Automotive Design Planet spoke to Ian Callum about the newly revealed CALLUM SKYE.
As you can see from the pictures, the Skye is a radical-looking electric off-roader that Callum claims is meant to be ‘the world’s most beautiful, high-performance, multi-terrain vehicle.’ It has a purposeful 2+2 layout, enveloping its occupants in a comfortable, refined cabin environment. The vehicle's sophisticated design emphasizes a commanding yet elegant sculpted form, focusing on rugged, practical capabilities and off-road prowess. Measuring four meters in length, CALLUM SKYE exhibits dramatically proportioned exterior aesthetics driven by its capabilities. The exterior features a striking accent loop intersected by a robust horizontal structure flanked by organic forms at the front and rear, while its minimal mass and maximum capability promise an exceptionally usable and joyous driving experience.
Automotive Design Planet: How has the journey been since establishing your design studio in 2019, and what inspired you to produce your own car?
Ian Callum: It has been an exceptionally enjoyable whirlwind of activity since establishing CALLUM together with co-founders David Fairbairn and Adam Donfrancesco. In that time we’ve grown to around 40 incredibly talented people, all bringing varied skills and tonnes of passion into the business. In the past four years we’ve launched the Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25, our own Lounge Chair and whisky, amongst many other projects with partners and ‘white label’ for other companies.
Since the very start of CALLUM, the team and I have always wanted to design, engineer and manufacture our own vehicle. We have all the expertise and capability, supported by the right equipment and facilities, so it was just a case of doing so at the right time for us, and that’s now.
ADP: In the current trend of creating unique, legacy-driven vehicles, you focused on producing electric vehicles. Can you shed light on the specific reasons behind this strategic choice?
Ian Callum: We explored a few different ideas – a sportscar being a natural choice for some of the team – and considered resto-mods and electrification projects, but we unanimously decided on CALLUM SKYE, a high-performance, multi-terrain vehicle. We wanted to do something different and unexpected, exploring a new area of the automotive sector where CALLUM’s expertise could add value and bring something different. The result is a fun vehicle with a real sense of freedom that bridges a gap in the market between off-road performance and on-road refinement.
ADP: Could you provide more details about the design process behind the SKYE, especially regarding the creation of its striking exterior aesthetics, which seem to be strongly influenced by its capabilities?
Ian Callum: We wanted to create a concise yet dramatically proportioned exterior. As you mentioned, SKYE’s capability and its performance are key, so we wanted it to be purposeful yet beautiful. With our overall focus on simplicity and integrity, the design is pared down to a level of necessity. It’s understated yet elegant, with nothing superfluous.
The project has been progressing in the background for some time, with the design evolving along the way to this final sophisticated and sculpted form. Throughout the process we’ve utilised virtual reality (VR) to improve the efficiency of our design process, creating designs in 3D and reviewing them in VR to better understand how they will appear at scale.
ADP: Could you elaborate in detail on the rationale behind the purposeful 2+2 layout of the SKYE?
Ian Callum: We wanted to create a compact yet refined vehicle. The 2+2 layout was designed to ensure that it’s flexible and practical while maintaining that overall minimal mass. With the cabin being enclosed and designed to be refined and comfortable, SKYE sets itself apart in its category where rugged functionality is the norm. With the vehicle being electric, this also allowed us to package it in a way that achieves this compact proposition. The ethos of the vehicle was to maintain simplicity and integrity, ensuring that it is exceptionally capable.
ADP: Is SKYE following the current trend of studios adopting an inside-out design approach, prioritizing user experience and interior design first? Or does SKYE have a unique approach in this regard?
Ian Callum: The exterior, with the form following its capable functionality, was designed first. The interior and the user experience will of course be of the utmost importance, but SKYE will maintain simplicity in this area. More information will be shared in spring 2024.
ADP: Considering the growing emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendliness in the automotive industry, can you shed light on how SKYE aligns with and addresses these factors?
Ian Callum: SKYE is an all-electric vehicle, powered by a 42kWh lithium-ion battery, which will deliver an anticipated range of 170 miles. Customers will also have the option to specify an ultra-fast charging battery that charges from empty to full in under ten minutes. Along with zero tailpipe emissions, and the positive impact that also has on noise pollution, CALLUM has been investigating the use of sustainable materials for use in SKYE and across all its projects. More information will be shared in due course.
ADP: You mentioned that SKYE addresses a gap in the market. Could you elaborate on what specific void or need it fulfils?
Ian Callum: Rugged, functional-focused all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) are typically very utilitarian, often needing the driver to wear specialist or protective clothing. And not providing a pleasant experience for passengers, if they fit!
With the CALLUM SKYE, we wanted to design a beautiful high-performance multi-terrain vehicle, providing all the fun and none of the fuss. We wanted to create something incredibly capable of being the perfect vehicle to take mountain biking, skiing or to the beach, adept at dealing with grassy paddocks, snow and sand, but equally fun, stylish and rewarding for heading down the high street. It’s aimed at discerning vehicle owners seeking extraordinary on- and off-road adventures. They’re seeking fun and something different and exhilarating on a variety of terrains.
ADP: Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, what can we anticipate for Callum? Are there any exciting developments in SKYE or other projects on the horizon that you can share with us?
Ian Callum: Currently, the development of the SKYE prototype for engineering refinement and testing is underway; we’re very much looking forward to sharing more on the project throughout 2024. In spring we will be releasing details of SKYE variants for on and off-road use with full specification information. Alongside SKYE, we will have other exciting project announcements and developments in 2024, both with partners and CALLUM standalone projects. Some will be automotive-related, but others will be exploring new sectors. At CALLUM, we are focused on undertaking projects that are fun and enjoyable.
About CALLUM
CALLUM is a design and engineering business that creates and crafts its own bespoke and limited-edition products and provides consultancy and services to partners and third parties. Combining progressive design with engineering that pushes boundaries, CALLUM’s products and services span automotive, lifestyle, and travel. Nimble and agile, CALLUM operates from its 20,000ft2 facility in Warwick, UK, that houses the latest technology to deliver: design; 3D modelling, printing and scanning; colour, materials and finishes development; whole vehicle engineering; vehicle development and homologation testing; prototyping; machining, and trim services.
CALLUM takes a collaborative approach: bringing together a team of 20+ talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and motorsport, as well as embracing opportunities to collaborate with other businesses. Striving to build a legacy through innovative design and engineering, CALLUM takes on projects that intrigue and excite, creating stories that stir the imagination.
Established in July 2019, CALLUM’s founding members include British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work that includes the Aston Martin Vanquish. Through its Next Generation initiative, CALLUM strives to support and nurture young minds and talent, fostering an environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning to ensure CALLUM remains relevant, progressive, and true to its roots.
