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Our reporters empty their notebooks to round up a week in gossip from across the automotive industry

This week, we asked Polestar's chief designer what inspires his cars and found out if the new Lexus NX is simply a rebadged Toyota RAV4. But first, if Boris Johnson's description of EV motoring doesn't get you interested in them, we don't know what will...

Cameras, planes and sharks - an average day in the Polestar design office

As Polestar previews its 5 grand tourer, designer Nahum Escobedo has told us what’s on his mood board: “My inspiration comes from products like a radio or a camera. I look at architecture and aeroplanes [too]. For me, aeroplanes are a big inspiration.” He said he also takes cues from sharks, highlighting the “bone” that runs around the front of the Precept concept.

The PM explains instant torque

Not convinced by EVs? Maybe the prime minister’s assessment of them will persuade you. “They may not burble like sucking doves, and they may not have that vroom-vroom-raah-raah that you like,” he said at the Confederation of British Industry conference two weeks ago, “but they have so much torque that they move off the lights faster than a Ferrari.” Stand by for our 812 Superfast versus Citroën Ami drag race…

Hyundai aim to keep production cars close to concepts

97 Hyundai ioniq 7 concept official reveal static rear 1

The crowd went wild when Hyundai revealed its retro Ioniq 5, staying true to the admired 45 concept, and it’s looking to pull off the same trick with the Ioniq 7. Designer SangYup Lee told us at the debut of the Seven concept: “The design is very simple and pure. When we made the 45 concept into the 5 production car, they were very similar. We’re working on making the relationship even stronger here.”

Lexus NX is more than just a RAV4

99 Lexus nx 450h 2021 official reveal front

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The new Lexus NX uses the platform of the Toyota RAV4, but don’t dismiss it as a case of badge engineering. Chief engineer Takeaki Kato said the original NX was “a modified Lexus version with increased rigidity”, whereas this new one was developed alongside the RAV4 but took longer to complete, hinting at how bespoke it really is.

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manicm 7 December 2021
@martin_66, so to you the Polestar 2 looks like an Audi or Tesla? Either you're blind or trying to be too clever by half.
martin_66 7 December 2021

manicm,

Nope, nothing wring with my eyes.  Fron the windscreen forward: Tesla Model S.  From the windscreen back (side profile): Audi A7.

Definitely not seeing any radios, sharks or aeroplanes though.

martin_66 7 December 2021

 Manicm,

I think we need to clarify here.  Clearly I wasn't talking about the Polestar 2.  I didn't even mention the Polestar 2, you did.  I was obvliously referring to the picture of the 5 Grand Tourer, featured at the top of this article (which did not mention the Polestar 2 at all).

Sorry if that was "too clever by half" for you.  I will try to type a bit slower next time so you can keep up.

martin_66 7 December 2021
Interesting. He claims to get inspiration from radios, cameras, aeroplanes and sharks. Looking at that car (as good looking as it is) it would appear that he actually gets his inspiration from Audi and Tesla.
manicm 7 December 2021
martin_66 wrote:

Interesting. He claims to get inspiration from radios, cameras, aeroplanes and sharks. Looking at that car (as good looking as it is) it would appear that he actually gets his inspiration from Audi and Tesla.

manicm 7 December 2021
manicm wrote:
martin_66 wrote:

Interesting. He claims to get inspiration from radios, cameras, aeroplanes and sharks. Looking at that car (as good looking as it is) it would appear that he actually gets his inspiration from Audi and Tesla.

289 7 December 2021

What a bunch of crap!

These car designers and their BS design inspirations....god knows what they are smoking!

Boris encouraging yobbish behaviour in EV's.....amazing acceleration they may have, but after you have made the entire family, (plus the dog), sick with your demonstration of fierce acceleration - what then. The one trick pony has shot its bolt.

Anyway all that acceleration counts for nothing unless you happen to be at the head of the queue at the lights.