Autoblog

BMW names Marc Girard head of interior design

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW

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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Porsche Panamera key looks like... Porsche Panamera

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Porsche

What you're looking at is a Porsche Panamera key. Arguably, it's better looking than the Panamera prototypes currently racking up more frequent flier miles than the Travelocity gnome. But we think it will take up all kinds of awkward space in your pocket and won't play nice with other keys. Perhaps Porsche should offer a man bag with every Panamera purchase.

However, we are in love with the Panamera interior. In. Love. Click here to check out new pics of it over at TeamSpeed. Yes, there are a lot of buttons, but that shouldn't surprise anyone who's been in a Porsche lately. And the buttons are caliente. We'd also prefer a gate instead of the shifter on a moonball, which reminds us of a Volvo, but so what? That's the kind of interior we've been waiting for in a Porsche since the 993. So Porsche, you can put us on the list for a Panamera, because we don't have to see the outside from the inside. We'll just need to get pants with bigger pockets. Thanks for the tip, DJ.

Gallery: Porsche Panamera - spy shots

[Source: TeamSpeed]

Porsche Panamera key looks like... Porsche Panamera originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The one thing your Ford GT is missing...

Drew Phillips — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Supercars, Ford

On the long road from concept to production, some details inevitably fall off of show cars. We always hope the details that make a a concept a show-stopper carry over after the suits give the green light, and when we're talking about a six-figure halo supercar, we're usually not terribly disappointed. Case in point is the Ford GT, which managed the transition from concept to reality without losing much along the way at all.

In one (relatively minor) concession to reality, however, those deliciously retro little aluminum rings that adorned the bucket seats were axed (see right). Authenticity-fetishists who happen to own a Ford GT can rejoice as Canadian aftermarket firm ExotiCARe has come out with a simple solution. Their easy-to-install kit includes 50 anodized aluminum seat rings to give your Ford GT that fresh-off-the-show-stand retro look. You can order a set for $265 off their website, just follow the link. Thanks for the tip, Andrew!

[Source: ExotiCARe]

The one thing your Ford GT is missing... originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Aug 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior

Alex Nunez — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

Click above to enlarge

We've got a bit of a wait ahead of us in the United States, but if this interior photo does indeed show the Chevy Cruze's passenger compartment, then maybe it'll be worth it. TheCaranatic.com doesn't tell the source of the image, the Daewoo logo on the wheel indicates that it was probably snapped in South Korea, where the car will be produced for the European and Asian markets. As for the interior itself? Well, based on the photo it looks top-notch, blending a lot of Opel Insignia with dashes of Chevy Malibu to create a very pleasant driver's environment. This is promising.

[Source: theCarfanatic via Autoblog Spanish]

Spy Shots: Chevy Cruze shows off its interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 02 Aug 2008 09:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

Alex Nunez — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, GM, Lotus, Misc. Auto Shows, Opel, Vauxhall, UK

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

The first official look at the Opel Insignia's interior leaves us with the impression that Opel / Vauxhall's new sedan is going to be a nice place in which to log some miles. Put simply, the cockpit is identical to the one first shown in the slick-looking Opel GTC concept that debuted last year. Simple, attractive gauges are joined by amber lighting and a nice blend of plastics, brightwork, and other trim to create a driver-focused cockpit meant to be as usable as it is attractive. One of the little elements that's kind of cool is how the gauge lighting shifts from white to red when the car is put into sport mode. Expect even more info on the Insignia and plenty of closer looks at the cabin when the car debuts in London next month at the British International Motor Show. If you can't make it to London, just exercise a little patience, cross those fingers, and wait. This car will likely come Stateside as the next Saturn Aura at some point in the future. GM's official PR is pasted after the jump.

Gallery: Opel / Vauxhall Insignia

[Source: GM]

Continue reading First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released

First official shots of Opel Insignia interior released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped

Dan Roth — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mazda

Move along, hardly anything to see here. Still, it's always interesting to chart the changes. KGP photographers demonstrated the importance of keeping the glovebox stocked with trailmix, which allows these sharp shooters to outlast their quarry driving around in preproduction mules of upcoming models. Mazda's new 6 has already had its exterior snapped (see gallery below), but the interior has also received some attention. A new steering wheel is the most noticeable change compared to the already-revealed European model, though the instruments are also tweaked and the start button has been relocated closer to the shifter. Hopefully we'll meet the new 2009 Mazda6 in person in just a couple weeks at the 2008 New York Auto Show, because if not, we'll have to wait until at least the end of year at the next LA Auto Show.

