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Hot Wheels Finally Builds the Legends: Audi’s Most Iconic RS2 and R8 LMS in Authentic Detail

Adult car enthusiasts face brutal reality daily. The 1994 Audi RS2 Avant costs $80,000+ today. Finding clean examples means hunting unicorns. Most gearheads will never drive this turbocharged wagon legend.

Designers: Audi + Mattel

Mattel just solved this automotive heartbreak completely. Hot Wheels Brick Shop debuts authentic building versions of two Audi icons that changed everything. The RS2 wagon that launched Audi Sport. The R8 LMS that conquered endurance racing.

The RS2 Avant: When Audi Built Lightning in a Wagon

Picture this scenario perfectly. Audi calls Porsche in 1993. “Help us build the fastest wagon ever.” Porsche says yes. The result becomes automotive legend overnight.

The RS2 Avant packed serious punch through its turbocharged 2.2-liter five-cylinder heart. This engine screamed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. No wagon had ever moved this fast before. Porsche-tuned suspension kept everything planted during spirited drives.

But here’s what made it special beyond speed. The RS2 proved wagons could be genuinely cool. Wide fender flares housed massive wheels. Aggressive front spoiler announced serious intentions. Porsche 968 brakes provided stopping power that matched acceleration capability.

Only 2,891 examples ever left the factory floor. Each one represented Audi’s commitment to performance over practicality. The RS2 launched an entire generation of fast wagons that followed.

Hot Wheels captures this legend in 1:32 scale for $19.99. Four doors open independently showing interior details. The greenhouse roof lifts off completely. Period-correct Toyo Proxes R888R tires add authentic racing connection.

The R8 LMS: Racing Bred for Endurance Glory

The R8 LMS tells a completely different automotive story. This isn’t about daily driving but pure racing dominance. Seven overall Nürburgring 24 Hour victories prove its endurance credentials absolutely.

Audi developed the R8 LMS specifically for GT3 competition worldwide. The naturally aspirated V10 delivers consistent power through 24-hour marathon races. Advanced aerodynamics keep everything stable at 180+ mph speeds.

But racing success comes through details most people never see. Carbon fiber bodywork sheds every unnecessary ounce. Roll cage protection surrounds the driver completely. Racing seats and six-point harnesses secure everything during high-G cornering.

The LMS competes in IMSA, Blancpain, and countless racing series globally. Teams choose it because it wins consistently. Reliable performance matters more than peak horsepower in endurance racing.

Hot Wheels builds this racing legend in 1:16 scale for $49.99. The steering wheel actually connects to front wheels. Turn left and watch both wheels respond accordingly. Opening doors reveal stripped racing interior details.

Authentic Engineering Details That Matter

Both building sets capture automotive DNA through functional precision. The RS2’s opening windshields provide interior access impossible at this price. Customizable decals and OEM-licensed wheels maintain historical accuracy completely.

The R8 LMS delivers sophisticated mechanical features throughout. Removable greenhouse roof exposes detailed racing cockpit components. Interchangeable aerodynamic pieces mirror real team setup configurations.

These aren’t simplified toy versions but careful automotive recreations. Every proportion matches the original vehicles exactly. Hot Wheels metal authentication plates confirm collector-grade quality standards.

The Cars That Changed Everything

The RS2 Avant launched Audi’s modern performance identity completely. Before 1994, Audi built sensible cars for sensible people. The RS2 proved German engineering could create genuine excitement.

This wagon influenced every Audi Sport product that followed. The current RS6 Avant traces its DNA directly back. Fast wagons became an Audi signature because the RS2 showed the way.

The R8 LMS proved Audi belonged on racing circuits worldwide. Endurance racing demands reliability over everything else. Seven Nürburgring victories confirm the LMS delivers both speed and dependability.

Today’s R8 road cars exist because the LMS succeeded on track. Racing technology filters down to street versions. Every R8 owner benefits from lessons learned during 24-hour competition.

Why These Specific Models Matter

Mattel chose these two Audi legends for good reasons. The RS2 represents the birth of Audi Sport. No other wagon carries this historical significance in automotive culture.

The R8 LMS showcases Audi’s racing commitment through actual competition success. Seven Nürburgring victories speak louder than any marketing campaign. This car earned its reputation through wheel-to-wheel combat.

Both vehicles demonstrate Audi’s engineering excellence through different approaches. The RS2 proves everyday performance potential. The LMS shows what happens when racing becomes the only priority.

Together they represent Audi’s complete automotive philosophy perfectly. Build cars that work brilliantly for their intended purpose. Whether hauling kids or winning races, Audi delivers genuine capability.

Automotive Heritage Made Tangible

These building sets preserve automotive history through interactive experience. The RS2’s four opening doors reveal family-friendly interior space. Yet the performance hardware tells a completely different story.

The R8 LMS’s functional steering demonstrates racing engineering principles. Turn the wheel and understand mechanical connection immediately. This teaches automotive fundamentals through hands-on exploration.

Both models reward detailed examination over time. These aren’t static display pieces but functional automotive education. Every opening component tells part of each car’s engineering story.

