Subaru is expanding its electric lineup with the new Uncharted, a compact crossover developed in collaboration with Toyota. It shares the same technical platform as the C-HR Plus but has a distinct personality, both in terms of design and driving dynamics. Approximately 4.5 meters long, the Uncharted reinterprets Subaru’s design language in a more urban and sporty way. The front end is dominated by slim headlight clusters, and overall, the surfaces appear taut and clean. Pronounced fenders and lower body cladding underscore its connection to the outdoors, while the roofline that slopes toward the rear and the steeply raked rear window give the car an almost coupe-like silhouette, emphasized by “invisible” rear door handles. The rear is vertical and compact, and thanks to the horizontal light signature, it visually enhances the car’s width.

The interior is practical and well-designed. The center of the dashboard features a 14-inch infotainment display; the lower part of the display incorporates two circular knobs for controlling the climate control system. The digital instrument cluster, on the other hand, is positioned behind the steering wheel in a raised position, almost like a sort of “physical” head-up display. Overall, the interior feels well-crafted and well-assembled, with ample legroom even for rear passengers.

The Uncharted lineup includes an entry-level version with 167 cavalli and a 57.7 kWh battery, as well as two variants equipped with a 77 kWh battery: a front-wheel-drive model with 224 cavalli and an all-wheel-drive model with 343 cavalli. Depending on the configuration chosen, the range varies between 451 and 592 km, while charging from 10% to 80% takes about 28 minutes. On the road, the Uncharted delivers impressive handling: it has very smooth power delivery and always feels firmly planted on the road. The car has a starting price of 39,900 euros, which drops to 34,900 euros thanks to a launch promotion.

The Suzuki line-up includes two exceptional models that do not go unnoticed. These are the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT: built on the same platform as the GSX-8S, but given a retro look inspired directly by the street bikes of the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Project approach “Waku Waku”
As Kota Kezuka, Motorcycle Team Leader at Suzuki Italia Design Centre, explains: “We set out from the very best of starting points and we thought we might use it to create a two-wheeler that would appeal to a different audience”. It was through work on the design that another model was created, starting from tried and tested mechanicals. “We followed a Waku Waku approach”, Kezuka adds, using the Japanese term for enthusiasm, passion, and emotion. “Initially, we weighed up numerous alternatives and for a while we even thought about creating a supermoto”, he concludes.

A “T” coming from tradition
The GSX-8T (the T stands for Titan, the nickname given to the T500) is a design-oriented motorcycle, because “looking back at our past, our history, we realised that the Suzuki T500, produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was the right bike to pay tribute to. And that’s how the GSX-8T was born”, adds Arthur Vidal, the designer who headed up the project in Turin. “But the more we proceeded, the more we realised that reinterpreting brand tradition was the way to go. I even bought a T500 myself to better understand its nature and respect its unique character”.

Toned down aggressiveness
Overall, the design team focused much of its attention on the horizontal aspects of the profile. The GSX-8S has a high tail and a very forward-leaning front end. On the GSX-8T and GSX-8TT, this aggressiveness has been toned down by changing the shape of the fuel tank, redesigning the seat (now wider and more comfortable) and the rear section.

Details recall the past
Individual components have also been modified. The headlight, for example, is not perfectly round. It has the flat lower edge that was a distinctive feature of Suzuki bikes in the 1960s and 1970s. The new models feature full Led lights and all the latest technology, but the nod to the past is clear. The fuel tank has likewise been redesigned and hand-finished by Japanese engineers, with its lower section evoking the welded details of the historic T500.

The 8TT: not an option but a new model
And what about the GSX-8TT – the second T stands for Timeless? “Initially, it wasn’t planned. The windscreen, for example, was originally an option on the 8T. Then we realised that by working on the details, we could give the bike a completely new look, and it became a model in its own right, more inspired by the tradition of ‘80s sports bikes. That’s why it has different colour schemes, contrasting stitching on the seat, gold rims and decals”, says Vidal.

(Full article in A&D no. 277)

Kia’s family of EV electric vehicles is gradually expanding to encompass all market segments. The latest addition is the EV5, a mid-size SUV announced almost three years ago and now finally making its market debut. The car offers a unique reinterpretation of the style of other models from the Korean manufacturer. 

