The Top 5 Car Designs of 2022 (2024)

From coupes with disappearing roofs to concepts with electrical architecture, Interior Design highlights the year in wheels

Behind the Car Design of the Maserati MC20 Cielo

The Cielooffers a perfect mix of sportiness and luxury, courtesy of a specification unique to the segment: the innovative retractable glass roof.The model is equipped with a state-of-the-art electrochromic smart glass window that can instantly be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button on the central screen, courtesy of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology. The roof is also best-in-class in terms of thermal insulation and of opening and closing speed—just 12 seconds.

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The butterfly door provides much easier access into and out of the cabin, as well as showing off the carbon fiber co*ckpit and the completely unmasked front wheel.

From an aesthetic perspective, the launch version features an exclusive new three-layer metallic color known as Acquamarina, as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program. It’s a color that interacts with light, revealing itself in a surprising way. The base is a pastel grey inspired by racing, reminiscent of the MC20’s sporty DNA, accompanied by an iridescent aquamarine mica that enlivens the hue.

A Closer Look at the Bentley Batur

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Bentley is previewing a new design language with their new Batur coupe created by director of design Andreas Mindt, which showcases a new DNA that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs).This collection of just 18 series examples of the Batur is the latest project by Bentley’s in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner—the oldest coachbuilder in the world with over 250 years of experience. An endless array of options includes parts crafted in titanium, sustainable natural fiber composites, and even 3-D printed 18K gold.

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Inside the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II

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The exterior is finished in a classic Rolls-Royce two-tone colorway with black over Monteverde green highlighting a bold, hand-applied Peony Pink coachline. And the coachline set against the darker colors draws inspiration from the interior color design.

Upon opening the coach doors, one encounters an interior suite of Scivaro gray offset by a vibrant color pop from large swatches in Peony Pink. The Obsydian Ayous open-pore wood and signature Canadel paneling present a contemporary yet warm look and feel. Finally, the gallery in this special commission features a world first with a unique embroidery design finished in Scivaro Grey with a Peony Pink thread.

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The Cadillic Celestiq Hints at the Future of Car Design

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The Cadillac Celestiq is a handcrafted, all-electric vehicle serving as the flagship for the brand’s future, but it’s built on legacy. Its prescient design, cutting-edge technology, and personalized luxury are all rooted in Cadillac’s history of building seminal vehicles such as the 1933 V16 Aerodynamic Coupe and the 1957 Eldorado Brougham.

And with 115 3-D printed parts, the on-demand custom production vehicle demonstrates GM’s broadest use of the industry-changing manufacturing process. The Celestiq develops the innovation as well: its seat belt adjustable guide loop is the first safety-related 3-D printed part in GM’s history.

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It’s Electric: Introducing the Lincoln Star Concept

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More than half of Lincoln’s global volume is expected to be all-electric vehicles by mid-decade as the brand moves toward a fully electrified portfolio. Using the area no longer occupied by a gas engine, a front trunk will allow for both increased storage and expanding the feeling of spaciousness inside. With electro-chromatic glass that changes from transparent to opaque, the feature can also be instantly recognizable, allowing light in when the vehicle is in motion and darkening to hide stored valuables when parked. Under the front trunk, illuminated first-row floors flow uninterrupted into the interior, creating an airy, open cabin.

Three rejuvenation moods built around the body’s natural circadian rhythm of morning, day, and evening stand to join a proprietary new Lincoln Embrace sequence that harmonizes audio, scenting, and lighting throughout the cabin. A symphonic orchestration with crisp, high-resolution animations on the displays creates an immersive digital sanctuary. For starters, the Coastal Morning option uses gentle, oceanic sounds, a fragrance of sea mist and the soft, warm glow of the sun with dynamic lighting throughout to replicate a stroll on the beach at sunrise. Mindful Vitality is meant to reenergize the senses, with invigorating, upbeat audio, dynamic abstract artwork, soft, glowing lighting, and a flowery fragrance throughout. Finally, Evening Chill mirrors dusk using a calming night soundtrack coordinated with night sky video and an evergreen fragrance.

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Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert in automotive design and enthusiast, I have a deep understanding of the concepts used in the articles you provided. Let's dive into the details of each design:

  1. Maserati MC20 Cielo: The Maserati MC20 Cielo offers a unique blend of sportiness and luxury, thanks to its innovative retractable glass roof. This model features a state-of-the-art electrochromic smart glass window that can be instantly transformed from clear to opaque with just a touch of a button. This technology, known as Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC), provides the driver and passengers with control over the amount of light entering the cabin. The roof boasts exceptional thermal insulation and opens and closes in just 12 seconds. Additionally, the butterfly doors make accessing the cabin easier, while showcasing the carbon fiber co*ckpit and the front wheel design. The launch version of the MC20 Cielo features a stunning three-layer metallic color called Acquamarina, which interacts with light in a surprising and captivating way.

  2. Bentley Batur: The Bentley Batur coupe, designed by director of design Andreas Mindt, serves as a preview for the brand's new design language and will guide the future range of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). This limited collection of only 18 series examples showcases Bentley's commitment to bespoke craftsmanship through their in-house bespoke and coachbuilding division, Mulliner. The Batur offers an extensive range of customization options, including parts crafted from titanium, sustainable natural fiber composites, and even 3-D printed 18K gold.

  3. Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II: The Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II boasts a classic two-tone exterior finish, with black over Monteverde green and a bold, hand-applied Peony Pink coachline. Opening the coach doors reveals an interior suite in Scivaro gray, complemented by vibrant pops of Peony Pink. The use of Obsydian Ayous open-pore wood and signature Canadel paneling creates a modern yet warm ambiance. A standout feature in this special commission is the gallery, featuring a world-first unique embroidery design finished in Scivaro Grey with a Peony Pink thread.

  4. Cadillac Celestiq: The Cadillac Celestiq is a handcrafted, all-electric flagship vehicle that embodies the brand's history while embracing modern design and cutting-edge technology. With 115 3-D printed parts, this vehicle showcases General Motors' broadest use of this manufacturing process. Notably, the Celestiq features a seat belt adjustable guide loop, which is the first safety-related 3-D printed part in GM's history. The Celestiq pays homage to Cadillac's legacy of building iconic vehicles such as the 1933 V16 Aerodynamic Coupe and the 1957 Eldorado Brougham.

  5. Lincoln Star Concept: Lincoln's Star Concept represents the brand's commitment to a fully electrified portfolio, with over half of their global volume expected to be all-electric vehicles by mid-decade. This concept features a front trunk that maximizes storage space and enhances the feeling of spaciousness inside the cabin. The electro-chromatic glass, which can turn transparent or opaque, allows for versatility and can help conceal valuable items when parked. The interior of the Lincoln Star Concept offers three rejuvenation moods inspired by the body's circadian rhythm: Coastal Morning, Mindful Vitality, and Evening Chill. These moods combine audio, scenting, and lighting to create an immersive and relaxing environment for occupants.

These designs represent the forefront of automotive innovation, showcasing the fusion of technology, luxury, and personalized touches in the world of car design.

The Top 5 Car Designs of 2022 (2024)
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