Updated 26 August with on-demand video. 

Electrification is affording car designers the opportunity to completely rethink typologies and the sportscar is no exception. Performance and styling were the two main concerns of sports car designers: go fast and look cool doing it with comfort and practicality lesser considerations.

But a family-sized EV is no longer the ponderous load lugger of the ICE age – everything is fast now. If velocity is no longer the clear differentiator it once was, what is? And in the absence of the throaty roar that made petrol-power such a gripping experience, what tools are open to designers to recreate those giddy thrills. Is there still a market for objects of fun or will the sportscar become obsolete aside from the realm of the supercar? Or will electrification help designers realise curator Arthur Drexler’s dream of ‘hollow, rolling sculptures’?

What role can lighting play in the sportscar experience? And how will exterior styling evolve to meet aerodynamic needs? Does the future lie in gamification where drivers compare and share experiences and data, or a pure, pared-back experience?

This livestream explored the future of the sports car through the lens of styling, technology, lighting, UX and the inevitable shift away from internal combustion engines.

Dave Amantea. Chief Design Officer at AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA

Studying at the Pininfarina Academy in Turin, Dave is a passionate Italian automotive designer with international experience. Returning to Italy to join the Automobili Pininfarina family, the Battista presented a completely new and interesting design challenge for Dave, tasked with honouring a rich history of design masterpieces while embracing a new and exciting electrification era, with sustainable luxury at the very heart.

Pontus Fontaeus, Executive Design Director GAC Advanced Design Los Angeles and Technical Director, GAC R&D Center China

Pontus Fontaeus is a renowned Swedish car designer with more than 30 years of design experience in automotive and transport design. Since 2017, Pontus has been executive design director for GAC Advanced Design Los Angeles and technical director at the headquarters in China. During Pontus’ tenure, the LA studio has launched concept cars such as the Entranze, EN0.146 and the Enpulse.

Barney Hatt, Interior and Exterior Lead, Lotus

Barney Hatt started his career in the Design Studio at Lotus with a one-week contract. Over 25 years later, he’s still there. During this period, he has contributed exterior and interior designs to numerous Sportscar and Race car programmes, both for Lotus’ own products as well as those of external clients. Recent highlights include the 3 Eleven Track car and the interior of the Lotus Evija. Outside of work, his wife and three children keep him pretty busy but one day he hopes to make the transition from armchair expert in woodworking to actually picking up a chisel…

Moderator

Freddie Holmes, Assistant Editor, Car Design News

Freddie Holmes is the assistant editor of Car Design News, analysing and reporting on established and emerging trends, interviewing leading figures and supporting the production of Interior Motives and Car Design Review. An automotive journalist for eight years, Freddie is interested in the shift to EVs and AVs but also appreciates classic car design. 

 

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