Car Design round-up: Bentley, Skoda and Toyota

Mulliner legacy colours return for Bentley’s Bentayga Atelier Edition

Bentley’s Bentayga just got a couture-level makeover with the new Atelier Edition. It introduces six colour combinations, including the return of five Mulliner Legacy hues and the all-new Obsidian Crystal paint. The five other legacy exterior colours are Light Onyx, Rubino, Porcelain, Quartzite and Light Emerald.

Each pairing is a study in contrast and harmony as the Atelier Edition’s designers have combined exterior finishes with a two-colour interior. Think Light Onyx matched to a Linen main interior hide and Imperial Blue secondary hide. Or Rubino’s rich red exterior finish set against a Gravity Grey main hide and Cricketball secondary hide interior.

Inside, Bentley’s most comfort-focussed quilting meets hand-finished veneers, while a distinctive Hallmark Satin matrix grille and Tungsten Satin accents on the 22-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels lend understated distinction to the exterior.

Full release here.

Interested in becoming part of the design team at Bentley? Explore the latest vacancies here.

Gordon Murray Group forms lightweight consortium

Gordon Murray Group (GMG) is leading the charge in ultra-lightweight, eco-friendly vehicle structures with Project M-LightEn (Monocoque architecture – Lightweight and Low Energy), a consortium-backed mission to redefine monocoque design.

The venture is projected to create 160 new jobs across the GMG and partners Carbon Three Sixty, Constellium and Brunel University. The goal? To create a chassis that’s 25% lighter and 50% greener within three years, blending AI-driven design, recycled high-strength aluminium and near-zero waste composites.

Carbon ThreeSixty, Constellium and Brunel University bring cutting-edge materials science to the mix, with 80% recycled aluminium extrusions and precise carbon fibre tailoring for ultimate weight savings.

Targeting a reduction in vehicle lifestyle CO2 by a third or more, the consortium will use AI to optimise designs and develop new materials. Expect digital and physical monocoque prototypes soon, with low-volume commercial use by 2027.

This comes after the news that GMG launched a special vehicle division last week.

Full release here.

Hennessey creates the ultimate Hennessey Mustang

Hennessey is injecting the Mustang with supercar DNA, unveiling the 850bhp Super Venom that will be held to just 91 units to mark the company’s 1991 founding.

With a VenomAero carbon fibre kit, an aggressive track-focussed redesign and 70% more power than the stock Dark Horse, this is the most extreme Mustang yet. The carbon fibre kit consists of a more aggressive front splitter, front hood vent, side skirts, front fender louvres, rear deck lid with an integrated duck bill and a tall, fixed rear track wing.

Hennessey director of design Nathan Malinick commented: “We worked hard to celebrate the esteemed Mustang bloodline with the design of our Super Venom. With a unique interior and track-focused enhancements outside we recognise the iconic muscle car’s sporting heritage alongside that of Hennessey Performance.”

The in-house design team also re-thought the interior, with Hennessey leather and Alcantara seats available in blue or black. The embossed Hennessey signature logo is also a nice touch within the interior of the vehicle.

Full release here.

Hypure Brake Calliper comes up trumps

Brembo’s Hypure motorcycle brake calliper has clinched the 2024 Good Design Award in the Industrial category, a testament to its engineering prowess.

The Hypure clipper features a distinctive asymmetrical design. It is 10% lighter than its closest comparison while maintaining high rigidity, which enhances handling and braking performance.

Beyond its sleek aesthetics, the calliper incorporates advanced heat transfer, and a patented spring/pad/pin system, ensuring optimal performance under demanding conditions. Its sustainable design underscores Brembo’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions for high-performance motorcycles.

Full release here.

Isuzu unveils limited-edition D-Max

The limited-edition D-Max Steel Edition is a robust yet refined pickup, limited to just 250 units. Building on the top-tier New Isuzu D-Max V-Cross (which we have driven previously) this edition has a distinctive Steel Grey Mica exterior complemented by dark grey wheel arch extensions, Steel puddle lamps, roof rails and a bespoke Isuzu grille emblem.

