All articles tagged with #automotive design
Jaguar has unveiled the Type 01, a high-performance electric grand tourer that closely mirrors its controversial 2024 concept design. Priced at $130,500 in the US, the vehicle features 1,016 horsepower and a 400-mile range, marking a bold pivot for the brand despite mixed reactions to its polarizing aesthetics and practicality.
Collin Woodard's June 8 QOTD gathers reader opinions on which automakers should drop signature design cues; responses point to BMW’s split grille, Lexus’ predator grille, Buick’s retro portholes, Porsche’s iterative 911 styling, and other brands, with praise for Bentley’s move to single-unit headlights and a broader call for bolder design refreshes across the auto industry.
This piece catalogs ten cars noted for notably poor aerodynamics, listing their drag coefficients (0.4–1.05 Cd) and explaining how design choices—ranging from early brick-like shapes to modern high-downforce track cars—made them wind-inefficient. Examples span the Ford Model T (0.79 Cd) and Mercedes Simplex (1.05 Cd) to the Plymouth Prowler (0.49 Cd), Citroën 2CV (0.52 Cd), VW Beetle variants (0.48–0.40 Cd), Dodge Viper ACR (0.541 Cd), Caterham Seven (0.60 Cd), and others, noting data limits and exclusions (no SUVs/trucks) and highlighting aero evolution toward contemporary efficiency.
Gorden Wagener shared a modern, one-off reinterpretation of AMG’s legendary Red Pig—a virtual revival of the 300 SEL 6.8 race car, presented as a concept with updated lights and design cues, and no production version is planned.
Proposed regulations in China could require Tesla to redesign its iconic flush door handles, posing a significant challenge due to the short timeline for implementation and the technical complexity involved.
Dodge has introduced its first electric Charger muscle car, designed to maintain the brand's traditional look, drive, and sound. The new Charger offers a choice between a battery-electric version and an upcoming inline-six gasoline engine, but no V8 option. The electric Charger Daytona features a modern design inspired by the classic 1968 model, with a spacious interior and advanced infotainment system. It comes in two variants: the R/T and the Scat Pack, both offering impressive performance but differing in power and range. While the Charger excels on the road, it faces challenges on the track due to its weight. The vehicle also features a synthetic exhaust sound system to mimic traditional engine noise.
The 2025 Lucid Gravity SUV combines efficiency, power, and luxury, aiming to elevate Lucid's brand recognition. With a 450-mile range and advanced aerodynamics, the Gravity offers a spacious interior and impressive performance, including 828 horsepower and a sophisticated air suspension system. It features a range of tech options, including a digital detox mode, and challenges traditional SUV categories by blending minivan-like space with sporty handling. Lucid hopes the Gravity will boost its market presence in the electric SUV segment.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the exclusive Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, a limited-edition speedster based on the SL model, featuring a Formula 1-inspired halo instead of a traditional windshield. Limited to 250 units, the PureSpeed retains the SL 63's 577 hp twin-turbo V8 engine and includes numerous aerodynamic enhancements to compensate for the lack of a fixed roof. The interior boasts luxury elements like AMG Performance seats and a custom IWC Schaffhausen watch. Pricing details remain undisclosed, but it is expected to be significantly higher than the SL 63.
The Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed, a limited-run performance car, has sparked mixed reactions due to its unconventional design and similarities to the SL 63. Featuring a 577-horsepower V8 engine and a unique open-cockpit design inspired by F1, it lacks significant performance enhancements over the SL 63. Despite its high-end features like a Burmester sound system, the PureSpeed's heavy weight and aesthetic choices have left some questioning its appeal. With only 250 units available, it targets affluent buyers seeking exclusivity.
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the PureSpeed, a limited-edition, roofless and windshield-less version of the SL63, featuring a Formula 1-inspired halo bar and design elements reminiscent of the 300SLR. Part of the "Mythos" series, only 250 units will be produced. The car retains the SL63's mechanical features, including a 577-horsepower V8 engine and advanced chassis systems. The PureSpeed also includes unique features like aerodynamically designed helmets with intercoms and a fabric cover for parking. Pricing and US legality are yet to be announced.
Leaked concept art of Jaguar's new electric vehicle reveals a design without a rear windshield, similar to Polestar's EVs, aiming for improved aerodynamics but sacrificing traditional rear visibility. This move aligns with Jaguar's shift to all-electric vehicles by 2025, as the brand seeks to capture the luxury EV market despite declining sales. Critics have noted the design's resemblance to American muscle cars and its status-symbol appeal, while also highlighting concerns over increasing reliance on electronic features in modern cars.
Jaguar has unveiled a new concept car, the Design Vision Concept, which has sparked controversy due to its bold and unconventional design. The car, leaked ahead of its official reveal, features a pink exterior, sparse interior, and unique design elements like large grilles and slim headlights. This follows Jaguar's recent rebranding, which has also divided opinions among fans. The concept car seems to be aimed at generating discussion and attention, as Jaguar prepares to launch a new electric production car.
The article discusses various car logos and badges that are considered the coolest by the Jalopnik audience. It highlights the significance of brand recognition through logos, featuring submissions like Alfa Romeo's snake, Dodge's Viper, and Jaguar's leaping jaguar. Other notable mentions include Subaru's astronomical logo, Saab's aviation-inspired badges, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy from Rolls-Royce. The piece emphasizes the diversity and creativity in automotive branding, from aggressive symbols to whimsical designs.
The trend of backdating Porsche 911s, particularly by companies like Singer Vehicle Design, has sparked controversy in the automotive world. Critics argue that the visual revamps, which aim to make newer models resemble older ones, result in overdone, aesthetically jarring designs. While Singer's craftsmanship and attention to detail are praised, the practice of transforming 964-generation 911s into retro-style cars has been criticized for catering to billionaires' tastes and devaluing the original models. The debate raises questions about the balance between automotive innovation and preserving the integrity of classic designs.
Car designer Adrian explores the importance of small design details in car design, focusing on the unnecessary crease in the body side of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. He explains the concept of surfacing and feature lines, criticizing the crease for creating an unnecessary corner and speculating on its origins. Adrian removes the offending line, demonstrating the impact of minor design changes, and plans to continue his "Altered By Adrian" series to highlight the nuances of car design.