Mercedes=benz Hat / Cap Black / Triple Logo on 2040-parts.com

Why Ford’s Euro design is changing: Joel Piaskowski replaces Martin Smith

By Tim Pollard Motor Industry 28 May 2014 14:30 Ford today confirmed that it is shaking up its European design team, as it appoints Joel Piaskowski to replace the retiring Martin Smith. Smith, 64, has led Ford of Europe’s design team for a decade and is the father of the brand’s edgy ‘kinetic design’, but will step down on 1 July 2014, it was announced this afternoon. Before he retires fully at the end of the year Smith will work with the Blue Oval’s vice president of design, Moray Callum, on a global project looking at the future of Ford design.

Renault R-Space concept

Following on from the DeZir and Captur, the R-Space took to the stage at Geneva alongside the Twizy and Zoe to complete a healthy concept car showing from Renault.  An upbeat, funky vision of the MPV segment sees the R-Space omit B-pillars in favor of a frameless suicide door set up. This allows uninterrupted access to the interior, which is the main focal point of the concept. Seemingly split into two sections, the rear has been designed with children in mind and features a bevy of motorized cubes that can alter the seating arrangement for child, adult or even baby seats.

Citroen DS3 Racing concept car (2010) first pictures

This is Citroen taking a swipe at the Mini Cooper S Works – and giving us a hint at what Sebastian Leob will be driving in next year’s WRC. The DS3 Racing is a pumped up version of the new C3-based premium supermini and just 1000 will be finished at the workshops of Citroen Racing, the team behind 11 rally championship titles. Based on the production 1.6 THP, the Racing version gets tweaks to the turbo, exhaust and engine management system to boost power from 148bhp to 197bhp and add 26lb ft of twist for a 203lb ft total.