Pforzheim BA Transportation Design degree show 2026

A new year brings a new venue for the Pforzheim Transportation Design degree show, and the 2026 showcase was presented in the former RoWi jewellery factory. Much like an expert jeweller, CDN didn’t have to dig far to find some gems – the automotive kind, that is.

It’s clear that serious time and money had been invested in the show, thanks to four OEM sponsored projects for pre-thesis semesters – the most the University has ever had. Spread across two floors, projects were equipped with TV screens to showcase digital mock-up videos as well as fully realised models standing proudly at the front of stalls, which looked so lifelike it felt as if you could climb inside to have a poke around.

Pride and passion were oozing from each student, along with a refreshingly optimistic take on their future. Speaking to Professor Kurt Beyer, he echoed this sentiment, stating: “As the design faculty, we have the responsibility to spread positivity and optimism. It’s really important for the students. Passion is important, when you have this, then you will be successful. On the BA and MA courses you can feel this, they’re working throughout the night to get their projects done.” 

Both BA and MA work was presented, but this article highlights all BA thesis (final year) work. MA work will be coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled…

Ferhat Ali Zoylan – Audi Pulse 

Sponsored by Audi, Zoylan’s Audi Pulse was inspired by the Audi Steppenwolf, particularly its front drawer, which pulls out from the bonnet of the vehicle for storage. This lightweight, compact SUV is designed to provide flexible mobility across urban and mixed-use scenarios. It’s wide stance and voluminous wheels emphasis the shortness of the cabin, with a sleek side profile – especially for an SUV. 

Zoylan began developing this concept by capturing a sense of lightness and sporty dynamism. Once this design direction was established, he translated his sketches into a digital 3D model using Blender before building a physical model. Zoylan explained how the creation of this physical model helped him assess spatial presence, allowing the design to evolve continuously from sketch to digital 3D model to physical 3D model.

Florian Pitscheider — Man Linq concept 

Pitscheider presented the only long-haul commercial vehicle at the show – standing out with its elongated, two-tone green presence accented by neon orange details. Smooth, rounded edges are contrasted by long vertical slats, while bold branding is stamped along the side.

The aim of the Man Linq concept is to provide a solution to the challenge of driver shortages in the European market through its capabilities as a Level 4 autonomous vehicle. A driver is only required for the first and last mile, with remote access via the 5G network allowing drivers to work from a fixed workstation, instead of spending several days on the road. This remote access also eliminates break times on highways – enforced by law to prevent drowsy driving — to enable continuous freight movement and therefore increased delivery speed. 

Aerodynamics play a key role in efficiency. As such, the gap between tractor and trailer has been closed using a flexible silicone bridge, the airflow has been targeted through the front aero blades and the underbody is fully enclosed.

Katharina Rott — Unfold, The Basecamp 

Sponsored by Dacia, Rott’s project – Unfold, The Basecamp – rethinks how cars are built today, starting with the idea of a vehicle as something beyond a status symbol. Instead, daily moments and experiences are prioritised over luxury and excess. 

Through research, Rott explored what cars really need to provide for this practical user group, resulting in a compact and adventure-ready vehicle. As the name suggests, the vehicle can be ‘unfolded’ in various areas. The exterior is modular, defined by plenty of fold lines and adaptable openings for situations such as camping. Inside, the dash is foldable, resembling a compact box when closed. When opened, it folds out into multiple layers, revealing button controls and handles.

Passengers are accompanied by the Copilot, a digital guide and physical HMI – presented as a friendly butter-yellow face that can be taken outside of the vehicle. The seats are designed to fold into different seating layouts, with detachable cushioning and removable headrests. Dacia’s trademark YouClip technology is also accounted for with a YouClamp, allowing accessories to be attached anywhere on the vehicle. 

Konstantin Sorge — Nexus 

Sorge presented the Nexus electric bus concept, sponsored by Daimler Buses, which tackled how electrification could not only change bus design but also the operational systems around the bus. As a result, Sorge extended his vision beyond the vehicle itself, proposing decentralised bus stations that integrate cleaning and charging on site.

The exterior of the bus is intentionally restrained: a silver body with black accents and orange-tinted windows. Even within the busy degree show environment, Sorge deliberately avoided making the design flashy, recognising its role as public infrastructure. The aesthetic remains calm and neutral. 

Inside, Sorge splits the bus into different functional zones. An orange glass mid-section signals the active boarding area, while the rear features enhanced artificial lighting and a lounge-like aesthetic for longer journeys. Accessibility has been accounted for, as the width of the bus, from driver cabin to rear, is wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. 

Nicholas Lindsey – Mini Mini 

The Mini Mini (sponsored by Mini) was presented as a build-it-yourself light quadricycle (L6e class) made from recycled aluminium. Lindsey targeted this growing urban vehicle category, responding to the expanding global market for light vehicles solutions.

Material minimalisation and mono-materiality construction facilitate easier sorting, repair and recycling. The whole vehicle is delivered as a flat packwith tyres constructed from hexagonal mesh structures that allow them to fold flat.

The exterior is open and upright, with a lateral cutout for light and easy entry and reduced vehicle weight. Curved aluminium parts contrast the neon orange painted body, with exposed screws emphasising the self-built character. A laser-gated hole pattern on the side and front allows for personalisation. The lights are plugged in by hand rather than organically integrated into the vehicle. 

The interior is reduced to the essential. The seats and headrest are designed in a lattice-like pattern so they can easily be plugged together with the aluminium sheet metal. The dashboard design follows the BYOD (‘bring your own device’) principle – using only a mobile phone as a display. The steering wheel consists of individual parts that can be plugged together, and the vehicle is started using a toggle switch– inspired by stereos.

Nigel Müller — Alpinist 

Müller’s independent Alpinist project draws inspiration from late 1980s and early 1990s motorsport , emphasising a clear connection between form and function. The result is a hybrid-powered sports car designed specifically for Alpine mountain roads.

The exterior is minimalistic, stripped of unnecessary elements. To make the vehicle suitable for narrow and challenging Alpine routes, Müller angled the rear downwards and cut out the outmost corners of the vehicle in order to avoid damage whilst on the road. The car is notably compact even for a sports car – as Müller removed all the mass from the rear to enhance agility. The light signature consists of two narrow slit-like eyes, furthering Müller’s minimalistic design direction.