Category Archives: design and styling

Annals of Marketing – RIP MINI Clubman

Posted on 6 February 2024 by Ken Zino

The last MINI Clubman rolled off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford today 55 years after the model’s debut with rear swinging doors in 1969. Since its introduction more than 1.1 million MINI Clubman models have been built, with half of these made at MINI Plant Oxford. Exported to more than 50 countries, the Clubman darts around the globe if they haven’t rusted into premature oblivion. During 2023, the Clubman was pushed with the launch of The Final Edition. It had an edition-specific Shimmer Copper radiator grille and side scuttles, 18” Final Edition 2-tone alloy wheels and exclusive ‘Final Edition’ lettering on the rear. Limited to 1969 units, the Final Edition noted the launch year of the original. Continue reading →

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Like the Weather, Grey is Top Car Color in Old Blighty

Posted on 22 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“2023 was a bumper year for the British new car market, as buyers continued to gravitate towards familiar monochrome hues for another year – even as ever more motorists embrace new technologies. Car manufacturers have diligently expanded their offerings, with a huge selection of color options available across hundreds of models and thousands of specification options. The extensive variety allows drivers flexibility in choosing a tint that embodies their individuality and style,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
Continue reading →

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Stellantis Reveals STLA Large EV Platform

Posted on 19 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“Our goals for our STLA platforms are ambitious but this is what our customers need from us today,” said Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares. “Creating a family of vehicles from a well-engineered set of components that is flexible enough to cover multiple vehicle types and propulsions, over-performing any of our current products, will address each of our iconic brands’ customers. The flexibility and agility of this platform is its hallmark and will be a driving force for our success in the shift to electrification in North America.” Continue reading →

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Car Star Wars – Honda Debuts New Global EV Line

Posted on 9 January 2024 by Ken Zino

“The mobility we dream of is not an extension of the trend of ‘thick, heavy, but smart’ EVs,” said Toshihiro Mibe, Global CEO of Honda. “We will create a completely new value from zero based on thin, light and wise as the foundation for our new Honda 0 EV series to further advance the joy and freedom of mobility to the next level.” Continue reading →

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Queen Elizabeth II’s Mulsanne Added to Bentley Collection

Posted on 24 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Bentley Motors today said that the most recent addition to its Heritage Collection is a custom 2020 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, the final example of the Mulsanne handcrafted at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe. It previously resided with the Royal household. It was commissioned by the late Queen, in Barnato paint with a Twine and Cumbrian Green interior. Continue reading →

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Annals of Marketing – Nissan Z Nismo Sleepwear?

Posted on 15 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Athletic street wear designer Daniel Patrick has collaborated with Nissan to launch a limited line of performance-oriented sleepwear, Nissan said today. The  so-called Fast Asleep capsule collection takes inspiration it’s said from NISMO, Nissan’s in-house motorsports and performance division. During … Continue reading →

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First Look – 2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special

Posted on 9 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) today revealed the 2024 Ford Mustang GT California Special, saying that it adopts modern style as a classic package returns. It will be offered on the 2024 Mustang GT Premium fastback coupe and convertible models, using visual cues of the 1968 original .The California Special package adds $1995 to the price of a Mustang GT Premium and is available in Coupe (~$47,015) and Convertible (~$56,999) body styles with either the six-speed manual gearbox or the optional 10-speed automatic transmission. Continue reading →

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First Look – 2024 Honda Ridgeline Pickup

Posted on 6 November 2023 by Ken Zino

Ridgeline of course continues with its unibody construction that includes fully boxed frame members and an independent rear suspension. Here the age-old pickup truck debate about American versus Japanese designs continues. “The unique design and sophisticated chassis deliver a high level of driving refinement and responsive handling no traditional body-on-frame competitor can match, while supporting an impressive 1583-pound payload capacity. Ridgeline can also tow as much as 5000 pounds, which is more than enough for many boats, campers or ‘toy’ trailers that serve as the key to adventure for many customers,” Honda said. Continue reading →

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Urban Automotive Custom Rolls-Royce Ghost at SEMA

Posted on 31 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Urban Automotive, a customizer of luxury automotive brands, showed its Rolls-Royce Ghost on Milltek Corporation stand at SEMA 2023. It has carbon fiber styling “upgrades, now distributed in the USA officially and exclusively by Milltek as Urban Automotive USA.” Continue reading →

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Ford Performance Parts, Packages – Mustang, Bronco, Ranger

Posted on 31 October 2023 by Ken Zino

Ford Performance Parts (NYSE: F) is showing what it calls “concept packages” today at the SEMA Show that will be available to customers starting in 2024. They were created in response to customer feedback, Ford said. The packages will be available via the Ford Performance Parts website or through a dealer accessory counter. Pricing for each package will be revealed nearer each package’s on-sale date, while either a Ford dealer or ASE-certified shop can perform the installation. Continue reading →

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Toyota Shows Mid-Size EV Pickup Truck

Posted on 20 October 2023 by Ken Zino

“Next-generation mid-size pickup truck concept, with a monocoque body delivering high durability to create a practical yet stylish BEV. The rear of the cabin links boldly with the deck to accommodate diverse user preferences, supporting a wide range of mobility lifestyles, including outdoor activities. BEV quietness is accompanied by packaging with a low center of gravity for superior handling stability and ride comfort,” said Toyota. Continue reading →

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CALTY Design Reveals Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser

Posted on 5 October 2023 by Ken Zino

CALTY Design Research, the American base of Toyota’s global design network (NYSE:TM), marked five decades of creation today by revealing the Toyota Baby Lunar Cruiser. The BLC concept has so-called adaptive technology and heritage design cues from the original FJ40 … Continue reading →

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Bentley Motors Unveils the Belonging Bentayga

Posted on 27 September 2023 by Ken Zino

Bentley Motors today revealed the ‘Belonging Bentayga.’ This is  a hand painted Alpine Green Bentayga Hybrid with different skylines and well-known buildings from all across the world, such as New York, London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Venice, Tokyo and Hong Kong. Each side of the car depicts a different continent. The art piece that displays 29 different landmarks is drawn from memory by Stephen Wiltshire* MBE, a British architectural artist and autistic savant, who is known for his ability to draw a landscape after seeing it just once. Continue reading →

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Automotive Designer Peter Horbury Passes

Posted on 1 July 2023 by Ken Zino

Peter was charismatic and among the most influential UK automotive designers. He joined Lotus in 2021, the culmination of a career which had lasted nearly half a century, and which saw him design some of the world’s most significant and pioneering cars. Prior to joining Lotus, Peter was Executive Vice-President of Design for the Geely Group, overseeing the design for a huge portfolio of vehicles for its many brands. He had previously held senior global positions at Ford, Volvo and Chrysler. Continue reading →

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German Surfing Culture?

Posted on 26 May 2023 by Ken Zino

“To reduce drag and stabilize the board, patented attachments known as aero edges were added to the front and back of the board,” said Marcus Schmelz, Project Manager at Porsche Engineering. “We know this principle from automobiles: here, too, tear-off edges are defined, for example through the use of spoilers. They reduce air turbulence, making the car more stable and aerodynamic at high speeds.” Continue reading →

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