Articles tagged with "automotive-design"
Intern-designed Hummer EV concept wows with futuristic SUV design
The GMC Hummer HEV Peak is an electric SUV concept designed by GM China intern Sun Hao, showcased by General Motors Design to highlight emerging talent. Drawing inspiration from the 2008 Hummer HX concept, the HEV Peak combines rugged off-road capability with a bold, futuristic aesthetic aimed at competing with vehicles like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. Key exterior features include a GMC Hummer EV-inspired grille, an upright windshield, heavily stylized angular fenders, a flat roof, and a sharp rear design highlighted by a slim light bar and rugged bumper. The concept rides on large, eye-catching wheels that complement its aggressive stance, while its standout glass-like doors offer a transparent, innovative look with a mix of traditional and modern panel designs. Inside, the Hummer HEV Peak embraces a minimalist, high-tech cabin featuring an oval-shaped steering wheel with an integrated display and a widescreen dashboard display for infotainment and passenger functions. The interior design balances futuristic technology with simplicity. Beyond digital render
energyelectric-vehicleautomotive-designfuturistic-SUVHummer-EVGMelectric-SUVHyundai, Steel, & The Concept THREE — Interview with the Designers - CleanTechnica
The article features an interview with Hyundai’s design team about the Concept THREE, an electric vehicle (EV) concept that embodies Hyundai’s new design language called “Art of Steel.” This design philosophy celebrates steel as a material, emphasizing its natural curves, bends, and highlights that emerge from its inherent properties. Hyundai’s unique position as a car manufacturer that produces its own steel inspired the designers to explore how steel’s qualities could be artistically expressed in automotive design. The team used paper sculptures and bent steel models to study form, tension, and flow, resulting in the Concept THREE’s layered planes and intersecting bends that create dynamic highlights and a sense of tension in the vehicle’s bodywork. The Concept THREE is a hatchback, a choice influenced by the European market where hatchbacks are popular. The design process involved collaboration between Hyundai’s Seoul and European design teams, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency and distinctive silhouettes. The “Aero Hatch” silhouette starts low at the front and rises toward the rear, balancing aerodynamic
materialssteelHyundaiconcept-vehicleautomotive-designArt-of-Steelelectric-vehicleConcept THREE shows Hyundai’s small EV focus with tinted glass cabin
Hyundai Motor unveiled the Concept THREE at IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich, marking its first compact electric vehicle under the IONIQ brand. This concept signals Hyundai’s strategic entry into the rapidly growing compact EV segment in Europe, driven by urban emissions regulations and space constraints. Concept THREE introduces Hyundai’s new Art of Steel design language, characterized by sharp lines, an anodized-effect finish, and lemon-tinted glass, emphasizing steel’s strength and flexibility. The car features an Aero Hatch profile that balances aerodynamic efficiency with practical city-friendly space, and incorporates Hyundai’s signature Parametric Pixel lighting for a distinctive visual identity. Inside, the Concept THREE cabin focuses on simplicity, calmness, and usability within a compact footprint, using soft yellow and grey tones. It introduces Bring Your Own Lifestyle (BYOL) widgets, modular customization elements that allow users to tailor the digital and physical environment to different uses such as work or leisure. The interior also highlights sustainability, employing recycled wool, ocean waste textiles, and
electric-vehiclesHyundaicompact-EVsustainable-materialsautomotive-designenergy-efficiencyelectric-mobilityHyundai Takes Next Big Step Forward in Europe with Concept THREE - CleanTechnica
Hyundai unveiled its Concept THREE electric vehicle at the IAA Mobility show in Munich, marking the company’s return to the event after a four-year absence. This concept car represents Hyundai’s next step in its global electrification strategy and is the first compact model in the IONIQ lineup, specifically targeting the European market where demand for compact EVs is rising due to urbanization, sustainability regulations, and the need for space-efficient vehicles. Hyundai’s President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe emphasized that the Concept THREE embodies practical, accessible, and emotionally resonant mobility, reflecting the company’s commitment to futuristic and innovative design. The Concept THREE showcases Hyundai’s “Art of Steel” design language, which highlights the strength and flexibility of steel through sculptural, aerodynamic forms. Key design features include the Aero Hatch profile with a distinctive roofline and vertical tailgate, Parametric Pixel lighting that adds depth and rhythm, and an anodized-effect exterior finish. Inside, the cabin offers a calming, customizable environment using sustainable
energyelectric-vehiclesHyundaielectrificationsteel-materialsautomotive-designsustainabilityPhotos: A love for surfing drives design of new MINI 'The Skeg' concept
