Being an F1 fan, I’ve always been familiar with the name Ligier. Their French blue cars were a fixture on the Grand Prix circuit for years. Turns out they also made a production sports car: The Ligier JS2.
Cool Cars You’ve Never Heard Of – Ligier JS2
On February - 28 - 2010
Design Analysis – 2010 Saab 9-5
On February - 13 - 2010
When I heard Saab would be “winding down”, the first thing that popped into my head was the new 9-5. All that work. All that development. For nothing? Surely, someone would step in and save the day. Thanks to some last-minute heroics and a lot of money, that someone turned out to be Spyker.
Design Analysis – Audi A8
On January - 24 - 2010
Yesterday I opened my 401k statement, and it was actually in positive territory. Double digits at that. Am I going to run out tomorrow and make a down-payment on a premium luxury car? No. But as a designer, it’s vital to be in tune with the wants and desires of customers at all levels — regardless of your own financial sensibilities. With that in mind, let’s have a look at the new A8, a product that is sure to satisfy the wants and desires of the premium luxury car buyer.
Detroit Auto Show Rumors
On January - 21 - 2010
With all of the industry events during the preview of NAIAS you get to hear a lot of rumors from a variety of people. Some true and some not but all interesting. Here is our run down of some interesting tid bits picked up off the floor when the drinks ran out.
Buick Regal GS – High potential of making it to production. Really no reason not to since it is made as an Opel.
Chevrolet Aveo RS – Looked great at the show, but production form changes the front clip, lighting details, and the size wheels. I saw this version at GM’s Technology Event in the fall and it needs help. No RS version is going to create a lot of bad press for the new Aveo.
GMC Granite – This was an actual real concept car created in just 7 months. Many GM designers were not a fan of a small GMC and are not supporting it to well. GM employees seem to be split 50/50 on whether this concept will make it into production. Personally I thought this was Best of Show and would bring many new buyers (myself included) to the brand. This vehicle was a gerat interpretation of a small GMC.
Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep – Busy , busy , busy is all that can be said for team Pentastar. No vehicles at Detroit but 16 new vehicles coming through next year. 11 refreshed and 5 all new. There are 9 new interiors coming out by next year and some have not even been designed yet. Most exciting to me is a new Jeep Wrangler interior coming after next years subtle refresh. I was told I will love it. We will wait and see.
Supposedly Mr. Sergio Marchionne does not like showing vehicles far ahead of actual production. Hence why there were no vehicles in Detroit, nothing is ready to come out. We will not even see the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee until spring when it goes on sale. Could he be bringing the suspense of the old days when you would actually go to the dealership just to watch the cover come off the new car? That would be great and really stick it to us bloggers (not us) who break embargoes early.
Ford – The new Fusion / Mondeo is said to be amazing and will blow away everything out there. Hopefully they grew out of the global growing pains had by the new Focus.
Audi E-Tron – This version of the E-Tron will be the next R4. It has the same proportion of last years VW roadster.
VW New Compact Coupe (NCC)- This will most likely be the new Jetta Coupe, assuming they stick with the Jetta name.
What did you here? If you have any other rumors you heard be sure to add them into the comments section.
2011 Ford Focus
On January - 10 - 2010
Well the long awaited Ford Focus is here and is going to make an impression. There is definitely a lot to take in with this global (80% common parts) Focus. I think everyone will find areas they like and some they don’t. This design was collaborated on between Europe, United States and Asia and I find myself trying to find who had influence on what part. Overall the one thing I feel is missing on the exterior is “refinement.” There is so much going on and there doesn’t need to be.
Read on for more……
Audi Type C Roadster Pedal Car
On January - 8 - 2010
Finally an Audi for all the kiddos out there. This $13,000 toy is an awesome replica of a 1936 race car. The roadster contains over 900 pieces with an aluminum body all put together by the Audi toolmaking division. Why do I have a feeling that no kid will ever “drive” one of these. Instead it will be some sort of decoration for someone with way too much money.
[Source: Playgrounder]
Mini Moke Concept Coming to NAIAS
On December - 11 - 2009
As the Detroit Auto Show nears, news of what is coming is beginning to trickle out. This Mini debut is an interesting and surprising announcement.
The Moke will be more rugged than the upcoming Countryman going on sale as a 2011 model. There is a chance that the production Countryman will also be unveiled at Detroit. Since the Moke will be based off of the Countryman there is a possibility that a production version could be released as early as 2012/2013.
What will the Moke look like?
Perhaps something in between a golf cart and the last gen Wrangler? Open top with a bare essentials interior would fit the theme of this more “off road capable” concept. Knowing Mini this will be an exciting concept and another one I will want to buy.
via Motoring File
2011 Ford Fiesta
On December - 2 - 2009
The Fiesta has arrived wearing exactly what we wanted it to. Many were worried that the Fiesta would “lose” something after its long swim from Europe. The U.S. Fiesta has sustained a minor face lift to fit in all the necessary requirements, but it is nothing that consumers will even notice.
Exterior Design
The Kinetic Design Language has survived since it was first introduced on the Iosis concept. The highly energetic surfaces create a fabulous sense of style while never allowing the thought of a small econo box from entering your mind.
2010 Rendered Hope Charity Calendar
On November - 20 - 2009
It’s here!!! The 2010 Rendered Hope Charity Calendar featuring transportation artwork from professional designers. This years calendar has a great mix of work from OEM, Hot Rod and Entertainment Designers. There is feature artwork from the hot Camaro, Corvette Stingray Concept, Scott Robertson’s crazy ships, west coast Hot Rods and more!
Just like last year 100% of the profits will go toward buying Hot Wheels and toys for the Detroit Children’s Hospital annual Snow Pile Event. This is a great cause that you surely want to support.
Head on over to our store at Cafe Press and buy the gift that gives 12 times a year! This is a large calendar too at 11″ x 17″ with thick card stock and full bleed printing. Very high quality.
The calendar is a limited edition print and will be on sale now through the end of the year. So spread the word and get it while you can!
CDF Podcast #17: Ian Callum and the XJ
On November - 10 - 2009
Jaguar recently invited us to see the new XJ and have a chat with Design Director Ian Callum. The conversation spanned a variety of topics like childhood, Jaguars’ future and the future of automobile design. Ian was great to talk to with a laid back personality and a true love for the Jaguar brand.
Check out the podcast for the full interview.
More pics and opinions of the design after the jump.
Read the rest of this entry »
