This month the team reflects on conversations around design tools, where digital and physical processes continue to merge.

Chat also turns toward recent launches including the BMW i3, Volkswagen ID. Unyx 08 and Changan’s aviation-inspired S05 (which we drove on an airfield this week, no less).

The team also discuss what’s coming up in April, with trips to Germany, Italy and China in the works. Plus, a new monthly focus on future material trends (get in touch!)

Subscribers can access all content flagged during this episode, including:

Granstudio’s DigiPHY interior buck https://www.cardesignnews.com/partner-content/digiphy-the-design-process/492094 

The all new BMW i3 (or is that 3-Series?)  https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/bmw-welcomes-new-i3-to-the-3series-family/2631005 

Volkswagen’s collaboration with Xpeng for the ID. Unyx 08 https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/vw-design-team-builds-confident-new-suv-on-xpengs-electric-platform/2630088 

Andrea Mocellin on AI tools and “human instinct” https://www.cardesignnews.com/design-tools/andrea-mocellin-you-need-to-rely-on-your-instincts/2625127 

The DS No.7, or as James refers to it, “the Mambo No. 5” https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/ds-continues-to-evolve-its-latest-design-language-in-the-new-no7/2629780 

Sharon Gauci retires from GM https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/sharon-gauci-to-retire-from-gm/2635540 

Jerry McGovern’s JLR saga reaches a finale https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/its-now-official-gerry-mcgovern-to-leave-jlr-role-at-end-of-march/2633351 

Chris Lefteri’s appointment at Alcantara https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/chris-lefteri-joins-alcantara/2633057 

Stefan Sielaff on why China speed is ‘old news’ https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/geelys-vp-of-global-design-china-speed-is-an-old-story-now/2634267 

José Navarro replaces Joaquin Garcia at Italdesign https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/navarro-to-lead-italdesign-as-garcia-departs/2628703 

Genesis’ John Krsteski on digital tools  https://www.cardesignnews.com/videos/genesis-john-krsteski-why-digital-tools-make-it-the-best-time-to-be-a-car-designer/2625063 

Ralph Gilles muses on the future of the SUV https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/were-very-conscious-that-the-brands-are-king-ralph-gilles/2623912 

Pagani designer says “your mind” is the best creative tool  https://www.cardesignnews.com/videos/its-better-to-have-a-good-idea-than-a-good-drawing-says-pagani-designer/2622864