Car Design round-up: New BMW Alpina logo, laser-engraved Rolls Royce Phantom & people moves

BMW Alpina unveils new emblem as standalone marque 

Following BMW’s official acquisition of Alpina last month, the brand has revealed a new emblem. 

The updated roundel appears to be a cleaner, modernised version of the previous iteration. It retains the same throttle body and crankshaft motif as the previous logo, encircled by the updated wordmark. Colour is kept simple, with the logo presented in white, with no background for a ‘precise and refined execution’ according to the brand. 

Full release here. 

Rolls Royce Phantom Arabesque 

The Arabesque introduces the first fully laser-engraved bonnet in Rolls-Royce history thanks to a technique developed over five years by Rolls-Royce’s Exterior Surface Centre. 

The bonnet’s design is inspired by mashrabiya latticework – a feature of traditional Arabian architecture – and this motif recurs in the form of hand-painted, embroidered and illuminated elements throughout the car. 

The process involves painting the bonnet in a darker colour, sealing it under multiple clear-coat layers, and then applying a lighter top layer. The geometric pattern is then engraved to a depth of 145–190 micrometres (one millionth of a metre), revealing the darker underlying tone. 

Full release here. 

PPG reveals 2026 global automotive colour trends 

PPG’s colour of the year is Secret Safari – a mid-tone yellow green with organic undertones.

“Secret Safari embodies the desire for resilience and fresh sophistication,” said Cindy Li, PPG senior styling manager, Asia Pacific, Automotive OEM Coatings. “Its ability to change under different lighting conditions adds a layered depth that aligns with the multifaceted lifestyles of today’s drivers.” 

Full release here. 

Dürr reveals new application system 

Dürr’s EcoNextJet can print graphics, patterns and lettering directly onto vehicle surfaces in high-resolution, both horizontally and vertically – and in two colours. 

To do this, a printhead with 2,000 individually controllable nozzles is attached to a painting robot. Each nozzle dispenses paint only when needed, and up to six drops can be dispenses per pixel in order to control size and speed. This technology aims to replace films and manual steps for vehicle personalisation and is currently in initial testing centres in Dürr’s European and US centres. 

Full release here. 

People news 

Habib Orhan has joined Ford Motor Company as a senior exterior designer, having previously worked as an exterior designer at Lynk & Co for over three years. 

Sascha Kalus has been promoted within the BMW Group to head of BMW Group concept cars and small batch vehicle design. His previous role was head of advanced UI/UX Group design. 

Max Wolff rejoined General Motors to lead the team at GM Design in Shanghai.

Jan Christian Osnes joined General Motors as lead exterior creative designer based in Shanghai, China.