Round up: Škoda Peaq preview, Rolls-Royce yachting collection & people moves

First glimpse of the Škoda Peaq 

This electric SUV is the largest Škoda so far – measuring nearly 4.9 metres long, 1.7 metres talland with a wheelbase of 75.31 metres.

The disguised Škoda Peaq looks to stay true to the Vision 7S concept, with an illuminated Tech Deck front panel with fine vertical slats and LED backlighting. 

The Peaq introduces a couple of new features for Škoda – flush door handles and the largest panoramic sunroof fitted to a Škoda model. Inside, the seven-seater offers five interior design options – all using various combinations of Techtona (leather alternative) and textile or Suedia upholstery. All interior packages include ambient lighting and a heated two spoke steering wheel.

Head of Škoda design, Oliver Stefani, commented: “The confident presence of the Škoda Peaq is defined by our Modern Solid design principles, by clarity, simplicity, and a clear focus on functionality and space. Moreover, every design decision was made with the model’s great practicality and everyday usability in mind, putting an emphasis on what matters most to our customers.

“The Peaq will contribute to considerably further sharpen the identity and perception of our brand. We are convinced: The Peaq’s design has everything to win new customers over.” 

Read the full release here. 

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Yachting

Four private commissions celebrating the aesthetics of yachting have been revealed by Rolls-Royce.

Each vehicle represents a different point on the compass. North is coloured in Crystal over Light Blue to evoke the colder waters of higher latitudes. South captures warmer climates with Crystal over Arabian Blue IV. East represents the mystery of deep water, rendered in Dark Silk Teal, and West echoes a storm-lit ocean sky through Sapphire Gunmetal.

The fascia is hand-painted, including artworks that capture the trailing wake of a tender at speed. To achieve a life-like wave effect, pigment is airbrushed onto the wet lacquer before being shaped by hand with a fine brush. The artist will then direct air across the surface and manually guide the paint to create a sense of movement.

Read the full release here. 

Chevrolet unveils 2027 Corvette Grand Sport and Grand Sport X

The 2027 iterations of the Grand Sport and Grand Sport X have been branded as the return of the “true driver’s Corvette”, according to the brand.

The design harps back to Chevrolet’s heritage, with the revival of Admiral Blue Metallic from the C4 era and the repositioning of Grand Sport’s signature hash marks to the rear fenders. 

The Launch Edition interior is finished in Santorini Blue with red stitching and embossed headrests, which can be paired with various exterior colour options.

Four new wheel finishes are also available – made from Peal Nickel forged-aluminium, forged-aluminium and Carbon Flash. 

Full release here. 

People moves 

Sam Wellman joins Ford Motor Company as a clay modeller 

Johannes Lampela leaves Designworks after 21 years. He is now director product & service design at Etihad.

Harshul Verma joins Mahindra Advanced Design Europe as a visualisation modeller. 

Michael Mills joins McLaren Automotive as senior exterior designer.