This time, it’s three automotive logos . . . and Mercedes’ accounting department, plus a holiday bonus. Joy to the Auto!
New Audi Logo Falls Flat
Audi’s “Four Rings” have been around for a long time — since Auto Union was formed, ninety years ago:
Now Audi follows the pack (see VW, Mini, Volvo, etc.) and converts their logo from three-dimensional to two; the rings now are either white and framed by a thin black border or dark grey with black borders.
Not an improvement, IMHO. One of the articles mentions the concept of “a consequence of digitalization,” and think that’s about as good a description as you’re gonna get.
The change will roll out starting with the updated Q8 e-tron — which, thankfully, still looks good:
Even better in Sportback form:
Dezeen has the best coverage of Audi’s new logo, but see also Motor1 and CarScoops for more pictures.
Lancia Debuts … a Mouse
Okay, it’s not really — it’s a conceptual sculpture, titled “Pu+Ra Zero,” that represents their rebirth:
They call it a “a three-dimensional manifesto,” and no, I don’t get it either. (The light signatures and, apparently, the circular sunroof will carry through to the new models, however.) The logo, their eighth in 116 years, is new as well:
I didn’t know Lancia well (only in passing? Eh. —Ed.) until the famous Top Gear segment naming them “the Greatest Car Manufacturer of All Time,” although I knew of the Delta Integrale — and think that the Fulvia is one of the prettiest sedans ever:
Let’s hope their new models, and conversion to an all-electric manufacturer, lives up to their past achievements. Meanwhile, The Autopian has the best roundup of the new Lancia.
Kia, KN, and … Wait, What?
30 thousand folks a year are doing Google searches for “the KN car.” Why? Kia’s logo, of course:
Thankfully, the Autopian to the rescue:
I’m not a huge fan of the new Kia logo — and can absolutely see the “KN problem” — but I think it speaks more to modern society that this is a news item than anything related to graphic design. Willing to be wrong.
Mercedes: $1200/yr for Full Output
This subscription thing has gotten seriously out of hand: Mercedes-Benz USA, in an effort to further bilk their customers — ’cause, y’know, MBs don’t cost enough — has decided that the last 60-110 horsepower available on their 2023 electric vehicles are only available for a yearly fee.
Gak.
Holiday Bonus: Free Online Automotive Design
Interested in car design? Happy Holidays.