AUTO & DESIGN

Car design is becoming more and more intrinsically linked to technology. It is no coincidence that the most significant motor show at the beginning of the year was not Detroit, nor Brussels, but the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where some carmakers showcased their vision for the future of mobility with a particular focus on the user interface (page 4). The man-machine relationship, however, also thrives on emotion, a quality that is particularly evident in city cars (today making a strong comeback in electric versions, page 44). The goal is to create vehicles accessible to everyone: Fiat’s designers tell us about this in the cover story dedicated to the Grande Panda (page 10), a successful mix of practical solutions, attractive design, bright colours and modern and innovative materials,…

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas remains a strategic milestone for technology, setting the direction for the digital industry at the start of each year through its trends and products. Alongside smartphones, computers and robots, the automobile and its evolution maintain a significant presence. In numerous previous editions, CES has witnessed its fair share of ambitious forecasts and announcements serving the hype of the moment, with flying cars (which never materialised) and vehicles boasting intelligent and even telepathic driving capabilities. However, the 2025 edition marks a shift in direction: greater substance and tangible technology, from smartphones to automobiles. Continental led the charge by unveiling a prototype that integrates artificial intelligence and biometrics to personalise the driving experience. The system recognises users before they enter the vehicle, and adjusts seats,…

At the Stellantis Style Centre in Via Plava, Turin, the atmosphere is that of the never-to-be-repeated occasion. At the entrance, as if Giugiaro himself had just laid down his pencil, stands a red Panda from 1980, its legacy soon to become apparent. The climate is vibrant and enthusiastic: a blend of freshness and corporate commitment that seems to have also left its mark on the formal design study. “The original Panda was our benchmark right from the start and we constantly referred back to it to refine our choices in a positive feedback loop”, François Leboine, head of Fiat and Abarth design, states. “After all, this was not just about aesthetics. The original Panda forged a genuine connection with its owners, and that connection remains our guiding principle today even…

Working your dream job is a privilege, but when the aspiration of becoming a car designer materializes at one of the most prestigious automotive brands, you can truly say you’ve hit the mark. Mitja Borkert, 50, has been Lamborghini’s Head of Design since 2016. His passion is more than just that -it’s a (positive) obsession, as he explains. When did you realize you wanted to become a car designer? “I have many childhood memories related to drawing. I would draw anything with wheels, from cars to military vehicles. I was born in an East German town 90 kilometres from Berlin, and we certainly didn’t see the models that were circulating in major European cities on our streets. Cars like Lamborghini, Porsche, or Ferrari weren’t wellknown in our area, and we…

Charging anxiety, short range and costs that are still too high. If electric mobility is struggling to gain a foothold in many countries around the world, the reasons lie with accessibility and the idea of convenience that has always been associated with using a car. Which is why companies are looking for innovative solutions to try to smooth the transition and make people's lives easier. At the heart of everything are ideas, and the results can be astounding. And it is inventiveness that has moved Lightyear, a manufacturer of high-efficiency solar charging systems, to work with the Turin-based design house Granstudio to demonstrate that if electric cars were fitted with solar panels, zero-emission mobility would take a big step forward. “The data we have obtained is impressive”, says Bonna Newman,…

From concept to prototype the step was – apparently -very short. Twingo concept at the Paris Motor Show -October 2024 – and Twingo prototype already at the Brussels Motor Show, January 2025. Three months. A record? The truth is that the concept was ready almost a year (November 2023) before being presented. But already the following December the decision had been made to start production (in 2026) of this jaunty electric car with a retro taste and therefore work had begun on the prototype which, says Sundeep Bhambra, “is now very similar to the definitive Twingo, let’s say 90 percent for the exterior and 80-85 for the interior.” Bhambra is, at Renault, Chief Designer for Advanced Cars and Concept Cars. He is also the designer who won the internal competition…