It has a boxy look which, thanks to a clever interplay between the various surfaces, creates a muscular and dynamic impression, with a captivating three-dimensional effect, especially on the side. The interior design is consistent with the bodywork. The dashboard features enveloping shapes, and the strongly vertical trim conveys a sense of robustness. From the driver’s seat, the familiar three-monitor panel is visible: one display is for the instrument panel, the others are for climate control and the infotainment system. Overall, the perceived quality is high thanks to the use of premium materials and precise assembly.

With a length of 4.61 meters and a generous wheelbase, the Kia EV5 offers plenty of space for its occupants: even five people can travel without any compromises. The generous interior space is complemented by a trunk with a capacity of 566 liters and a useful frunk. The Kia EV5 arrives in Italy in just one mechanical variant (at least for now), with front-wheel drive and 217 hp. It has a range of 505 to 530 km, depending on the trim, and can charge its battery up to 80% in 30 minutes. On the road, the car is comfortable and well-insulated, responsive and surprisingly agile, thanks to its very low center of gravity, which makes direction changes smoother even on winding roads.

A similar dynamic temperament is also offered by the Kia PV5, a new MPV available in both van and passenger versions, which uses the same platform as the EV5 and also has similar dimensions, at 4.7 meters long. Awarded Van of the Year 2026, it is available in numerous variants, all sharing unparalleled versatility and a refined, highly distinctive design. It is precisely its aesthetics that make this electric vehicle unique in the current landscape. The front end is unmistakable, while the side view reveals generous glass surfaces that flood the cabin with light. Completing the look is the two-tone paint scheme, offered as standard across the entire range.

After its first static presentation in Dieppe, northern France, the Alpine A390 is back for a public viewing in Malaga. With much milder weather, we can test drive the French brand’s electric SUV to discover whether the essence of a brand that for seventy years has focused exclusively on producing gasoline-powered coupés is still present. Let’s start by saying that when seen in a real-world scenario, on the road, the A390 has a different effect. Its sporty nature is more evident: it’s clearly perceived from any angle. The hood is very steeply raked forward, seemingly biting into the road and emphasizing a clear aggressive stance thanks to the presence of very thin headlights and air ducts that channel airflow toward the windshield. The car is also wide, low, and firmly planted. And in profile, it has a steeply raked rear window that lightens the silhouette.

As Alpine’s head of design, Antony Villain, explained to us, the car surprised even those who designed it. “We worked a lot on the proportions,” he told us. “Lowering the roof, widening the track. It was meticulous work, every inch of it, and in the end, compared to what we initially designed, we even thought we’d gone too far. However, once we saw it on the road, we realized we’d done a good job. We’re very satisfied with both the overall proportions and the details. Like the triangular accents under the headlights: they lighten the front end and give a sense of movement.”

Indeed, on the move, the car displays an agile temperament beyond even the most exaggerated expectations. The three electric motors (one in front and two in the rear) allow for optimal torque distribution, and the low center of gravity, aided by the battery located under the floor, makes the vehicle stable and balanced in any situation. It doesn’t feel like you’re driving a 4,500-pound SUV, but rather a more compact and lightweight car. In short, the brand’s DNA is still present, albeit reinterpreted in a four-door, zero-emissions vehicle.

A winning team… needs to change. At least, that’s what has always happened with the Renault Clio, one of the longest-running and most successful cars from the French manufacturer, which has made a clean break with the past every time it has been revamped. It does so again today with the sixth generation, born from a specific request by the former CEO of the French group, Luca De Meo, who, giving the green light to the project, told his team: “Have the courage to be bold. I want a sexy Clio.”

And so it was. The car grew by 7 centimeters in length and 4 in width, has a prominent front end, with a curved hood and a grille that juts forward, and an almost crossover-like profile, with high, muscular sides and a tail that ends in a very sloping rear window. Aesthetically, it emphasizes the change with new elements. The headlights, for example, do away with the classic glass cover and take on a three-dimensional look with a black frame that protrudes from the bodywork. At the rear, too, the split hexagonal lights are unlike anything seen before on other models from the brand.

The interior design is a little more traditional. The finishes and materials are of good quality. There is also a front panel that runs across the dashboard and incorporates two monitors, one for the instrumentation and one for infotainment. The latter is based on Google’s operating system, which ensures maximum integration with Maps and other apps dedicated to “Big G” cars. From next year, it will also feature Gemini artificial intelligence, for more fluid and natural conversations with the voice assistant.

