The period between 2000 to 2022 has been progressive and captivating in car design. It has been an amalgamation of digital, physical, and environmentally safe innovations pushing the boundaries of creativity. Car designs have been evolving to incorporate new technology, safety, and aesthetic trends. Car designers emphasise society’s needs, shaped by the economic and social living conditions, and accordingly determine the exterior, interior, colour, material, ergonomics, and production methods to be developed for upcoming cars. To problems such as globalisation, competition, climate change, financial crisis, and increasing individuality in society, an effort is made to provide effective solutions through car design. To understand how that occurs, read on.
Retro Inspired and Luxury Era (the 2000s to 2010s)
The retro-futuristic movement or the retro-inspired era saw car designs that drew inspiration from their vintage counterparts while incorporating modern technology and engineering—features such as low-slung bodies. Chrome accents, round headlights, and elaborate grilles are reminiscent of the earlier eras of automotive design. In contrast, powerful engines, advanced suspension systems, and touchscreen infotainment systems introduced the new-age car. The 2010 Mini Cooper, with its short and squat profile, rounded roofline, and bulging fenders, represents this era. With quick acceleration and tight turning radius that help to traverse even in crowded city streets, the car seats are comfortable with ample leg space and headroom. Subaru Impreza WRX, Jaguar XK, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG, Volkswagen R32, and BMW M3 are more car designs that perfectly match modern engineering and the vintage aesthetic.
The Luxury SUV Era pushed the boundaries of car design and style by emphasising high-quality finishes and introducing intuitive user interfaces. The 2003 Rolls-Royce models, such as the Phantom and the Corniche, are known for their opulent interiors, powerful engines, and smooth ride, catering to the tastes of the wealthiest customers looking for the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity.
The Range Rover has been a luxury SUV icon for decades. Still, the 2002 model year brought a new level of sophistication with its more modern design, improved suspension system, and advanced technology. The Audi R8, known for its distinctive design, featuring a mid-engine layout and a sleek, aerodynamic body, was introduced in 2006.
Electric Vehicle and Sustainable Design Era (the 2010s to 2022s)
To create energy-efficient car designs, larger battery packs and regenerative braking systems were required to power the vehicle. This led to an emphasis on vehicle weight and aerodynamics. BMW i3, introduced in 2013, was one of the first electric cars with a carbon fibre body and advanced design features, offering a unique and futuristic driving experience. The Tesla Model S (2012) is an all-electric luxury sedan that proved to be a game-changer in the automotive industry with its sleek design and long-range capabilities. The vehicle’s body is sculpted to reduce wind resistance, allowing it to cut through the air easily. The front of the car features a characteristic black grille offering a sporty and aggressive look. The grille, located beneath the floor of the car, helps to cool the electric motor and battery system. Ford Mustang is an electric automobile that offers interiors that reflect luxury and a modern high-end driving experience for appreciators of speed and technology. They are equipped with state-of-the-art components and personalised digital interfaces. Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and Volkswagen ID.4 are among the other electric car designs that won the hearts of eco-conscious consumers.
With a growing emphasis on reducing environmental impact, Car designers turned to sustainable materials such as recycled plastics, natural fibres, and agricultural waste to create durable and environmentally friendly car components. Closed-loop manufacturing processes were used to minimise carbon footprint, waste, and the environmental impact of production.
Toyota Prius is a full hybrid vehicle from a Japanese auto major that runs on electricity and a conventional engine to produce efficient mileage and on-road performance. The sleek front grille is coupled with an elegant interior and ample legroom and shoulder space. The Polestar 2 (2020) has a distinctively Scandinavian aesthetic, with clean lines, a minimalist grille, and a sloping roofline. High-tech features include a large touchscreen for climate control, navigation, and entertainment. A comfortable cabin with vegan leather upholstery makes the car’s interior stand out.
Hopium unveiled the world’s first high-end hydrogen-powered sedan, the Māchina Vision at the 2022 Paris Automotive Week. Built for the outdoors, robust, and environmentally friendly, the car design integrates technology and innovative performance.
Forthcoming Car Designs
Lightyear 0 with an optimised solar roof will deliver more range with less battery, reducing weight and CO₂ emissions per vehicle. At an average commute of 35 km per day, the company shares that the car can be driven for seven months in sunny climates and up to 2 months in cloudy climates. The car’s interior is upholstered with plant-based leather, fabrics made from recycled PET bottles, and wooden-deco elements from restructured rattan palm.
The Alef Flying car is designed to drive on the street, take off vertically when needed, and fly overhead above traffic. Alef Aeronautics is building the solution to the issues of modern congestion. Once in the air, the body and two-person cockpit will swivel onto its side, flying like a drone. The forthcoming car designs are thus converting dreams into reality.
With many advanced features, such as artificial intelligence control, adjusting the driving level, self-driving cars, predictive maintenance, and driver recognition, more reliable, longer-lasting, efficient, and environmentally friendly cars will be coming up in the future.
References:
Kwon Amos(2 December 2011)Here’s to Eternity-The 50 most Iconic cars in motoring history. Available at: https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/a54066/feature-here-to-eternity-the-50-most-iconic-cars-in-motoring-history/
Design Boom(15 December 2022). Spotlighting the top 10 car designs of 2022.Available at: https://www.designboom.com/technology/top-10-car-designs-of-2022-12-15-2022/
Shah Vivek(22 May 2017)Design through the decades – 2000s.Available at : https://www.carsguide.com.au/oversteer/design-through-the-decades-2000s-55988
Erdal Cansu (3 March 2023) A brief History in Car Design. Available at: https://pedalcommander.com/blogs/garage/a-brief-history-in-car-design
Citations for images/photographs – Print or Online:
1_Car Designing_©iStock
2_Mini Cooper_ ©https://www.autoevolution.com/mini/hatch/
3_Jaguar XK_©AutoFun
4_Rolls Royce_ ©Wikimedia Commons
5_Range Rover_©https://www.carcility.com/blog/the-2022-range-rover-is-revealed-know-more/
6_Tesla Model S_©https://www.drivespark.com/
7_Nissan Leaf_©https://europe.nissannews.com/
8_Polestar 2_© Wikipedia
9_Machina Vision_©https://www.weareellectric.com/
10_Lightyear 0_©EV Database
11_Alef Flying Car_©https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/inno/stories/news/2022/10/21/alef-aero-unveils-design-of-its-flying-car.html
