Presented as an international premiere at the 2025 Concorso d’Eleganza Festival Car, the Microlino ’55 Edition pays homage to the microcars of the 1950s, small vehicles like the Isetta, the Heinkel Kabine, or the Zündapp Janus that defined an era.

The Microlino ’55 Edition—created in collaboration with Alcantara and Erre Company for the design—is a one-of-a-kind model, a sort of manifesto of bespoke design, featuring exclusive interiors and details. The artisanal care given to the upholstery was entrusted to Sifral, who enhanced every detail with precision and quality.

The design draws on the formal and emotional values ​​that have always distinguished microcars: compact, rounded, visionary, with a distinctive character and a friendly spirit, to which ERRE Company has given a touch of Italian style, combining balance and elegance. “For us, this project is the result of a CMF study that combines material research and tailored style: every detail expresses a philosophy of luxury,” explained Domenico Lubrano, ERRE Design Studio Manager.

The two-tone blue and white exterior livery is enhanced by chrome details, while the interior embodies the “Contemporary Luxury” values ​​typical of the Alcantara brand and its upholstery, here in refined warm tones of brown, beige, and amber.

“The collaboration between Alcantara and Microlino expresses the values ​​that have always characterized the material: Italianness, attention to sustainability, creativity, and the ability to offer tailor-made solutions. Thanks to its versatility and its technical and aesthetic qualities, Alcantara lends itself to the most meticulous customizations, with exclusive workmanship and a virtually infinite color palette, capable of satisfying every customer need,” commented Eugenio Lolli, President and CEO of Alcantara.

Galaxy M9 is the new flagship presented by Geely on May 22 in Milan. A large six-seater hybrid SUV that embodies the canons of oriental luxury and integrates new energy technologies and artificial intelligence.

The M9 boasts considerable dimensions – with its 5205 mm in length, 1999 mm in width and 1800 mm in height – and a design that comes from the fusion of Chinese aesthetic influences and global inspirations.

Majestic and elegant, the M9 is characterized by robust shapes, but still fluid and harmonious and a silhouette that refers to the principles of traditional Chinese architecture with a horizontal development on overlapping and well-proportioned planes. The front integrates a light strip, the “ripple full-width daytime running light” composed of 380 LEDs capable of producing the twinkle of stars reflected on the water. An original solution inspired by the imagery and vastness of the Milky Way and Vincent Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, mentioned by the brand’s Western designer, during the creative process, as a cultural reference point that helped bridge Eastern poetic abstraction with Western visual expression.

The interiors, with an effective length of 3.7 meters and a height of 1.3 meters, are developed over three distinct areas placed in parallel and inspired by the three-courtyard structure typical of traditional Chinese domestic architecture. The passenger compartment aims to accommodate the Chinese family of three generations (grandparents, parents and children) offering all components: maximum space, comfort and ad hoc solutions.

Key features include the integrated 30-inch screen, an intelligent and responsive AI-powered system that regulates the interaction between the user and the interior environment, and advanced seating functions designed to enhance the passenger experience.

The Geely Galaxy M9 also introduces Geely’s AI Digital Chassis and the G-Pilot H5 Intelligent Driving Assistance System, ensuring exceptional performance, safety, and smart interaction. Powered by the AI Cloud 2.0-driven Thor EM-P Super-Hybrid system, it achieves remarkable fuel efficiency of 4.8L per 100kms and enables a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 4.5 seconds.

At the event, Geely Auto also launched its innovative “Five by Five” strategy, which starts a new era in its global mission, emphasizing innovation, sustainability and user-centric design. A transformative global innovation that is based on a network of global centers, five of design (Shanghai, Ningbo, Milan, Gothenburg and Coventry); five research and development projects; five global testing clusters and five green powertrain pathways, coordinated through a unique artificial intelligence ecosystem to offer innovative mobility solutions.