The interior features Steel-branded embossed headrests, heated front seats, luxury floor mats and LED scuff plates, enhancing the premium feel of the cabin.

Technological upgrades include a nine-inch high-definition infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside a seven-inch instrument cluster.

Full release here.

Lexus’ Black Butterfly in-car interface concept inspires

Lexus is bringing a bold fusion of art, technology and mobility to Milan Design Week 2025 with immersive installations inspired by its Black Butterfly dual-interface cockpit control system

Developed for its LF-ZC concept (also on show in Milan last year) this dual-interface system redefines human-machine interaction, blending digital and physical controls.

At the heart of Lexus’ exhibit is “A-Un,” an interactive installation built in collaboration with Six Inc and Studeo. It merges the Black Butterfly’s principles with the Japanese concept of Aun no kokyo – breathing in harmony. Expect a poetic dance of synchronised interaction, where technology responds as intuitively as a co-driver.

Meanwhile, “Discover Together” brings fresh perspectives from rising creative talents from Bascule Inc. in Japan, Northeastern University in the USA and the Lexus Designer Team from Japan, reimagining how Lexus’ innovative interface can shape future mobility. This feeds into Lexus’ support for creators to innovate through the Lexus Design Award.

The exhibits will be on public view at the Superstudio Più, from 8-13 April 2025.

Lexus’ commitment to pushing boundaries extends beyond Milan – its LF-Z Electrified concept previewed a design-forward electric future. Read more about it here.

Full release here.

Ice ice baby

Maserati has turned up the charm in St. Moritz, showcasing a one-of-a-kind GranCabrio Trofeo One of One – The I.C.E concept. This exclusive car was created as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme.

This model takes on an exclusive body colour known as Ice Liquid tri-coat, a three-layer paint that resembles a frozen lake.

To complete the exterior, contrasting side air intakes in a Gloss White finish and forged wheels with an Astreo design are paired with gloss blue brake callipers. The Blue Marine soft top is the cherry on the cake, which opens to reveal ice-coloured leather interiors and 3D touch carbon-fibre finishes.

Full release here.

Timing is everything

Mercedes-Benz design supremo Gorden Wagener made waves in the industry this week when he told ABC News that AI was set to make designers obsolete in ten years’ time. “My successor will be a machine and will be much cheaper than my salary [laughs].”

CDN is doubtful whether Wagener actually believes this – he wouldn’t be the first person to make an off-hand comment and find themselves horrified upon reading it back in print.

However, AI is sure to reshape how cars are designed in fundamental ways. Indeed, Car Design News has just dedicated a month talking to designers at the forefront of the change. Read more here.

The industry is at the very beginning of finding out what this will mean for the future careers of designers entering the industry. Probably best not to joke about the end of the profession that has rewarded you so handsomely when the next generation is understandably anxious as to whether they can follow in your footsteps.

Skoda begins production of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe

Skoda has kicked off production of the successor to Europe’s third best-selling electric model, the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé, at the brand’s Mladá Boleslav plant.

Following the Elroq, the Enyaq is Skoda’s second production model to adopt the Modern Solid design language, blending functionality with a robust, authentic style. The Enyaq features enhanced aerodynamics for improved range, and sustainable materials in the cabin for an eco-conscious touch.

Standard equipment in the new Enyaq includes heated front seats, heated steering wheel, side assist, predictive adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist.

Full release here.

Toyota teases new battery EV…

Toyota teased a new EV this week, with the vehicle expected to be inspired by Toyota’s heritage of creating emotional products.

Not much else to go on, just yet.

Full release here.

…plus, an injection of style for the Corolla

The Corolla range is having a makeover inside and out. In the cabin, sustainable materials such as high-quality synthetic leather will clad the steering wheel and gear shifter.

There’s also a new upholstery option for the Mid+ grade Hatchback and Touring Sports, made from recycled fabrics.

The exterior colour palette has also been expanded to 10 options, with the addition of a new Metal Oxide, a rich red, as a bi-tone combination with a gloss black roof.

Gloss black mirror caps add another dynamic level to the Corolla, and the Mid+ grade also enjoys new 17-inch alloy wheels.

Full release here.