The new Renault Clio has also undergone significant mechanical changes. In addition to the familiar gasoline and LPG engines, the car is also available in a completely new hybrid version. It features a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine combined with a more sophisticated electric component, powered by a larger battery. The car thus has more power (up to 160 horsepower) and boasts a more responsive dynamic temperament, while claiming fuel consumption of only 3.9 liters per 100 km.

On the road, it feels more solid than the outgoing generation. This is also thanks to careful soundproofing work resulting from greater attention to aerodynamics (the Cx has been reduced from 0.32 to 0.30) and the use of a greater number of sound-absorbing panels. Stable and balanced, it also has a smoother ride, both in the city, where you often travel with zero emissions, and on extra-urban stretches.

An interesting new dynamic program called Smart has been introduced, which adapts the engine response in real time based on the driving style adopted. There is no need to select a specific mode—Eco, Normal, or Sport, which are still available—as the car automatically changes the settings according to the driver’s needs. The new Clio is available in three trim levels: Evolution, Techno, and Esprit Alpine. They differ in terms of equipment and a few aesthetic details.

The automotive world is moving at breakneck speed and, with almost sixty years under its belt, Italdesign knows that staying competitive means adapting quickly to ever-changing scenarios. Joaquin Garcia, Head of Design at the Turin-based design house, explains how the company is gearing up to face new challenges.

“Let’s start with a simple truth: for us, cars are “the house speciality” and we take great pride in this, as we do in our origins and our history. It’s crucial to remain focused on this, because in the automotive field we have to be able to meet any request. In certain cases, we initiate a co-creation process, working side by side with a client who needs expert collaboration to bring a project to life. We can step in at different levels and adapt to any need, even managing the entire project from start to finish when required, because our structure mirrors that of a real car manufacturer. This gives our clients a huge edge and is the real difference compared to other companies like ours”.

“On other occasions”, continues Garcia, “clients reach out not to develop a specific model, but to define a brand vision. The challenge there is more demanding obviously, but also more stimulating because we have more creative freedom. We also work with car manufacturers that have a long and storied history. They turn to Italdesign because we are in the game of imagining the future and can come up with unexpected proposals that offer a different perspective. I see this approach steadily gaining ground in a world where competition is intensifying and where having a clear vision makes all the difference. This is especially the case with the arrival of Asian manufacturers, who are growing fast but struggle culturally to project themselves five or ten years into the future. For us, by contrast, looking ahead comes naturally”.

This approach is not confined to makers from the East. “European and American manufacturers have also long since recognised how important it is to embrace a broader perspective. These are companies with powerful brand legacies, but they are well aware of how quickly their corporate identity can erode. Brand identity is a delicate object and must evolve in the right way. We have been doing this for over half a century: first with European brands, then with the Japanese, Koreans and Chinese. Building a brand from scratch is embedded in Italdesign’s DNA, but there is more to it than that. We provide access to the Volkswagen Group’s platforms, which is a great advantage. Recently, we worked with the Indonesian government in this very way, culminating in the creation of the first national electric SUV: the TMI i2C”.

The automotive sector therefore remains key, but today, being competitive means getting involved in different areas. Italdesign also has a long history in the field of industrial design, a sector in which it began working in the mid-1970s, founding a specific division in 1981.
“Industrial design has given us satisfaction in many domains”, continues Garcia, explaining how the company’s design focus has changed. “Currently, the most compelling scenarios are in robotics and aerospace. We have already engineered a groundbreaking humanoid robot that will be presented shortly and is different from anything seen to date. For the moment, it has been widely acclaimed from a styling point of view, but we also want to develop it in terms of engineering and prototyping to bring the full strength of the company into play. It is an area that offers a great deal of potential and one in which we feel perfectly at ease, as we are deeply human-centric. The pharmaceutical and medical sector is also experiencing explosive growth. We already have a number of collaborations in play and our involvement will undoubtedly expand in the years to come. Our approach to user experience is pivotal: we are able to design the experience before the product, regardless of the sector. What we have learned in the automotive industry is readily transferable elsewhere”.

