david obendorfer: revival of a childhood impression renault 4 ever shortlisted entry
‘revival of a childhood impression,’ renault redesign concept by david obendorfer
drawing from his early experiences of the renault 4, ‘revival of a childhood impression’ is a redesign concept by italian designer david obendorfer. the proposal maintains the classic model’s spirit of simplicity and functionality, but adds modern updates to its body and interior, such as LCD information systems as well as options for hybrid or electric power. the concept is one of fifty projects shortlisted from over 3200 submissions from 92 countries in designboom’s recent RENAULT 4 EVER competition, which asked participants to redesign the renault 4 with an eye towards historical lineage, contemporary aesthetics, and sustainable design.
the designer explains: ‘I have explored the nature of this model’s surfaces and tried to capture the proportions that give it a strong personality. such features are the r4’s long wheelbase, quite short front overhang, car body with a typical forward-facing incline, different front and back fenders, front headlights close to each other, straight rear hatch, etc. of course it has been necessary to update the vehicle volumes respecting–among other things– the standard for pedestrians’ protection and the current requirements of safety and comfort in general.’
comparison of the new and old models
rear 3/4 view
rear view
side view
minimalist dashboard with retractable LCD monitors
the dashboard maintains the original’s minimalist approach: instead of a conventional instrument panel there are two LCD monitors, one for the main information panel as well as a central screen for navigation. both fold down into a hidden view when the engine is turned off.
concept sketches
concept render, front and back
concept remder. side
concept remder, aerial
renault is proud of the results of the RENAULT 4 EVER competition and extends sincere thanks to all of its participants. the jury has still not made its final decision on the winning entry, but the results will be published to designboom at the end of july.
david obendorfer (6 articles)
type H 70th anniversary van by david obendorfer + fabrizio caselani is a tribute to the iconic citroën HY
david obendorfer pays tribute to father of VW transporter T1 with revival concept
fiat 600 60th anniversary concept: a tribute to dante giacosa
BMW CS vintage concept by david obendorfer pays tribute to 1968 E9 series
a tribute to pio manzu fiat 127 concept by david obendorfer
RENAULT (45 articles)
renault e-plein air concept car electrifies their 1960s beach classic
renault's EZ-ultimo car concept is a self-driving luxury lounge
renault EZ-GO electric autonomous concept car redefines a shared driving experience
renault 4 ever (13 articles)
behind the scenes of the success of designboom's RENAULT 4 ever competition
renault 4 ever design competition: award ceremony
RENAULT 4 ever competition results
design news
designboom editorial internships available in MILAN!
#design
are you knowledgeable about architecture, design, art, and technology? passionate about writing, communication, and digital media? join us!
are you knowledgeable about architecture, design, art, and technology? passionate about writing, communication, and digital media? join us!
formafantasma sets the stage for caravaggio-bernini exhibit at amsterdam's rijksmuseum
#design
different colors have been used to define different areas of the exhibition, with consistent color applied to both displays and furniture.
different colors have been used to define different areas of the exhibition, with consistent color applied to both displays and furniture.
habre eco bike is made from local bamboo and is designed to ease pollution in kathmandu
#design
made by local artisans using regional bamboo, the bike aims to provide a green alternative to gas-guzzling vehicles.
made by local artisans using regional bamboo, the bike aims to provide a green alternative to gas-guzzling vehicles.
a tree assembles in brooklyn with framlab's modular vertical farming system 'glasir'
#design
the project offers self-regulating, vertical farming structures that can provide neighborhoods with affordable, local produce year-round.
the project offers self-regulating, vertical farming structures that can provide neighborhoods with affordable, local produce year-round.
Great modelling david, the execution is perfect and the inspiration too but looking carefully at it, there are few fresh elements in this visualization, sometimes it almost looks an older model than the 4L. Especially the front end is pretty arcaic. I like the interpretation of the triangular window at the back.
Nice concept! Seems production ready!
