Car design round-up: Renault Filante crossover, new VW ID.Polo cockpit and a foldable steering wheel

Autoliv and Tensor reveal foldable steering wheel 

This co-developed steering wheel is designed to support changes in interior layouts in autonomous vehicles. 

The wheel retracts in Level 4 mode, with the airbag system also adapting from the steering-wheel airbag to the passenger airbag in the instrument panel when retracted.

The wheel is used within Tensor’s Robocar autonomous driving system, which is slated to launch by 2027 in the EU, US and Middle East markets.

Full release here. 

Lexus expands RZ line-up with F Sport Performance 

This special-edition model adds to Lexus’ battery electric vehicle line-up. 

The RZ 600e F Sport Performance model reduces aerodynamic drag through a reduction in height of 20mm (compared with the base RZ 550e F Sport). 

Inside, Ultrasuede sports seats and door trims are featured, encapsulated by a choice of two exterior colour schemes – Black and Hakugin II with a matte clear finish or Black and Neutrino Grey. Blue accents are also set against the contrasting body.

Full release here. 

Renault Filante teaser 

The French carmaker has revealed the logo and teaser image of the Renault Filante – a crossover vehicle initially marketed in South Korea. 

Renault describes the vehicle as having an “avant-garde” design, with the cabin revolving around “occupant well-being” and use of “state-of-the-art technology”.

Renault brand naming manager Sylvia dos Santos says the Filante name “alludes to shooting stars, outer space and journeys – all of which beautifully reflect our vehicle's stately design." 

The crossover will be revealed on 13 January. 

Full release here. 

New VW ID.Polo cockpit design 

With a focus on intuitive operation, Volkswagen has unveiled a new cockpit generation. 

The cockpit architecture has been completely redesigned based on customer feedback, now including physical buttons for direct functions, a multi-function steering wheel with clear button controls and materials with recycled content.

The new interior includes two large displays – one is a 1980s-inspired digital cockpit behind the steering wheel, with a 10.25-inch screen, and the other is a 13-inch infotainment touchscreen. Separate buttons for climate functions and the hazard warning lights are integrated into a strip below the infotainment screen. Between the phone tray and cup holder is a rotary controller for audio operation and, to top it off, a light strip extends across the width of the instrument panel into the front doors.

Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen brand board member for technical development commented: “Our new interior architecture (features) clean lines, high-quality materials, and an intuitive operating environment with physical buttons and newly structured screens.” 

Full release here.