News-in-brief
Car design round-up: Pajero, Porsche and electric Range Rover
Car Design News looks at news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest updates from Porsche, Mitsubishi and recent people news
Pajero reborn
The iconic off-roader (which rose to fame partly due to its translation in certain Spanish-speaking regions) has returned after a five-year hiatus. It cannot be described as any other than an off-roader – it is not an SUV, nor a crossover. That bulky frame and upright nose is paired with a rugged 2.4-litre diesel powertrain and advanced all-wheel drive but also a significantly modernised interior. No word on an Evolution special yet, though. We can only hope.
Full release here.
GT3 Bergsport
This special edition 911 GT3 is inspired by the Alpine region and Porsche’s history of competing in European hill climb events. Cues include a new paint colour – Valleygreenmetallic – which draws from the earthy tones of the mountains, while gold flake adds a sparkle in the sun. The interior gets similar treatment with Valleygreen seats and orange stitching, among other things. The Bergsport will be available in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland.
Full release here.
Range Rover electric
A battery powered Range Rover was inevitable and we now know how it will look: almost identical to the ICE version. We do know the “uncompromised and unmistakable Range Rover design” now features an aerodynamically‑optimised grille, wheels and underbody to boost motorway range.
Full release here.
People news
Changes are afoot at Volvo’s Shanghai design operation, with Armin Hoebrücker stepping up following the departure of Asia Pacific design chief Sophie Li.
Facundo Elias has been promoted from lead exterior designer at Bugatti to chief exterior designer and head of Berlin studio. He first joined in 2023 and prior to this spent over a decade with Lamborghini.
Rivian's long-time director of studio engineering Kevin Wheldon has retired. The Coventry alumnus spent nearly nine years in Michigan following a three-year stint at Mahindra in Mumbai and nearly two decades with Chrysler from the mid '90s.
Bonus content: Car Design News feeds a duck
Salon Prive is hosted in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, self-proclaimed as "Britain's greatest palace." Among the reams of classic cars from 1930s onwards, guests were greeted by a very friendly (and very greedy) duck who for all we know was part of the judging panel (which included new McLaren man David Woodhouse and Bugatti's Frank Heyl).
