‘Sensual Surfaces‘ is the term given to a new direction in the ‘finish’ applied to vehicle interior and exterior elements.

Modern cars essentially function, and are as reliable, to the same degree. Many also share major components through joint ventures and supplier partnerships. The only differentiators are design, materials, and customer service (brand experience).

In an effort to differentiate their products, manufacturers are turning to ‘Sensual Surfaces’. These include exterior ’soft touch’ and silky matte paint finishes that encourage an owners tactile experience. These surface treatments complement new colour directions that highlight the design detailing.

Of these colours, the purity of white is being used to clarify the ‘language’ and form of the vehicle body. Matte black is being used to enhance road wheel design and to deliver ’special effects’.

The fact that these finishes are essentially ‘painted on’ means that they may well be used in other areas of industrial design.

Whilst reading Wallpaper magazine this month (May 2007) I noticed an advert for a new range of Samsonite luggage designed by fashion designer Alexander McQueen.

I like the almost alien design of the case (although it was apparently moulded from a human rib cage and spine) that cleverly helps to stregnthen the plastic moulding.

Another reason I like this is the colour. It is quite rare to find a white suitcase.

Available under the Samsonite Black Label brand.

This sets the colour of the interior lights in the headlining, glove box, and door handle areas.

The option is standard on certain models and with some pre-configured ‘packs’ like the ‘Chilli pack’. Otherwise it costs £110 in the UK.

Elegant: No. Cool: Yes.

Alta Bikes is a company that sells a simple cycle for €635.

Their web site describes the bike as “…the essence of a bike: A frame, two wheels, a saddle, pedals, and handlebars“. Whereas most bikes today are loaded with ‘design’ flourishes the Alta is stripped back to the basics. No suspension, no disk brakes, minimal logos, and simple frame geometry [made from simple tubing and not complex extrusions]. My favorite colour is the white version with simple gray graphics.

The bike I got recently, although technically competent, looks like a tractor in comparison [I wonder if it's any easier to ride?].

Without doubt racing bikes are more elegant than mountain bikes.

via Wallpaper magazine, UK Ed.

I have always loved the design and concept behind the Audi A2. Its been nearly three years since we purchased ours [six months old at the time]. The design brief was to create a car that would transport four adults and their luggage from Munich to Milan on one tank of fuel [which it can do].

The picture above is the exact model we got; a 1.4L petrol in silver with the six spoke alloy wheels.

This car still, to me, represents the future whenever I see it. Sadly Audi have stopped its manufacture. Roumor has it that a new A2 will be announced in 2007.

The car is very rare in the fact that it is made from aluminium.

The things I love about this car are;

• The design.
• The service hatch through which the consumables are replaced.
• The fact that it’s a four door – four seater car.
• The way you can see through the alloy wheels.
• The single wiper blade.
• The interior has the same dials as the Audi TT.
• The on-board computer.
• The economy; >40 mpg.
• The rear footwell is lowered to allow passengers more leg room.
• The car is tall and thin [attributes I would like to possess].
• It has touches in the same league as a premium BMW.
• It’s silver [near metal colour].
• It has ‘Matrix’ cloth seats.
• It does not scream ‘look at me’ i.e. it has understated elegance.