Car Design News takes a look at the news that may have gone under the radar this week, including the latest from Bugatti, Corvette and Volvo
Bugatti opens design studio in Berlin
The city known for Berghain and Bratwurst is now also home to a new Bugatti design studio.
Vehicle exterior, colour & trim and 3D modelling will be set across the new 1,100 square-metre studio.
Keep an eye on our website for more information coming soon.
Full release here.
Refreshed interior for 2026 Corvette
The 2026 Corvette is in for a treat, with the Stingray, E-Ray, Z06 and ZR1 benefiting from a reimagined cabin.
These new interiors promise a driver-centric cockpit, with a bigger 12.7-inch centre console display, an expanded 14-inch driver information center and a new 6.6-inch touchscreen auxilliary display.
New materials, such as suede, leather and carbon fibre have also been utilised. Five new interior colourways are available – for example, a rich chocolate brown paired with jet black and natural tan accents.
Full release here.
Jaguar Land Rover looks for a new advertising agency
In a not-so-suprising move after the Jaguar rebrand controversy last year, the company is on the hunt for a new advertising agency.
Read our thoughts on the rebrand here.
Klein Vision takes off with a production prototype of the AIrCar
The Solvakia-based developer unveiled the production prototype of the AirCar at the 2025 Living Legends of Aviation Gala dinner in Beverley Hills this week.
This vehicle can transform from car to aircraft in less than two minutes and has successfully completed over 170 flight hours and more than 500 take-offs and landings.
Full release here.
Exclusive colours released for Opel Mokka
Kolibri Blue, Tropikal Green and Graphik Grey are the three new colours that have been revealed for the compact SUV.
Full release here.
Toyoda Gosei develops new steering wheel
Set to first be used on Lexus’ RZ battery electric vehicles, Toyoda Gosei’s new steering wheel resembles that of an aeroplane yoke.
This design was achieved as a response to the steer-by-wire system, as multiple rotations of a steering wheel are no longer needed.
Full release here.
Toyota Corolla Cross debuts with new interior & exterior
The 2026 Corolla Cross will feature two new front fascia designs, with a colour-matched look for the hybrid version and a rugged design for the gas-powered model. Other exterior updates include a cool hue of Cavalry Blue exterior paint.
Inside, the 2026 Corolla has a reconfigured console storage design and a larger touchscreen at 10.5 inches. A new cold weather package is also available, with a heated steering wheel and front seats – although this will come as standard on the XLE AWD and hybrid XSE grades.
Two new wheel designs are also available, including 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark grey metallic finish on the XLE and 18-inch aluminium alloy sport wheels in a glossy black finish for the hybrid XSE grade.
Ultraleggera exhibition unveiled
Co-produced by Qatar Auto Museum and the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, the ’Ultraleggera: A Design Journey with Marcello Gandini between Italy and Qatar’ exhibition focuses on Gandini’s iconic lightweight design philosophy as well as featuring new work by VCUarts Qatar students.
This showcase includes models, sketches and prototypes on loan from Gandini’s studio. The VCUarts Qatar students will present ‘moving interior’ installations that follow Ganhini’s design philosophies.
Following its presentation in Doha, the exhibition will travel to the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in the summer.
President of Qatar Auto Museum, H.E. Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber, said: “Marcello Gandini’s work is a defining part of automotive design history, and this exhibition is a powerful opportunity to honour his legacy.
“By pairing his iconic creations with the innovative work of VCUarts Qatar students, a meaningful dialogue has been created between past and present, Italy and Qatar.”
Exhibition information here.
No comments yet