Mercedes-AMG reveals its concept GT XX electric sports car with loudspeakers embedded into the headlights and an animated panel at the rear of the vehicle. The audio devices first: the front lights then double as a speaker box so it’s easier for the passersby to hear the incoming vehicle. Inside this sound system, there’s a part called a passive membrane, helping the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX produce deeper and stronger bass sounds without needing a bigger speaker. Then, the animated rear panel called the MBUX Fluid Light Panel. It uses over 700 small RGB LED lights that can change color and create moving images and symbols. When this panel is off, the still image has a 3D look. When it turns on, the light panel projects animations, even custom ones. 

The design team uses sandblasting for the surface of the panel to make the lights look sharper and brighter. Other than animations, users can also flash writings onto the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX light panel. In fact, when the electric sports car is plugged in, it shows the word ‘charging’ so other vehicles know whether the car is ready for a drive or is still charging. Outside the vehicle, the design team adds electroluminescent paint made from layers of materials that conduct electricity. Because of this, some parts of the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX glow in the dark. Then during charging, these glowing parts turn off one by one, and once they’re all turned off, it means that the vehicle is fully charged. So far, the team has already tested it on a racing car at the 24-hour Nürburgring race.

all images courtesy of Mercedes-Benz

Biomaterials used inside the concept vehicle

Inside the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX, recycled materials take center stage. The black seat cushions are made with LABFIBER Biotech by Modern Meadow, which is a leather alternative that looks and feels like real leather. The car manufacturer and biotechnology company team up to produce it using a mix of recycled rubber, plant-based proteins, and biopolymers. Since the design is for closed recycling loops, this leather is reusable during repair or maintenance. The biomaterials mixed in it also allow it to be breathable, waterproof, and lighter than real leather. Then, the duo also creates a silk alternative, which they’ve used for the door handles in the same orange color as the vehicle’s exterior to match it. As for the carbon-fiber-made front bucket seats, they have openings for ventilation and fixed headrests. They also have seat pads that have an open 3D structure, made using 3D printing.

Black is the main color of the interiors, allowing the silver and orange accents to stand out. There are two large screens on the dashboard: one is a 10.25-inch display showing the driving and battery information of the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX, while the other is a 14-inch multimedia screen for controls and entertainment. Both screens are slightly turned toward the driver. The steering wheel looks more rectangular and comes with two horizontal grips similar to the ones found in racing cars. Behind the wheel, there are paddles the driver can use to control how the car uses or stores electric power, and there’s also a small LED display projecting the battery health of the vehicle. The two round AMG buttons on the steering wheel let the driver change car settings, too.

Mercedes-AMG reveals its concept GT XX electric sports car with loudspeakers embedded into the headlights

sunset beam orange paint for the car’s exterior

A glance at the center console, the driver and front passenger can see the actual structure of the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX, illuminated by a series of orange pipes that look like electric cables. The armrests share a similar style, and the door panels also come with small holes for soft lighting. Passengers can also see some parts of the car’s body from the inside, including design elements that look like high-voltage cables, connecting it visually to its electric power and to AMG’s racing roots. Outside, the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX has a long, sloped roof, a low front part, and an angled windscreen to give the body an aggressive look.

The sunset beam orange paint shines, giving the vehicle a bright look. At the front, there’s an AMG grille with ten vertical bars, and while this is a common AMG design, the grille in this concept car has a more curved and oval shape, with the Mercedes-Benz star emblem placed right in the center. On each side of the grille, there are slim, rectangular extra lights. The front hood has two openings with fins to let the hot air out from the cooling system, a design borrowed from racing cars. The middle part of the vehicle, called the greenhouse, has a double-bubble roof and three side windows, while the side mirrors are placed higher on the front doors, just like in classic sports cars. When viewed from above, the middle of the car narrows as it goes toward the back, which makes the rear of the car look wide. At the back, the car has six round taillights in a deep red color, set inside long, angled shapes with sloping sides. At the present time, there’s no news yet to the commercial production of the Mercedes-AMG concept GT XX.

