The article discusses the near-miss design choices surrounding the Bugatti Veyron, particularly focusing on Jozef Kabaň's contributions and the alternative concept designs.
The piece delves into the fascinating history behind the design of the Bugatti Veyron, highlighting Jozef Kabaň, a Slovak designer who played a pivotal role in its creation. As one of the co-authors of the Veyron, Kabaň found fame in the early 2000s, leading to pivotal positions in companies like Škoda and MG. However, the article underlines that Kabaň’s design wasn’t the only contender for the iconic vehicle, as Volkswagen explored various designs before casting their lot with Kabaň's vision.
Particularly interesting is the near-final design concept known as the 18/3 Veyron, crafted in 1999 by Spanish designer Walter de Silva, then the chief designer at Seat. This less conventional blue coupe features fluid lines and large round headlights, which starkly differ from the sharp features of the Veyron we recognize today. Interestingly, while the Veyron has become a symbol of automotive excellence, the 18/3 concept reflects a design path that was ultimately abandoned, but not without raising discussions on aesthetic choices in automotive design.
The implications of this discussion extend beyond mere aesthetic preferences; they touch on the pressures of branding and historical identity within the automotive industry. The story draws a unique parallel to the transformative journey of Volkswagen under Ferdinand Piëch's leadership, as it rose from bankruptcy to produce world-class vehicles. This exploration not only acknowledges the legacy of the Veyron as a pinnacle of speed and innovation but also reminds readers that even the most iconic designs often have alternate histories that could have led to very different outcomes.