“Design and Performance in Motion: Shaping Two-Wheel Aerodynamics” the exclusive event, organized by Pininfarina on the occasion of the opening of the celebrations for its 95th anniversary, highlighted the intersection of aerodynamics, performance, and design in two-wheel mobility.

Starting from the crucial role of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel in aerodynamic and aeroacoustic research, with over 50 years of activity in different sectors, the event saw the participation of Farbrizio Valentini, Head of Design Management of Pininfarina and Alessandro Aquili, Head of the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel who interacted with representatives of some brands that are shaping the future of two-wheeled mobility such as De Rosa, Vmoto International, White Motorcycle Concepts and Aptera Motors. The presentations delved into how aerodynamics is revolutionizing the design and performance of electric motorcycles, high-performance bicycles and even solar-powered vehicles.

“This event,” explains Aquili, “comes at a time when Pininfarina is enhancing its Wind Tunnel facility to provide two-wheeler customers – OEMs, startups, and racing teams – with a crucial tool for product development. It is now possible to evaluate the aerodynamic performance (drag and lift) and cooling efficiency of motorcycles with rotating wheels while remotely adjusting the bike’s attitude using an active suspension system, allowing for a lean angle of up to 55°. Additionally, our Wind Tunnel can be used to assess aerodynamic and thermal comfort, either with a test rider or an instrumented dummy, in maximum safety. This facility is also an essential resource for racing teams, helping optimize riders’ positions on the bike.”

Special guest, Simone Origone, nine-time World Champion in speed skiing and the fastest non-motorized athlete on the planet. Origone talked about his experience in the aerodynamic tests in the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel, which were essential to reaching the record of 254.050 km/h.

White Motorcycle Concepts, thanks to the revolutionary V-Duct technology, a patented aerodynamic duct that passes through the center of the bike, significantly reducing air resistance and CO₂ emissions, aims to offer major manufacturers a solution applicable to production motorcycles capable of significantly improving efficiency. In collaboration with Pininfarina, WMC is also exploring the stylistic possibilities offered by this technological innovation, as demonstrated by the two concepts exhibited at the event.

De Rosa Bikes presented Settanta, the lightest bike in its category, designed by Pininfarina. Created for the 70th anniversary of the brand, the Settanta exemplifies how Pininfarina’s aerodynamic expertise improves both technical innovation and riding performance. With a frame of just 730 grams, the lightest in its category, the bike boasts cutting-edge aerodynamic solutions, such as an airflow-optimized head tube and a rear triangle designed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Unveiled at CES 2025, Aptera’s revolutionary three-wheeled solar electric vehicle, designed to never require charging for most daily commutes, represents a bold step forward in energy-efficient transportation. In collaboration with Pininfarina, Aptera is on track to achieve one of the lowest drag coefficients ever recorded for a production passenger vehicle.

A small car with immense potential, the K-Car is typically Japanese with really compact overall dimensions (3400x1480x2000 mm). Could it also be an effective answer to the mobility needs of European urban areas in the near future?
The students of the Transportation Design course at the IED in Turin have been trying to answer this question in their theses in collaboration with Suzuki, which focused this year’s brief on the concept of a European K-Car for 2035.
“This project provided students with an important opportunity to work their way round the constraints presented by a predetermined package, an increasingly rare situation in the thesis phase where there is often a tendency to leave students maximum freedom of expression at the expense of their problem-solving skills. Finding the right balance between creativity and limitations is in fact an extremely useful training experience, especially when they have a job in mind”, explained Michele Albera, course coordinator who, together with lecturer Fulvio Fantolino, guided the students in how they defined and developed their proposals.

‘To Do’ by Irene Bonino, Matteo Capezzuoli, Gianmarco Engelbrecht, Gabriele Fioretto, Giulio Romano

This design responds to the desires of Generation Alpha (i.e. people born in 2012 and thereafter) characterised by sleek, flowing shapes that merge seamlessly into a large customisable rear sphere, much like selecting skins in popular video games. Thanks to the four electric motors on the wheels, the living space can be laid out to accommodate all the interior elements, these too inspired by the world of gaming, such as the seats that can be rotated towards the virtual screen and the steering wheel that transforms into a joystick.