there are also light panels on the side of the vehicle

the side light panels turn off one by one when charging to let the driver know when it is fully charged

the roof slopes down from the middle to the back for an aggresive look

view of the rear

the rear animated light panel uses 700 small LED lights

the panel projects moving images, texts, and symbols

view inside the vehicle with a rectangular-shaped steering wheel

passengers can see the structure of the car from the center console

there are two displays on the dashboard

project info:

name: Concept GT XX
car manufacturer: Mercedes-AMG | @mercedesamg

leather: Modern Meadow

The post mercedes-AMG unveils concept GT XX with speakers in headlamps and animated light panel appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The dubbed world’s narrowest Fiat Panda drives around as a fully functional and single-seater electric car made with reused components. Handcrafted by Andrea Marazzi of the channel tutti pazzi per marazzi, the vehicle is only 50 centimeters wide and retains the original parts of the 1993 model it uses. There’s enough space for just a driver, and inside the modified automobile, they can take the vehicle for a spin using a small steering wheel. A single headlight helps the driver cruise at night, and from behind, the car’s design resembles a ship’s or yacht’s bow.

It’s much slower than the typical Panda, but at least it is small enough to fit between two cars and even tight roads. Andrea Marazzi produced the dubbed world’s narrowest Fiat Panda over the course of 12 months. He hand-built the vehicle using ‘99 percent of the original parts’ from the 1993 model he used. He retained the roof, doors, and styling cues, but reshaped the body, frame, and internal structure to create a single seat for the fully electric vehicle. He even kept the four-wheel design of the original car, managing to fit them all in this downsized vehicle.

all images courtesy of tutti pazzi per marazzi

drivable art automobile by tutti pazzi per marazzi

In the end, the dubbed world’s narrowest Fiat Panda weighs just 264 kg, stands at 145 cm tall, and is 340 cm long. Its electric motor allows it to reach a modest top speed of 15 km/h, similar to the speed of walking or a moderate biking pace, and it has a range of approximately 25 kilometers on a full charge. The catch is the vehicle isn’t road-legal; it’s made as an exhibition piece for events, fairs, and shows. Because of this, the handcrafted vehicle is more of a drivable art automobile, even a sculptural project, instead of a traditional road-suited vehicle. 

The maker of the dubbed world’s narrowest Fiat Panda worked on the project on his own, using his family-run auto recycling business and workshop. The vehicle came to life at Autodemolizione Marazzi in Bagnolo Cremasco, which is a scrapyard owned by Andrea Marazzi and his family. The 30-year-old craftsman had the idea to compress the original vehicle’s width to half a meter, just enough for a single person to sit in the middle, and came out with the dubbed world’s narrowest and fully functional Fiat Panda. At the present time, he and his small team are preparing the official application for a Guinness World Record recognition as the narrowest car ever built.

the dubbed world’s narrowest Fiat Panda drives around as a fully functional and single-seater electric car

there’s single headlight on the vehilce

the rear resembles the shape of a ship’s or yacht’s bow

front view of the modified vehicle

the vehicle is only 50 centimeters wide

the vehicle is handcrafted by Andrea Marazzi of the channel tutti pazzi per marazzi

view of the cabin

inside, there’s a small steering wheel

detailed view of the front wheel

project info:

name: World’s Narrowest Fiat Panda

maker: Andrea Marazzi

channel: tutti pazzi per marazzi | @tutti_pazzi_per_marazzi

The post world’s narrowest fiat panda drives around as fully functional, single-seater electric car appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

The Škoda Favorit from the 1980s makes a comeback as a concept electric car with a smiling front design and headlights that project different patterns. As part of the Icons Get a Makeover series, the concept model is one of the Škoda vehicles that goes through a refresh, one that retains the history while keeping all things modern. For a brief history, the Škoda Favorit hatchback came out in 1987, designed by Bertone. It was built for the streets and roads around the Eastern Bloc, a homage as well to the company’s headquarters in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. 

