Latest news with #AdrianVanHooydonk
ArabGT
3 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
BMW Design Shift Is About to Change Everything
BMW is embarking on a full-scale design revolution that will transform every vehicle in its portfolio. Dubbed the BMW Design Shift, this sweeping change will begin with the highly anticipated iX3 electric SUV, set to debut later this year, and extend to every model in the Bavarian automaker's lineup within the next four years. This bold move represents more than just a new look—it marks a strategic pivot in BMW's design identity. At the heart of the BMW Design Shift is the Neue Klasse design language, a minimalist, forward-thinking aesthetic first showcased in 2023 through concept vehicles. Now, this design vision is going mainstream. Group design chief Adrian van Hooydonk confirmed that the BMW Design Shift is not limited to electric models. Every car in BMW's stable—from the sporty 2 Series to the luxurious 7 Series and rugged X models—will adopt the new styling. 'We're ensuring that the Neue Klasse design becomes the defining face of every BMW,' van Hooydonk stated, noting that the rollout begins this year and will leave 'no car behind.' Interestingly, the transformation will start with the recently updated 5 Series sedan. Despite launching a new generation in 2023, the 5 Series will receive a visual refresh incorporating the Neue Klasse design. Although it remains on the current CLAR platform, this facelifted model will serve as the vanguard of the BMW Design Shift. Other key models, including the X5, X2, X7, and 2 Series, will follow shortly. Product development head Bernd Körber emphasized the speed and scope of the initiative, stating that the BMW Design will be completed within just three and a half years. This accelerated timeline reflects BMW's urgency to unify its brand image across all powertrains—combustion, hybrid, and electric. While the Neue Klasse aesthetic will bring cohesion to the brand, BMW assures fans that individuality won't be sacrificed. Each model will retain unique design elements and character traits, ensuring that the Design Shift enhances diversity rather than eliminating it. Initially intended exclusively for EVs, the Neue Klasse approach has since been extended to gas-powered models as well. The massive kidney grilles that once dominated BMW's front-end styling are expected to be replaced by sleeker, more refined surfaces and restrained detailing—hallmarks of the new design philosophy. The BMW Design Shift isn't just a cosmetic update—it's a statement about the brand's future. With a lineup that will soon speak a common design language, BMW is positioning itself to remain a leader in both innovation and visual identity as the industry evolves.
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
BMWs Will Look Very Different Very Soon
BMW's next era of design starts with the iX3 electric SUV, which is scheduled to debut before the end of the year. But it won't be the only vehicle in the Bavarian brand's lineup to get the Neue Klasse look. According to Group design boss Adrian van Hooydonk, every BMW will have a 'Neue' face—and soon. In an interview with Autocar , van Hooydonk said that BMW's new design language will roll out on every model. Even though it just debuted in 2023, the 5 Series sedan will be the first vehicle to get the new look, although, as a facelift, it will remain on its current CLAR architecture. The 5 Series redesign will be followed by the X5, 2 Series, X2, 7 Series, and X7. BMW M3 EV Rendering "We will make sure that the form language that we are developing now—and starting this year at the IAA [Munich] with the first of the Neue Klasse vehicles—will be rolled out over the entire product portfolio, leaving no car behind," said van Hooydonk. Product boss Bernd Körber reiterated van Hooydonk's statement, noting that the new design rollout won't take long. It will happen, "within three and a half years across the entire portfolio," Körber notes. But don't worry, this doesn't mean every BMW will have the same cookie-cutter Neue Klasse look. Van Hooydonk confirmed that, while every BMW will have a familial resemblance, each model will have its "own distinct character traits." BMW iX3 Rendering Photo by: BMW originally planned to limit the Neue Klasse design language to its EVs, but the company confirmed back in October that the design direction would make its way to gas models as well. Previewed by the Neue Klasse concept in 2023 and the Neue Klasse X crossover, BMW will likely ditch its massive kidney grille for a smoother front fascia and subtler design elements. The Latest From BMW BMW Has a 'Higher Demand' for the M5 Wagon in the US This Beautiful BMW Wagon Is Actually Going Into Production Source: Autocar Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BMW's Latest Concept is a 3-Door Touring Sedan, And We Want One ASAP
BMW rarely sells touring cars stateside, and this one has a limited run BMW turned toward the future at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como, Italy, an event celebrating historic vehicles. The automaker showed a stunning new gorgeous touring sedan concept that it promises to make available for purchase in a 'small series' to collectors and BMW enthusiasts. Take one look at it, though, and you'll agree that the company should consider making it available to the masses. 