MINI’s new concept car, ‘The Skeg,’ developed in collaboration with lifestyle brand Deus ex Machina, uniquely blends electric vehicle technology with surf culture. This one-off John Cooper Works electric show car emphasizes minimalism, clean design, and acceleration, embodying a “quiet rebellion” that reflects both progressive electric mobility and the ethos of surfing. Its exterior features a vibrant yellow and silver finish, wide fenders, an illuminated grille, and lightweight semi-transparent fiberglass panels that reduce weight by 15%. A standout aerodynamic element is the Flex Tip Surf Spoiler, inspired by the concave underside of a surfboard, which dynamically responds to airflow to generate lift. Inside, ‘The Skeg’ pays homage to surf shops with custom fiberglass elements that play with light and a dashboard made using surfboard technology for durability and lightness. Practical features such as fiberglass trays for wetsuit storage and tactile analogue controls underscore the car’s functional design rooted in surf culture values. The racing bucket seats are upholstered in
energyelectric-vehiclesmaterialsfiberglassneopreneautomotive-designaerodynamicsOne-off Rivian R1S Miami Edition debuts with 850 hp and 80s flair
Rivian has introduced a unique one-off R1S Tri-Motor “Miami Edition” SUV to mark the opening of its new Mary Brickell Village location. This special edition vehicle features a striking 1980s-inspired design with a white body accented by teal, pink, and blue colors, evoking Miami’s Art Deco architecture and pop culture such as Miami Vice. The exterior is complemented by retro disc-style wheels with matching pastel tones, while the interior continues the playful theme with Ocean Coast fabric seats, pink headrest inserts, and teal-bordered floor mats, blending vibrant aesthetics with Rivian’s premium craftsmanship. Underneath its bold styling, the Miami Edition is powered by a Tri-Motor system delivering 850 horsepower and 1,103 pound-feet of torque, enabling rapid acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds and reaching 100 mph in 7.2 seconds. The SUV runs on a 140-kWh battery pack, offering an EPA-est
energyelectric-vehicleRivianelectric-SUVautomotive-designelectric-powertrainhigh-performanceRolls-Royce unveils Spectre Primavera with cherry blossom design
Rolls-Royce has introduced the limited-edition Spectre Primavera, a bespoke electric vehicle inspired by spring and cherry blossoms. This special edition features hand-painted cherry blossom motifs on the exterior coachline, engraved Blackwood trim with a laser-etched floral pattern on the dashboard, and three curated interior color schemes named Blossom, Evanescent, and Reverie. The Primavera debuts new 23-inch petal-shaped wheels designed to evoke petals opening to sunlight, symbolizing nature’s vitality and renewal. The interior continues the floral theme with embroidered cherry blossom silhouettes on the headrests, illuminated sill plates, and Grace White leather upholstery accented by seasonal colors and piping. The three variants offer distinct color combinations: Blossom pairs Velvet Orchid Metallic paint with Peony Pink leather accents; Evanescent combines Arctic White with Turchese tones; and Reverie features Duck Egg Blue with Charles Blue upholstery. Each maintains Grace White as the base leather color, blending Rolls-Royce’s craftsmanship with symbolic storytelling. The
energyelectric-vehicleRolls-Royceautomotive-designmaterials-innovationluxury-EVbespoke-craftsmanshipElectric concept car with illuminating fabrics goes 0-62 mph in 2 seconds
The Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo is an innovative electric concept car that combines high performance with unique safety and design features. Part of Vauxhall’s GSE performance sub-brand, the vehicle boasts a fully electric powertrain with dual 476hp motors—one on each axle—delivering a combined 800hp and 800Nm of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just two seconds and reach a top speed of 199 mph. Lightweight construction, achieved through extensive use of advanced materials and an 82kWh battery, keeps the car’s weight to 1,170 kg, enhancing its power-to-weight ratio and overall agility. The car will debut physically at the IAA Mobility 2025 in Munich and will be digitally available in the Gran Turismo 7 video game. The concept features a minimalist, racing-inspired interior with a suspended sport seat, six-point seatbelts, and a single head-up display. A standout safety
electric-vehiclesilluminated-fabricslightweight-materialsenergy-storageautomotive-designelectric-powertrainsustainable-materialsPhotos: A horse-inspired design marks Bugatti’s new ultra-rare coupe
Bugatti has unveiled the Brouillard, a new ultra-rare coupe that inaugurates its “Programme Solitaire,” an exclusive initiative to produce no more than two highly personalized masterpiece vehicles annually. The Brouillard will officially debut at Monterey Car Week 2025. Inspired by Bugatti’s early 20th-century coachbuilding heritage, the car’s design draws from the form of Ettore Bugatti’s horse, featuring smooth, curved surfaces and a darker lower body that evokes the car’s shadow. A prominent aerodynamic element is the fixed ducktail wing integrated into the carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, enhancing both performance and elegance. The interior reflects the equestrian theme with custom-woven Parisian tartan fabrics, green-tinted carbon fiber, machined aluminum components, and horse motifs embroidered on door panels and seat backrests. A standout detail is the gear shifter, crafted from a single aluminum block and containing a glass insert with a miniature sculpture of Ettore Bugatti’s horse. The cabin benefits from a
