Latest news with #automotivedesign
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The World's Most Beautiful Station Wagon Could Soon Become a Reality
Callum has announced that it's now taking orders to build this absolutely gorgeous shooting brake. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more Following nearly two decades penning cars for Jaguar, automotive designer Ian Callum now keeps himself busy with various projects through his eponymous firm, Callum. Along with imagining the future of mobility through various forward-looking concepts, the outfit has also homologated historic Bond cars for road use, sculpted Dakar-competing 4x4s and redefined British classics like the Mini Cooper. In other words, were anyone else to tease the Vanquish shooting brake that you see before you, it'd be easily dismissible as vaporware. However, Callum has a history of turning dreams into reality — meaning what is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful station wagons will likely be hitting the road before too long. Answering the call Ian Callum took to Instagram to announce that the firm would be accepting commissions for a shooting brake version of the Aston Martin Vanquish. Even though the image is of a pre-production concept, the possibility of it hitting the road is very real. After all, with enough money to fund a bespoke vehicle, who wouldn't want to see an Aston Martin Vanquish realized as a raked-out hatch? From tip to tail, the station wagon is stunning. Moreover, the announcement follows a previous Vanquish teaser that Ian Callum posted on his personal social media over two years ago. Though the designer later deleted the post, the responses to the concept were reportedly positive at the time. Not that it should come as a surprise. Zagato broke the internet with its Vanquish shooting brake back in 2019, so there's clear support (and a standing precedent for) otherworldly Aston Martin wagon designs. Vanquish variations And here's the thing: a shooting brake wouldn't be the first time that Ian Callum has taken his talents to the Vanquish. The designer actually penned the first-generation for Aston Martin while working at TWR Design. As such, the firm's Vanquish 25 offering represents Callum's desire to revisit the car and improve on his original design. The fact that he continues to tweak the body and imagine it as a shooting brake — first as a concept and subsequently as a public offering — shows that he's still not gotten his fix. Of course, if you look through the Callum portfolio, you'll see there are more than a few interesting concepts just waiting for the right well-heeled buyer to fund them into a reality. In the event that someone puts their name down for an Aston shooting brake, hopefully, they'll also want a Callum-designed E-Type. By inquiry only As of this writing, Callum hasn't unveiled pricing or specifications for its Vanquish shooting brake. However, the firm is willing to speak with interested parties who are serious about seeing their Aston Martin turned into a one-off wagon. Given that a Vanquish 25 is said to cost some £450,000 (sans donor vehicle), the shooting brake is unlikely to come cheap. If you'd like to learn more or contact Callum for a commission, you can head to the firm's website. Callum Vanquish Shooting Brake Learn More
Geeky Gadgets
28-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The BMW Concept Speedtop: When Art Meets Automotive Design
The BMW Concept Speedtop is a groundbreaking addition to the world of luxury touring cars. Unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, this concept car blends the elegance of a shooting brake with dynamic proportions, creating a vehicle that is as visually striking as it is functional. Designed for weekend getaways and long drives, the Speedtop offers a seamless combination of performance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. The car's unique profile is defined by its shark-nose front end, illuminated kidney grille, and a central spline that flows from the bonnet to the rear spoiler. The two-tone exterior paint, transitioning from 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver,' enhances its dynamic silhouette. This design language not only sets the Speedtop apart but also underscores BMW's commitment to innovation in the luxury touring segment. The BMW Concept Speedtop's exterior design is a masterclass in automotive artistry. The sleek, elongated body is accentuated by the car's low stance and wide track, giving it an aggressive yet refined presence on the road. The 14-spoke wheels, finished in a complementary two-tone scheme, add to the car's visual appeal while also hinting at its performance capabilities. Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Design The interior of the BMW Concept Speedtop is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. High-quality materials and traditional brogue-style details adorn the leather-trimmed surfaces, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. The two-tone interior, featuring 'Sundown Maroon' and 'Moonstone White,' mirrors the exterior color scheme, offering a cohesive design experience. The car's interior is not just about aesthetics; it is also highly functional. The trunk, divided into two sections, is leather-covered and illuminated, making it ideal for multi-day trips. Additionally, the collaboration with Italian leather manufacturer Schedoni has resulted in custom-made storage solutions, including two bespoke bags and a matching weekend bag, ensuring that every detail aligns with the Speedtop's luxurious ethos. The attention to detail in the Speedtop's interior is unparalleled. From the hand-stitched leather on the dashboard to the precisely crafted metal accents, every element has been carefully considered and executed. The seats, designed for both comfort and support, feature intricate perforation patterns that add visual interest while also promoting airflow for optimal comfort during long drives. Unrivaled Performance and Technology Under the hood, the BMW Concept Speedtop is powered by the most potent V8 engine in BMW's portfolio. While specific performance figures have not been released, the car's low, wide stance and aerodynamic design suggest that it will offer an exhilarating driving experience. The Speedtop is expected to deliver the perfect balance of power, agility, and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate both performance and luxury. In addition to its impressive powertrain, the BMW Concept Speedtop is likely to feature innovative technology. BMW is known for its innovative driver assistance systems, advanced infotainment features, and connected services. The Speedtop, as a flagship model, is expected to showcase the latest advancements in these areas, providing drivers with a seamless, intuitive, and connected experience behind the wheel. Pricing and Availability The BMW Concept Speedtop is not just a concept—it's a collector's dream. Limited to a production run of just 70 units, this exclusive vehicle is now available for order. