Car Design News takes a look at news that may have gone under the radar, including the latest updates from Aston Martin, Bentley, Dacia and Skoda
Aston Martin DB12 S revealed
As the new halo model of Aston Martin’s DB collection, the
DB12 S brings 700PS of power and drives 0-60 in 3.4 seconds.
The design reflects this increase in speed, with a dual
element front splitter that visually lowers and widens the vehicle to create an
assertive look, while also stabilising airflow and reducing lift. New bonnet
louvres are also in place, finished in gloss black or 2×2 Twill Carbon Fibre.
Hand-made S badges in bright or dark chrome with red glass
enamel are featured in key locations on the DB12 S, such as on the fenders just
below each side strake.
Aerodynamics, of course, play a part, with the fixed rear
spoiler increasing high-speed stability and a new rear diffuser that reduces
lift, allowing space for the stacked pairs of exhaust tailpipes.
Three interior trim options are available – Accelerate
leather and Alcantara trim, Inspire S semi-aniline leather and Alcantara and
Inspire S full semi-aniline leather.
Full release here.
Bentley brings hue back from the past and launches a new
fragrance
Bentley has had a busy week, bringing back a historic, vibrant
purple paint colour on a client commission as well as launching a new fragrance,
Zenith.
Violette is the name of the blue-purple tone, complemented
by gloss black exterior details such as the Bentley badges. The resurfacing of
this hue is thanks to Bentley’s paint shop, which can resurrect any colour from
Bentley’s history through master samples held on file or remastering from an
existing vehicle.
The new fragrance follows the debut of Bentley Become in
2024. Violet leaf, leather and vanilla make up the scent profile.
Full release here and here.
Dacia upgrades fleet
Dacia Sandero, Sandero Stepway and
Jogger have all received a makeover, with new LED light signatures featuring an
inverted ‘T’ that’s connected to the grille by a fine line of pixel-like white
dots.
The Sandero Stepway also gains a
new matte black strip running between the rear lights and redesigned bumper.
Sandero Stepway and Jogger add to
their outdoor prowess with additional features such as new protections on the
wheel arches, lower body and fog light surrounds in the eco-friendly Starkle material.
New cloth fabric is utilised in
the interior of these three vehicles – black in the Jogger and Sandero and
light blue in the Sandero Stepway.
This news comes after Dacia launched the Hipster concept earlier in the week.
Full release here.
Škoda 110 R
reboot
Skoda has reimagined a classic for
the electric era – the Škoda 110 R coupé.
Designed by Richard Švec, a designer in the digital modelling team, the
reboot includes a clear nod to the original vehicle, through flared arches, a visible
roll cage, centre-lock wheels and ribbed detailing on the bonnet, while embracing
crisp proportions and uncluttered surfaces which reflect Škoda’s Modern Solid
design language.
Technology has
brought the 110 R into the 21st century, with low-drag cameras
replacing conventional mirrors and hidden headlights beneath sliding covers.
Švec commented:
“I didn’t want to recreate the past. The goal was to capture the spirit of the
110 R in a car that feels innovative and absolutely contemporary. Finding the
right balance between heritage and modernity was the real challenge.
“I’ve always been
drawn to elegant cars – those with clean surfaces and simple details. That’s
exactly what the 110 R did so well. It was stylish, but it also had real
motorsport credibility. That combination fascinated me.”
Full release here.
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