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Auto Car
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Car
From Renault 5 to Panda: How François Leboine saved small cars
It's vanishingly rare that a new car is so well-received it actually shifts perceptions of the company that created it, even before anyone has sat behind the wheel. That's the sort of instant impact of which car designers dream but precious few will ever achieve. Yet two of François Leboine's recent creations have done just that, for two different firms. Which is why he's a worthy winner of our Design Hero award. In his current role as Fiat's design chief, the Frenchman led the creation of the new Grande Panda hybrid, which combined knowing nods to the 1980s Panda with a fresh design infused with intricate details. It created new possibilities for a firm overdependent on the Fiat 500, while proving affordable cars could still be stunningly stylish. 'I knew we had to make a new icon,' says Leboine. 'Fiat is a great brand, but when I arrived four years ago, too much depended on the 500; that was clear for everyone, but it's not easy to tackle. There was a question about whether all the projects should be related to the 500 [in terms of design], because that was our hero car. My answer was that we needed to create a second hero. Of course, that's not easy to do.' We will return to the Grande Panda, but Leboine's story predates his arrival at Fiat's Centro Stile in Turin. The bulk of his automotive career so far has been spent at Renault. As the French firm's concept car design boss, he was tasked with creating a fresh version of a classic model. But after two years of work, the project stalled in 2020 because 'nobody was interested'. Until, that is, new Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo walked into the design studio on his first day on the job, looked at Leboine's vision of an electric Renault 5 and said 'let's make that'.
Motor 1
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Could Pop-Up Headlights Make a Comeback?
They say everything is cyclical—fashion, music, pop culture. The same is true with car design. Hyundai popularized the retro-fantastic ' 8-bit ' styling on its modern EVs, while Honda is on a mission to revive the long-lost wedge . One thing we haven't seen return, though, are pop-up headlights. The once-ubiquitous design element quickly faded into the background as automakers moved to sleeker, simpler light fixtures focused more on aerodynamic efficiency. What a shame. With so many other retro elements returning to modern cars, though, why can't pop-up headlights also make a comeback? First, some history. The first pop-up headlights date back to 1935. Cord debuted the 810 prototype at the New York Auto Show, touting a technology never before seen. Hidden on either of the exterior fenders were headlight fixtures that "popped up" with a few vigorous twists of a dashboard-mounted crank. Alfa Romeo would introduce pop-up headlights on the production 8C 2900A Berlinetta just a year later in 1936, and the Buick Y-Job concept would follow in 1938. But it wasn't until 1962 that pop-up headlights made their way into the mainstream on the Lotus Elan, which ditched the manually operated crank for the first vacuum-operated pop-ups. The 1938 Buick Y-Job Concept Photo by: Buick Automakers would adopt the technology quickly thereafter, and pop-up headlights boomed in popularity in the US throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Sadly, the last production cars to have pop-up headlights in the US were the Lotus Esprit, ironically enough, and the Chevrolet C5 Corvette. Both of which ended production in 2005, taking pop-ups with them. As with anything good and fun, government regulations all but put a stop to pop-ups. But they weren't necessarily banned. Instead, regulators approved more aerodynamic headlight designs as opposed to the classic round, sealed beams, which meant automakers could save time and money by affixing sleeker, smaller fixtures to the front ends of their vehicles as opposed to fussy, often-complex pop-up units. Pedestrian protection laws globally also meant that anything protruding from the top of a vehicle's hood was a big no-no. Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 Photo by: Chevrolet But in the US, at least, pop-up headlights aren't explicitly banned. So why don't we see more of them? Especially if there's a burgeoning demand for the good ol' days of car design. Audi has been at the forefront of lighting technology for more than a decade. They pioneered the adaptive Matrix LED headlight for Europe in 2013 and continue to evolve the technology. Just recently, Audi debuted the new Q3 SUV with updated Digital Matrix LED headlights featuring micro-LEDs with semiconductors that are thinner than a hair. The man behind the implementation of that technology is Dr. Michael Kruppa, who's been the head of headlight development at Audi for a number of years. Even though Audi has never made a single production car with pop-up headlights (almost unbelievably), Kruppa knows as much as anyone about modern lighting technology. 