materialscarbon-fiberaluminumautomotive-designaerodynamicsluxury-carscraftsmanshipGM's new EV concept brings 'wormhole interface' for futuristic drive
General Motors’ China division has revealed the Buick Electra Orbit, an electric concept car that merges 1950s space-age and jet-aircraft design influences with modern electric vehicle architecture. Designed by the GM China Advanced Design Center, the Electra Orbit is a large “shooting brake” style vehicle measuring about 19.6 feet long and 6.6 feet wide, comparable in size to a Chevrolet Suburban. Its exterior features include scissor doors, 24-inch disk-shaped wheels, a metallic silver "Space" paint that accentuates aerodynamic curves, and deployable rear wings that adjust for stability by managing drag and downforce. The car also has a front trunk ("frunk") with a dual-pivot opening system. Inside, the Electra Orbit seats four in a 2+2 layout and centers around a unique "wormhole interface," with a large arch-shaped display called "the Ring" spanning the dashboard for all controls and entertainment. The vehicle supports both manual and
electric-vehiclesGMautomotive-designenergy-efficiencyautomated-drivingfuturistic-interfacematerials-innovationVintage Levi's denim gives classic Porsche 911 stunning design aesthetic
Designer Sean Wotherspoon, known for his distinctive color-blocking style, collaborated with a small team to transform a classic Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7RS from collector Philip Sarofim’s garage. The eight-month project blends automotive history with vintage streetwear aesthetics, featuring a meticulously detailed exterior where each panel was individually painted in a color palette inspired by Wotherspoon’s past projects and historical automotive references, including hues originally developed for Meyers Manx. This approach echoes the aesthetic of Wotherspoon’s earlier Harlequin Golf project, emphasizing a fusion of unique color schemes aligned with the original RS silhouette. Inside, the car’s cabin showcases a textured mix of vintage materials such as Levi’s denim, corduroy, and flannel sourced from 1960s garments, alongside a cork dashboard repurposed from Wotherspoon’s previous Porsche Taycan project. The interior design highlights themes of reuse and repair, with functional Levi’s pockets integrated into the door cards and patchwork lining
materialsautomotive-designvintage-deniminterior-designPorsche-911sustainable-materialscar-restorationGM unveils wild electric Corvette concept that opens like a spaceship
General Motors has unveiled a bold new fully electric Corvette concept developed by its Advanced Design studio in Pasadena, California. This is the second of three Corvette design studies set to debut in 2025, following an earlier UK-based concept. The car features a longer, wider, and lower body than the current C8 Corvette, measuring 182.5 inches long, 86 inches wide, and 41.4 inches tall. Drawing inspiration from hypercars like the Koenigsegg Jesko and Rimac Nevera, it has a mid-engine layout emphasizing balance and speed, with advanced aerodynamic elements including an F1-style carbon fiber front wing, aggressive LED headlights, side air channels, an oversized diffuser, an active rear spoiler, and a deployable air brake. A standout feature is its racecar-inspired canopy: a single front-hinged glass panel that lifts to reveal a cockpit resembling a fighter jet rather than a traditional car interior. The driver-focused cabin includes a slim digital dashboard, an augmented
electric-vehicleselectric-drivetraincarbon-fiber-materialsautomotive-designadvanced-aerodynamicsaugmented-reality-displayhigh-performance-technology5 Awards for NIO & Firefly - CleanTechnica
NIO, a global smart electric vehicle company, has earned five prestigious awards recognizing innovation and design excellence for its NIO and firefly brands. At the Red Dot Award, NIO received two distinctions: one for the NIO ET5 Touring in the “Product Design — Automobiles and Motorcycles” category, highlighting its sleek, aerodynamic design that balances technology, performance, and everyday practicality; and another for NIO House Hamburg in “Interior Architecture and Interior Design,” which showcases a premium, experiential space blending contemporary design, local culture, and sustainability. These awards emphasize NIO’s holistic, user-focused approach to both product and brand design. At the German Brand Award 2025, NIO was honored once in the “Excellent Brands — Transport & Mobility” category for its comprehensive brand concept that integrates electromobility with a community-driven, technology-forward experience. Firefly, NIO’s newer brand offering affordable, safe electric vehicles, won two awards in the same category and received the “Best
electric-vehiclessmart-mobilityNIOsustainable-materialselectromobilityautomotive-designIoT-in-vehiclesVW ID. Buzz Wins Two Notable Awards
electric-vehicleVolkswagen-ID.-Buzzautomotive-designclean-energyelectric-mobilitysustainable-transportationinnovationCan the Cadillac Celestiq EV make GM’s luxury brand great again? Don’t rule it out
energyelectric-vehicleCadillacluxury-carbattery-technologyautomotive-design3D-printingCan the Celestiq EV make Cadillac great again? Don’t rule it out
electric-vehicleEVbattery-technologyluxury-carsautomotive-design3D-printingCadillac