The Fabulous World of Marcello Gandini at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin

Marcello Gandini, who celebrated his 80th birthday last fall, has made one of the most significant impacts on car design during his more than 60 years long quest for the best design, be it for extreme super cars or for practical city cars. Oh, and he has drawn helicopters, trucks, sake glasses and a villa too, so it would be fair to say that he thinks outside the box. Continue reading “The Fabulous World of Marcello Gandini at the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin”

Aston Martin Vantage – Sports Car With a View

In the series of enticing cars, Aston Martin last year reached the facelift of the Vantage, and there was no shortage of curves or sportiness. However, did they go one too far on that iconic grille shape? Go big or go home, the Americans say, but could this work in the English tradition? The answer is to be found, as so many times before, in the right half of the brain of the beholder. I was genuinely looking forward to trying out the new Vantage, although I wasn’t convinced that the design was my cup of tea, as I arrived in Geneva to borrow the keys to a deep red specimen for a week. Continue reading “Aston Martin Vantage – Sports Car With a View”

Jaguar I-PACE – a Great Way of Getting Around, Electrically Speaking

First things first: The Jaguar I-PACE looks like no other car. It appears massive and long, yet agile and elegant. I spent a weekend with it, covering more than 1,000 km in this all new, all electric feline. Having seen it from all angles, its design still catches me off guard, and I think I like that. Oh, and the I-PACE is simply great to be on the road in. There is however one big let-down in this story. Continue reading “Jaguar I-PACE – a Great Way of Getting Around, Electrically Speaking”

When You Prefer Bringing the Living Room Along – Driving the Bentley Bentayga W12

In one of the many interesting departments in Motorworld Stuttgart, I found it – finished in a powerful Dragon Red II and with 22 inch black rims. There is no doubt that the Bentley Bentayga is a solid chunk of car, with just over five meters from snout to hedge and 222 cm in width. The three meter wheelbase is only one Louis Vuitton bag shorter than the entire length of the Fiat Panda I parked next to later on the journey. Continue reading “When You Prefer Bringing the Living Room Along – Driving the Bentley Bentayga W12”

ATS, You Say?

Lago Maggiore, sun and a light breeze. The Italian spring offers 17 most welcome degrees. I find myself behind the wheel of the ATS GT – the only one of its kind – being the first motoring writer driving it. Just an hour earlier I was warmly welcomed by Daniele Maritan, the man behind the second act in the history of ATS. Continue reading “ATS, You Say?”

Who’s Up For Some Danish? Zenvo, That Is

A bleak February afternoon was to become very colourful as I parked outside the Zenvo factory in Præstø, an hour’s drive south of Copenhagen. Throughout Zenvo’s eleven years, they have presented cars in a wide variety of colours, ranging from modest brown to striking turquoise, and their design language has always been recognizable as an original look. From the first ST1 model, Zenvo have moved on to the TS1, the race-spec TSR, and now with the the Geneva launch of the TSR-S, the model range counts three cars. But let’s first return to February, where PR man Peter Van Rooy welcomed me into his office for a quick chat. Continue reading “Who’s Up For Some Danish? Zenvo, That Is”

This Lamborghini Aventador S Went to Geneva (And Back)

Welcome to Bologna, Mr. Byberg.” With these kind words, a very special week was initiated. Half an hour later, my driver Piero parked his car outside the Automobili Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and I had already noticed a striking blue Aventador S parked up front. And, as I was greeted by the kind and efficient receptionists and scribbled my name in the required locations on the agreement, I couldn’t help but feeling very, very lucky. I mean, having an Aventador S at your disposal for five days is pretty much fantastic. Never mind the frisky temperatures and somewhat wintery forecasts; this was going to be good! Continue reading “This Lamborghini Aventador S Went to Geneva (And Back)”

It was a Bertone Kind of Day

The name Bertone has a certain familiar ring to it in the car design world, with a history spanning more than 100 years. All time greats such as Lamborghini Miura and Countach, Lancia Stratos and Alfa Romeo Giulia SS were born at Bertone, and a large number of concept cars and production cars alike were created there over the years. Sadly, the original Bertone family company came to a halt in 2012, and their collection had to be sold. Some special cars were sold separately, but the large bulk of the collection was sold as one, and it is now possible to see this collection at the Volandia museum near Malpensa airport outside Milan. Oh, and Bertone has been revived – more about that further down. Continue reading “It was a Bertone Kind of Day”

A Visit to ItalDesign

I’ll show you a few things before Filippo arrives“, head of PR Umberto told me as he welcomed me to ItalDesign. Filippo Perini, head of design at ItalDesign and formerly head of Centro Stile Lamborghini, had just called me to say he would be running a bit late. No worries, though, because Umberto had his sleeves brimming with aces. Continue reading “A Visit to ItalDesign”

A Taste of Frankfurt, Automotively Speaking

The IAA (Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung) in Frankfurt is a major happening, especially in the European car scene, and big European brands very often show their finest silver here first. Speaking of silver, Mercedes-AMG’s much anticipated Project One made its first public appearance here, being driven on stage by Lewis Hamilton, where both car and man received well deserved applause. Continue reading “A Taste of Frankfurt, Automotively Speaking”