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[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[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[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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw marc girardBmwMarcGirarddesigndesign chiefDesignChiefdesignerhead of designHeadOfDesigninteriorinterior designinterior designerInteriorDesignInteriorDesignermarc girardMarcGirardThu, 02 Apr 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: VW's California studio head Derek Jenkins to move to Mazda design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/vws-california-studio-head-derek-jenkins-to-move-to-mazda-desig/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/vws-california-studio-head-derek-jenkins-to-move-to-mazda-desig/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/30/vws-california-studio-head-derek-jenkins-to-move-to-mazda-desig/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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[More Lambo shoes: Reventon sneakers!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/14/more-lambo-shoes-reventon-sneakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/14/more-lambo-shoes-reventon-sneakers/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/14/more-lambo-shoes-reventon-sneakers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Tim Cooper came up with a hideous set of pumps inspired by the Lamborghini Gallardo. Now, a French designer at Subaru in Japan has come up with sneakers that pull their inspiration from the Lamborghini Reventon. They're a little blunt at the front, but otherwise -- and as one might expect -- they're sleek, angular, olive drab, and boast a healthy dose of carbon fiber trim. Check out that trick suspended heel, too. We're not likely to ever see a production version, but if Lamborghini did decide to offer them, we'd take these kicks over the Lamborghini cologne any day.

[Source: Fred Dupuis-Jung]

More Lambo shoes: Reventon sneakers! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designeretcindustrial designIndustrialDesignlamborghinilamborghini reventonlamborghini reventon sneakersLamborghiniReventonLamborghiniReventonSneakerslifestylereventonsneakersSat, 14 Mar 2009 17:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Fly like a Hawk in Alex Hodge's single seater]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/fly-like-a-hawk-in-alex-hodges-single-seater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/fly-like-a-hawk-in-alex-hodges-single-seater/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/fly-like-a-hawk-in-alex-hodges-single-seater/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a gallery of the Hodge Hawk

We don't have anything against the T-Rex, but... you can keep it. Whenever we enter the market for a three-wheeled vehicle, we'll take this baby designed by New Zealander Alex Hodge. A fiberglass shell rides on an alloy chassis that connects the three wheels. For motive power there's the heart of a Honda RC51 sportbike, and the 10,000 rpm, 120 rear-wheel-horsepower would give the thing a theoretical top speed of 145 mph. When it's red light time, disc brakes are fitted up front and double-up in the back. Sure, you can't buy it yet, but we're not looking for a trike at the moment, either. And we can wait. So Alex, get to work, please...

[Source: Alex Hodge via Autoblog.nl]

Fly like a Hawk in Alex Hodge's single seater originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex hodgeAlexHodgeconcept carConceptCardesignerhodge hawkHodgeHawkt-rextrikeFri, 02 Jan 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry crunch hitting design students hard]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/industry-crunch-hitting-design-students-hard/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/industry-crunch-hitting-design-students-hard/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/26/industry-crunch-hitting-design-students-hard/#commentsFiled under:



Another casualty in the collateral damage of auto industry woes: Graduating car designers are no longer finding jobs. The LA Times reports that in years past, manufacturer representatives would attend the Pasadena's Art Center College of Design's senior showcase and welcome a few visionaries into the hallowed world of car design. Now, manufacturer representation is down to one or two (if any), and those who show don't always end up hiring. For students who weren't chosen by manufacturers, the fallback was often working for a supplier, but these days, prospects there are just as bleak.

The fallback plan now for studious car design aspirants tends to be interiors or the world outside of car design. Those who can find any place at all in the car world will settle for penning A/C vents for now, and those who can't are looking at consumer appliances like cellular telephones. Although we have no doubt that current designers can deliver worthy goods when given the freedom to do so, as car enthusiasts, we look forward to when the gates open up again for the greatest minds of the collegiate generation.

[Source: LA Times]

Industry crunch hitting design students hard originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto industryauto industry bailoutauto industry outlookAutoIndustryAutoIndustryBailoutAutoIndustryOutlookcar designcar designerCarDesignCarDesignerdesigndesignerdesignersFri, 26 Dec 2008 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyundai Motor America design chief Piaskowski resigns]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/hyundai-motor-america-design-chief-resigns/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/hyundai-motor-america-design-chief-resigns/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/23/hyundai-motor-america-design-chief-resigns/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Genesis Coupe isn't even out yet and the primary pen behind it is leaving the company. Joel Piaskowski, Hyundai Motor America's chief designer since 2003, is walking out the door.