Gallery: 2009 Mazda6 - spy shots

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Mazda6 interior snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked

Dan Roth — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Chrysler, Dodge

Click above for a gallery of the leaked Challenger images so far

Some official photos of the Dodge Challenger's interior have been posted on Allpar's forums, and our spirits have been buoyed. It's always hard to get a read on the real-world look and feel of the interior plastics, but from what we can make out amidst the dither, all is not lost when it comes to the Challenger's front office. In these pictures, the interior looks very presentable, though it seems to be pretty standard LX fare. The SRT8 models get nicely trimmed seats, with contrasting french stitching on the deep bolsters, suede inserts to grip your backside, and a nice splash of orange to set off the SRT logo. Lesser Challengers will obviously not get quite the full boat luxe treatment that the SRT gets, with its MyGig, bespoke gauges, and leather adornments, but just what will get pulled out remains to be seen. The Mustang and Camaro might have more exciting designs, but the ergonomics and controls in the revived Dodge ponycar look well thought out. We've breathed a half-sigh of relief after our last round of interior spy shots, which left some of us certain that the Challenger's interior was going to be bested by what came in the unlamented K-Cars. Thanks for the tip, indymcsc!

[Source: Allpar]

Gallery: 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 interior pics leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GALLERY: GM's future interior designs

Siddharth Raja — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

Interior design is one area where GM is lagging behind its European and Japanese rivals, but there's hope just beyond the horizon. Fully aware of its shortcomings, GM has put a new, more focused emphasis on improving the style and quality of its vehicles' interiors and a handful of official computer-generated concept renderings reveal that there's some very innovative thinking going down in Detroit.

The soon-to-be released Cadillac CTS is one such car that has shown what can be done. Its new interior shows a level of craftsmanship and style that not so long ago was limited to the domain of significantly more expensive imports. If all goes to plan, you won't have to shell out big bucks to enjoy a car with a nice cabin, either. These new concept sketches show several interior design elements, one specific to the Chevy and Pontiac brands as well as designs for GM's SUV and trucks.

[Source: Cheers and Gears]

Gallery: GM's future interior design concepts

Continue reading GALLERY: GM's future interior designs

GALLERY: GM's future interior designs originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior from the inside

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Honda

Click on the image above to see the high-resolution image

The 2008 Accord represents the biggest launch Honda has undertaken since the Civic in 2006, and everything from quality to design has to be just right for the Accord to maintain its lofty position in the midsize sedans pecking order. We've been looking forward to a production-ready view of the Accord's interior, and now we've found it. The scribes over at The Mags Report have a few pics from inside the Accord's cabin, and since the 2003 Accord has a great interior, Honda didn't have to start fresh. Instead, the designers came up with a different interpretation of what already works. The center console is now wider, and buttons appear to be a little larger. Vehicle information has been moved from above the navigation screen to below it, which should make external temperature and HVAC info easier to read. Center vents are also moved below the navigation screen, which helps make the Accord interior look less vertical. Honda also included some tasteful bright work, which further contrasts the two-tone interior.

While the exterior spy shots we've seen from the Accord look a bit dull, Honda appears to have taken a less conservative approach on the inside. Quality materials and well-placed controls never look bad together, but the 2003 interior may look a little classier than what we'll be getting shortly. Let us know what you think after the jump. To see more pics of the Accord from the inside, click the read link below.

[Source: The Mags Report]

Gallery: 2008 Accord Interior

Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior from the inside originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Honda

A keen Autoblog reader has spotted the 2008 Honda Accord in an empty parking lot in Columbus, Ohio, and was kind enough to send us the pic he snapped of the car's interior. As the new Accord's official debut looms closer, more and more undisguised cars have been turning up, but this is really the first time we've gotten a good look at the new car's interior.