What Mattel delivers here is pure automotive passion in building form. Two legends that shaped Audi’s identity forever. The RS2 that proved wagons could be cool. The LMS that conquered the world’s toughest endurance races. Now both legends fit on your desk without losing their automotive soul.

The post Hot Wheels Finally Builds the Legends: Audi’s Most Iconic RS2 and R8 LMS in Authentic Detail first appeared on Yanko Design.

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This all terrain EV is for wheelchair users who don’t want to miss out on adventures

People with reduced mobility have to always go that extra mile, whether it is doing their daily chores or having an adventurous weekend with buddies. Every little thing that helps them lead a normal life is a god sent blessing, and we can’t thank inventive creators enough who put a lot of thought behind these useful products. Exotek has taken the onus of bringing uninterrupted adventures to people with mobility issues with an all-terrain vehicle that’s tailored for people who are wheelchair ridden.

Meet the Exoquad V2, designed to bring the freedom of traversing the city’s outer limits without any apprehensions of safety or restrictions. The new model builds on the kinks of the previous one, offering Outdoorsy users a better way to commute even without assistance. The all-terrain electric vehicle comes with little visual modifications, but at its heart, the compact ATV has improved features that make it an even better proposition. The best of them, the special mount on the rear now lets you carry the wheelchair without any worries.

Designer: Exotek

Founded by outdoor enthusiasts Mattias Storvestre (flight mechanic and CAD designer) and Sigurd Groven (a physical therapist), the ambitious Norwegian startup has a core belief that just because you are restricted to a wheelchair doesn’t mean you should be limited to using just a wheelchair. In fact, Groven suffered from a T1 spinal cord injury while mountain biking, which left him with unsatisfactory outdoor mobility options. That prompted the design of the first-generation single-seater Exoquad, and now the V2 version allows the buyer to go for the two or four-hub motor option. Depending on the variant chosen, you get the 2WD powered by two 3.5-kW rear hub motors churning out 140 lb ft torque, or the 4WD version that has 60 Nm/44lb ft torque.

The new one tips the scale at 99 kg as it has fewer connecting points, resulting in a durable frame, and the sidebars are now placed at the bottom. The footrest on the vehicle is welded to the frame and is now one large section. The footrest and the side bar make up for the section that is used to attach a snowplow or a trailer via a trailer hitch. Yes, you can tow a lightweight trailer or snowplow, depending on the season and needs. Taller riders will find the V2 more comfortable thanks to the five-centimeter extension. This improvement is done without adding to the overall width and length, making it relevant for loading in an MUV or a trailer. Headlights are upgraded with a dual LED light setup for better visibility during night drives.

Tires on this one are more voluminous, treads have larger knobs, and the sidewalls are reinforced with more protection for puncture proofing. The stopping power also gets an upgrade in the form of Tektro T-split brakes, and the inclusion of a handbrake makes it convenient for riders to stop on slopes temporarily. Battery power is beefed up with better performance courtesy of Altium, a Norwegian manufacturer. Since there is more room in the cockpit, the user can choose to store an optional battery in there as well. The on-board 48-volt Li-ion battery ekes out a total range of 50 km on a single charge, which is impressive. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 4 mph in the 4WD variant and 9 mph in the 2WD option.

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B.L.U.E. architecture studio converts historic chinese cinema into ‘jiangnan house’ hotel

adaptive reuse in yangzhou’s old town

 

Beijing-based B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio takes to the historic Guangling district of Yangzhou, China to design this Jiangnan House hotel. The renovation project brings contemporary hospitality to a site that layers timber-frame architecture with twentieth-century brick-concrete structures. What was once a cinema is now a modern retreat that humbly preserves Yangzhou’s cultural heritage.

 

The renovation forms part of the first phase of the Guangling Ancient City urban renewal program. Architecture and Engineering Co., Ltd. of Southeast University oversaw the overall planning, while B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio was responsible for key interior renovations, two new buildings, and facade updates.

 

The design team worked alongside local groups including Yangjian Group and Yangzhou Yijiangxuan Garden and Ancient Architecture Construction Co., Ltd., creating a collaborative platform that celebrates the neighborhood’s historic urban fabric.

images © XIA ZHI Pictures

 

 

a sensitive renovation by b.l.u.e. architecture studio

 

B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio sites the lobby of its Jiangnan House within the former auditorium of the former cinema. The building’s original timber roof structure has been preserved by the design team to maintain the lofty interiors. A new screen nods to the building’s cinematic past, while a central tree pond and corridor recall the courtyards of traditional Yangzhou gardens.

 

Aged elm wood, natural stone flooring, and sawtooth wood veneer establish a tactile palette, complemented by terrazzo and vintage metal fittings inspired by historic cinemas. Local artists contributed woodcarving prints of classic film scenes, reinforcing the connection to the site’s earlier life.

Jiangnan House stands within the historic fabric of Yangzhou’s Guangling district

 

 

inside the new jiangnan house

 

The Jiangnan House offers forty guest rooms, many set within the preserved courtyard layout of the B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio-renovated heritage buildings. These rooms occupy two newly constructed volumes, whose design draws on the forms of pavilions and terraces found in classical Yangzhou gardens, using flowing corridors and layered roofs to create a sense of movement and varied perspective.

