Car Design round-up: Bentley teaser, remastered Esprit & pawfectly bespoke Spectre

BASF reveals two new recycling processes for end-of-life vehicles

The new technology allows for the recycling of polyamides from end-of-life vehicles. This builds upon the recovery of metals from vehicles that is already in place to rescue roughly 200kg of plastic per vehicle that ends up being incinerated.

The first recycling process is chemical, used on worn out and even contaminated plastic parts. The next project recycles automotive shredder residue – a mix of different materials that remain after the removal of metals and glass.

Full release here.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Bailey

This one-of-one commission is inspired by the US client couple’s Labrador-Golden Retriever mix dog, with a two-tone exterior in Crystal Fusion and Beautiful Bailey alongside a rose-gold paw print Coachline.

Inside, a marquetry portrait of Bailey made up of more than 180 veneer pieces sits on the rear waterfall, while his paw prints continue to track across the dashboard and door sills.

The interior also echoes the colours and textures of Bailey’s coat, with Moccasin and Crème Light leathers combined with Royal Walnut veneer.

Full release here.

Remastered Lotus Esprit by Encor

Encor has unveiled its first project, the Encor Series 1, a remastered Lotus Esprit marking 50 years since the original S1 debuted at the 1975 Paris Motor Show.

Limited to 50 units, the car uses a donor Lotus Esprit V8 chassis and engine, rebuilt and refined for improved performance and usability. The fibreglass body is replaced with a CAD-refined carbon-fibre shell, incorporating reimagined LED pop-up headlights.

The cockpit is updated with leather, Alcantara, aluminium, Apple CarPlay, 360° cameras and modern climate control. The Series 1 is priced from £430,000, excluding donor vehicle, options and taxes.

Full release here.

Bentley teaser

A rare Bentley is set to arrive soon, with the car maker promising that this vehicle will be the return of an iconic name from 100 years ago.

Any guesses?

Full release here.

Mercedes unveils new advanced light testing centre

The 135 metres long and eight metres high, the new light testing centre (part of Immenginen in Baden-Württemberg) enables testing of headlight systems under constant, reproducible conditions.

This track recreates a country road, with asphalt mixture to replicate the reflective properties of an aged road. Up to five cars can be tested at once.

This investment amounts to 10.5 million euros and took two years to build.

Full release here.

Tribute to 1993 DTM Champion

Stellantis Heritage has delivered the first Alfa Romeo 4C Collezione GT “Nicola Larini”, created under the Reloaded by Creators programme. 

Limited to three examples, the series pays tribute to Larini’s 1993 DTM title with the Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI. 

The handover took place at the Alfa Romeo Historical Museum in Arese, where Larini drove a demonstration lap before presenting the keys to the new owner. 

The car features a livery by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile referencing Giulia GT models of the 1960s and 1970s, with Larini’s signature on the hood, dashboard plaque and seats. Two further editions – “Verde Pino” and “Rosso Prugna” – will follow.

Full release here.

100MPH launches sculpture collection

The UK studio 100MPH, founded by formed Jaguar, Nissan and McLaren designer Yan, has released a collection of aluminium sculptures that repurpose automotive forms into collectable artworks. 

Separately, two other ex-McLaren designers have also formed a similar studio away from car design. 

Further information on 100MPH here.