Autoblog

Audi design getting big overhaul?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST

Car and Driver has an update on the design shuffle in Ingolstadt that will ultimately bring more differentiation to Audi products. Last November, Audi design chief Wolfgang Egger spoke of the need to do "something new without breaking from tradition" in Audi design, but talk at the time centered on how the Crosslane Coupe Concept would influence the new looks of the brand's Q cars. The most recent moves appear focused on passenger cars, with designers from Volkswagen Group kin like Bentley and Seat moving to Audi, and outsiders from Alfa Romeo moving in.

While Egger decreed the end of "scalable design" to CD, last November's report said there would be more technology and "greater visual cohesion" between interior and exterior design. We still have no idea what all this means nor when we'll see visible changes in production, but at least we know there's something being done behind the scenes.

Audi design getting big overhaul? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi plans new design direction for "greater differentiation" in lineup

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Crossover, Audi, Design/Style

The Crosslane Coupe Concept that Audi showed off at the Paris Motor Show contained a great deal of embedded, rather than displayed, technology. Yet a report in Autocar indicates that the Crosslane Coupe's looks will have a larger affect on Audi in the near-term, not its "multimaterial" spaceframe and three-cylinder hybrid powertrain. A new design direction, taking cues from the convertible crossover concept, is planned in order to inject more differentiation in the company's products, as design chief Wolfgang Egger says Audi needs "something new without breaking from tradition."

It's intriguing that Audi is beginning a quest for greater individuality with its crossovers, since we find it easier to identify Audi's Q cars at a distance than its sedans. The Q vehicles will be overhauled first, with much stronger dimensionality added to the grille as a signature element. Beyond that there will be "greater visual cohesion" between the exterior and interior, and "advanced technology" will play a greater role in the shift in looks. As this is all a bit of vague design speak, we'll just have to wait to see it to understand what it all means.

Audi plans new design direction for "greater differentiation" in lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche confirms Sport Turismo styling cues for rest of lineup

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Porsche, Design/Style

Whether or not it's ever going to be built, the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo Concept sounds like it will be playing a pivotal role in upcoming Porsche products. Following the car's debut at the Paris Motor Show, Motor Trend sat down with Porsche AG President and CEO, Matthias Müller, to discuss where we might see elements from this stylish concept car in the future.

For those who liked the styling of the Panamera Sport Turismo Concept (and who wouldn't?) Müller said that the car's headlights and taillights will become part of the new design language on all future models. The taillights already pull from the 991 Porsche 911 and the headlights are very Boxster-like, but starting with the new Porsche Macan compact SUV, these two styling cues will be blended together to help create a new signature look for the brand. Up until now, Porsche has been trying to mimic the 911's styling on bigger cars, and while this idea seemed to work on the Cayenne, the Panamera's design has made it a controversial car to say the least.

One of the concept's key features was its plug-in hybrid drivetrain, and Müller confirmed that this system will make it into production next year on the Panamera (including in the U.S.) and then the following year for the Cayenne. He also stated that premium and "huge" cars are not quite ready for full battery-electric drive systems, so Porsche will continue to focus on plug-in hybrids over the next five to 10 years to balance fuel economy and performance.

Be sure to check out the full M/T interview with Müller and Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, for more juicy info on future Porsche models, including some talk on the 918 hybrid supercar.

Porsche confirms Sport Turismo styling cues for rest of lineup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Range Rover to get Evoquative styling?

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Land Rover, Design/Style

As much as we'd like to think that Land Rover is still the same rough-and-rugged off-road brand it always was, truth is, the British automaker is becoming more of a style icon these days. Just look at the new Range Rover Evoque - a sleek little crossover that's been seen posing with Victoria Beckham on more than one occasion. (She was the 'posh' Spice Girl, you know.)

Autocar reports that the next-generation of Land Rover's flagship Range Rover could move away from its signature boxy styling and transform into something a bit more rakish. The British magazine obtained spy photos of an early Range Rover mule that clearly shows a substantially more sloped roofline, pointing towards a dramatic new styling direction.