The model in this image was said to have been an EX four-cylinder and from what we can gather, the new Accord's interior isn't a marked leap over the model it replaces. The cabin features an identical curved edge running along the bottom of the dash, while the center console and layout of the air-conditioning ports are almost the same as the outgoing '07 model.

According to spy photographers who have seen the car, the 2008 model is slightly larger than the current car, so hopefully that translates into more room in the cabin, but we'll have to wait until its official reveal later this year to find out.

A big thank you to Nima for sending in the pic.

You can check out more spy shots of the new Accord here.

Spy Shots: 2008 Honda Accord interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Hyundai Genesis interior

Chris Shunk — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Hyundai, Infiniti

The Hyundai Genesis is one of many highly anticipated vehicles for calendar year 2008, with high-end features like RWD and powerful V6 and V8 engines at a Hyundai price. One area of intrigue for the Genesis is the production interior, and the folks over at KGP snapped some very clear shots that leave little to the imagination. The most interesting item in the picture looks like the Audi MMI control with navigation buttons around a joy stick. The interface actually looks a bit classier than that of the much pricier German luxury car, and we're hoping it works much more like the Audi interface than iDrive.

The center console looks very Infiniti M45-like, with a chunky appearance and a sloping line with a protruding lip that separates the navigation screen from the rest of the controls. The shift lever has a manual mode, which is almost a forgotten technology in the age of the paddle shifter. The steering wheel is adorned in both leather and a wood-like substance, and it appears to have very simple redundant controls, plus a button for hands-free calling.

The interior wars are heating up much like the wonderful battle for powertrain supremacy, and customers again are the winners. While the Genesis interior may not look as nice as that of the 2008 CTS, try to remember that we're talking about a Hyundai. The folks from South Korea have come a long way in a very short period of time.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Hyundai Genesis interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Would you like beans with that? 2008 Mustang to use soy-based seat foam

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Technology, Ford

The 2008 Mustang that appears in August will be full o' beans. Soybeans. Ford has teamed with automotive supplier Lear Corporation on the creation of soy-based seat foam. Car seats currently contain roughly petroleum-based foam, and the new soy-based variety will substitute nearly a quarter of that mass with renewable content, as well as lower the amount of C0² emitted during the creation of the foam. Ford's been playing around with soy ever since with Model T, which contained 60 pounds of beans in its paint and molded plastic parts. This is the kind of environmental tech we can get behind -- and sit on -- without reservation. We do wonder, however, what it will do to that new car smell. This isn't the only "green" material Ford's using with regard to seating accommodations in '08 models, either. The new Escape's seat upholstery is made of eco-friendly recycled materials. For Ford's full press release on the new soy foam seats, click the image above or the "Read" link below to see it at AutoblogGreen.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Would you like beans with that? 2008 Mustang to use soy-based seat foam originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Jul 2007 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whaa? Big 3 wins big in Ward's Interior of the Year Awards

John Neff — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Chevrolet, GM

When did the day come that interiors designed by our own domestic automakers were being celebrated as the best in the biz? After decades of dull designs, cheap materials and poor fit and finish, that day would be today. Ward's Auto has released the results of its 2007 Interior of the Year Competition, in which both its own editors and members of the auto industry at large choose the best inner sanctums in seven vehicle classes ranging from Economy-Priced Car to Premium-Priced Truck. Shocker: Domestics cleaned up, being awarded 11 out of 14 class awards between the editors' choices and the popular vote (and that's not including the Volvo S80's editor award for Premium-Priced Car). The Saturn Aura and Chevy Silverado, in particular, were singled out for their fine furnishings by both judging bodies in their respective classes, just like they were in the North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards last January.

Ward's also awarded prized for Best Brand Expression to the Jeep Wrangler, Best Interior Trim to the Infiniti G35, Best Cup Holder to the Chrysler Sebring and Best Overall Comfort to the Lexus LS 460L. Check out all the award winners after the jump, and pontificate on the state of affairs that led us to this day when domestic interiors are getting props aplenty.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading Whaa? Big 3 wins big in Ward's Interior of the Year Awards

Whaa? Big 3 wins big in Ward's Interior of the Year Awards originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Jaguar XF production interior

John Neff — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Jaguar

KGP Photographers have managed to snag an excellent spy shot revealing the production interior of the upcoming Jaguar XF sedan, aka Jaguar's Hail Mary pass, that's based on the C-XF (see gallery below).