Back then, it had a 1.3-liter engine and could run between 40 and 50 kW. It was in production up until 1994, when the Felicia model replaced it. Fast forward to 2025, Škoda taps designer Ljudmil Slavov to revive the Škoda Favorit, bringing it back as a concept and modern electric car. The design is a crossover between an SUV and a hatchback. It has a higher body structure, so there’s more space for the battery placement in the floor. Ljudmil Slavov, the primary designer, found it challenging to simplify the already minimalistic shapes by Bertone. But instead of changing that, he evolves and expands them, making the overall frame and look modern rather than retro.

all images courtesy of Škoda, Ljudmil Slavov, David Stingl

Animated headlights with foldable covers

Škoda Favorit electric car’s face steers away a bit from the typical vehicle faces manufactured by the company. It’s an intention by the designer Ljudmil Slavov, adding that because of this, he’s able to maintain the Modern Solid style designed by Bertone for the original model from the 1980s. At a certain stage, he brought in his colleague, David Stingl, to design the 3D sketching environments. Part of his task is to give the Škoda Favorit electric car ‘volumetric proportions, shapes, and designs so the result looks almost like a finished product with a Modern Solid expression.’’

The result includes a shared handle for the doors, split in the middle so they open in different directions. There are also pairs of simpler wheels, with an embedded look and four sections resembling a fan. Then, the headlights. They reference the original model, but this time, the LED lights at the front and rear of the Škoda Favorit electric car can project different patterns, customized by the owner. They’re also framed by partially translucent covers, and their covers could be foldable, too. Because of these headlights, the face of the concept vehicle seems to smile. So far, the revived Škoda Favorit is a concept electric car. Aside from this, the design team has also conceived a racing concept vehicle inspired by the Favorit’s rally heritage and with prominent bumpers made of soft-touch material.

left: Modern Solid Favorit by Bertone; right: modern Favorit by Ljudmil Slavov and David Stingl

as part of the Icons Get a Makeover, the concept model is one of the Škoda vehicles that goes through a refresh

the design is a crossover between an SUV and a hatchback

there’s a shared handle for the doors, split in the middle so they open in different directions

Ljudmil Slavov (left) and David Stingl (right9, and their Škoda Favorit design behind them

original model of the vehicle next to designer Ljudmil Slavov

the Škoda Favorit hatchback came out in 1987 next to designer Ljudmil Slavov

project info:

name: Favorit

company: Škoda | @skodagram

designers: Ljudmil Slavov, David Stingl | @lsd__esign, @davidstingl

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: matthew burgos | designboom

The post 1980s škoda favorit returns as electric car with ‘smiling’ face and animated headlights appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Xpeng releases the first look of its P7 electric sports sedan, visible with a sculpted rear and equipped with a driving mode steered by AI. Designed by Rafik Ferrag, the mastermind behind the first-generation P7 in 2018, the recent electric car goes minimal for its exterior. It has a visibly underlined rear and a smoother silhouette towards the front. The steel-like color is continuous through the design, giving it a bullet-shaded feel. Because of this palette, the outside creates a reflective surface, which allows the Xpeng P7 electric sedan to mimic its surroundings.

The vehicle can accommodate five people, including the driver. The company admits that the cabin space is smaller compared to their P7+ range, but it’s because the latter is more focused on a family setup. Rather than bringing back retro visual elements for the model, Xpeng decides to go for a neutral, classic design with P7 since it intends to ‘evoke associations with classic simplicity,’ the company describes. Launched in 2020, the Xpeng P7 electric sedan has received a five-star rating in both C-NCAP and Euro NCAP safety tests.

all images courtesy of Xpeng

Sports Vehicle with a driving mode steered by AI

The vehicle is modern, so having AI as one of the key assistants to the driving mode is organic for the Xpeng P7 electric sedan. So far, there’s no news yet on the full specifications of the vehicle. What the company unveils at the present time is that there’s a smart driving mode that drivers can activate. The company also shares that the sedan comes with an immersive smart cockpit. This hints at an all-digital dashboard for the automobile, a feature that’s becoming, if it hasn’t yet, common in electric cars these days. 

