WIESMANN CODENAME PROJECT THUNDERBALL

WIESMANN CODENAME PROJECT THUNDERBALL – studiokurbos designs the world-first all-electric convertible sportscar in partnership with Wiesmann.

IMPRESSIVE IMPRESSION

The goal in the design process was to collaborate with Wiesmann to create a fascinating symbiosis of a classic roadster and a modern sports car. Similar to a sculptor, together they created an iconic proportion that combines the muscular appearance of an athlete with sporty elegance. The effect achieved is intended to create an “impressive impression“.

ICONIC CHARACTER

A prominent, brand-defining grille and large cut-outs characterise the new Wiesmann’s front view. Opening the bonnet becomes an exceptional spectacle with WOW effect: The entire bonnet opens to the front in one piece and reveals the engine – the heart of a sports car.

THE EXTERIOR

Classic roadster proportion meets progressive sports car character. In collaboration with Wiesmann and the studiokurbos design team, exterior renderings were created to focus on the extreme. Together they faced the challenge of designing an electric vehicle whilst maintaining Wiesmann’s traditional character. Eye-catching exterior features include a very long bonnet and a short, sporty rear end. Voluminous, muscular surfaces provide a strong and bold statement character. Joints were largely avoided to maintain a sculptural silhouette.

ROADSTER SILHOUETTE

Viewed from the side, the new Wiesmann offers several remarkable impressions. These are only two of the highlights: A pronounced line runs across the bonnet and continues dynamically along the side all the way to the rear. Air outlets at the front and rear accentuate the sports car character.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

Central exterior design elements are continued inside the car and create a consistent appearance. Large cut-outs around the exterior lights are echoed in analogue round instruments in the dashboard as well as in ventilation units. All instruments are consistently positioned towards the driver. A continuous line runs dynamically from left to right and surrounds the dashboard. Charming details like a glove compartment with a leather latch lend a classic roadster feel to this overall innovative sports car.

SPORTIVE OPERATING CONCEPT

As is customary at Wiesmann, there is no classic gear lever. Optimum operability is ensured by shift paddles on the steering wheel and switches in the centre console. A main screen and an additional information touchscreen provide the driver with all relevant information.

DESIGN ELEMENT GECKO

Details are key when it comes to emotional storytelling. The gecko is an important character and used as a recurring design element. It is Wiesmann’s brand icon and is used on the bonnet, headrests, centre console and gas pedal. The studiokurbos 3D team continued and implemented the requirements for exterior surface structure down to the smallest detail.

ABOUT STUDIOKURBOS

studiokurbos is an owner-managed and independent design studio based in Stuttgart and Shanghai. As an interdisciplinary design partner, they design mobility, products, and user experiences for brands and markets all over the world.

Automotive design – In the field of automotive design, studiokurbos designs smart mobility of the future with all its attributes from ‘autonomous’ to ‘connected’ to ‘shared’. studiokurbos develops both interiors and exteriors that highlight the specific characteristics of their respective clients and thus strengthen the market position of their products.

Product design – Understanding, interaction, usability, and user experience are integral parts of any product design. Considering the lasting value and emotional connotation we create a symbiosis between aesthetic form design and user-friendly function.

User experience design – The user experience design team at studiokurbos develops forward-looking interaction and operating concepts. These combine real and virtual worlds to create fascinating spatial experiences and user symbioses for products and automobiles.