2026 Audi Q3 Photo by: Audi "The most important point to understand is that everything we do is function-driven," Kruppa tells me. "[The headlights] always come from a very emotional perspective. They want to give the whole car a unique appearance, even if the light isn't illuminated." At Audi, engineers work hand-in-hand with designers to create light fixtures that are as functional as they are beautiful, he says. But with innovation comes roadblocks; getting some specific lighting elements to market is no easy task. It took years for regulators to approve Audi's use of adaptive matrix lighting technology in Europe and other markets. In the US, meanwhile, similar technology is only now hitting the road. Rivian is among the first automakers to get its adaptive lighting technology approved. "[We] had to prove that [matrix LEDs] were robust enough," Kruppa says of regulators. "It was very important to convince the regulators that there is no glare for upcoming traffic… We went for test drives with them to show how the systems worked on the road. Based on this feedback, we were also able to understand their fears, because regulation is quite old-fashioned." Photo by: Audi That's all to say: lighting technology is extremely complicated. Pop-up headlights would undoubtedly further complicate the matter. "If you really want to make [the headlights] disappear completely, it's quite difficult," Kruppa says. "Because in the end, you need them to have a free, open perspective for use at night. At the moment, the big problem is the mechanics and all the additional parts you would have to integrate. So you make the headlamps even bigger, you make them heavier, and our focus, really… is not really having additional mechanical movements." It makes sense. Adding a mechanical function to a feature that doesn't already require one would be a step backward. Not to mention the added costs associated with slapping a piece of sheet metal or carbon fiber to the front of a bumper, and the potential interference with the many safety systems required on modern cars. Plus, there isn't even much room for a pop-up function at all. "The space in front of the car is really limited," he says, "so you don't have a lot of empty space where you can move a lid or where you can put a mechanical part that completely disappears. So that's the reason why we are not focusing on that at the moment." 'If you really want to make [the headlights] disappear completely, it's quite difficult.' But that's not to say companies haven't tried hiding their headlights. We just haven't noticed. A big, modern trend is the split headlight—that is, a two-piece light fixture with an LED running light near the hood line and a larger headlight lower down on the bumper. The new Q3 has it, as do so many modern SUVs. As Kruppa notes, the split headlight was developed, in large part, as a way of 'hiding' the main headlight housing so that the focus is drawn to the upper LED. And you can see that on the latest Q3. "The main focus [with split headlights] really is aesthetics," he says. "Designers focus on the daytime conditions; You're only using the daytime running light… You still have to fulfill legal requirements, though, which means you need a low-beam and a high-beam." "The bezels and polymer pieces surrounding the lower headlights were created so that if they're not on, you don't see them, because you're attracted to the daytime running light." Mazda Iconic SP Concept Love them or hate them, split headlights are, largely, an evolution of the pop-up. But for the most part, the dream of a new car with pop-up headlights is largely dashed. There are some outliers, like the coachbuilt Ares Panther and the Mazda Iconic SP concept . Unfortunately, it's unlikely that we'll ever see another mass-produced modern vehicle with old-school light fixtures. For Audi specifically, the distinct lighting signature of its Matrix LEDs does offer shades of nostalgia. The shape and function harken back, in some ways, to the original R8 and TT. But for Kruppa, he's more focused on the future of lighting design, not necessarily the past. "I think the biggest contribution we will see in the future from lighting is taking over more responsibilities in terms of communication," he says, pointing specifically to things like autonomous driving and pedestrian safety. "Light will create some kind of touch point from the exterior… creating a sense of safety. This is what we strongly believe will happen in the future, whether we need 10 years, I don't know. But this is definitely the outlook." More Design Trends Chrysler Has Its Own Design Studio. That Could Be a Game-Changer America's Beautiful, Forgotten Hypercars Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Blog
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Legendary Jaguar Designer Reinvents the Classic Mini
This Is Not Your Average Mini Restomod Restomods are everywhere these days. Some are subtle modernizations of classic cars, others are loud, big-budget statements looking to cash in on nostalgia. But now and then, one emerges that actually elevates the concept, because it's been touched by someone who knows what great design truly is. Enter Ian Callum. The man behind icons like the Aston Martin Vanquish and Jaguar F-Type has now turned his attention to the humble Mini, reimagining it under his firm Callum in partnership with renowned coachbuilders Wood and Pickett. The result? A hand-built, tailor-made reinterpretation of the classic British icon that's anything but ordinary. 