The Xpeng P7 electric sedan has a panoramic glass ceiling, too. It starts at the head of the driver and front passenger, then extends to the rear, even covering the trunk door. The vehicle adopts a vision-based solution, which relates to the cameras and sensors embedded in it. It uses the Turing chip, the AI autonomous driving chip that the company developed in-house, for its computational power on the road. As of publishing, Xpeng plans to release its P7 electric sedan in the third quarter of 2025. The company has yet to announce its availability around the global markets.

the electric sports sedan features a visible sculpted rear

it has a panoramic glass ceiling that extends to the trunk door

the company plans to release the model in the third quarter of 2025

project info:

name: P7

company: Xpeng | @xpeng_global

design: Rafik Ferrag | @rafik_ferrag

The post Xpeng P7 rolls out as electric sports sedan with sculpted rear and driving mode by AI appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

There’s a new electric pickup truck in town, and it goes by the name Slate, a customizable vehicle that can shift into an SUV, open-air roadster, DJ booth, and more. When the startup says that the ride is customizable, it means it.

The vehicle starts as a Blank Slate. Then, owners personalize it. They want to turn it into a five-seater SUV? The startup says, why not? Other than that, the electric pickup truck Slate can have a sleek, fastback with tinted windows or a boxy roof rack for a weekender roadster with extra storage above the vehicle. If not that, owners can equip the electric pickup truck Slate with wraps, racks, and storage. In this way, the vehicle becomes a cargo transport or can even accommodate a motorbike at the back or a surfboard on top. 

Then, there’s also a conversion kit offered to transform the vehicle into an open-air truck. In this case, the ride becomes doorless, and the added passenger seat at the back is roofless. Because the rear area is spacious enough, music producers can also set up their own DJ booth to host gigs on the move. Aside from the exterior design, even the skin of the truck is changeable. The startup says that their approach is to ‘wrap’ the vehicle with a color and series of styles, not paint it. It means that a design team can peel off the skin when the owners want to change the vehicle’s color or style with a new one. If the owners want to it themselves, there’s a kit available for that, too.

all images courtesy of Slate

The changeable vehicle features Storage in the front trunk

The customizable electric pickup truck Slate comes as a standard two-seater. Then, the startup wants to bring back all things manual for the ride. When owners step in the vehicle, there’s no digital display that’s often found in cars these days. Instead, they bring their own devices. They mount them on the dedicated space, just so they can have a digital spin in their ride. If that’s out of the question, then they can just enjoy the steel wheels, manual crank windows, and HVAC knobs. There’s also a rear cargo area with a payload capacity of 1,400 pounds. Another feature is the storage in the front trunk, reminiscent of the one that the recent Mercedes-Benz CLA model has revived.

The startup says that buyers can select from more than 100 accessories for their customizable electric pickup truck Slate. For the SUV conversion kit, it includes a roll cage, rear seat, and additional airbags. Specs-wise, the vehicle comes with a 52.7-kWh battery pack and a 150-kW rear-wheel drive motor. It has a targeted range of 150 miles. An accessory 84.3-kWh battery pack is available, increasing the range target to 240 miles. Charging can be done via a household outlet overnight or through a fast charger at 120 kW, reaching 80 percent capacity in under 30 minutes. So far, the startup plans to deliver the customizable electric pickup truck Slate in late 2026.

there’s a new electric pickup truck in town, and it goes by the name Slate

the ride is a customizable vehicle that can shift into an SUV, open-air roadster, DJ booth, and more

the vehicle can have a sleek, fastback with tinted windows or a boxy roof rack for a weekender roadster

it can carry a spare wheel behind, just like with other SUV models

the vehicle starts as a Blank Slate and then owners personalize it

the vehicle can act as a cargo transport or accommodate a motorbike at the back

view of the sleek, black fastback SUV with tinted windows

there’s also a conversion kit offered to transform the vehicle into an open-air truck

view of the SUV with a boxy roof

the skin of the vehicle is changeable depending on the owners’ taste

project info:

name: Slate Truck

startup: Slate | @slateauto

The post customizable electric pickup truck slate changes into SUV, open-air car, DJ booth and more appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Hyundai restores its 1986 Grandeur sedan into a concept electric car. Also known as Azera, it looks real and road-fitting, but the restored version will never make it into production. These are the words that come straight from the car manufacturer. When the design team first introduced it in 2021, it was only, and still is, meant to be a part of their Heritage series. It’s the archival collection that studies the design and history of the company’s previous models. These are the vehicles that have marked their production line both as inspiration and real-life vehicles. The first in the series is the Pony, first unveiled in 1975. The next is the Hyundai 1986 Grandeur sedan.

