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Design round-up: Bugatti Destrier; 405 days of the Audi Nuvolari; Ford Fathom
Car Design News looks at news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest updates from Ford, Bentley, Audi, Bugatti and people news
Ford Fathom name announced
Ford has revealed the name of a new midsize electric truck – the Fathom.
Design-wise, all we know so far is that the Fathom will seat five, contain a large, high-resolution touch screen inside and be equipped with BlueCruise autonomous technology.
Pre-orders open in early 2027.
Full release here.
Another Torcal update
Oh yes, another weekly Torcal update (should we re-name the round-up at this point?).
This time, Bentley has revealed four environments for the Torcal – Bentley Mode, Comfort Mode, Sports Mode and Refresh Mode. Each mode changes the lighting, sound, climate, air quality and digital information. For example, in refresh mode, fresh-air circulation is increased, lighting becomes brighter and the atmosphere therefore feels lighter – helping a driver concentrate on a long journey.
Full release here.
Audi Nuvolari video
Audi has released a video documenting the 405-day creation of the Audi Nuvolari – from sketch to the drivable prototype.
There’s a nice section on design, with Audi’s chief creative officer Massimo Frascella commenting: “I like to step back and look at a car from a distance, because if I step back then I see this mass moving. That gives me the idea of presence and what this car is all about.”
Watch the video below.
Bugatti Destrier
Bugatti has revealed the third vehicle in its Solitaire programme – the Bugatti Destrier.
The hypercar marks a new direction for Bugatti's design language, reinterpreting Bugatti’s signature C-line with a "breathing" graphic that breaks ahead of the front wheel before flowing into a wider horseshoe grille.
Based on the Bolide's carbon-fibre monocoque, the Destrier stands at one metre tall – lower than any other Bugatti– while larger 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels reinforce its exaggerated proportions.
Director of design Frank Heyl commented: “The Bolide gave us the most extreme proportions we have ever created, and by freeing them from the Bolide’s relentless pursuit of downforce, we let them speak as pure sculpture.”
The sculptural exterior finished in a bespoke Sapphire Celeste paint is paired with an interior trimmed in leather, nubuck and 3D-knitted textiles.
People news
Davide Loris Amantea has been promoted to chief creative officer at Pininfarina, reporting directly to CEO Paolo Dellachà.
Nina Lüders has been named UX concept lead at Audi Sport.
Ioannis Loutridis has been named exterior designer at Ford after graduating from CCS in May.
