Pforzheim University Transport Design MA show 2026

A masters in Transportation Design marks the final hurdle of car design education at Pforzheim University, a natural progression for those who have completed the BA course but want to continue to apply what they have learnt – or a stepping stone into the world of car design for students who have completed a related BA-subject.

This year, Cupra has sponsored MA semesters one and two with a project called 'conceptual deconstruction', which challenged students to rebuild the brand by taking it apart without losing its true essence. 

Car Design News reports from the 2026 degree show. This is only a selection of MA students. To see the BA coverage, click here.

Lyu Keqian – APEX (first semester)

This two-seater concept – again, sponsored by Cupra – is inspired by the core principles of climbing – strength, lightness and extreme balance.

The form of the vehicle has been reduced to the essential with a muscular and grounded body and a compact cabin.

The roof can be opened to allow passengers to stand and engage with the environment, with structural anchor points integrating climbing equipment into the vehicle architecture to transform the car into a mobile climbing base.

Heechan Kim – Cupra Rhapsody EV (first semester)

Kim’s project, sponsored by Cupra, followed the brand’s core mission – no drivers, no Cupra – by prioritising the passion for driving through sound.

The 1+2 aero sedan’s form follows the trajectory of the air tunnels which flow from the exterior into the cabin and exit out the back. The rear is designed to intentionally create turbulence to amplify the acoustic signature.

The driver acts as the ‘performer’, conducting the vehicle through dynamic handling, and the two passengers in the rear serve as the ‘audience’.

Jeeeun Youn – Sweat & Style (second semester)

Sponsored by Cupra, Youn’s concept is inspired by running culture – transferring the function of performance sportswear into automotive interior design.

The one-seater cabin embraces the driver like wearable gear, emulating how a shoe wraps around the foot, creating an immersive environment.

Mechanical principles such as dial-based lacing systems, controlled tension structures and lightweight constructions shape the interior architecture. The CMF strategy combines bold gradients, technical textiles and knitted structures – while also repurposing end-of-life sportswear textiles inside the vehicle.

Xinyu Hou – Maybach Vision Navis (Thesis)

Hou's concept was developed alongside Mercedes-Benz. Inspired by the Maybach honeymoon journey in 1925, where Dr. Karl Schmid and his new bride celebrated their wedding with a 10-day driving tour through the Swiss and Italian Alps in their open-top Maybach, Hou’s concept reimagines this journey on a mobile land-based yacht.

The front combines the signature V-shape of the Maybach grille with the bow form of a boat. The overall body is inspired by Riva yachts, with elongated proportions and fluid surfaces.

The seating can be reconfigured into multiple different positions – including a relaxation zone.