Besides his work on the upcoming Genesis Coupe, Piaskowski is also known as being the driving force behind Hyundai's HCD concepts like the Hellion (above), and has been credited with beginning to develop a consistent design language among the automaker's vehicles.

For an interesting interview on car design featuring Piaskowski, General Motors' Ed Welburn, Franz von Holzhausen (formerly of Mazda, now with Tesla), and the New York Times' Phil Patton, check out this video on the Charlie Rose show by clicking here.

Piaskowski's tenure ends at the end of this month, and there is no word yet on where he is expected to end up.

[Source: Automotive News, Sub Req.]

Hyundai Motor America design chief Piaskowski resigns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chief designerChiefDesignerdeparturesdesigndesignerGenesis SedanGenesisSedanhyundaihyundai genesis coupeHyundaiGenesisCoupejoel piaskowskiJoelPiaskowskiKiaPiaskowskiTue, 23 Dec 2008 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Dodge Challenger Concept designer leaves Chrysler]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/dodge-challenger-concept-designer-leaves-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/dodge-challenger-concept-designer-leaves-chrysler/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/dodge-challenger-concept-designer-leaves-chrysler/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Big name designers often skip from one job to another in the automotive world. Chrysler seems to be losing more than its fair share of artistic types, as the Auburn Hills-based automaker has lost two top designers in recent weeks. First, long time design chief Trevor Creed retired. Now Dodge Challenger Concept designer Micheal Castiglione has left for a smaller, more diversified design house. Castiglione has joined Ken Okuyama Design as their chief designer where he will work on everything from eye glasses and furniture to trains and planes. Okuyama also has some automotive interests, including the K.O 7 open wheel and the interesting-looking K.O 8 coupe (above). During his 15-year tenure with the Pentastar, Castiglione's best work came in the form of the Dodge Challenger Concept, but he also worked on the Jeep Compass concept and the Chrysler 300 production car.

[Source: Car Design News]

Dodge Challenger Concept designer leaves Chrysler originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>challenger designerChallengerDesignerchryslerdesignerDodge ChallengerDodgeChallengerMicheal CastiglioneMichealCastiglionemuscle carMuscleCarMon, 15 Sep 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler design done with the 'edge,' going organic]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/chrysler-design-done-with-the-edge-going-organic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/chrysler-design-done-with-the-edge-going-organic/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/02/chrysler-design-done-with-the-edge-going-organic/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Trevor Creed resigned from the position of Chrysler's head of design, and as of today is succeeded by Ralph Gilles, the man who designed the 300C. Since every change at the top comes with a "new sheriff in town" speech -- or at least one-liner -- this is what Gilles had to say: "It's definitely time for a new aesthetic at Chrysler. ... We're done with the 'edge' look."

Gilles says he wants the Pentastar's cars to look more "organic." This being art, however, that could really mean anything. For concrete examples and practical considerations he mentioned the Dodge Zeo and Chrysler Ecovoyager, and said that he wants to design "sexy" cars that will appeal around the world. Intriguing statements from the gent known for a car that epitomizes the American muscle sedan, but we are all in favor, and we say "aye." The only question is how soon will they start the redesign, and what will organic look like?

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Chrysler design done with the 'edge,' going organic originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrysler designchrysler llcChryslerDesignChryslerLlcdesigndesignerdesignsdodgeralph gillesralph gillies chryslerRalphGillesRalphGilliesChryslerTue, 02 Sep 2008 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Mustang Blue: The new smell of 'Stang]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/01/mustang-blue-the-new-smell-of-stang/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/01/mustang-blue-the-new-smell-of-stang/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/01/mustang-blue-the-new-smell-of-stang/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A year after the introduction of the original scent, Aramis and Designer Fragrances have unveiled a new Mustang cologne variant. Mustang Blue, according to the manufacturer, is "the definition of confident, sexy and powerful for the Mustang man." A delicate blend of axle grease, brake fluid, and motor oil --- oh wait, sorry -- geranium, sage, artemisia, and a host of other olfactory stimulants combine to "celebrate the Mustang Man on a new journey."

Sam and I have Mustangs, and I'm fairly confident that neither of us knows exactly what the Mustang cologne people are talking about. Sam's is actually finished in Vista Blue, though, so maybe this is targeted more towards him. My personal favorite Mustang scent is Smoked Pirelli, but I suppose that has less broad consumer appeal than whiffs of sandalwood, hay and patchouli. Now that Mustang Cologne has spawned its first official variant, Shelby, Bullitt, and California Special edition scents can't be far off.

