This is the second of a series of Q+As contributor Tamara Warren conducted with designers from the NAIAS 2011 show.
Dirk van Braeckel heads up design and concept for Bentley Motors, responsible for preserving the lustrous cars worthy of the Bentley B. Bentleys are largely built by hand at the company headquarters in Crewe, England, which makes the design process unique from other car makers. The latest automobile worthy of the B badge is the stalwart, new 2011 Bentley GT, which graced the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The GT is a blend of muscular surfaces with sumptuous materials, which are soft to the touch. Van Braeckel took a few minutes to talk about designing for Bentley. The attention to detail that he mentions is evident in the architecture of the new Bentley GT due in showrooms in late 2011.
C77: What's the process for redesigning a Bentley?
Dirk van Braeckel: We usually start with character sketches. These ideas are narrowed down to scaled models. After that you have to prove that the sketches hold up.
Clay models are sculpted by hand and then computer is used to [hone in on] surfaces. We start this process at an early stage to increase luxurious refinement. We decide quickly on the style and we spend a number of years refining it. We go through the same process of refinement with our interiors.
Bentleys are typically created from the best of the best, what do you look to for design influences?
For us, heritage is important for every car we do. It's not retro design. As a designer you're always interested in everything and in technology. The world of art and fashion have an influence, both consciously and subconsciously.
Tamara Warren, a Motor City native, is co-founder/editor of the car and culture blog Gotryke.com. Her articles have appeared in over 80 publications covering culture, music, the arts, automobiles and design. She has written for The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Delta Sky, Nylon, Vibe, Automobile and Forbes Autos. Check out her work and Gotryke.com and her clips on Tamarawarren.com.
