some reason.

By taking the reins at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California, Zak ends a 20-year tenure at General Motors where he was responsible for an endless slew of designs, from the Oldsmobile Bravada to the Chevy Equinox, and was most recently in charge of Saab and Opel design as the General's chief stylist in Europe. Zak's move to Hyundai is only the most recent in a string of shuffles in automotive design that has included shifts at Mazda, Volvo, Ford and BMW, to name just a few. We'll be looking forward to seeing what Zak has in store for Hyundai in his new post. Follow the jump to read the full announcement in Hyundai's press release.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai fills chief designer vacancy with GM's Phillip Zak

Hyundai fills chief designer vacancy with GM's Phillip Zak originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chief designerChiefDesignerdesigndesignerhyundaihyundai designhyundai design centerHyundaiDesignHyundaiDesignCenterphil zakphilip zakPhilipZakPhilZakMon, 06 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW names Marc Girard head of interior design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/02/bmw-names-marc-girard-head-of-interior-design/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The field of car design has been about as stable as an active volcano lately, with several major automakers replacing their design chiefs in quick succession. Over the past couple of weeks, Volvo's styling guru Steve Mattin quit, and he was replaced by Ford designer Peter Horbury, whose post in turn was taken up by Moray Callum. Before that, Volkswagen designer Derek Jenkins defected to Mazda, while Mazda's chief designer Laurens van der Acker was replaced by Ikuo Maeda. But in advance of all that, Chris Bangle sent shockwaves through the industry (in typical Bangle style) by leaving BMW. Adrian van Hooydonk was promoted to take his place, but after Munich's interior designer Michael Ninic died suddenly last year, Hooydonk was stretched a little thin.

The latest appointment, however, should help alleviate some of the pressure, as Marc Girard has been named head of BMW's interior design department. The French designer, educated at the Art Center College of Design, has been with the BMW Group for some 15 years now, and has been responsible for the cabins on several Bimmer and MINI models of late. It's a logical move for the Bavarian automaker, and a well-deserved step up for the talented cabinsmith.

[Source: Car Design News]

BMW names Marc Girard head of interior design originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following hot on the heels of reports that Volkswagen designer Derek Jenkins had defected to Mazda to head up its North American design office comes news that the Japanese automaker has replaced its global design chief, Laurens van der Acker, with Ikuo Maeda.

Van der Acker joins Volvo's Steve Mattin in leaving the design division of Ford's foreign operations, but Mazda's styling department should be left in capable hands with Maeda-san at the wheel. Maeda's been with the Zoom-Zoom company since April 1982, and has held a number of influential design positions within the Mazda hierarchy, having headed up its Design Strategic Studio and Yokohama design studio in the Eighties before moving to Detroit to work for parent company Ford. Maeda would then return to Mazda in 2000, where he spearheaded the design of the RX-8 and new Mazda2. In his new position atop the Mazda design totem-poll, Maeda will be working out of the company's headquarters in Hiroshima, Japan.

[Source: Mazda]

Laurens van der Acker steps down as Mazda design chief, Ikuo Maeda steps up originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Derek Jenkins has spent his entire professional design career within the walls of the VolkswagenGroup, first working on the Concept 1 (which became the New Beetle) under J Mays. After having also worked on the Audi A2, the Microbus concept, the GX3 (seen above), as well as the Passat Gold Coast and Eos Highway 1 concepts for Pebble Beach, Jenkins has retired from VW this month.

According to Edmunds' Straightline blog, the designer's new gig is with Mazda, where he will replace Franz von Holzhausen (the young gun who defected to Tesla in April of 2008) as the head of the company's North American design efforts. Now, if he can just do something about those smiley faces...

[Source: Straightline]

REPORT: VW's California studio head Derek Jenkins to move to Mazda design originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derek jenkinsDerekJenkinsdesigndesign studiodesignerdesignersDesignStudiofranz von holzhausenFranzVonHolzhausenmazdavolkswagenMon, 30 Mar 2009 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Former BMW designer Chris Bangle to open own studio?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/former-bmw-designer-chris-bangle-to-open-studio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/former-bmw-designer-chris-bangle-to-open-studio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/13/former-bmw-designer-chris-bangle-to-open-studio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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[Other Perspectives: Chris Bangle - The man who saved BMW?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/other-perspectives-chris-bangle-the-man-who-saved-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/other-perspectives-chris-bangle-the-man-who-saved-bmw/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/05/other-perspectives-chris-bangle-the-man-who-saved-bmw/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chris Bangle, who left BMW earlier this week to move "beyond the automobile," did not create the butt that bears his name - Adrian van Hooydonk did. But most importantly, Bangle did not stand behind that butt; he stood in front of it. It was Bangle's vision for not just BMW, but for automobiles entirely, that allowed that bustle butt to come into existence. Two new essays that look at BMW design before Bangle and the scope of automotive design after Bangle are well worth reading, even if you aren't a fan of the man or his machines.

So while this particular blogger is unmoved by the current 3 Series and 7 Series, bristles at the X3 and X6, and thinks the 6 Series looks like some rare species of giant clam, this same blogger can readily assert that Bangle's vision did something lasting, influential, and important. The exact measures of those three feats will be determined by history's refining hand, but they will not be erased.

If nothing else, providence provided a man named Bangle to hang our epithets on, saving us from having to say "Hooydonk Butt" which just sounds dirty. Follow the links for the stories and see if you think that far from destroying BMW design, the man not only helped rescue the company but perhaps car design itself.

[Source: Speed Sport Life and Motor Trend]

Other Perspectives: Chris Bangle - The man who saved BMW? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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