Issue no. 272 summary
Event Car Design Award 2025, Lotus, Ferrari and Renault awarded
A gathering to celebrate automobile design, a celebration for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Once again, Milan’s ADI Museum hosted the Car Design Award, the global automotive design Oscar established in 1984 by our magazine… by A&D
Cover story Mercedes-Benz CLA, minimalist high-tech
“A super computer on four wheels”. Ola Kallenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, hails the new CLA as “the most technologically advanced car we have ever made”, while a fleet of drones lights up the Roman skies with the model’s name. The German carmaker chose the Eternal City for the international unveiling of its groundbreaking vehicle… by Silvia Baruffaldi, Edoardo Nastri
Interview Simon Humphries/Toyota, new priorities
Toyota’s multi-technological approach to sustainable mobility has translated into a wide variety of design projects. We talked about this with Simon Humphries, Chief Branding Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation, whom we met in Brussels at the Kenshiki Forum, an annual event where the… by Silvia Baruffaldi
Concept car Lotus Theory 1, purity of expression
I believe Colin Chapman would not hesitate to put his signature under the Theory 1 project with which the brand he fathered, the legendary Lotus, launches with this futuristic concept the vision of an intelligent, high-performance electric car, the result of a new design manifesto that will be the basis of all Lotuses to come… by Fabio Galvano
Meet the designer Massimo Frascella, elegance is measured provocation
The numerous projects he has worked on include bestsellers like the 2010 Kia Sportage and the iconic new Land Rover Defender and in June 2024 he was appointed head of Audi design. Born in 1971, Massimo Frascella has built up a distinguished career in car design starting from… by Silvia Baruffaldi, Edoardo Nastri
Design trends Interiors, your car as home
Feeling at home in your car. Using your vehicle as a space to live in and fitting it out with a level of convenience never seen before. This shift is transforming car interiors into extensions of our homes, an approach that is revolutionising design. While vehicle design once prioritised the exterior, today it is more and more… by Edoardo Nastri
Special feature Geely Galaxy: design essence
In an era defined by rapid technological evolution and the rise of intelligent mobility, automotive design is undergoing a profound shift—from pure aesthetics to experience-driven innovation. As electrification and smart technology become the industry consensus…
Design story Kia EV4, at the forefront of astonishment
Design to astonish, define the language of the new, and clarify its belonging to modernity. Without compromise. If at times the intention emerges more explicitly than usual, it certainly happens with the latest Kia electric vehicles: “The key to understanding our work lies in a strong drive to move away from classic lines,” explains Karim Habib… by Silvio jr. Suppa
Concept car GM Corvette, falling back in love with driving
General Motors’ Corvette brand will this year unveil three new concepts designed to spark interest in the future of the sports car icon. The first of the three to be revealed purposely shakes up the traditional view of what a Corvette should be. It features an electric drivetrain for starters, but perhaps… by Nick Gibbs
Design story Dacia Bigster, a strong character
For Dacia, the Bigster is a turning point. Never before had the Renault group manufacturer embarked on the endeavour of creating a large SUV (4.6 metres in length) with a muscular stance and the unmistakable outdoor spirit that has defined the character of all recent Dacia models… by Edoardo Nastri
Railways&Design European night trains, the evolution of space
Today’s snapshot of European night rail transport reveals a complex landscape where Österreichische Bundesbahnen (ÖBB) emerges as a key player. While other national operators have yielded to low-cost flights, abandoning a sector with significant losses, ÖBB has actually expanded its network… by Gabriele Toneguzzi
Boat&Design Officina Italiana Design, balance as keyword
Riva is among the most celebrated brands in the world of yachting. Timeless, yet with an eye firmly set on the future. We met with Mauro Micheli of Officina Italiana Design, the studio that has been crafting its shapes and forms for more than twenty years…by Luca Sordelli
School IED/Italdesign Rapida, design and performance for the Gen Z
A mix of boldness, design and innovation with the aim of redefining sportiness for Generation Z. The Vision Rapida is a concept car created by the young for the young.
Built on architecture capable of accommodating a variety of powertrains – from internal combustion to hybrid and full electric… by Marta Cinti