‘Ma’ by Lorenzo Benzoni, Marco Picchi, Riccardo Tulino, Gloria Vida

A two-seater spider that looks back nostalgically to the golden age of the motor car, when the fascination of engines was undisputed and passion guided the end user’s approach.This iconic, minimalist design can be customised using the countless options that the customer can add over the course of time, rather than when the purchase is made, to fit in with evolving tastes and needs.

‘Maru’ by Jungtaek Cho, Yu-Li Tsai, Szymon Piotr Zakielarz

Agile and compact, this multi-purpose vehicle is ideal for urban mobility (of people and goods), but also for short trips and journeys in the countryside. The dynamic and transformable layout, inside and out, is built around three key concepts: reciprocity, stimulating the connection between people and their surroundings; adaptability, thanks to the multiple charging options and accessories for every type of journey; and the absence of constraints, guaranteed by its crossover nature.

‘Suzu_K’ by Matteo Bego, Mattia Chiodo, Gabriele Lattanzi, Damiano Micciché

This design is inspired by the arcade gaming stations of the 1990s, not only in terms of its shape, but also to evoke the playful and immersive experience they introduced. To add character and originality to the car’s sculpted and rigorous aesthetic, the team incorporated clear references to Pac-Man, one of the most iconic video games of all time.

‘Toki’ by Roberto Baio, Luca Carlino, Andrea De Marinis, Fabrizio Negro, Gabriele Rossetto

Compact shapes, optimised proportions and friendly styling are the ingredients of this concept that revolves around finding the right balance between work and play. The cute expression – given by the circular front headlights – characterises the front, while the interior is defined by how the space is organised. The attention to the customization possibilities presupposes three available setups.

(Full article in A&D no. 269)

Created in recognition of the heyday of European barchetta designs, Midsummer – limited to just 50 examples – represents the shared vision of Morgan and Pininfarina, who have collaborated to reinterpret and celebrate the timeless Morgan silhouette. “Midsummer is dedicated to enthusiastic individuals who will enjoy an unconventional, sensory, and analogue driving experience. By identifying and re-interpreting Morgan’s admired ideals, Midsummer turns our legacy into a charming, sophisticated, and timeless aesthetic”, said Massimo Fumarola, Chief Executive Officer, Morgan Motor Company.

A special project that demonstrates the flexibility of Morgan design whilst simultaneously showcasing the rare craft skill of the artisans who hand form every element of the distinctive body. “The design of the car is the product of an immersive journey between two brands, building on the essence of Morgan’s DNA, encompassing its centenary heritage, company culture and a remarkable community of passionate devotees.”, said Felix Kilbertus, Chief Creative Officer, Pininfarina.

The presence of the car is most evident in the rear three-quarter angle. From this angle, the proportion, new surfacing, and shoulder line are most apparent. New surfacing, particularly noticeable on the front and rear wings, gives a subtle preview of the evolving Morgan design language. Midsummer also introduces a shoulder line to the instantly recognisable side profile of a Morgan, made possible by the introduction of exposed wooden structures and required as one of the defining elements of a barchetta style.

From the front, Morgan’s new signature headlight units – finished with silver inserts – flank the horseshoe. Small vertical vents sit at either side of the horseshoe grille, aid air flow and cooling. “Midsummer demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan silhouette, presenting a vehicle that is striking in its appearance and unmistakably a Morgan. A celebration of coachbuilding that combines the expertise, story and creativity of both Morgan and Pininfarina in delivering a seamless balance of tradition and progression”, said Jonathan Wells, Chief Design Officer, Morgan Motor Company.

Typically, vehicles designed by Pininfarina will feature the ‘Design by Pininfarina’ emblem. Due to the unique nature of Midsummer, and the collaborative approach that has contributed to its existence, Pininfarina has chosen to apply the exclusive “Fuoriserie” badge on the side of the car, for the first time on a series product.