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the Speedtop's bespoke design, powerful V8 engine, and limited availability suggest it will cater to discerning buyers seeking unparalleled luxury and performance. Interested collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to act quickly to secure one of these rare models. Specifications Exterior Design: Shark-nose front end, illuminated kidney grille, two-tone paint ('Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver'), 14-spoke wheels Shark-nose front end, illuminated kidney grille, two-tone paint ('Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver'), 14-spoke wheels Interior Design: Two-tone leather upholstery ('Sundown Maroon' and 'Moonstone White'), brogue-style details, illuminated leather-covered trunk Two-tone leather upholstery ('Sundown Maroon' and 'Moonstone White'), brogue-style details, illuminated leather-covered trunk Storage: Custom Schedoni leather bags, divided trunk with light beam illumination Custom Schedoni leather bags, divided trunk with light beam illumination Engine: Most powerful V8 engine in BMW's portfolio Most powerful V8 engine in BMW's portfolio Production: Limited to 70 units Explore More from BMW For those intrigued by the BMW Concept Speedtop, the brand's broader lineup offers additional areas of interest. From the innovative BMW Skytop to the latest advancements in electric mobility, BMW continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and performance. Whether you're a collector or an enthusiast, BMW's commitment to excellence ensures there's something for everyone. The BMW Concept Speedtop is a testament to the brand's unwavering dedication to creating exceptional driving machines. By combining innovative design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and advanced technology, BMW has created a luxury touring car that sets a new standard in the industry. As the automotive world eagerly awaits the production version of the Speedtop, one thing is clear: BMW continues to redefine what is possible in the realm of luxury automobiles. Source BMW Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Automakers focus on R&D and design investment as China's electric vehicle exports increase
GUANGZHOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 May 2025 - The market size of new energy vehicles in China is expanding, and automakers are constantly carrying out innovative reforms. In the first four months of 2025, China's automobile production and sales both surpassed 10 million units for the first time, according to data released by the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). A report from the Passenger Car Market Joint Branch of the China Automobile Dealers Association pointed out that in April, China's export volume of new energy passenger vehicles reached 189,000 units, increasing by 44.2 percent year-on-year and 31.6 percent month-on-month, accounting for 44.6 percent of the total passenger vehicle exports, up by 14 percentage points compared with the same period last year. Under this trend, Chinese automakers, such as GAC Group, have increased their investment in research and development, especially by constantly innovating in the field of design to meet the needs of young consumers. Chen Ping-chun, an exterior designer of GAC, introduced that in the current electric vehicle industry chain, automotive designers play the role of "magicians," aiming to turn an attractive pattern into a product. Besides retaining creativity, it also needs to comply with the norms of the automotive industry. Chen Ping-chun introduced that the vehicle appearance he made at that time was the first new energy vehicle with gull-wing doors among the self-owned brands of Chinese automakers. Due to its fashionable body lines, it received a lot of praise. Chen Ping-chun was born in Taiwan and later went to work in Guangdong Province. He said that while living on the Chinese mainland, he found that the most common vehicles he saw on the roads were new energy vehicles. In terms of autonomous driving, some Chinese automakers represented by GAC have already taken the leading position internationally, said Chen. Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. China News Service
Auto Car
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
People deserve a cheap car they actually want, says Slate designer
The design boss of Slate Auto, the American start-up backed by Amazon that plans to launch a bare-bones, £20,000 electric pick-up truck in 2027, believes 'people deserve to have a car that they can afford' and the concepts of desirability and affordability should be 'inseparable'. Speaking to the Autocar Meets podcast from the Car Design Event in Munich, Tisha Johnson said the 'clear, overwhelming response' to the Slate Truck's unveiling last month has been 'oustanding and somehow surprising' but ultimately reflective of the public's desire for more affordable yet still attractive cars. Prior to joining Slate, Johnson spent several years at Volvo's North American design studio, primarily focused on interior development, before taking a break from the automotive industry with stints at appliance manufacturer Whirlpool and furniture maker Herman Miller. Asked if those experiences have informed the utilitarian, functional design of the Truck, and whether it could be considered an appliance rather than a car, Johnson said: 'I haven't contemplated it as an appliance. When we first started talking about what we were going to do, there were two objectives that were inseparable. The first thing was to provide affordable transportation, a car that people could afford, and the second was to make it desirable. 'And that is exactly why I knew I was in the right place, because [those things] should be inseparable. People deserve to have a car that they can afford.' Johnson said that the Slate project appealed specifically to her desire to have a 'meaningful impact for society and on people's lives' and gave her an opportunity to fulfil a prevailing career ambition: 'It was concerning to me that I hadn't delivered affordable mobility, an affordable car, to people.' Indeed, the Slate Truck is tipped to be one of the most affordable pick-ups – electric or otherwise – on sale in the US, with a targeted start price of just $27,000 (£20k) before incentives. That puts it roughly on a par with the entry-level, petrol-engined Ford Maverick and makes it roughly half the price of the Ford F-150 Lightning - currently America's cheapest electric truck. Crucial to the Slate's low list price – and, Johnson argues, its mass appeal – is a bare-bones cabin that eschews much of the advanced technology and equipment common to new cars, featuring manual seats, no stereo as standard and a device mount in place of a touchscreen, for example.
