Autostyle Design Competition, the event dedicated to design organized by Berman under the guidance of Prof. Roberto Artioli, celebrates its twentieth anniversary and does so by proposing again all the main initiatives that assured the success of the past editions.
The event took place on 12 October 2023 at Villa Schiarino Lena in Porto Mantovano, and marked first of all the return of the competition aimed at students of international design schools. Three awards were given: Matteo Lo Bracco of Issam received the award from the style center responsibles, Eros Tartaglia, also from Issam, obtained the press award, while Anne Libois of ISD Rubika was the most voted in the referendum of public.
The style center conferences addressed key topics in automotive and non-automotive design. From the Ferrari design team, the starting idea of the Purosangue project: a spacious car suitable for any terrain, without giving up the Cavallino DNA. Also starring are the SF90 XX Stradale, a track car but also for everyday use, and the KC23, a one-off based on the 488 GT3, born from the intersection of two main volumes and with active aerodynamic solutions.
The protagonist for Maserati is the new Granturismo, with a design curated, among others, by Pablo German D’Agostino: highlighting elements such as the relationship between the long bonnet and the passenger compartment, and the choice of colors inspired by the Italian territory, while the new Folgore electric versions also have a specific stylistic identity.
Lamborghini focuses on Revuelto and Lanzador, with a futuristic design that does not forget the past – Countach and Marzal first and foremost. In particular, the Lanzador is the first Lamborghini full electric, with a strong emphasis on active aerodynamics and a cutting-edge interior design, thanks above all to the suspended central tunnel.
Not just cars: the news from Autostyle 2023 was the presence of a DAF TR truck, representing the latest models of the company, displayed like the other cars outside the villa. According to the head of design Bartvan Lotringen, the image objectives for a premium model are combined with functionality, such as the reduction of friction, or the study of every element of the cabin, created by involving the users of the vehicle.
The evolution of the Ducati Multistrada, through four generations in 20 years illustrated by chief designer Andrea Ferraresi, shows a transition from super sports cars to an off-road soul: the stylistic element that highlights this progress is the rear line that rises increasingly upwards, like a leap, in contrast to the wedge shape reminiscent of track motorbikes.
And then, EssilorLuxottica glasses and high fashion, including limited edition Ferrari Style models, with unique shapes inspired by automotive elements and materials: different types of designs that intertwine.
Still in the automotive sector, there is the style of the Chinese BYD, now led by Wolfgang Egger: the references to drops of water, fluid elements, waves or the “shark nose” front end, in a context of momentum and dynamism, are characteristics of the very recent “Ocean Series” electrics, such as the Seal – shown at the event – and the Dolphin.
Finally, Lancia’s Pu+Ra HPE concept, seen up close: a four-seater coupé with a low roof, which represents the redefinition of the automotive design language for a brand in rebirth. Inspiration, the work of the architect Carlo Scarpa, with its simple and functional shapes. For the interiors, the design of Italian furniture and the use of new materials such as the “marm \ more”. Innovation and themes inspired by the past, which we will find in the next models.
Carlo Perini Fotografie