In 2021, it celebrated its 35th anniversary, and as a homage, the company transformed the interiors and engine of the car into a modernized cabin and an electric powertrain. Before becoming a concept electric car, the vehicle begins its journey into the sedan market as a real-life model. It’s not a one-man team, as the company taps Mitsubishi Motors to develop the Hyundai 1986 Grandeur sedan. Some reports say that the first generation of the sedan is a reimagination of the second-generation Debonair. It’s because they share the front-engine and front-wheel-drive layout, which was a new setup for Hyundai at the time.

all images courtesy of Hyundai, unless stated otherwise

jet airplane-style gear selector as innovative feature

As soon as it hits the market, the Hyundai 1986 Grandeur sedan is a stealer, from its angular lines to its chrome accents. The car manufacturer works on the exterior design, while Mitsubishi Motors lends a hand on the interiors and technology. Its boxy exterior is one that the current generation of vehicles has softened. The front and back lamps shine with individual lights, reminiscent of the sci-fi ambiance. Inside, the theme of luxury runs its course. It’s fitting because at the time, the car manufacturer wants to take home that crown for the model.

Hoping to make it happen, the first features Hyundai adds to the 1986 Grandeur sedan are a single-spoke steering wheel and jet airplane-style gear selector. Back then, these vehicle elements were considered new to the company. Then, the design team uses velvet to wrap the seats as well as the fabric-finished door trim. Even the front seats enjoy the luxury of the velvet (it’s burgundy for the restored version). From the words of the car manufacturer, the first-generation of the Hyundai 1986 Grandeur sedan built a reputation as ‘the best luxury car of its time.’

Hyundai restores its 1986 Grandeur sedan into a concept electric car

Evolved azera still pays homage to the first-generation sedan

Hyundai calls the 1986 Grandeur sedan its flagship model. The vehicle, however, only holds that title until 1991 when the Hyundai Dynasty makes it out. It’s a premium and executive sedan identified with a stylized D logo. The car manufacturer even produces a limousine version of the model. Slowly, it takes over the Hyundai 1986 Grandeur as a sedan lead, but that doesn’t stop the model’s further generation from coming out. The car manufacturer has produced six generations of the sedan, leaving behind the name Grandeur for the better-known Azera.

A lot of the design elements from the first generation of the Hyundai 1986 Grandeur sedan have now disappeared. The recent Azera model has a long hood, horizontal side body, long wheelbase, and opera glass. The exterior handles disappear into the door when not in use. Then, the sharp edges that once dominated the first generation have now become softer, rounder, at times no longer noticeable. The company says the interiors of the new Azera still pay homage to the first generation, but it’s more of the feel rather than the look. It’s more high-tech than retro with the digital buttons, landscape display, and ambient mood lamps.

the restoration is part of the company’s Grandeur Heritage series

It’s the Hyundai Motor’s interior design team that leads the heritage project. They’re the masterminds behind the remakes of the Pony and the 1986 Grandeur sedan. There are two other old models that are coming up in the series. The first is the 1991 Galloper. The company already hints at giving it a digital nomad concept. The team plans to reconfigure its interior to allow for a camping cabin as well as let the owners work remotely from inside the car.

The second is the 1983 Stellar. For the Heritage series, the model goes through a ‘small luxury’ makeover. The design team mostly targets the Millennials and Gen Z as their primary audience. Because of this, the revamped version leans more towards having digital technologies, stepping away from the manual mechanisms of its original design. The Heritage series is a way for Hyundai to look into the future of its car designs. As the company believes, ‘it is essential to read the present trends and look at the past as well.’ While it has brought back the 1986 Grandeur sedan as a concept electric car, there’s time for Hyundai to turn this retro restoration into a real-life model.

