McLaren Welcomes a New Creative Force in Automotive Design
In a significant shift within its creative leadership, McLaren has appointed Kemal Curic as the new head of design. Curic, who previously spearheaded design at Ford Performance Vehicles, brings a wealth of experience to the renowned British supercar manufacturer.
A Leadership Transition
This leadership change comes in the wake of Tobias Sühlmann’s departure, who left to join Porsche after a successful three-year tenure as chief design officer. Sühlmann’s move marked a pivotal moment for McLaren, prompting the search for a visionary capable of driving the brand’s future design ethos.
Curic’s Impressive Background
With a career at Ford that began in 2004, Curic initially positioned himself in the realm of interior design before making notable contributions to the Mk3 Focus and subsequently leading the design of the iconic S550-generation Mustang. His expertise doesn’t stop there; most recently, he directed the design for Ford’s luxury marque, Lincoln, honing his skills in the high-end segment of the automotive market.
Establishing a New Era in Design
As Curic takes up his new role in Woking, he will influence not just aesthetic direction but also the overall design vision across multiple facets of McLaren’s product lineup. This includes interior and exterior styling, color, material, finish (CMF), and digital design elements. His arrival coincides with McLaren’s ambitious plans to renew its product portfolio entirely.
Strategic Expansion Beyond Supercars
Following a merger with the innovative start-up Forseven last year, McLaren is preparing to venture into new automotive segments, extending its reach beyond traditional supercars. The first model developed under the Forseven partnership is set to be unveiled this summer, although it’s uncertain whether Curic will play a direct role in these designs or if they were finalized prior to his appointment.
A Visionary’s Perspective
Expressing enthusiasm for his new position, Curic stated, “McLaren is one of the most respected and aspirational brands in the world. I’m excited to be part of their journey to help shape the design vision of a company so deeply rooted in engineering excellence and racing heritage.” He emphasized his eagerness to collaborate with McLaren’s skilled teams to create a new generation of innovative, purpose-driven automobiles.
As McLaren embarks on this transformative journey, the appointment of Kemal Curic signals a promising shift toward innovation and expansion, promising to deliver exceptional designs that continue to embody the brand’s legacy of excellence.