0:04 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Source: Callum Reimagining a British Icon Based on a restored Mk5 Sportspack Mini shell, the last derivative before the classic Mini bowed out in 2001, this restomod pays tribute while reinventing the original. The exterior features bespoke front and rear valances, subtly aggressive side sills, and an entirely new rear bumper design. The arches are typical of Wood and Pickett coachbuilt models, while the paint is a proprietary Anthracite metal finish developed by Callum. The lighting has also been fully modernized, with reworked front and rear housings that incorporate LED elements while maintaining period-correct charm. The 13-inch alloy wheels, designed specifically for the project by Callum, complete the stance with just the right amount of attitude. Inside, the Mini is equally transformed. The dashboard pays homage to Wood and Pickett's 'Margrave' designs, blending heritage with precision modern detailing. The switchgear is all custom, including a piano-style toggle switch pack and machined metal bezels. Luxurious Tan Bridge of Weir leather wraps the interior, while the seats have been designed and trimmed by Callum. Even the tech is subtly integrated, with USB charging ports and modern infotainment tucked away in a clean, retro-inspired layout. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Source: Callum Modern Power Meets Hand-Built Exclusivity Thankfully, this restomod isn't electric. Under the hood, power comes from a rebuilt 1.3-liter Stage 3 road/rally engine that pumps out 110 horsepower, nearly double that of the original Mini. Twin-point injection, a performance head, retuned ECU, and a reworked gearbox make for a proper setup. It's paired with vented and grooved disc brakes, upgraded suspension, and carefully tuned NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) refinement. The Mini by Callum is hand-built in Warwick, UK, starting at £75,000 or around $102,000 at the current exchange rates. Each car is a one-off, built to the exact specifications of the customer. The first example was delivered to British model and car collector David Gandy, and the public debut is set for the Heveningham Concours this weekend. Source: Callum About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Car and Driver
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Ian Callum's Design Team Is Behind This Reimagined Red-Hot Mini
Famed British car designer Ian Callum revealed his design house's newest creation: a rowdy reimagination of the Mk5 Mini Sportspack. It's built in collaboration with the coachbuilder Wood and Pickett, and overhauls the hatchback with a new suspension and stronger brakes. The overhauled Mini features a rebuilt 1310 cc rally engine with a new cylinder head, two-point fuel injection, and a custom twin-pipe exhaust. Throughout his career, Ian Callum has designed a lot of cars. He penned both the Aston Martin DB7 and the Vanquish. His back catalog includes the Jaguar XK, the F-type, and even a road-going version of the C-X75 concept car. Callum's newest design is a collaboration between his eponymous design house and the coachbuilder Wood & Pickett. Callum Designs It's aptly named the Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum, and it looks downright rambunctious. Based on the Mk5 Mini Sportsback, the Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum reimagines the pint-sized commuter as a modern hot hatch packed to the gills with character. The original engine is gone, with a 1310 cc rally engine in its place. The mill now makes 110 brake horsepower. It has a new cylinder head, two-point fuel injection, a custom twin-pipe exhaust, and a reinforced gearbox to handle the extra power. Callum Designs Callum Designs The handling has been retuned to feel like it was engineered by someone who has heard the word "rizz" used in a sentence before, rather than feeling like it came straight from 1990. The original wheels are gone in favor of a four-spoke set of Callum's own design, which measures in at the same 13 inches in diameter. A set of grooved and ventilated 8.4-inch disc brakes hides behind the wheels. Callum Designs The styling inside looks like what you'd expect from a firm called "Wood and Pickett." The dashboard features a wooden fascia inspired by walnut panels found in the company's Margrave Mini, built in the 1960s. There are metal fog-light and heater switches, along with metal cupholders and metal instrument gauges. A small touchscreen with Apple CarPlay compatibility brings a more modern feel to the cabin. Each Wood and Pickett Mini by Callum will be built to the owner's specifications, with pricing for the reimaginations starting just north of $100,000. Jack Fitzgerald Associate News Editor Jack Fitzgerald's love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1. After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn't afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf. Read full bio
Auto Car
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
MWIC Bonus Episode 13: Autocar Meets car designer Julian Thomson, GM Advanced Design Europe
Close Julian Thomson is one of the world's best car designers and if you don't know the name, you'll know his cars. As Lotus's chief designer he designed the Elise and at Jaguar Land Rover created the LRX concept, which went on to become the Range Rover Evoque. But most of Thomson's career has been spent in advanced design and that's where he finds himself now, at General Motors' new advanced design centre Europe. Why does GM need a European design centre and what will it do? Join Steve Cropley and Matt Prior as they put these questions and many more to one of the world's most eminent car designers.
