Design round-up: Genesis GV90; Bentley Torcal materials; Škoda updates Slavia for India

Genesis unveils GV90 SUV 

Staying true to the 2024 Neolun concept, the GV90 production SUV has been revealed in two variants – the GV90 Neolun and the standard GV90. 

Technology is a priority with an independently opening and closing hidden B-pillar coach door in the Neolun variant, which allows the front and rear doors to open in unison facing the other. 

There’s also an OLED Cinematic Display (in both variants), measuring 23.6-inches when driving and, when the display extension button is pressed and the vehicle is parked, expands to 24.6-inch – which can also probably be seen from space. 

The car measures 5.285 metres long, with design cues taken from the moon jar – a symbol of traditional Korean minimalism. As a result, the surfaces are kept very smooth with the lighting element laser-engraved to integrate the lighting into the bodywork, which is accented by a jewel-like two-line design. The lower bumper features the dual-layered G-matrix patterned chrome grille, and anodised aluminium accents are applied between the first and second row windows. 

Full release here. 

Bentley Torcal interior materials revealed 

Ah yes, another morsel of Torcal design information has landed. This time, it’s materials. The Torcal is set to introduce 100% automotive-grade Merino wool into the cabin through a partnership with Somerset cloth maker, the Fox Brothers.  

A new Ombre Veneer has also been revealed using sustainably sourced Walnut off-cuts and recycled paper. The veneer is made by pressing up to 1,000 layers of these materials, before slicing them to less than a millimetre in thickness. As a result, four walnut shades flow from deep black to dark smoke to light smoke before revealing the natural walnut colour. 

Sunburst Aluminium by Mulliner is the last material introduced –an updated version of the aluminium already used in Bentley cabins – which will be utilised for the engine-turned aluminium dashboard. 

Full release here. 

Škoda unveils updated Slavia design in India   

As one of the top selling saloons in India, the Slavia has undergone a design refresh. 

New LED headlamps (now with a dashed design) and redesigned LED taillamps with sequential rear indicators have now been implemented, alongside a new alloy wheel design. Inside the vehicle, rear seat massage functions have been introduced as well as a new AI companion powered by Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent. There’s also a couple of new colour schemes – including the Black Monte Carlo trim with dual-tone exterior colours. 

Full release here. 

Eccentrica V12 Roadster 

Restomod house Eccentrica has revealed the evolution of the original Eccentrica V12 – the Eccentrica V12 Roadster. This open-top Roadster is a re-engineering of the first-series Lamborghini Diablo and was created in partnership with Milan-based design studio Borromeo De Silva. 

The body is made of steel and carbon fibre, with a widened track and adjusted propotions that aim to preserve the silhouette of the original Eccentrica while planting it further to the ground. Eccentrica also conducted a study to ensure that the open cabin would not interfere with aerodynamics. 

Inside the vehicle, Connolly leather, Alcantara fabrics, anodised materials and exposed carbon fibre make up the CMF palette. 

Only 19 Eccentrica V12 Roadsters will be built. 

Full release here. 

People news 

Debabrata Pal has joined Mahindra and Mahindra as lead CMF development and delivery designer. 

Arica Wolfe has joined Rivian as senior lead, furniture and styling designer.