Speaking to Autocar earlier this year, Land Rover design head, Gerry McGovern, said that "the Evoque will inform the future Range Rover attitude," adding that, "Range Rovers usually have a level window line and the body's side and glass areas are equal. We've got rid of both on the Evoque, but we've still got the signature floating roof."

The next-generation Range Rover will also have a stronger emphasis on rear legroom, ride, handling and - surprise, surprise - fuel economy. Expect the Range Rover to drop a bit of weight in its redesign, too.

Next Range Rover to get Evoquative styling? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Acura NSX replacement still delayed due to design issues

Dan Roth — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, Acura, Honda

Here's the only firm detail about the new Acura NSX: it will have a new ten-hole engine. While the designers have been trading bodyslams and suplexes over what the next Honda supercar will look like, engineers took the opportunity to collaborate about wrist pins, valve geometry, and vee angles. Everyone involved does acknowledge that it has to look right, thus the contention. Time has not yet slipped through Acura's fingers, and the company wants to avoid the stagnation that leaves a 2005 NSX looking little different than a '91. Acura's going to realign their brand, and the NSX is part of that effort, along with the new RL sedan that will be coming in 2010. According to Acura's Executive VP Dick Colliver, as far behind as the NSX is, the RL's further back. Assuaging fears, Colliver quickly adds that there's still time to get it together.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req.]

Acura NSX replacement still delayed due to design issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

Dan Roth — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Buick, GM

Through the success of the Enclave, Buick has discovered that nicely designed, well-built, high content vehicles sell. Being the first Buick in a long time to log advance orders, GM thinks it might be onto something with the Enclave formula. That recipe consists of bolder styling than past Buicks, with cues coming from the Velite and Riviera show cars. Avoiding retro, forthcoming Buicks promise to amp up the curbside drama with unabashed curves, and a lot of chrome. The Enclave has an interior that was obviously fussed over, too. If Buick can turn out a car using the same discipline that guided the successful Enclave launch, it should be exciting to watch the brand reinflate. Both the Riviera and Velite concepts have striking, tight designs that are nothing like the blobby, amorphous Buicks of the recent past. The Lucerne is a stylistic step in the right direction, and with a new LaCrosse due soon, we might start to see the return of stylish GM sedans that people clamor to buy. We'll get some indication soon, when we see what Buick brings to Detroit.

Follow the jump to see the Velite's unveiling at the 2004 New York Auto Show.

[Source: AutoObserver]

Continue reading Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic"

Execs say Buick to get more "bold", "dramatic" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Mazda RX-8 refresh

Dan Roth — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Performance, Mazda

Japanese car magazines often use 'chopped photos willy-nilly, so take this with a grainy bit of salt, but it appears that a scan of the face-lifted Mazda RX-8 has hit the web. We'll know for sure if this low-resolution subterfuge is accurate or not when the actual freshened RX-8 has its sheet cleaved away at the NAIAS in Detroit. From what we can see, changes are pretty subtle, with the most visual revisions restricted to the front and rear fascias. There's a new grille treatment up front and the two flanking air intakes changed a bit, with the foglamps moving up to a position at the top of the opening. Mazda-philes will be able to differentiate the early and late RX-8s in a heartbeat, but the rest of the population will notice absolutely nothing. There are substantive changes beyond the styling, the chassis has gotten some attention, acceleration is said to be improved and inside there are supposed to be more upgrades. It sounds like the 2009 RX-8 is this model's mid-cycle freshening, and they're putting more goodies in the car to keep people interested in Mazda's sweet-handling four-place GT.

[Source: 0-60]

Rendered Speculation: Mazda RX-8 refresh originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Become a car designer, just $19.99!

Dan Roth — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:35:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Toys/Games

From time to time we've all been tempted to purchase that fake diploma from the endlessly circulating email, right? The last time I checked, though, they weren't offering fake certificates from the Art Center College of Design, or the Academy of Art University. If you still held onto the dream of someday shaping cars, even after all your sketch pads had been confiscated, the normal path was that you'd go to an institution where you could learn industrial design through a rigorous academic program. That's the reason why those of us who continue to doodle four wheeled conveyances are reduced to sketching while on boring phone calls; to truly design real cars takes years of practice, hard work, and skill. Alternatively, you could drop a measly 20 bucks and start computerating up some fun looking vehicles with Topics Entertainment's Sports Car Designer software.

