Car design in May: The good, the bad, and the Luce

In the latest episode of This Month in Car Design, the team consider some last-minute news that is hot off the press: the Ferrari Luce. The brand’s first electric car has caused quite a stir, and the *Car Design News* team dig into its exterior and interior before addressing broader reactions among the design community. It’s the second time the Luce has taken the pod by storm in just a few months… The team also consider another significant new launch in the BMW Vision Alpina, a concept that marks the first public work of award-winning designer Maximilian Missoni. It does not preview a forthcoming car exactly, but it is a strong start. It is also degree show season and we are back from a couple of visits to design schools with more on the way very soon. Do students still want to specialise in particular disciplines? Are clay models still being put together? And are these exhibitions the best way for students to get jobs? Listen in to hear our thoughts. Elsewhere, James wears a new hat, we muse over the next ‘popemobile’ and reflect on May’s focus on lighting design; conversations with CALTY’s Ian Cartabiano and Stellantis’ Philipp Roeckl go in slightly different directions – one addresses Japanese principles around shadow and architecture while the other draws comparisons to Christmas trees on wheels. The pod closes with a round-up of people moves that took place this month, and looks ahead to next month’s focus theme: advanced design. Join us again next month for more car design chat. https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/luce-is-a-new-chapter-in-ferrari-design/2669808 https://www.cardesignnews.com/interiors/is-ferraris-luce-interior-a-masterclass-in-hmi/2604887 https://www.cardesignnews.com/lighting/we-dont-want-a-driving-christmas-tree-stellantis-philipp-roeckl-on-lighting/2668245 https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/max-missoni-on-the-new-vision-bmw-alpina/2664736 https://www.cardesignnews.com/lighting/ian-cartabiano-on-lexus-lighting-design-architectural-inspiration-and-the-future-of-the-spindle/2664613 https://www.cardesignnews.com/shows/pforzheim-university-transport-design-ma-show-2026/2665482 https://www.cardesignnews.com/cars/design-roundup-mercedesamg-gt-4-door-coupe-stellantis-announce-small-affordable-ecar-volvo-evolves-driving-technology/2669417 https://www.cardesignnews.com/designers/polestars-uxui-lead-joins-robotics-startup/2665199