Somehow the new interior manages to capture that old-world Jag style and combine it with modern design details. The dash is dominated by a horizontal band that's accented on the bottom by a strip of real wood trim. Above the wood we find the large, touchscreen navigation system flanked by a pair of large vents. The center console turns up and meets the horizontal cross section abruptly with a panel that appears to be trimmed in satin nickel that contains the CD player and HVAC controls. The driver's hand is obscuring what may be an iDrive-like controller, and there doesn't appear to be a proper "stick" popping up at all, which makes us wonder how you'll shift the XF out of Park. Once you're in Drive, however, those paddles on the steering wheel should make for some quick shifts.

The design overall certainly doesn't look ground breaking, just traditionally modern with its use of light beige leather, wood and satin nickel trim. Click the Read link to view the entire picture and make your own judgment.

[Source: LLN]

Gallery: Jaguar C-XF Concept

Spy Shots: Jaguar XF production interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2007 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW intros new technology with 2008 5 series door panel

Dan Roth — Thu, 10 May 2007 12:34:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Technology, BMW

It isn't just the outside of the 5-series that's been breathed upon for '08. Inside, new ground was broken by BMW and OEM Johnson Controls to create two color door panels using a single sheet of material. Typically, door panels that have multiple colors have multiple pieces. That adds weight and expense to the final assembly, not to mention all the eventual squeaks and rattles. The new 5 series door panels use a single backing panel, and a two color film is applied. It's not a trifle to get everything to line up - as the film is applied, it stretches. Tolerances where the two colors converge are tightly monitored and adjusted on the fly by trick new machinery developed by BMW and Johnson Controls in the automated process. We're sure it won't lead to cheaper 5 series Bimmers, but anything that can help keep weight and complexity down is welcome - especially for us poor saps who buy these things used and find out exactly what gets loose.

[Source: The Auto Channel]

BMW intros new technology with 2008 5 series door panel originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 May 2007 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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America's Game, America's Truck: Rawlings baseball trim for Chevy trucks

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Truck, Chevrolet

Remember when Audi rolled out the baseball leather interior on the original TT convertible? That was nothing. For the real baseball fans, aftermarket trim specialists Katzkin Leather and sports equipment outfitter Rawlings have teamed up to offer a full, authentic baseball trim package for full-sized Chevy trucks.

The package includes seats upholstered in thick, rich baseball glove leather, in either brown or black - complete with contrasting stitching - that only gets better with age. You know, just like your childhood mitt. Also part of the package are a baseball bat ash wood dash inserts and steering wheel trimmed in leather to match the seats. A special grille was designed to mimic the look of a chain-link fence, and the package is rounded out by Rawlings badges galore.

The package just hit the market and is available for Chevrolet Silverado pickups and Tahoe SUVs. Only in America, kids.

[Source: Katzkin via Inside Line]

America's Game, America's Truck: Rawlings baseball trim for Chevy trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R interior

Chris Shunk — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Nissan

Either the Nissan GT-R is a bit of a press hog, or it's just so cool that we talk about it every chance we can. We've seen plenty of the car on the outside, but now the folks over at KGP Photography have snapped some pretty good interior pictures of Nissan's upcoming flamethrower. Unfortunately, there's a glare-filled window in the way, but we can still get a very good look at what we'll soon be seeing in Nissan showrooms.

The GT-R's dash appears to have nothing to do with the previous Skyline GT-R, which we feel is a good thing. The GT-R's steeply pitched center stack does, however remind us of another Japanese supercar, the Acura NSX. We can see the large navigation screen quite clearly, but when we look a little closer, it looks like there are four Ford GT-style switches at the base of the stack. The steering wheel has more buttons than an Eagle Scout has merit badges, and either the driver in the pictures is well over six feet tall, or the cockpit is a bit on the snug side. We're pretty sure Nissan isn't going to sell the GT-R as a luxury vehicle, so roominess isn't all that high on the priority list.

