Auto Design

Giancarlo Perini (c)

After proposing a series of concepts and teasers, Mini is now ready to launch on the market its sixth member of its range: the Mini Roadster. The charming kid is the first open-top two-seater in the brand history and to so me extent it links to the British tradition of open sports cars, with a light and simple manual soft-top roof. Read the rest of this entry »

By Giancarlo Perini ©

With their Vision Efficient Dynamic unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and to enter limited production at the end of 2013, BMW designers gave form to a series of innovation focusing on fuel efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions through a very attractive, lighter and more compact, four-seater, supercar, with high performance hybrid technology. Read the rest of this entry »

by Giancarlo Perini.

After “inventing” the convertible-coupé for their first generation SLK, first launched in 1996, Mercedes-Benz is keen to maintain their leadership in the speciality and further develop the “air and light” unique atmosphere inside their cosy Roadster. The third generation is being launched this year. With orders collected starting January 17^th. In Germany the starting price is € 38,675.00 for the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY (€ 44,256.10 for the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY).  Although not cheap the new Mercedes-Benz SLK is probably the most affordable convertible-coupé of this class. Read the rest of this entry »

With most new concept cars actually relying on hybrid technology or Electric drive only, there were three traditional concepts cars. The first was a dream car, the Mazda MX-5 (Miata) Super Light. The other two came both from Mini: the Mini Coupé and Roadster, both previewing the spirited design that will set the next Mini “Twin” models apart. Read the rest of this entry »