Car design: an inside view - Introduction

Car design gets tougher and tougher. That's the view of Volvo's new design boss, Peter Horbury. Here he tells us about the challenges that face car designers and what shapes the cars that we drive

Over my entire career as a car designer, I've never started with a clean sheet of paper. In fact, the only occasion I can think of anyone doing so in recent history is when Gordon Murray and Peter Stevens created the McLaren F1.

For most of us, the list of prerequisites is lengthy and complex, and that's what makes our job such a challenge. In earlier times we simply had to accommodate the powertrain and suspension, the passengers and their luggage, a few litres of fuel, then sculpt a stylish shape to cover it all.

Today we're also faced with safety demands, as well as new powertrain solutions such as electric motors and batteries, in addition to the conventional engine. Then there are new materials to consider in the quest for lighter, stronger structures.

Tell us your views by clicking on the email link below.

Car design - your views