The XXI edition of Autostyle – held at the end of October in Mantua, as usual on the initiative of Berman Spa under the direction of Prof. Roberto Artioli – was once again able to integrate design, technology and sustainability, establishing itself not only as a reference point for car design, but also as a laboratory of ideas capable of looking beyond the automotive sector.
Among the novelties, the nautical sector, with Azimut’s yachts, which highlighted the relationship between boat design and automotive design, revealing their similarities. Federico Lantero, Head of Product Design – Azimut Yachts, illustrated the “Back to Nature” philosophy of the Seadeck line, characterized by a design that combines elegance and sustainability through eco-friendly materials and technologies for reducing emissions, but also innovative shapes and solutions for the daily use of the boat.
Motorcycles were also an element of great interest, with exclusive models born from the challenge of mixing the aesthetics and values of luxury car brands with the motorcycle world. Andrea Ferraresi, Ducati Strategy & Style Center Director, showed some exclusive motorcycles of the brand, starting with the Diavel made in collaboration with Lamborghini, lightened and with distinctive elements such as redesigned rims and finishes in the style of the supercars of Sant’Agata, to express a dynamic fusion between the values of the two brands. The Lamborghini Streetfighter V4, on the other hand, takes up the sharp language of the cars with details inspired by the Huracan, including a toe cap that recalls the car’s sill and an integrated air intake. With the Bentley customized Diavel, Ducati faces an even more sophisticated integration challenge, given the difference in style with the British brand: the project was curated in collaboration with Robin Page’s Bentley design team to harmonize the DNA of the two manufacturers. In this way, the Diavel Bentley features a less forward-leaning lateral line and softer surfaces, inspired by the Bentley Batur, with stylish rims and a redesigned seat to evoke luxury and performance. Still in the motorcycle sector, Aston Martin brought the example of the AMB 001, the first motorcycle of the British manufacturer, built together with Brough Superior to integrate Aston Martin style with high-end motorcycle performance.
The charm of supercars is inevitable. From Flavio Manzoni’s presentation of the new Ferrari 12Cilindri, the evolution of Ferrari style emerged: the model stands out for a minimalist front and muscular but at the same time geometric shapes, which convey power and elegance, marking a new stylistic chapter for the Maranello company.
Mitja Borkert, on the other hand, recounted the genesis of the design of the Lamborghini Temerario, which maintains the traditional “Countach line”, but stands out for its sinuous volumes and an advanced customization capacity. At the same time, the Chinese electric supercar YangWang U9, designed under the guidance of Wolfgang Egger, design director of the BYD group, demonstrated how even the new players in the market focus on refined design, but with details that challenge conventions and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. Pagani then fascinated the public with the Utopia Roadster, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, the work of a small, close-knit and competent team.
A key moment for the young talents of the design schools was the award ceremony of the Design Competition. At the end of the event, Simone Soffietti of the IAAD of Turin received the Press Award, Edoardo Basilissi of the ISSAM of Modena was awarded by the Jury of the Design Centers, and Marco Barbadoro won the Audience Award. For all the finalists, this competition is confirmed as a springboard towards the style centers of the main car manufacturers, offering the opportunity to present innovative ideas and make themselves known to professionals in the sector.