A shared experience long before social media, a personal portrait long before the selfie. The passport photo machine has been a constant presence in Italian cities since 1962, the year of the first installation of a Dedem booth in Rome. An iconic object that has crossed the eras with a strong and characterizing identity, and has evolved with them.

“From the black and white printing which took about five minutes of the first machine in 1962, representative of widespread and popular access to photography, to the advent of the color in the 80s. From the printing in a few seconds of the 90s, to the digital integration, with the app, of the 2000s. Dedem and its cabins have always been able to renew themselves to keep up with new technologies and the changing needs of the user”, explained Alberto Rizzi, CEO of the Group. “It is an iconic object that comes from history and goes towards the future. With this awareness, the collaboration with Pininfarina was born to give a renewed stylistic identity to our passport photo booth”, he added on the world premiere in Cambiano at the headquarter of the Italian design house.

“Pininfarina has defined a unique and functional style for the new Dedem cabins, paying attention to three main aspects: simple and immediate user experience, adaptability to different urban contexts and accessibility”, said Nicola Girotti, head of Design at Pininfarina Industrial Design.

Made of stainless steel and innovative 3D printed materials, the new free-standing passport photo booth is the result of the intersection of three volumes, which give a feeling of momentum and lightness to the structure and at the same time allow its customization and integration harmonious in both internal and external spaces.

The interior is characterized by various elements that improve the experience, such as the full-wall mirror that gives a sensation of spaciousness, the curtains that come down automatically from above and the lights that turn on when the presence of a person is detected in the cabin. The user interface has also been totally redesigned and digitized to be more intuitive and user friendly: the new touch screens replace the physical buttons, guaranteeing a fast and intuitive navigation flow, starting from the selection of the desired product (photos for documents or “fun” shots with different selectable themes), up to the payment. Finally, the retractable reclining seat and the absence of a floor and both side walls make the cabin accessible and inclusive.

The yacht design world is rapidly evolving, and the contamination with other design areas, now increasingly common, increases experimentation and stimulates research. With this in mind, IED in Turin launched the Master’s programme in Yacht Design at the beginning of 2022 with the coordination of Federica Bertolini, Design Director of Azimut Benetti Group, and designer Michele Albera, whom we met at the conclusion of the first year of the course.

“It was a very interesting experience that allowed our students to deal with two customers. On the one hand, Rossinavi, one of the most innovative brands in today’s nautical industry, and on the other, Poltrona Frau, a symbol of craftsmanship and Made in Italy tradition”, he says. “The development of the end-of-course theses involved students in a comprehensive and realistic work that took into consideration all key aspects in the conception and design of a “one-off” yacht, taking as a reference a famous character as the fictional boat owner”.

Twelve young people were involved from educational backgrounds in Architecture, Interior Design and Graphic Design who worked on three projects divided into teams of four followed by the coordinators and faculty involved, together with: Federico Rossi, Rossinavi COO at Rossinavi and Marco Gaspari, Head of Sales, Contract & Marine Business Unit of Poltrona Frau.

“Hermione” inspired by the actress Emma Watson

A fascinating and original proposal, attentive to Rossinavi’s styles, but oriented toward their future evolution. Here every detail was designed ad hoc, from the surfaces to the technical elements and interiors, for which the students designed a veritable furniture collection. Interesting attention paid to the role of light and lighting design that complements the concept.

“Inception” inspired by the actor Leonardo di Caprio

The broadside with the eye-shaped glazing is certainly the highlight of this project, an unexpected and spectacular aesthetic solution, particularly in the nighttime solution with the luminous frame emphasising the element in the dark. The spa and sauna with distinctive furnishings, the feng shui-inspired elements, and the introduction of gardens, unusual on boats, make this a sophisticated and original proposal.

“Halley” inspired by the racing driver Sebastian Vettel

More traditional in its management of space, both externally and internally, this proposal is a tribute to sportiness. It places emphasis on a style strongly influenced by automotive design, with a sharp, taut bow that gives rise to aggressive, streamlined lines that generate the architecture and characterise its proportions.