Hyundai Grandeur LPE sedan at Hyundai Motorstudio Goyang | image by Damian B. Oh, via Wikimedia Commons

rear view of the silver Hyundai Grandeur LPE sedan | image by Damian B. Oh, via Wikimedia Commons

the restored version is not for production

inside the concept electric car, ambient lighting runs through

the velvet interior pays homage to the first generation of the sedan

the ambient lighting on the ceiling is new and absent in the first generation

so far, the company has no plans to produce the concept electric car

project info:

name: 1986 Grandeur sedan (Azera)

car manufacturer: Hyundai | @hyundai

The post the story behind hyundai 1986 grandeur sedan before its restoration as a concept electric car appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

General Motors – which owns the brands Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac – looks back at one of its first concept electric bubble cars, the 512E. Debuting in 1969, it precedes its other siblings like the GM EV1 in 1996, the first mass-produced electric car from a major automaker, as well as the hybrid Chevrolet Volt in 2010. What’s different with the 512E electric bubble car is that it stayed, and still remains, a concept vehicle. It has never seen the light of day commercially, and General Motors is yet to announce whether it will ever produce the micro vehicle.

The model is formally known as the 512 Electric Experimental. The car manufacturer first brought it to light in May 1969 during its Progress of Power exhibition for innovative vehicles. During that time, an electric bubble car like the 512E surely earned that modern-car title: a wheelbase of 52 inches, an overall length of 86.3 inches, and a width of 56 inches. Then, it’s also powered by electricity, not fuel. It packs an 84-volt lead-acid battery and a DC electric motor mounted on the rear axle. What sets it back as a daily car, however, is its speed.

all images courtesy of General Motors

roof doubles as a canopy that opens upwards

The 512E electric bubble car can only travel up to 58 miles at 25 miles per hour. It can run with a top speed of 30 miles per hour, but for a maximum of 47 miles. When it comes to accelerating, the concept vehicle can speed away from 0 to 30 miles per hour in 12 seconds. That’s slow compared to the electric cars these days, and more so, to the competitive, fuel-based vehicles of the time. It doesn’t mean that the 512E electric bubble car has no features considered ahead of its time.

General Motors’ 512E electric bubble car shares the same era as the wedge-shaped designs, which gained popularity between the late ‘60s and ‘70s. The car manufacturer’s concept vehicle stands out with its two-seater yet micro-styled frame. Its roof doubles as a canopy that opens upwards. The door, unlike the traditional ones, swings outward. The setup makes it easier for the passengers to step in and out of the tight interior. In the cabin, there’s also a bench seat for the driver and passenger, a regular throttle and brake, a steering wheel, and even an ashtray.

General Motors looks back at one of its first concept electric bubble cars, the 512E

Removable roof transforms the vehicle into roadster

If the weather is nice enough, the driver can lift the canopy of the 512E electric bubble car as they cruise. This roof part is even removable, in case the owner wants to transform the concept vehicle into a tiny electric roadster. General Motors prides itself on having unveiled the car before the advent of modern Level 2 chargers. It is somewhat of a predictive trend turned into reality as car manufacturers these days swing to producing more electric cars. Back then, however, users would have charged the 512E electric bubble car using a standard 115-volt household outlet. 

This means it would take them around seven hours to fully charge the vehicle. It would also be this charger that supplied power to the car’s onboard 12-volt battery, which operated the vehicle’s accessories, including the heater-defroster, headlamps, taillamps, turn signals, windshield wipers, and horn. General Motors brings the spotlight back onto the 512E electric bubble car as a concept vehicle. It’s a way for the car manufacturer to reminisce about its pioneering designs in the past all the while reconsidering the features it can realize today for its modern cars. At the same time, 512E serves as a reminder that ideas do take time to manifest in real life.

debuting in 1969, it precedes its other siblings like the GM EV1 in 1996,

the concept vehicle can speed away from 0 to 30 miles per hour in 12 seconds

a GM engineer sits in the 512E with the canopy top raised

from right: the GM 512 Hybrid, 512 Electric, 512 Gasoline and the three-wheeled XP511 on display at the 1969 Progress of Power exhibition in Warren, Michigan

the model is formally known as the 512 Electric Experimental

project info:

name: 512E

company: General Motors | @generalmotors

The post a look back at 512E, general motors’ expandable electric bubble car from 1969 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Kia reveals the interior design of its concept electric SUV EV2 at Milan Design Week 2025, made of hemp, mycelium, flax fibers, and recycled textiles. As part of the exhibition Transcend Journey at Eastend Studios, visitors can see the cabin of the concept vehicle for the first time. One of the first biomaterial elements the design team applies is the cellulose-based Simplifyber Fybron from renewable sources such as wood, paper, and recycled textiles.

