Car Design round-up: Aston Martin, Skoda & Dacia

Aston Martin DB12 S revealed

As the new halo model of Aston Martin’s DB collection, the DB12 S brings 700PS of power and drives 0-60 in 3.4 seconds.

The design reflects this increase in speed, with a dual element front splitter that visually lowers and widens the vehicle to create an assertive look, while also stabilising airflow and reducing lift. New bonnet louvres are also in place, finished in gloss black or 2x2 Twill Carbon Fibre.

Hand-made S badges in bright or dark chrome with red glass enamel are featured in key locations on the DB12 S, such as on the fenders just below each side strake.

Aerodynamics, of course, play a part, with the fixed rear spoiler increasing high-speed stability and a new rear diffuser that reduces lift, allowing space for the stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes.

Three interior trim options are available – Accelerate leather and Alcantara trim, Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara and Inspire S full semi-aniline leather.

Full release here.

Bentley brings hue back from the past and launches a new fragrance

Bentley has had a busy week, bringing back a historic, vibrant purple paint colour on a client commission as well as launching a new fragrance, Zenith.

Violette is the name of the blue-purple tone, complemented by gloss black exterior details such as the Bentley badges. The resurfacing of this hue is thanks to Bentley’s paint shop, which can resurrect any colour from Bentley’s history through master samples held on file or remastering from an existing vehicle.

The new fragrance follows the debut of Bentley Become in 2024. Violet leaf, leather and vanilla make up the scent profile.

Full release here and here.

Dacia upgrades fleet

Dacia Sandero, Sandero Stepway and Jogger have all received a makeover, with new LED light signatures featuring an inverted ‘T’ that’s connected to the grille by a fine line of pixel-like white dots.

The Sandero Stepway also gains a new matte black strip running between the rear lights and redesigned bumper.

Sandero Stepway and Jogger add to their outdoor prowess with additional features such as new protections on the wheel arches, lower body and fog light surrounds in the eco-friendly Starkle material.

New cloth fabric is utilised in the interior of these three vehicles – black in the Jogger and Sandero and light blue in the Sandero Stepway.

This news comes after Dacia launched the Hipster concept earlier in the week. 

Full release here.

Škoda 110 R reboot

Skoda has reimagined a classic for the electric era – the Škoda 110 R coupé.

Designed by Richard Švec, a designer in the digital modelling team, the reboot includes a clear nod to the original vehicle, through flared arches, a visible roll cage, centre-lock wheels and ribbed detailing on the bonnet, while embracing crisp proportions and uncluttered surfaces which reflect Škoda’s Modern Solid design language.

Technology has brought the 110 R into the 21st century, with low-drag cameras replacing conventional mirrors and hidden headlights beneath sliding covers.

Švec commented: “I didn’t want to recreate the past. The goal was to capture the spirit of the 110 R in a car that feels innovative and absolutely contemporary. Finding the right balance between heritage and modernity was the real challenge.

“I’ve always been drawn to elegant cars – those with clean surfaces and simple details. That’s exactly what the 110 R did so well. It was stylish, but it also had real motorsport credibility. That combination fascinated me.”

Full release here.