This week's gossip from the automotive industry has news of a possible sea change in the designing of cars, the Seat Ateca First Edition's launch success, possible hybridisation of the Toyota Hilux and Ferrari's weekly meetings.
Sea change in car design possible
Peugeot's head of design, Gilles Vidal, has backed the assertion made by Jaguar design boss Ian Callum that the electrification of cars offers an opportunity for a sea change in the look of cars.
“The biggest story of the automotive revolution is still to come, of that I have no doubt,” said Vidal. “The past 130 years hasn’t seen any revolutions on this scale.”
Read more: Peugeot 2008 and 3008 GTi variants considered, Jaguar Land Rover to open Rockar digital store
Catching inspiration from the Seat Ateca First Edition
The sales success of the Seat Ateca First Edition, a limited-run version of a Nissan Qashqai rival shaped by the input of a public vote, is likely to prompt the firm to launch future new cars the same way in the UK.
As a result of a public vote in which 12,706 people took part, the car majors on tech and exterior style upgrades. “It’s been fascinating seeing first-hand what customers want on their cars,” said Steve Catlin, Seat’s head of sales operations. “That has helped guide us for future specs.”
Read more: Seat Ateca review, Hot Seat Ateca Cupra under consideration
Toyota's plans for the Hilux
Hybrid technology is likely to feature in the next Toyota Hilux pickup, company insiders have suggested.
Although nothing is confirmed, a source said: “Hybrid technology will come to light commercial vehicles” because of tightening emissions regulations.
However, the next-generation Hilux could be as many as eight years away.
Read more: 2016 Toyota Hilux Invincible Double Cab review, 2016 Toyota Aygo X-clusiv review
Ferrari's weekly meetings
Ferrari's road and Formula 1 powertrain engineers meet once a week to share ideas, technology, development and testing feedback.
They also use the same suppliers to ensure tech can transfer from race to road easily.
Read more: 2016 Ferrari GTC4 Lusso review and video, How to own a special edition Ferrari
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In terms of design, I would
sirwiggum wrote:
Hehehehe
Nice!
Ferrari tech transfer from race to road?