Italdesign is also deeply committed to advancing Clean Tech, i.e. the sustainable manufacturing of products through innovative techniques and approaches. “This is not greenwashing”, Garcia clarifies. “Here we work with 3D printing to avoid waste, we use new recycled materials and we combine design, engineering and production to create innovative and highly functional objects. Like the ReSedo seat presented at Volkswagen’s Future Mobility Days. We used different technologies and materials, collaborating with esteemed partners such as Nike Grind, the division of the American giant that transforms manufacturing waste and recycles shoes and clothing to create new materials. Ours is a “learning by doing” approach, and I really like it because it allows us to learn constantly”.

It is therefore among new opportunities in the world of automotive, industrial and transportation design, exploring the latest technologies, that Italdesign is laying the foundations for its future. “Always bearing in mind”, concludes Garcia, “that this company is imbued with an Italian spirit that is the envy of the world. An Italian spirit made up of history, culture, craftsmanship, innovation, elegance and aesthetic sense. Those who live in this country take it for granted, but it shouldn’t be”.

Full article in Auto&Design no. 275. Browse it on A&DCollection

In today’s automotive landscape, design has long outgrown its mere functional purpose. It has become a powerful medium for expressing a brand’s philosophy and evoking emotion. Against this backdrop, the new MG4 marks an important milestone for SAIC’s Design Centre, under the direction of Shao Jingfeng. The MG4 sees the début of a new stylistic language called “Emotional Design Aesthetics” whose aim is to redefine the standards of one of the most competitive and crowded areas of the market, that of compact electric SUVs.

A perfect blend of British sports car tradition and the aesthetics of zero-emission mobility, the MG4 is a product of the philosophy that seeks to do more than just grab the attention with eye-catching looks. The focus is equally on ergonomics and functionality with a human-centric approach that can be summed up in the motto “pleasing to the eye and easy to use”. Shao Jingfeng’s team has worked to create not just a means of transport, but an object that fuses technology with a distinctly human touch.

In defining the exterior, the design team set out to accentuate the car’s sense of dynamism, drawing inspiration from traditional British sports cars. This spirit is evident in the front end, which echoes the MG Cyberster, with its closed grille and aggressively contoured headlights suggestive of a predator ready to pounce on its prey. The illuminated MG logo in the centre of the bonnet adds a futuristic flair, making it look at night like something out of a sci-fi film.

The side view reveals the generous wheelbase which contributes to the roomy cabin. At the same time this lends the body momentum and presence. Great attention was paid to aerodynamic efficiency, the front air intakes, sleek lines and tapered roof ending in a spoiler that increases stability at high speeds and contributes to a Cx of just 0.28.

The interior of the new MG4 puts the emphasis on concepts like technology, practicality and refinement. The dashboard design is inspired by the wings of a swan, with the upholstery extending harmoniously and naturally from the central touchscreen to the sides of the car. The dynamic shapes found inside are designed to convey agility, dynamism and a youthful character, without sacrificing its family vocation, which remains ever-present.

Full content in Auto&Design no. 275 – Browse it on A&DCollection

With its squared-off lines, bold presence and broad visual appeal, the Cyber X marks a bold new direction for MG, uncharted waters for the Chinese SAIC Group. “It’s a planet-wide city adventure toy”, says Jozef Kabaň, Vice President of SAIC Design. While the vehicle’s styling clearly draws its inspiration from the world of off-roaders, MG clarifies that the technical specifications remain those of a traditional electric car, and are therefore not geared towards off-road adventures. The reason for these forms is simply to tap into a trend that uses a symbolic styling language to create fashionable vehicles with the aim of attracting younger customers and reflecting their desire to explore the world.

The Cyber X is crafted with a precise formula, combining specific design elements: short overhangs with wheels pushed out to the corners, vertical front and rear ends, a long wheelbase, and carefully sculpted surfaces that echo the refinement of high-end tech devices.

To keep the profile sleek, the designers have used handles flush with the bodywork, while a straight beltline further up emphasises the neat surfaces. Adding to the contemporary feel, the pillars match the dark-tinted windows, while the mirror caps provide contrast, mirroring the aluminum finish on the wheels and roof bars.

The Colour & Trim people worked to achieve a matte grey colour that would evolve in tone during the day as the light moved across it. Inspiration came from an unlikely place: the rubble of a ruined building at dusk. There they discovered more than forty-three types of metal oxide particles in the cool grey substrate. From this, they were able to create a matte colour that was dark at night but shiny during the day thanks to various aluminium particles hidden in the paint.