With well over 400 hp and looks that kill, you probably aren't surprised that the GT-R is getting plenty of press. We'll have to fight for every scrap we can until it's officially announced at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Source: Edmunds]

Spy Shots: Nissan GT-R interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2007 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BusinessWeek spills beans on '08 STS interior

John Neff — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Cadillac, GM

click above image to view a gallery of concept interior components from GM

The entire Autoblog team was impressed with the 2008 Cadillac CTS when it debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last month. "You have to sit in it," was the command heard most among the crew, and indeed the interior is as dazzling as the new sheetmetal. The CTS interior is the first example of how General Motors' renewed focus on interiors is paying off in ways more noticeable than just better buttons for the radio. BusinessWeek has published an article that details many of the individual interior components being redesigned and rethought at GM, including said radio controls, the steering wheel, seats, key fobs and more.

It's a good read, but as many astute auto enthusiasts noticed, the accompanying slide show includes a pic of an interior that appears to be that of the 2008 Cadillac STS. Actually, the interior shown is the exact same one with a different steering wheel that debuted inside the long-wheelbase SLS now beind sold in China. We called it back in November that the Chinese SLS interior would likely show up in our own domestic market STS, and this new pic seems to indicate that's correct. Hopefully this means we'll also get the highly detailed CTS-like grille from the SLS and its other exterior tweaks. For that matter, we wouldn't mind a long-wheelbase version of the STS on this side of the globe, either.

Check out the gallery of other concept interior components that GM has been working on.

[Source: BusinessWeek via GMInsideNews]

Gallery: Concept GM interior components

BusinessWeek spills beans on '08 STS interior originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Feb 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Your armrest is sooo 20th century

Scott Davis — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.

Johnson Controls has introduced a very unique looking idea for center armrest/consoles. It increases capacity over conventional floor consoles by 30- to 150-percent and can house such items as navigation, infotainment and security systems. It also includes a rear sliding storage drawer for occupants confined to the back seat, as well as additional storage in the lid.

As interior space requirements continue to increase, ideas like these will become more important to designers seeking to create unique solutions to storage issues. The guys at Johnson Controls are never short on cool ideas, and this one should be ready for integration in car interiors by 2010. The ongoing challenge will be getting the often conservative manufacturers to open their minds to these forward-thinking ideas.

Read the complete press release after the jump.

[Source: Edmunds.com]

Continue reading Your armrest is sooo 20th century

Your armrest is sooo 20th century originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: Ford releases more Interceptor Concept images

John Neff — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 17:51:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Ford

click image above to see entire high-resolution gallery with new images

Our original gallery of Interceptor images was a big hit with the clicks last week, despite containing only six images of Ford's brash rear-wheel drive, Mustang-based sedan concept. If you liked those images, you'll be especially interested in the additional eight images of the concept that Ford released today, including plenty of interior shots and a view of the 4.6-liter Cammer V8 all dressed up in concept trim.

This is our first view of the Interceptor Concept's interior, and it sports a decidedly retro feel with its simple and straightforward shapes and materials. The most frequently occuring shape inside is called a squircle, basically a square with rounded corners. The steering wheel, speedometer, tach, shifter gate, vents... all squircles.

The dominant surface material inside the Interceptor is black leather, so much so that driving it must feel like going for a ride in Fonzy's jacket pocket. The vast expanse of leather is broken up here and there by silver metal trim and the slightest hint of a caramel-colored stitching. The four bucket seats are all thin, flat curves with no side bolsters of which to speak. Thank goodness each one is equipped with a four-point belt, because driver and passengers will need them if any directional changes are called for. The front headrests retract into the ceiling when the car is parked and fall back down into place when it's time to roll, while a nice, thick center console bisects the interior and houses the short and stubby shifter.

The interior reflects the same theme exhibited by the Interceptor's sheetmetal, which is simplicity. Some have harshed on the car for being derivitive and not overly complicated in its surface features, but that's what we happen to like about it.

Detroit Auto Show: Ford releases more Interceptor Concept images originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Jan 2007 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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