Favourite Moments

Freddie Holmes' Highlights

This year has truly flown by, making it difficult to single out a specific moment. However, visiting Ford and Donkervoort in May stands out. First, I went to Cologne to catch a glimpse of a concept car, and then I made my way to the Netherlands to explore the world of Donkervoort. It's fascinating to learn that the office in Lelystad was once underwater. But perhaps the most memorable experiences are those that involve people. I was honored to receive two trophies at the People Awards in London.

Another memorable event was getting married and enjoying the sun in Montenegro. These personal experiences add a unique touch to the year.

James McLachlan's Unforgettable Experience

The unveiling of the V16 hybrid £3.2m (US$4.1m) Tourbillon hypercar on a balmy night in June at Bugatti's Molsheim home will forever be etched in my memory. Among an elite guest list, sipping champagne and admiring the array of Bugatti cars spanning over a century was a rare opportunity. Seeing the Tourbillon's intricate skeletal driver dials up close was a true automotive art form that will age gracefully for another 100 years.

Karl Smith's Vibe-filled Moments

2024 was a year filled with good things, making it tough to choose a single highlight. Sasha Selipanov's Nilu hypercar was a timely celebration of all things analogue. My week with a Caterham Super Seven was highly entertaining. CDN's return to Shanghai and Detroit was also a highlight. And Shiro Nakamura's heartfelt acceptance speech at the CDN People Awards was a perfect curtain closer for the year.

Laura Burstein's Bright Spots

Despite spending less time with CDN friends due to family and personal matters, there were still plenty of bright spots. Getting an early look at Nilu27 and going in-depth with Chris Benjamin on the relaunched Scout brand were memorable experiences. Judging four concours, including the prestigious EyesOn Design show near Detroit, was also a great honor. Continuing design studio tours, such as Rivian's in Southern California, added to the year's highlights.

Michael Nash's Nurburgring Experience

Attending the reveal of the Genesis Magma models at the Nurburgring was a top design moment. The event gave me the chance to experience the famous circuit and chat with legendary race driver Jacky Ickx. Design changes on the performance models were minimal, but the overall experience was unforgettable.

Stephen Dobie's Japanese Adventure

Visiting Japan to drive the latest Nissan GT-R Nismo on the Hakone Turnpike was a new pinnacle in my 16-year career. Despite the car's age, its design and engineering quirks add to its character. The Dacia Duster is also a minor triumph, offering great value with its design charm and hybrid powertrain.

Trinity Francis' Interview with Thierry Metroz

Interviewing Thierry Metroz, DS Automobiles' design director, on the new DS SM Tribute was a highlight. The SM Tribute is a true reimagining of a brand icon, and it shows that we can learn from historic design concepts. I have a soft spot for classic cars, and DS managed to combine the classic and contemporary perfectly.

Christmas Wishes

Freddie Holmes' Wish

I'm looking forward to the future directions of BMW and Audi, both under new design leadership. Seeing Audi's incoming design boss Massimo Frascella in Ingolstadt gave me a sense of excitement. As a BMW fanboy, I'm eager to see what Max Missoni will bring with the Neue Klasse concept car. But let's all slow down a bit and enjoy the journey.

James McLachlan's Wish

In a rush to create cars quickly, it's time to explore a more upgradeable and sustainable approach, especially for premium-to-luxury brands. While it's not easy to push for change internally and externally, with skill and wisdom, 'slow creation' could become a branding differentiator, like in the drinks industry.

Karl Smith's Wish

There's a great privilege in creating beautiful things, and beauty brings joy. It's important to remember this in our work. Let's continue to create with passion and purpose.

Laura Burstein's Wish

In a time of uncertainty, the design community should remain steadfast in our desire to better society. Collaboration makes us stronger, and we should be courageous in expressing our authentic selves.

Michael Nash's Wish

I hope 2025 brings a new car podcast to satisfy my design addiction. It would be great if the podcast could explore other subjects like food as well. Design is not just about cars; it's about life.

Stephen Dobie's Wish

I hope the hydrogen dreams of several marques bring more optimism to the future of propulsion. And on social media, let's remember that behind rebrands are human beings who deserve our respect.

Trinity Francis' Wish

I initially wished for fewer parking and speed sensors in new cars. Now, I hope sensors will be more subtle and do their job silently. Professionally, I look forward to traveling to new places for Car Design News events and experiencing more of the world.