In the end, it's still no replacement for learning to render a form on paper with perspective, shading and foreshortening; all those things that take years to develop skill with. From what we can see, you're limited to a profile view, but the options for body shape creation are wide ranging enough that you can whip up some interesting forms. We're not seeing a tremendous amount of variety or originality in the screenshots at the support website sportscardesigner.com, but for $20 at Best Buy what do you want, Cinema 4D? When you're done with your masterpiece of the moment, you can export it as a .jpg, or you can spit CAD data out so that another program might be able to stitch the entire car together for you in 3-D space. It's a fun way to divert some hours, and hey, it'll keep that eternally fidgeting car-crazy pre-teen quiet for the vast span of 15 minutes, at least.

Thanks for the tip, Larry!

Become a car designer, just $19.99! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Straight to the Source: Pininfarina chief moves to Fiat Group

Noah Joseph — Fri, 25 May 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs

Between its numerous brands and divisions, the Fiat Group has, over the years, sent a lot of work the way of Pininfarina. As if the repeat business weren't enough, another indication of the Italian auto conglomorate's evident satisfaction with the design house's work is their most recent hire: Lorenzo Ramaciotti.

In various capacities at Pininfarina, Ramaciotti has been responsible for some 20 concept cars and dozens more production cars that have included some of Italy's most beautiful designs, as well as some of the more controversial. Included in his portfolio are the Maserati Quattroporte and Ferrari's 550 Maranello, 360 Modena, F430, 612 Scaglietti and Enzo. Having joined Pininfarina straight out of engineering school at Turin Polytechnic, he made his way up through the hierarchy to general manager, board member and finally to chief executive.

In his new position with the Fiat Group, Ramaciotti will be in charge of all designs for future products from Fiat's various divisions, most notably Maserati and several upcoming Alfa Romeos. He'll be reporting directly to group boss Sergio Marchionne, and we'll be keenly watching to see the fruits of his labors.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Fiat Group]

Continue reading Straight to the Source: Pininfarina chief moves to Fiat Group

Straight to the Source: Pininfarina chief moves to Fiat Group originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille?

Dan Roth — Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen

Please, let it be so. The current chromed snout on VWs offerings is not only beastly to look at, it doesn't help Audi's cars stand apart, either. We suppose that cuts both ways -- VW probably benefits by a familial resemblance to their cousins. However, the front end on the upcoming Sharan/Touran twins looks to hint at the future face of Volkswagen, we hope.

There's a bumper crop of spiffy van-lets over on the Continent right now, and the Touran/Sharan are latecomers to the party. The vans won't drop until 2010, due to styling tweaks that Martin Winterkorn has reportedly requested.

The Sharan will likely be available with sliding doors, while the Touran will make do with conventional front-hinged points of entry. A healthy selection of powertrain options is expected to be available, from the turbocharged FSI 2.0 liter four cylinder to a 3.2 liter FSI VR6, along with the requesite TDI powerplants. 4Motion will be available, which we'd love to sample hooked up to the gruntiest of the diesels (which will surpass the VR6 in torque output). Being based on the Passat's underpinnings yields a van that's easy to wield while offering great space-efficiency. We like the look of these boxy family haulers, with their crisp edges and large glass areas, but alas, we'll have to take up intercontinental jet-setting if we wish to drive them.

[Source: Autobild via German Car Blog]

Sharan/Touran - could it mark the end of the current VW grille? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 May 2007 09:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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JE Design intros Audi TT 8J body kit

