Car design round-up: Audi, Donut-lab, Volvo and Mansory
Car Design News takes a look at some of the stories that may have gone under the radar this week. Read on for the latest from Audi, Volvo, Kia and more
Alpine releases the first image of the A390
Pop your glasses on, the first image of the A390 has been revealed. As a sporty fastback for the future, the A390 will be the second vehicle in Alpine’s Dream Garage after the A290.
From the front light signature, Car Design News thinks it will bear a close resemblance to the A390 concept that was revealed last year.
Full release here.
Audi Q4 e-tron revealed
Audi’s new entry-level Q4 e-tron looks nearly identical to its 2023 counterpart, with most changes hidden beneath the surface with battery and charging speed upgrades.
The crisp shoulder lines, signature LED lighting and bold grille remain untouched, maintaining Audi’s geometric aesthetic – inside, the clean digital cockpit is familiar.
Full release here.
Donut-lab unveils electric motor
To quote Homer Simpson, “doughnuts, is there anything they can’t do?” Well, apparently not, as Donut-lab has unveiled an electric motor family that hopes to reshape vehicle design. The in-wheel ‘donut motor’ eliminates traditional powertrains, unlocking new possibilities for designers.
The compact motors offer five size options, from motorcycles to trucks, and by integrating directly into the wheels, they remove constraints that have dictated EV layouts.
Full release here.
Gordon Murray Group launches new division
The newly minted Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) division has been created to indulge the whims of ultra-discerning car enthusiasts, crafting bespoke, heritage and special vehicles in limited numbers. Think of it as a Formula 1 genius with a sketchpad and open brief.
Murray acknowledged the long-standing demand for customer commissions, but noted, “we were too busy perfecting the T.50 and finalising development of subsequent products: the T.50s Niki Lauda and the T.33 range.”
Now the business has experienced a strong year of growth, the GMSV division is set to reveal its first bespoke commission and Special Vehicles programme collaboration this year.
Full release here.
Kia designs revealed
Kia’s design team has certainly been busy, revealing the exterior design of the Kia PV5 and EV4 this week.
While the EV4 follows the original concept closely, with a low bonnet and fastback profile, the PV5 passenger also offers a stark resemblance to the concept with a geometric profile. Large windows and a low beltline make the PV5 almost feel panoramic, while the black cladding and sturdy lower body bring a conventional SUV feel.
The cargo variant ditches city aesthetics for efficiency, swapping a single tailgate for twin side-opening doors to maximise load space. More details are set to drop at the Kia EV Day, so stay tuned.
Full release here.
Mansory x Under Armour
In a collaboration that nobody really would have expected, Mansory and Under Armour have teamed up for a special Ford GT and are set to launch their collaboration during the NBA All-Star game in San Francisco.
This Ford GT modification is inspired by basketball superstar, Stephen Curry, and features a wide carbon body, LED headlines and a custom aerodynamic design. The car’s black and yellow colour scheme is a nod to the Under Armour Echo trainers set to launch in April 2025.
Inside, leather, carbon fibre and Alcantara materials are applied liberally.
Full release here.
Peter Schreyer & Albert Kirzinger: design minds meet
The two design veterans met this week to judge the IF Design Awards in Berlin, casting their eye on a range of products.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ head of design appears to have been particularly busy: alongside the judging, he’s overseen the ID.Buzz get a special livery that mirrors the Porsche 911 Dakar.
Peter Schreyer, the man who gave Kia its design mojo and reshaped Hyundai, is technically retired (but for car designers this is more of a concept than a reality) yet continues to shape the industry – not forgetting his role as a Car Design News Sketch battle judge.
Volvo teases the ES90
Volvo has been gearing up to unveil the ES90 on 5 March, a fully electric car that merges cutting-edge aesthetics with the latest technology. From the limited pictures released, the exterior appears to be sleek and minimalistic.
Full release here.
ZF pushes on with steer-by-wire technology
ZF has equipped NIO’s flagship electric vehicle, the ET9, with steer-by-wire steering system, which sees brakes and steering without a direct mechanical connection or system fluids.
The lack of mechanics eliminates some of the traditional design restrictions. Peter Holdmann, member of the board of management at ZF says the supplier is “firmly establishing itself as a technology leader in this area, giving car manufacturers such as NIO new freedom in terms of design, safety, comfort and driving functions.”
The technology paves the way for a more compact steering wheel, allowing drivers to park without adjusting their grip. Very handy.
Full release here.