[Source: The Mustang Source]

Mustang Blue: The new smell of 'Stang originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Jun 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aramisbluecolognedesignerfragrancemustangSun, 01 Jun 2008 12:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Mercedes design head stepping down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/mercedes-design-head-stepping-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/mercedes-design-head-stepping-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/26/mercedes-design-head-stepping-down/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Over the last three decades, there's been a common thread making Mercedes designs instantly recognizable and a lot of credit for that belongs to MBZ design boss Peter Pfeiffer. After forty years at Mercedes-Benz, and thirty years overseeing design, Pfeiffer is headed for retirement within the next 12 months. It was under Pfeiffer's pen that Mercedes turned out some of its most important cars. Vehicles like the 190, the W126 S-Class, original E-Class, and more recent work like the R, M, and G-class non-cars, to name a few. Gorden Wagener, president of Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design in North America is a name being bandied about as Pfeiffer's replacement, and Mercedes will be making an official announcement soon. After such a long stint under the same chief, it will be interesting to see whether Mercedes design changes, and if so, how those changes will be received by the public.

[Source: Autoweek]

Mercedes design head stepping down originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdesign bossdesign chiefdesign headDesignBossDesignChiefdesignerDesignHeadhead designerHeadDesignermercedesmercedes benzmercedes-benzmercedesbenzpeter pfeifferPeterPfeifferpfeifferretirementstep downStepDownWed, 26 Mar 2008 07:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Saab Aero X designer honored]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/22/saab-aero-x-designer-honored/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/22/saab-aero-x-designer-honored/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/22/saab-aero-x-designer-honored/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For a car designer, being honored by ELLE magazine might not be something you rush to append to your Curriculum Vitae. On the other hand, good design is good design, and the difference between the design cognoscenti and lay people is largely an ability to verbalize the pleasing elements of a form. Most people unschooled in the history and theory of design merely say "it's nice, I like it," or the oft-uttered phrase around Autoblog HQ - "that's hot."

GM Europe's Anthony Lo has been bestowed the honor of "Asian Designer of the Year" at the 2007 ELLE Magazine Style Awards. Lo has headed up GM Europe's Advanced Design division since 2004 after holding Advanced Design positions at Saab and Mercedes Benz. Lo's work on the Saab Aero X concept won him the award from ELLE. Lo has also presided over the designs of recent concepts such as the Opel Flextreme and GTC. So we guess if you love/hate the 9-5's chrome-bespectaled beak, he's the man to thank/blame. The Aero X is one fine piece of work, though, so we'll just stare at that and chase away any thoughts of the 9-5, or better yet, the Caddy BLS.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: GM via The Car Blog]

Continue reading Saab Aero X designer honored

Saab Aero X designer honored originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Nov 2007 08:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeroaero xAeroXanthonyanthony loAnthonyLoasianasian designer of the yearAsianDesignerOfTheYeardesignerellegmlosaabxThu, 22 Nov 2007 08:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Make a MINI masterpiece]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/make-a-mini-masterpiece/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/make-a-mini-masterpiece/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/02/make-a-mini-masterpiece/#commentsFiled under:

Between VW and MINI (and Audi's multiplying microsites), it's a wonder we don't spend all day playing little flash games with cars. That is, what tiny bit of time we have left when we're finished talking about cars. The house of Hammer & Coop has come up with another pleasing time-waster for MINI-philes, one that lets you design a custom roof. When you're finished with your MINI Mondrian or some other artistic piece, you can submit your design to the gallery. If it gets approved (which can take up to a week), your car will appear in the site opener, parked among what look to be hundreds of cars created by folks who also had nothing better to do at work. (As far as we can tell, the picture above can't be created in the designer, so don't expect to see it in the gallery any time soon. But lolcats and MINI's are made for each other.)

[Source: MINI.com via Autobild]

Make a MINI masterpiece originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Jun 2007 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designerminiroofSat, 02 Jun 2007 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Do you smell fastback? Estee Lauder announces Mustang cologne]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/do-you-smell-fastback-estee-lauder-announces-mustang-cologne/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/do-you-smell-fastback-estee-lauder-announces-mustang-cologne/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/do-you-smell-fastback-estee-lauder-announces-mustang-cologne/#commentsFiled under: ,

Talk about badge engineering. Aramis and Designer Fragrances, a division of Estee Lauder, has partnered with Ford to "bring the Mustang man to life." How? With a cologne spray, of course.