Dan Roth — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Audi

JE Design has gone and messed with the Audi TT. The changes are subtle, which is good, because it's hard to improve upon the TT's form. The JE kit will surely draw mixed reviews, though we like that their kit still lets what's good about the car shine. There's new pieces for the chin spoiler in front, adding strange little vents at the leading edge of the wheel opening. We can't imagine that they actually serve any purpose - perhaps they vent heat from the foglamps? We're sure that's a common problem. The requisite overly-large, overly-low-profile tires are there, but the benefit of the bigger rolling stock is left unrealized. We see puny (puny's such a relative term) brakes hiding out behind the wheels. The only functional point behind ultra-low profile rubber and rims beyond 17" is to fit as much brake rotor diameter as possible under there, and what we're seeing is plenty of extra clearance around everything. And apparently twin exhaust outlets do not a fast car make; they've been superceded by quad tips. The smooth rear decklid has had a lip spoiler applied to add some downforce. What the spoiler really does is add a pimple to the ass of an otherwise smooth form. The stock pop-up spoiler gets in the game to add downforce, and when it's retracted, you're not going fast enough to need any extra drag. It'll look real racy in traffic at an average speed of 15mph, though.

[Source: JE Design]

Gallery: JE Design Audi TT 8J

JE Design intros Audi TT 8J body kit originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lorinser takes on the new Merc C-class

Dan Roth — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:52:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz

The C-class is the entry-level Benz in the North American market. As such, every nouveau riche new graduate seemingly goes out and treats themselves to a slice of flashy bourgeois pie. That can be alarming for the Euro-car fan, as you risk being lumped into that precocious category along with Johnny Overachiever from down the block. There's no denying that the Stuttgart Swabians build nice vehicles, and we've certainly considered parking one in our driveway. We wouldn't want to deny ourselves the pleasure just to avoid being lumped in with a group of lecherous climbers, either. Lorinser has given the C-class a once-over and made it possible for true car-guys to have their Mercedes pleasure while standing apart from the schmuck brigade.

We love the look of the cosmetic upgrades. The turbine-style wheels look like impellers from a turbocharger with a wacky pituitary gland, and we wonder if they can slice, dice and julienne at speed. We're not normally fans of unnecessary extra ventilation, but the revised front quarter panels have gained a nice pair of extractors. We do find the "gills" in the lower rocker covers sorta strange, and they don't appear to have any purpose other than serving as a visual element. The front airdam has also received some tasteful attention, and Lorinser offers performance upgrades to back up the high-powered looks. Unlike some of the entry-level MBZ crowd, we'd rather the car be the high-powered one in a zoot suit.

Gallery: C Class by Lorinser

[Source: World Car Fans]

Lorinser takes on the new Merc C-class originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2007 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered speculation: 2009 Mustang

Dan Roth — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 08:38:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Ford

We're starting to greet each new "special edition" Mustang with a groan, and so, it would appear, is everyone else. Ford's been working on solutions to that, such as the Giugiaro concept that made it to LA with no real hopes of production. This artists' rendering speculates what changes may be in store in the coming years of our NeoPonycar period. The grille and lights are shorter, and adopt much from the Giugiaro car's nose. The swoopy haunches of the show car aren't on the rendering - in fact, the rendering looks like a decent guess at what will actually happen - a new nose will be attached to the same basic platform. There's nothing wrong with that, but we hope it's a little less evolutionary and a little more revolutionary.

[Source: Autobytel]

Rendered speculation: 2009 Mustang originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jaguar surprises dealers with peek of new S-Type

John Neff — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Ford, Jaguar

Jaguar invited some of its dealers to the launch of the new XKR and surprised them with a private unveiling of the new S-Type sedan. Ford has been feeding rumors that the new S-Type's styling will be a major breakthrough for the brand, and reaction to the sneak peek at Jaguar's four-door feline seem to support that. The retro look has reportedly been ditched in favor of "heavy flanks", a four-door coupe profile and a "wide and deep grille flanked by prominent headlights". The car did suffer a setback when Jaguar dropped plans to build it on a modified aluminum XJ platform. Instead the new car will roll on the current model's (pictured) steel frame.

The new S-Type is still 12 months away from being publicly debuted, but dealers are notorious for being brutally honest about a car's potential, so their reaction to the car at the XKR introduction is a good sign.

[Source: CarKeys]

Jaguar surprises dealers with peek of new S-Type originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While car design gets 'edgier', motorcycle styling aiming to look more human

Joel Arellano — Mon, 27 Mar 2006 10:03:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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