Gorden Wagener, the esteemed Chief Design Officer at Mercedes-Benz, recently voiced his strong disapproval regarding the role of artificial intelligence in car design. His candid remarks highlight a prevailing sentiment among design purists who believe that while AI offers certain efficiencies, it fundamentally falls short in delivering truly innovative and aesthetically compelling automotive concepts. Wagener's perspective underscores the unique value of human creativity and intuition in shaping the future of vehicle aesthetics.
Mercedes-Benz Design Head Critiques AI-Generated Concepts at IAA Mobility Show
During the recent IAA Mobility show held in Munich, Germany, Gorden Wagener, the Chief Design Officer for Mercedes-Benz, openly expressed his skepticism regarding the contribution of artificial intelligence to automotive design. Speaking to journalists, Wagener revealed that Mercedes-Benz has spent several years exploring the potential of AI in their design processes. Despite this extensive experimentation, his conclusion is definitive: AI-generated designs largely produce "sh** solutions."
Wagener elaborated on his stance, stating that approximately 99% of AI's design outputs are either "ugly, weird, or not brand specific." He conceded that AI could be marginally useful for generating image backgrounds, thereby saving designers some time, but dismissed its broader creative capabilities. The design chief also highlighted another significant issue: the overwhelming volume of AI-generated concepts, often characterized by their "wild, all-too-perfect" appearance, leads to an oversaturation of visual content. This glut, he believes, diminishes the "spectacular aspect" and unique allure of show cars and concept vehicles painstakingly crafted by human designers. Wagener lamented, "This AI stuff is getting really annoying," suggesting it contributes to a sense of visual monotony on platforms like Instagram, where every new design seems indistinguishable from the last.
The core of Wagener's critique lies in AI's inability to genuinely "design" in the human sense. He emphasized that differentiating a design as quintessentially "Mercedes" requires an intrinsic understanding and feeling that only a human being can possess. This understanding is cultivated through years of training, a deep appreciation for the brand's heritage, and the uniquely human capacity for visionary thinking about future possibilities. Unlike human designers who draw upon experience and intuition to evolve a brand's aesthetic, generative AI models primarily function by scraping existing data from the internet—including works by human artists. This raises concerns about intellectual property, as illustrated by lawsuits against AI companies like Midjourney, highlighting AI's tendency to appropriate content without true creation. Wagener's insights reinforce the idea that genuine design innovation is a deeply human endeavor, rooted in emotion, context, and a nuanced understanding that AI, for all its computational power, cannot replicate.
This candid assessment from a leading figure in automotive design prompts a deeper reflection on the evolving relationship between human creativity and artificial intelligence. While AI offers powerful tools for efficiency and data processing, it's clear that the human element—the spark of innovation, the emotional connection, and the nuanced understanding of brand identity—remains irreplaceable. Wagener's comments serve as a timely reminder that technology should augment, rather than replace, the inherently human art of design. It challenges us to consider how to best leverage AI's capabilities without sacrificing the originality, passion, and distinctiveness that define truly great design.
Trick Rides, a specialist builder from Oklahoma, has pushed the boundaries of automotive customization with their latest creation, \"Scorched.\" This innovative take on the iconic 1969 Mustang features a complete carbon fiber body and an aggressive widebody stance, representing a significant leap forward in the restomod industry. Limited to a mere 20 units, Scorched is set to debut at SEMA as a premium halo model, embodying a unique blend of heritage design and cutting-edge engineering. This project underscores the timeless appeal of the Mustang, demonstrating its adaptability across various interpretations, from high-performance variants to electric models, and inspiring fresh perspectives on classic muscle cars.
The Mustang's legacy continues to evolve, with Scorched serving as a testament to its enduring influence. While Trick Rides celebrates the car's classic roots through advanced craftsmanship, Ford's broader strategy showcases the Mustang's versatility, encompassing modern electric vehicles like the Mach-E and forthcoming performance models. This dual approach highlights the Mustang's status as more than just a car; it's a symbol of performance and innovation that transcends generations and adapts to new eras, proving its continuous relevance in the automotive landscape.
The Rebirth of an Icon: Carbon Fiber Craftsmanship
The core innovation behind the Scorched Mustang lies in its complete body shell, meticulously crafted from pre-impregnated carbon fiber. This material choice, combined with extensive CAD design and wind-tunnel validation, dramatically reduces the vehicle's weight while enhancing structural rigidity. The result is a car that retains the classic lines of the 1969 Mustang but with a decidedly modern and aggressive presence, signaling its departure from traditional vintage builds. Each of the 20 exclusive units will feature a distinctive Scorched Red finish complemented by visible carbon fiber accents, further emphasizing its unique construction. This fusion of historical design and aerospace-grade materials offers a compelling experience for enthusiasts who appreciate the synergy of retro charm and contemporary performance, building upon the philosophy of fully modernized classics.