The same fragrance design house that has created for Donna Karan, Missoni, and Coach, has "engineered" a scent that is -- wait for it -- "bold, daring, and legendary." This, apparently, accurately describes the average Mustang owner, as well. A few more attributes you must have to comfortably wear this cologne: you must be "strong," "confident," "driven," "with an innate masculinity that does not go unnoticed." And you're "a guy's guy, yet... both modern and authentic." With great cologne, comes great responsibility.

So now that you know what you're getting into, here is the breakdown: the bold is lavender, ginger, and lemon; the daring is pipe tobacco and cedarwood; and the legendary is amber, fir basalm, and patchouli. Doesn't exactly sound like the scent that Bullitt would have been reaching for, but what do we know? The exterior packaging is a graphite metal reusable collector's tin, and prices for the range of cologne and after shave will begin at $20. It launches in July. And if current Mustang trends hold, it will launch again a month later with red racing stripes.

[Source: Yahoo]

Do you smell fastback? Estee Lauder announces Mustang cologne originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aramisboldcolognedaringdesigneresteefragranceslauderlegendarymustangsprayTue, 08 May 2007 12:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Another answer to an unasked question: Saab's Little White Purse]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/another-answer-to-an-unasked-question-saabs-little-white-purse/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/another-answer-to-an-unasked-question-saabs-little-white-purse/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/20/another-answer-to-an-unasked-question-saabs-little-white-purse/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We're not sure why strains of "Little Green Bag" are going through our head. Perhaps because it's about as funky as this little white purse. Saab teamed up with fashion designer Osman Yousefzada to create "The Little White Purse." The impetus behind the lash-up is to reduce the approximately one day per year the average woman spends digging around for her keys. This from the car company that mounts the ignition lock on the floor. It costs about $150, and is constructed of Italian leather and a nice, heavy silver plated chain. The compact purse (isn't it always the case, the more you spend, the less you get when you're buying designer goods?) can fit inside another purse, be worn as a necklace, or used as a torture device. Like any good exclusive Euro accessory, the Little White Purse isn't available in the US, but you can order it through the Saab UK website. We have two more pictures of the purse in action on the arm of a young woman after the jump.

[Source: gizmag]

Continue reading Another answer to an unasked question: Saab's Little White Purse

Another answer to an unasked question: Saab's Little White Purse originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorydesigneretcfashiongadgetpursesaabTue, 20 Feb 2007 19:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Pininfarina replaces design director Ken Okuyama]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/pininfarina-replaces-design-director-ken-okuyama/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/pininfarina-replaces-design-director-ken-okuyama/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/13/pininfarina-replaces-design-director-ken-okuyama/#commentsFiled under: , ,

UPDATE


Barely a year into his second stint at Pininfarina, director of design Ken Okuyama has been let go by the Italian design firm. Ken was previously with the company back in 1995 and is credited with designing the Enzo and 612, among others. We recently ran into him at the Pasadena Art Center Car Classic held at the Pasadena Art Center College of Design, where he remains on staff. He was also up in Pebble Beach where he was an honorary judge at the Concours d'Elegance close to where Pininfarina and Ferrari also showed off their new 599 GTB, as well as the James Glickenhaus-commissioned 612 P4/5 and Peter Kalikow 612K.

Replacing Okuyama will be company Chairman Andrea Pininfarina until a permanent replacement is found. Ken's philosophy of emphasizing practical design techniques and a more rigid engineering-based approach to projects led some to speculate that he might not be long for Pininfarina. Indeed, some have argued that Pininfarina and Ferrari have lost some of the passion that saw breathtakingly beautiful new models rolling out of Maranello every few years. Slightly more conservative in design (albeit more user-friendly and real-world practical), the 612, 599 and F430 have been criticized by some of the die-hard Ferrari fans out there for being too tame.

[Source: Automotive News - sub required]

UPDATE: After posting this article we received an e-mail from Mr. Okuyama. In it he explains that the success of his other industrial design projects and the time commitment they required, factored into the decision to not renew the contract at Pininfarina. The "Ken Okuyama" brand of interior design products and optical glass will continue to grow, but no decision has been made about his automotive design consultancy options as of yet.

Pininfarina replaces design director Ken Okuyama originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 17:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art centerArtCenterdesigndesignerokuyamapininfarinaWed, 13 Sep 2006 17:12:00 EST