It emerges at the Kia electric SUV EV2’s dashboard and door panels. This ingredient comes through a liquid-based process, eliminating the need for weaving or spinning. The team also integrates biodegradable mycelium-based components into the interiors, courtesy of Biomyc. These materials include hemp and mycelium, which are grown and colored to match Kia’s Pantone specifications for visual consistency throughout the cabin.

all images courtesy of Kia

Mycelium-based materials for the interior surfaces

There are two types of mycelium that Kia’s design team uses for the electric SUV EV2. The first is mycelium-infused polyurethane, applied across light blue interior surfaces, containing visible mycelium particles. The second is a grown volume material, produced by mycelium cells binding with cellulose from agricultural waste. This solid structure is used in components such as the door armrest, where it provides insulation.Inside the Kia electric SUV EV2, the team also incorporates a bio-based composite made from flax fibers named AmpliTex, courtesy of Bcomp.

It shows up in the back seat shell and front seat substructures of the concept vehicle. The use of this component replaces traditional synthetic materials, which helps reduce the overall vehicle weight. AmpliTex is also fully recyclable. At the end of its use, companies can process it into composite pellets for reuse. Kia’s Color, Materials, and Finish (CMF) team has also developed a dark-blue finish for the material to align with the vehicle’s overall design.

exhibition view of Transcend Journey with the electric Kia concept model

From concept to real-life model starting 2026

Aside from the biomaterials in the cabin, the Kia electric SUV EV2 features seat headrest-integrated speakers, portable door speakers, side-extendable seats, detachable seat cushions, and pop-up luggage dividers. The vehicle is also capable of sending message lighting to the pedestrians crossing so they know that car has stopped to make way. The interior is also configurable. This means that the Kia electric SUV EV2 has a rear bench that can be lifted. It reveals a flat floor that can double as a ‘living room’ inside the car.

The vehicle also comes with rear-hinged back doors so it opens up more for easy entry. Then, the front section features vertical daytime running lights and an open lighting structure without a cover lens. The bumpers and lower sections have contrasting graphic elements, which contribute to the concept vehicle’s utility-focused design. The profile of the Kia electric SUV EV2 evidently includes a straight shoulder line that connects the front and rear sections. The solid fenders contrast with geometric glass shapes and wheel arches to define the vehicle’s form. First unveiled in February 2025, the Kia electric SUV EV2 expects to hit the market in 2026.

the exhibition takes place at Eastend Studios between April 7th to 9th, 2025

the interior parts uses biomaterials such as mycelium and hemp

dashboard view of the electric vehicle

the car also features seat headrest-integrated speakers, portable door speakers and side-extendable seats

exterior view of the electric vehicle

view of the sunroof and the vehicle’s straight shoulder line

the solid fenders contrast with geometric glass shapes and wheel arches

so far, the model expects to hit the martket in 2026

project info:

name: Kia EV2 electric SUV

car manufacturer: Kia | @kiausa

companies: Biomyc, Bcomp, Simplifyber | @biomyc.eu, @bcompltd, @simplifyber_inc

exhibition name: Transcend Journey

location: Eastend Studios on Via Mecenate, 88/a, Milan, Italy

dates: April 7th to 9th, 2025

The post kia turns hemp, mycelium, flax fibers & recycled textiles into cabin parts of electric SUV EV2 appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Hyundai Motor Company introduces the INSTEROID, a sporty and video game-inspired concept electric vehicle. Its design is based on the company’s INSTER subcompact electric vehicle. The INSTEROID features a bold and sporty design, which attempts to tap into the ‘emotional appeal’ of Hyundai’s brand. It also builds on the INSTER’s existing platform all the while incorporating creative styling elements for a more video game-inspired appearance.