0:04 / 0:09 Nissan's revolutionary self-driving tech hits Japan's streets Watch More Adrian van Hooydonk, Head of BMW Group Design, calls the Concept Speedtop 'very unique in the automotive industry.' The car 'reimagines' what a submission to the touring class should be, blending elegance with performance in a uniquely small footprint that is nonetheless roomy. BMW set out to create a cohesive flow from the exterior to the interior, saying it focused on every fit and finish on the car. BMW Concept Speedtop The Concept Speedtop looks incredible Harkening to BMWs of the past, the Concept Speedtop has a sharp nose and squinting front headlights. The small grill—a departure from BMW's 'beaver teeth' grill on modern vehicles—is illuminated, adding panache to the retro-cool design. A 'spline' running prominently through the center of the hood reemerges halfway down the roof before disappearing into the subtly split rear roof spoiler; it's a touch that suggests sportiness. Around the back, the Concept Speedtop is a pure BMW touring sedan. The broad rear window is met with a familiar BMW tailgate lip that plunges into the large rear bumper. Like the front end, the rear lights are slim, spanning about half of the Concept Speedtop's rear width. BMW Concept Speedtop Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Two-tone, 14-spoke wheels were designed specifically for Concept Speedtop, and the roof blends two new colors: 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' and 'Floating Sundown Silver,' both meant to accentuate the roofline and broad stance of the vehicle. Inside, 'Sundown Maroon' picks up where Floating Sunstone Maroon left off, bringing the exterior's brown tone to the interior. The seats sport a 'Moonstone White' color as part of a two-tone seating setup, with the aesthetic distinguishing between the 'dynamic' and 'functional' areas of the car. A leather headliner continues into the rear cargo area, which is split into two sections so you can hide items away on longer trips. And you'll want to, as BMW partnered with Italian leather craft house Schendoni for two made-to-measure pieces of luggage for the Concept Speedtop, which carry the vehicle's colors through to your bags. BMW Concept Speedtop BMW Concept Speedtop BMW Concept Speedtop The Concept Speedtop is limited to 70 units and packs a V8 BMW says its 'most powerful' V8 will be under the hood of the Concept Speedtop, designed as a two-seater with a spacious interior. This likely makes the vehicle one of the smallest, most powerful limited-run vehicles we've come across, laden with bespoke luxury touches throughout. Thankfully, BMW has expanded its limited edition offering this year, noting that last year's Concept Skytop, limited to 50 units, had a 'positive response.' To that end, BMW has increased production to 70 for the Concept Speedtop. BMW Concept Speedtop Final thoughts BMW didn't mention how to purchase the vehicle or what it costs. Collectors and enthusiasts have their own channels, though, so we expect BMW will only sell these directly to known, engaged parties who are serious. If that's you, act fast, as the Concept Speedtop is available for purchase now.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW Is Making 70 Of These Gorgeous M8-Based Speedtop Shooting Brakes
Last year BMW unveiled the beautiful 8 Series–based Skytop concept at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, a few months later announcing that it would be building a limited run of 50 production cars that would look nearly identical to the concept. We have yet to see the production Skytop yet, but this year's Villa d'Este gathering is upon us, and BMW has revealed a new concept called the Speedtop that is essentially a shooting brake version of the Skytop. The Speedtop looks absolutely gorgeous, and like its sibling it won't remain just a concept — BMW already announced that it will be making 70 Speedtops, available to order now. People were sad that the Z4 shooting brake concept from Villa d'Este 2023 was never made, but I think this is much better. It won't come to the U.S., sadly, but that doesn't mean we can't drool over the details. Head of design Adrian van Hooydonk says the Speedtop is "an exclamation mark for our entire lineup of vehicles, especially for the Touring models," and BMW describes the car as being perfect for a two-person weekend getaway. Read more: Every Car You Can Get With A Manual In 2025 Aside from chrome strakes in the grilles and intakes, the Speedtop is identical to the Skytop from the A-pillar forward, which is totally fine. With their shark nose front ends, clean surfacing, Bangle-like tail ends and thoughtful detailing, the Speedtop and Skytop are a lot more elegant and exciting than BMW's other current offerings, and certainly more beautiful than anything the company has put out since the i8. Obviously, the biggest changes are at the roofline and the rear end. The tailgate is raked steeply forward, with a sharp spoiler at the edge of the roof. The C-pillar's Hofmeister kink is both simpler and more dramatically shaped than what we've seen on other recent Bimmers, and the car's profile overall is quite athletic. The Floating Sunstone Maroon paint of the show car fades into Floating Sundown Silver in a gradient on the roof, which is bisected by a physical spine that appears to run from the tip of the nose all the way to the tail. BMW also gave the Speedtop different wheels from the Skytop, with a more open, less turbofan-style design. While I wish the interior of the Speedtop was more differentiated from the 8 Series on which it's based, the color scheme, details and cargo area make up for it. Everything is finished in Sundown Maroon and Moonstone White leather, and there are painted trim pieces that match the exterior color — thankfully there's no carbon fiber in sight. The two-tone split of the headliner echoes the design of the car's roof, with the spine being an ambient light bar. All of the leather is enhanced with brogue detailing, and thankfully there's a lot of BMW's faceted crystal trim, including in the headrests. Behind the two seats are open spaces for a pair of fancy matching handbags made by Schedoni, and between the two cubbies is a waterfall-style console with additional storage space. There's a third weekend bag that goes in the leather-lined trunk, which has multiple adjustable levels that reveal a fairly deep partially enclosed space and ambient lighting that encircles it all. BMW hasn't given any specs for the Speedtop beyond saying it has "the most powerful V8 engine" that the company currently sells. We know the car will use the M8 as its basis, which will mean at least 617 horsepower, all-wheel drive and fairly advanced chassis systems. The Skytop has been spied testing at the Nürburgring, so the Speedtop should have at least some sporting pretensions. Bernd Körber, senior vice president of the BMW brand and product management, says the Skytop "generated great enthusiasm among connoisseurs and automotive enthusiasts," and because of that positive reaction the Speedtop was able to be greenlit. BMW hasn't yet said how much the Speedtop will cost, but the Skytop will cost around $500,000, so expect the Speedtop to be at least that much. We don't know exactly when it'll enter production either, but the first Skytops will reach their owners early next year. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Top Gear
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The stunning new BMW Speedtop is a £500k V8 shooting brake spun off an M8
The stunning new BMW Speedtop is a £500k V8 shooting brake spun off an M8 BMW reveals delightful, practical big boy limited to just 70 models and yeah, you want one Skip 19 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 19 When is a BMW Touring not a Touring? When it's a Speedtop, an M8-based, £500k limited run special that's just been unveiled at the annual festival of loveliness that is the Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance. 'The BMW Concept Speedtop is characterised first of all by its profile,' head of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk explains. 'It is unique in the automotive industry. In this way, we have created an exclamation mark for our entire line-up of vehicles, especially for the Touring models.' Advertisement - Page continues below BMW, of course, has a long history of rolling out emotionally resonant one-offs at the historic event on the shore of Lake Como. More recently, though, the company has showcased its bandwidth by putting them into production. In 2015, the 3.0 CSL homage blew a fair few minds and 50 were eventually made. Last year it was the turn of the Skytop, an elegant coupe/convertible with a subtly eye-popping graduated paint-job, 50 of which are coming to life in a special facility within BMW's Dingolfing plant in Bavaria. The paint-shop there has phenomenal capability and there's even a saddlery for the finest in leathery interior makeovers. The Speedtop leans into all the possibilities while doffing its cap at the mysteriously alluring Shooting Brake idea, while perhaps permitting echoes of the eternally cool late Nineties M Coupe. (Quick note: a brake was a form of carriage back in the 19th century, and the shooting bit references adaptations to the body to suit hunting parties. Now you know…) A clear evolution of the Skytop's look and feel, it has the same sharky prow, the lights are slimmed down to the point of barely being visible, and the signature kidney grille is illuminated and prominent – though rather less so than on other current high-end BMWs. The eye is quickly drawn to the central 'spline' on the bonnet which is picked up again and continues along the roof. And, as on the Skytop, the Speedtop looks resplendent in its expensive paint job, which magically morphs from 'floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'floating Sundown Silver'. This is not a car you want to park under any trees for fear of despoilment by berry-consuming avians. Advertisement - Page continues below Other exterior highlights include the bespoke alloy wheels, with their turbine blade look, and the way the full-length glasshouse blends into the propulsive rear shoulders. In the past, BMW has worked with Italian carozzeria such as Pininfarina and Zagato to create cars like this, but the Speedtop suggests that the company is rather enjoying being its own coachbuilder. Skip 20 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 20 It's actually more difficult to reconfigure the interior, so the kinship with the 8 Series is easier to detect inside. But the Speedtop still pushes the limits of BMW's personalisation/bespoke programme. There's brown 'Sundown Maroon' leather inside that swathes the dashboard, door tops and centre console. That's strongly contrasted with the 'Moonstone white' leather that covers the seats, dividing the dynamic and functional areas of the interior. Although we're not sure how functional white leather really is. Never mind the birds wrecking the exterior, you'd think twice about parking denim-clad posterior in here. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email* As on the outside, there's a 'spline' inside the car, illuminated within the two-tone leather in the headlining. There are shades of Art Deco here, another nod to the late Twenties masterpieces that enliven concours lawns. The rear seats feature bespoke luggage from Italian specialist, Schedoni, held in place with leather straps. Then there's the, erm, boot. Can we call it that? Again, we're talking Prada shopping bag rather than Lidl here. It's split level, the upper lid covered in the same leather that's used elsewhere, the lower one surprisingly spacious. The storage compartment is lit throughout. Nice touch. It's also a BMW M8 underneath the bespoke bodywork, so motive force comes from the 523bhp, 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged S63 V8 engine as used by the previous gen M5. So it has the guts to go with the visual glory, should the owner ever feel the need to bury no doubt bespoke brogue into the carpet. We suspect collectors will be adding the Speedtop to their Skytops, though there will be 70 of the former rather than the latter's 50. A curious imbalance that might push up Skytop values. Imagine both parked up with a Riva Aquarama bobbing gently on the lake beneath. Aaaand… you're back in the room.
