Gilles Vidal, Renault’s new design director, is an original car guy – he entered the world in a car, was born in the back seat, and still lives and breathes cars. In fact, he is the man behind not only some of the most important vehicles on the road, but also some of the prettiest exteriors cooked up over the last few decades.
Vidal joined Citroen in 1996 and played an important role in the styling of the Berlingo and the Saxo rally, while he later shaped Peugeot’s identity with the SR1 – a magnificent creation that, in its day, seemed like something from the realm of sci-fi. .
He later played a key role in shaping what would become the 08 series for Peugeot, with the 208, 2008, 3008 and 508 ranges.
In 2020, he joined Renault and was an important part of welcoming the new era of the brand.
I sat down with him and asked him a few design-related questions.
When did you realize your future was in car design?
My father and grandfather were car dealers; they collected classic cars and bought World War II equipment from America, I’ve always had that influence.
My father also sketched cars. While he is not a designer in the traditional sense, his illustrations are beautiful. I also took to drawing cars and sketches.
I finally decided to go to art direction and art school in Switzerland with the idea of becoming a graphic designer. I finally decided that product design was better suited and specialized in transportation design.
What is the process to dream up something dramatic as
concept car?
In the studio, we challenge ourselves to find something fresh and unique. You project yourself into the future.
From the initial sketch to the car driving down the street, the process can be anything between three and four years, so you have to get into that headspace.
The amount of creative ambition in designing a new car is huge and you have to be a little bit afraid of what you’re doing, when you’re doing it.
The challenge is to think ahead while staying relevant to the brand and adapting to the brand’s DNA. It’s also not just a sketch of something and go with it. The process required dozens of sketches with constant adaptation.
What are the challenges of electric vehicle style?
I see it as an opportunity more than a challenge, really. With less space required for mechanical components, we can do more. With the Megane E-Tech platform, we can use bigger wheels and push back into corners. It also has a larger interior compared to the current Megane.
In essence, the ratio is increasing. We can do more with less.
Where is the engineering department involved in creating a new car concept?
They have been there since the beginning. Even during the initial sketch. We have an initial discussion in the process of explaining to them this is what we want to do and this is the size we want.
They try hard to accommodate our wishes, and if they exceed the limits enough, we can work together to find the best solution.
In the end, anything is possible – it depends on how much money you want to spend and, of course, if it can be done. It’s about reaching a shared understanding of what a great car is and fulfilling that vision as much as possible.
What is your favorite design?
I looked more at who was the best designer, and for me, it was Marcello Gandini, who styled the Lamborghini Countach, the Lamborghini Miura and the Maserati Khamsin but he also did the first generation Renault Trafic. They do the most unique mythical cars in history but they can also do practical cars. He can take any project from the client and make the best product. That’s why I say every car ever designed is a reference in car design.
Vidal is a car man and one who shows his love of his craft through some of the most stylish machines around. When the interview was over, and the formalities were signed and sealed, he mysteriously mentioned an anecdote about the Miura’s first appearance and how the Countach got its name, beaming from ear to ear.
His love of design and respect for Gandini’s work was complete. Renault plans to relaunch its Renault 5 Turbo, a car designed by Gandini as part of a plan to modernize the icon and democratize 100% electric compact cars.
With Vidal at the creative wheel, and based on what we have seen from the Prototype R5, it is safe to say Renault’s passion for unique, jaw-dropping style execution is still very much alive.