Shao Jinfeng, Chief Design Officer of SAIC Motor R&D Innovation Headquarters and Josef Kabaň Vice President of SAIC Design

To give more personality to a body of such disciplined geometry, the designers played with light elements. During the day, the front of the Cyber X is crossed by a full-width LED strip, while the low-beam headlights remain tucked away to guarantee a dramatic effect. This choice was made by MG to humanise its vehicle: the headlights open slowly to an angle of 30 degrees, reminiscent of moving eyelids.

For the rear, a more traditional solution was chosen with LED lights running across the entire width of the Cyber X. MG has nevertheless added some details in line with its classic octagonal styling cues: from the design of the wheels to the mouldings on the bumpers and the edges of the retractable lights. Forward-looking yes, but grounded in tradition.

Full Article in Auto&Design no. 275

Agility, speed, efficiency. This is how the concepts around which all the activity of TUC.Technology revolves, a deep tech company conceived by the founder Ludovico Campana, who with his company aims to revolutionize the technological architecture of modern cars, could be summarized.

The concept behind the spark is clear: vehicles are becoming more and more complex and this complexity is very often a limitation. It is overcome by simplifying the on-board systems as much as possible, standardizing as much as possible and optimizing each element making it flexible, adaptable and multitasking.
In concrete terms, the idea translates into the creation of a universal coupling system to fix every element of the car on board: seats, infotainment system or steering wheel.

It is called the TUC.plug connector and allows you to create extremely customizable vehicles with advantages also in terms of reducing costs, development times and also limits to the creativity of designers.
Our TUC.plug digital/structural connector is the USB of mobility,” explains Campana. It allows vehicle manufacturers to create modular cockpits that meet the different needs of drivers. With this technology we make the car a versatile and easily modifiable object”.

The connector in question, of the plug & play type, is made in 3 different sizes, to be able to adapt to larger and more complex components, such as the aforementioned seats, or to act as a hook to a tablet or smaller accessories. In all cases, the connector integrates the power supply and communication functions and is able to communicate with a dedicated control unit (TUC.brain) through all types of electronic signals.

TUC.Technology’s latest innovation was presented at the 2025 edition of the Munich Motor Show. This is the TUC.micro system, which is based on the same concept as the TUC.plug but which is miniaturized and has a very low industrial cost. The idea seems to be a winner, so much so that some manufacturers are working on concrete projects to integrate this technology into the cars of the future.

Meanwhile, TUC.Technology, which has also created a working prototype, is considering the possibility of expanding its field of action in the aerospace and smart living fields.

Opel has created a very special concept. It’s called the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, and it’s a car designed specifically for the famous driving simulator Gran Turismo 7, the latest installment in the PlayStation videogame series. This isn’t the first time a manufacturer has attempted a project like this. In the past, numerous cars branded “Vision Gran Turismo” have taken to the track, albeit only virtually. But there’s something more here. We met Victor Uribe Chacon, designer at the Opel design center in Rüsselsheim, who explained why this car isn’t just an experiment. He explains: “The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo has a dual purpose: to demonstrate the direction in which the GSE sports division will move, which will increasingly focus on electric vehicles, and to preview the style and content of the next Opel Corsa, the seventh generation of which is expected in 2026”.

“The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo,” Chacon continues, “respects the dictates of our Pure & Bold design philosophy, which is based on clean lines and the exaltation of some highly technical elements that lend personality. Just look at the wheel arches, the mirrors, or the air vent to understand what we mean. On this concept, the body is defined by triangular surfaces. They hark back to the brand’s tradition and create tension and a sense of speed”. Among the most distinctive elements is the compass-shaped front light signature, with horizontal and vertical lights framing the logo, which is also illuminated. Also noticeable at the front is the striking aerotunnel, which directs airflow from the lower part of the bumper through the hood and towards the windshield.

Finally, at the rear, a large spoiler and an equally generous diffuser appear. “Both are mobile, to improve load at high speeds,” says Chacon, adding: “Inside, the focus was on simplicity, for maximum driving engagement. In fact, there are no instruments and no central touchscreen. All the information is shown on a head-up display.” However, there are lights in the seats, on the dashboard, and on the inside of the doors that signal the presence of vehicles nearby and increase the interaction between driver and car.