Volkswagen is a multi-brand group. Each brand is to have a unique appearance - and the respective design is to be given a holistic meaning. This was emphasised yesterday by Group Chairman Oliver Blume at the Volkswagen Group Design Night. We spoke exclusively with him and the Head of Group Design, Michael Mauer.

In the beginning, there was the Scout. A precursor to all modern SUVs. With its simple design and solid build, the heavy-duty off-roader has cult status. Volkswagen is well aware of this fact. And now, more than forty years later, has plans to revive the storied brand. With an electric powertrain. Scott Keogh, CEO of Scout Motors, explains what sorts of challenges and opportunities lie ahead – and how mountain climbing inspires him when it comes to choosing the color of a car.

Good design can be used to inform, inspire, delight. But only if a brand stays true to itself and doesn’t aim to please everyone. Says Jessica Walsh. The creative director knows what she’s talking about. She also knows how to perfectly position herself as well – as her commitment to community and social causes show. With Jessica Walsh involved, these initiatives are bound to look good too. Makes sense. Because for Walsh, beauty is a part of functionality.

Author texts, expert interviews and aesthetically pleasing imagery do the brand justice in all aspects and make the book a must-have for all car fans and Lamborghini enthusiasts. Alongside exclusive design sketches, an overview of all series models with full technical specifications completes this extraordinary and ambitious book project.

Barcelona in summer. With Alvaro Soler - and a Porsche 911 SC. An approach to the phenomenon and the person Yves Saint Laurent. We spoke with Udo Kier in Palm Springs, and Luc Donckerwolke in his garage. And then there's the cover - and the associated story of House of Spoils.