For those familiar with the exhilaration of driving a classic Mustang infused with modern mechanicals, Scorched elevates this concept to an unprecedented level. The integration of full carbon fiber not only contributes to a lighter and stiffer chassis but also allows for a more dynamic and responsive driving experience. The meticulous engineering process, from initial computer-aided design to rigorous aerodynamic testing, ensures that every panel aligns perfectly, creating a seamless and powerful silhouette. This careful attention to detail in material selection and manufacturing process ensures that Scorched is not merely a cosmetic modification but a fundamental re-engineering of the classic pony car, designed to deliver exceptional performance and an aggressive aesthetic that commands attention.
Unleashing Performance: Powertrain and Dynamics
Beneath its striking carbon fiber exterior, Scorched offers an array of formidable engine options, catering to the most discerning performance enthusiasts. Buyers can select from three robust V8 powerplants: a supercharged 5.0-liter Coyote engine, a potent Kaase 429 \"Boss Nine,\" or a formidable Ford Performance 427. Each engine choice promises exhilarating power output, channeled through a precise Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, ensuring an engaging driving experience. To manage this immense power and maintain exceptional road-holding, Scorched is equipped with high-performance Baer brakes and a custom Roadster Shop chassis, providing superior handling and stability. The vehicle's aggressive stance is further accentuated by Forgeline wheels shod with Toyo R888R tires, which provide optimal grip and ensure that the car's dynamic capabilities match its menacing visual appeal.
This uncompromising approach to performance stands as a bold statement in the automotive world, particularly as Ford’s own vehicle lineup undergoes significant transformation. Despite the increasing focus on electric vehicles, recent announcements confirm the continued presence of the Mustang, with a new GT500 model slated for 2026. This commitment from Ford, coupled with innovative builds like Scorched, reinforces the enduring vitality of the pony car segment. The meticulous engineering of Scorched's powertrain, braking system, and chassis components ensures that its raw power is perfectly harnessed, delivering an unparalleled driving experience. The careful selection of high-quality components, from the robust V8 engines to the precision manual transmission and advanced suspension, collectively contributes to Scorched's status as a pinnacle of restomod engineering, merging raw power with refined control.
Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) has embarked on a significant endeavor to preserve the legacy of classic vehicles by reintroducing crucial engine components for the celebrated AE86 Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno. This initiative stems from TGR's GR Heritage Parts Project, which aims to enable iconic Toyota models to remain functional on public roads rather than being relegated to museum exhibits. By providing access to newly manufactured parts, TGR is extending the lifespan of these cherished automobiles.
A core element of this project revolves around the reproduction of the 4A-GE engine, the high-performance four-cylinder heart that propelled the AE86 to legendary status in both competitive racing and everyday driving. TGR intends to produce new cylinder head and block sub-assemblies, leveraging contemporary manufacturing techniques to achieve enhanced precision, durability, and safety. These components are more than mere aesthetic replacements; they are essential mechanical parts designed to allow owners to rebuild engines that might otherwise be beyond repair. This commitment aligns with Toyota's broader vision of maintaining the viability of various powertrain technologies, reinforcing the idea that internal combustion engines continue to hold a valuable place in an increasingly electrified automotive landscape. For the dedicated AE86 community, this translates into concrete support, making classic hardware available in new, high-quality forms.
This strategic move by Toyota is not coincidental, as the company has been increasingly integrating motorsport into its brand identity and public perception. For instance, Toyota recently confirmed the participation of a V8-powered Supra in the 2026 Supercars Championship, showcasing its engineering prowess and competitive spirit. While the race-specific Supra V8 engine will not be available in production models, the AE86 project offers a different approach: it prioritizes the accessibility of classic car components for everyday enthusiasts. This initiative represents a significant step towards enabling car lovers to continue enjoying and actively participating in the rich history of the AE86. By bridging the gap between automotive heritage and modern manufacturing, Toyota is fostering a vibrant future for classic car culture.
The AE86 holds an irreplaceable position as a cultural icon within the automotive world, famously featured in drifting circuits, rally competitions, and popular media such as 'Initial D.' For years, the scarcity of authentic replacement parts has posed a significant challenge for owners seeking to maintain these vehicles. TGR's decision to reproduce these essential engine components directly addresses this issue, ensuring that a new generation of enthusiasts can acquire, customize, and drive AE86s without limitations. This commitment not only preserves a significant piece of automotive history but also empowers the community to keep the distinctive sound of the 4A-GE engine echoing for many years to come.