(Full article in A&D n. 259)

Presented in July 2021, but only in virtual mode and hidden for more than a year due to the pandemic, the Volvo Concept Recharge (Auto&Design cover story no. 250) showed off all its innovation and design in the setting of the Volvo Studio in Milan.

A fundamental project for Volvo, based on three essential pillars: safety, sustainability and design, and one that will be an inspiration for the brand’s forthcoming electric future, starting with its first direct descendent, the EX90 soon to come to market.

The clean lines, streamlined architecture, and minimalist styling catch the eye while providing maximum energy efficiency to this concept car, which is based on the Swedish brand’s new 100% electric platform and embodies Volvo’s signature design features, including the Thor Hammer LED headlights, taut profile, and iconic vertical taillights.

The exhibition of the Concept Recharge was an opportunity to showcase Volvo’s initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and all its activities. Indeed, the Swedish manufacturer plans to distribute only 100% electric cars by 2030 and achieve company-wide climate neutrality in 2040.

An evolutionary process that also includes the use of sustainable materials, produced with clean energy from a certified supply chain. From the interior elements to the tyres, from the bumpers to the trim, the use of sustainable materials is extensive, such as responsibly produced wool produced in Sweden and processed into an all-natural, additive-free, breathable fabric; or the flax compound, also used for the bumpers and heel bars.

On the technological side, this car offers a range of equipment that has high hopes in the potential of autonomous driving with cutting-edge high-tech content, advanced control systems, such as the new Lidar, and equipment capable of concretely implementing all-round safety.

Closing the three-day event that accompanied the live debut of the Volvo Concept Recharge, there was an opportunity for discussion and reflection on the theme “Gaming and dematerialisation: evolution, revolutions and resistance in car design”, together with Riccardo Balbo, academic director of IED – Istituto Europeo di Design (European Institute of Design), and Michele Albera, Transportation Design and Master Coordinator of IED in Turin.

Innovation, mobility and Italian design, these are the distinctive features that characterize the Go Carpisa collection, designed in collaboration with Pininfarina. A partnership born to combine the expertise of the two brands in a transversal and durable product, with a contemporary and exclusive design, as well as attention to the smallest details.

The capsule collection, designed for both men and women, includes a line of trolleys (in sizes S-M-L), two backpacks, a work bag and a shoulder bag, all characterized by the versatility of a unique and contemporary design.

The attention to the environmental sustainability has characterized the research into the materials and finishes of this collection. The trolleys, available in two different colours – black and grey – are in fact made in “Carpisa Gotech”, an extremely resistant material made with a mix of 70% recycled materials and offer internal linings in 100% R-PET. The telescopic system of the handle and the double silent wheels, resistant and suitable for any type of use, complete the features of the luggage set.

Light, compact and ergonomic, as well as suitable for all seasons, the bags and backpacks – also available in the double black and gray color variant – have instead been made of high quality recycled polyester, for optimal comfort during travel and daily commute.

“Carpisa and Pininfarina have a lot in common, so a collaboration to combine the distinctive traits of the two brands occurred naturally: they are both Italian brands known all over the world with a high level of technical innovation and easily recognisable character and design. We are certain that the products that have been developed and made by our creative teams will be appreciated by our clients, who are always looking for innovative, practical and designer products at an accessible price. After all, Italian excellence is a brand recognized all over the world.”, explained Gianluigi Cimmino, CEO at Carpisa.

“The collaboration with Carpisa enabled us to create a collection thought up for the everyday needs of those who travel for work or leisure. We have made our multi-disciplinary skills available – from product to experience design – which, combined with Carpisa’s technical innovations, have given birth to a collection with a strong distinctive character. We are proud to have signed the collection with our brand, a synonym of timeless Italian style, making it even more precious.”, said Silvio Pietro Angori – Pininfarina CEO and General Manager.