Hyundai’s sporty concept electric vehicle is designed as a playful take on a ‘dream car.’ The design choices of the team focus more on making an impression on the game fans. Then, its name blends INSTER and STEROID to reflect its muscular appearance. Since it is built on the foundation of the INSTER production model, the Hyundai’s sporty electric vehicle reinterprets the sub-compact EV with a more aggressive and ‘eye-catching’ design.

all images courtesy of Hyundai

Wheels with circular spokes resembling cogs in video games

Since its global debut in June 2024, the INSTER has gained popularity in both Europe and Korea, becoming a high-demand electric vehicle, as the company describes it. Hyundai’s sporty electric vehicle adds to this success by aiming to emphasize the emotional appeal of its future electric cars. With INSTEROID then, every element, from the control buttons and instrument cluster to the rear spoiler and brake system, reflects a distinctive character.

Teaser images showcase Hyundai’s sporty electric vehicle comes with racing-inspired styling, which sets it apart from the standard production model. It features large wheel arch air vents, 21-inch wheels, and an oversized rear spoiler and diffuser. From the onset, viewers can already see the circular spokes of the tires, which can reference cogs found in video-game adventures. Then, Hyundai’s signature pixel LED lighting is also present for a more futuristic look. The INSTEROID remains a concept with no official production plans. On the other hand, Hyundai plans to fully unveil the sporty electric vehicle to the public in early April 2025.

the circular spokes of the tires can reference cogs found in video-game adventures

rear view of the vehicle with a ‘smiley’ face

the concept design is based on the company’s INSTER subcompact car

the company plans to fully unveil the concept in April 2025

project info:

name: INSTEROID

company: Hyundai Motor | @hyundai

The post meet insteroid, hyundai’s sporty and video game-inspired electric vehicle appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

Everrati converts a Porsche 911 (964) car and gives it an electric powertrain as well as Viper Green exterior body paintwork. The company retains the original design of the sports car while upgrading its powertrain. As a result, it exceeds the performance of the original 911 (964). Dubbed the Viper Commission, the electric Porsche features a Viper Green exterior selected by its owner. The design team maintains its wide-body design, and they’ve also applied a paint protection film over the finishing. Then, a black-engraved Everrati badging seals the exterior.

all images courtesy of Everrati

carbon fiber body elements AROUND THE VEHICLE

Everrati’s converted electric Porsche 911 (964) uses the ‘Signature’ wide body edition as the base. It features carbon fiber body elements alongside the electric powertrain. There’s a 62kWh battery pack and battery management system. These provide more than 200 miles of range and acceleration from zero to 60 mph in under four seconds.

The vehicle supports both AC and DC fast charging, which is what the owner wants for their converted vehicle. For the interior, the design team wraps it with black leather with gray striping. These design elements align with the exterior accents for uniformity. Everrati converts classic cars into electric vehicles, maintaining their original design while updating its performance and engine. 

rear view of the vehicle

DEVELOPED powertrain technology

Each commission integrates modern engineering and craftsmanship to restore and electrify models like the 911 (964). The converted electric Porsche 911 (964) features an OEM-grade electric powertrain developed at Everrati’s headquarters in Oxfordshire, England. The build process is completed by Everrati’s team of designers and engineers. 

The company develops its powertrain technology with a network of partners and suppliers to meet OEM standards. Everrati’s portfolio includes electric versions of the Porsche 911 (964) Coupe, Targa, Cabriolet, Range Rover Classic, Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Series, GT40, and Mercedes-Benz W113 SL Pagoda.

Everrati converts a Porsche 911 (964) car

the conversion company gives the Porsche model an electric powertrain

the design team adds a Viper Green exterior body paintwork

the company retains the original design of the sports car

the upgraded model exceeds the performance of the original 911 (964)

view of the round headlights

the design team applies a paint protection film over the finishing

a black-engraved Everrati badging seals the exterior

the design team uses the ‘Signature’ wide body edition as the base

interior view of the vehicle

view of the gear stick

detailed view of the steering wheel

the design team wraps the interior with black leather with gray striping

project info:

name: The Viper Commission

car manufacturer: Porsche | @porsche

model: 911 (964)

company: Everrati | @everraticars

The post converted porsche 911 by everrati comes with electric powertrain and viper green finish appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.