It’s beautifull, apart for the front end. It’s not a joy face at all. But the rest it’s spot on!! Congrats!!
is a good project, it seems a bit ‘wide (or low) but so far is my favorite project.
i really like the rear, but personally i don’t like the front.
great job, but it can cross a desert?
Renault 4 makes it ..
Whao, the best for now, i think.
Great job.
well styled, but otherwise completely ignores the circular lifespan element of the competition?
I think he nailed it
as for the “face” – it’s quirky and certainly not as ugly as a Qube or Juke or for that matter even a Prius – they all rely on their quirkiness as an aesthetic
please Renault, build this one!
Well, veri well done, modelling wise.
The presentation seems a bit dull, the overall feel is 4L, no doubt.
But it looks like a interpretation if the 4L in the late 90´s, not a modern, contemporary interpretation.
It lacks that modern feel to it.
In terms of dimensions, it´s a bit too bulky.
Appart from that, good job.
eh ben voilà, ça ça à d’la gueule! beau travail!
very nice job
Congratulations, David Obendorfer, by the virtuosity of its drawings. They reveal maturity from your childhood impressions and show large sensitivity in automobile conception.
However, I consider a very pronounced angle of the rear, which does not favor the internal space, or the crash resistance.
Extremely faithful to the model, what justifies the job title, I think you could dare a little bit more in new concepts.
have to agree, best so far!
I love it!!!!
Wonderfully done! I like the front.
I’d buy this… certainly the best so far.
MARK NEWSON DID IT FOR FORD YEARS AGO BETTER
Compliments MODERNDESIGN2120, valuable consideration!
The only analogy with Mark Newson’s Ford is the color. :-/
GReat design – But I think it will look better with a Meganne style ‘ASS’
Wow, I hope you get to know what you are talking about MODERNDESIGN2120. Newson’s car has nothing to do with this, except the fact that it was supposed to be a retro model too but anyway, in my own view, car design is nothing like object design or architecture; you can’t make a car look like a modern alarm clock or a washing machine, because a car SHOULD HAVE character, legacy and dynamics in it’s shapes, which in other fields like object design or architecture you are free to ignore.
I agree with the others, its a great interpretation–circa 1995. I rate this No. 2 of the entries we have seen so far. I still rate Charlie Nghiem No. 1. Maybe you two should hook up as designers, you both have that “something.” That said, i like this design but it lacks the modern edge, the 2015 feel. Its all there but still missing something which creates a turnoff for me.
I want to add that the first thing i look for in these entries is the 3rd side window which appears to have become the critical element. This is a great design for that glass. I also like the steering wheel and the overall interior feel. What i dont like is the Rolls-Royce bulkiness which makes it seem more formal/expensive and less rugged/friendly.
This could be the new LADA “kombi” as well :)))))
That’s what i was looking for. I will definitely share it with others.
Yann Terrer and Jerome Garzon did the most conceptual design until now. Even if their concept is not yet finished regarding proportions and surfaces. In David’s work, there is more sensitivity for aesthetics and “Car Styling”, which is quit interesting regarding the “R5 Maxi” looking tail and stance! But, many young car design stylists haven’t got enough automobile’s culture when restyling an ancestor. David’s work has lost the original spirit of the 4L’s Grand Ma! It’s also a pity that the interior looks so unattractive. Colors and Trims must be peps full for 2015’s Renaults…
Nice design. But some of the details make impression of an 1980 car and this is not what an author wanted. Especially I want to point back side windows and silhouette of a nose of a new car. Windows lost an emotion in authors design. Silhouette of a nose of an old car has same diagonal line like back of the car, this makes an old model look moving forwards and creates R5 like.
Simply!! Great Job.
ugly front, this could be the new LADA!!!
don’t like it, ugly design
Beau travail, belle réalisation, bravo
Et cette magnifique couleur orange!
Manque juste le levier de vitesses sur le tableau de bord, comme sur le modèle original
excelente version no se sometió al rigor de la linea inclinada del parante A, y libero la linea
Well done Obendorfer!
Kiss from Hungary.
the winner !
where can i get 2d plans of this car to use in autocad?