 

Recycled bricks, bamboo-molded concrete, and hand-carved stone tiles pair contemporary techniques with the textures of the old courtyard walls and the small green tiles typical of local architecture.

 

While the original timber structures and facades remain intact, each unit is fit with air-conditioning, heating, and ensuite baths. Natural materials like wood, stone, handmade bricks, and textured plaster lend a quiet authenticity. Details like hand-hewn wood panels, distressed copper surfaces, and woodblock prints reference Yangzhou’s craft traditions, while vertical greenery along the corridors softens the facades and enriches the guest experience.

B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio leads the interior renovation and design of two new buildings

a central tree pond and garden evoke the spirit of traditional Yangzhou courtyards

vertical greenery and subtle facade updates lend a calm atmosphere for guests

the former Subei Cinema lobby retains its timber roof structure and high ceilings

natural materials like aged elm wood and stone flooring create a tactile interior

forty guest rooms with local craft details occupy preserved timber structures

 

project info:

 

name: Jiangnan House Yangzhou Guangling

architect: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio | @blue_architecturestudio

location: Guangling, Yangzhou, China

gross area: 4,250 square meters

completion: April 2025

photography: © XIA ZHI Pictures | @xiazhi_pictures

 

urban renewal: Architecture and Engineering Co., Ltd. of Southeast University

interior design: B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio

landscape design: Youxiang Lab

cinema exhibition design: Zhudaoruwen Studio

client: Guangling Culture&Tourism Group

brand operation: Vanke Hotels & Resorts

construction: Yangjian Group; Yangzhou Yijiangxuan Garden Ancient Architecture Construction Co., Ltd. (Renovation of Cultural Heritage Buildings)

B.L.U.E. Architecture Studio team: Shuhei Aoyama, Yoko Fujii, Lingzi Liu, Suyun Li, Ziwei Zhou, Jingyuan Li, Xinrui Zhao, Jiahui Wang, Jingyu Yan

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Did Haribo Accidentally Make The Lightest 20,000mAh Power Bank Ever??

Yep, I’m just as surprised as you are… because apparently a company famous for making gummy bears is also killing it in the external battery industry. As per overwhelming feedback online (and even an article on the Verge), Haribo’s 20,000mAh power bank might just be the lightest one ever made. Travelers are swearing by it, and the internet’s pleasantly surprised at how portable (and cute) this large-capacity power bank is.

At 9.9 ounces (280.6 grams), this power bank might just be the lightest one out there. For comparison, the MagSafe battery that comes as an add-on for the iPhone Air has a capacity of 3,194mAh, but weighs around 6.4 ounces. Your standard 5,000mAh power bank has an average weight of 5 ounces, but Haribo’s Mini Power Bank boasts double the weight, but quadruple the battery backup. That’s pretty wild if you ask me, and a lot of backpackers are noticing this too.

Designer: Haribo

Click Here to Buy Now

This revelation comes from the ultralight backpacking community, who literally believe in carrying as little as possible. The baseline is the 10 pound mark, as backpacker and Verge writer Elizabeth Lopatto says. That includes pretty much all your belongings, and when you’re backpacking for hundreds of miles, each ounce ends up playing a pretty crucial role. Now, most 20,000mAh battery packs are heavy, bulky beasts. The previous contender, from Nitecore, measured at 10.3 ounces. It’s honestly hilarious that a bona fide tech brand got outshined by a company that sells gummy candy treats.

I’m not entirely sure what Haribo’s secret sauce is, but the power bank is quite literally a winner on paper. Sure, it’s not as sleek as most power banks, but it makes up for that by being ridiculously lightweight, and costing a mere 20-something USD… much less than the otherwise expensive 20,000mAh battery packs out there. Did Haribo simply whitelabel the product? Or is there a secret tech division inside the company that pushes out gadgets? I don’t know. But apparently Haribo has a 65W GaN charger too, with the same simple design and candy-esque theme.

This particular power bank is cute to look at, and unless you believe in your tech looking edgy and futuristic, it’s actually quite nice. The bank itself is white, with Haribo’s branding on it, a built-in USB-C cable with a gummy bear molded into it, and pass-through charging. The red power bank has a 10,000mAh capacity, while the yellow one, which is an undisputed champion in its weight class, boasts 20,000mAh of capacity. That’s enough to charge your iPhone Air more than 6 times from start to finish.

Click Here to Buy Now

The post Did Haribo Accidentally Make The Lightest 20,000mAh Power Bank Ever?? first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Native Union’s POP Phone is the perfect retro-tech companion

If you grew up before the aughts, your idea of talking on the phone probably involves holding an actual telephone to your ear. Kids today have probably never seen that kind of communication device, but those of us who were used to cradling the handset will feel a certain nostalgia for it. Of course, we need to move on and accept that mobile phones and smartphones are the present and the future.

But if you still want a bit of nostalgia that is also highly functional, Native Union has just relaunched the POP Phone. It is a retro‑styled handset that plugs directly into any USB‑C‑enabled device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) and instantly turns it into a hands‑free speakerphone. It requires no charging or Bluetooth pairing as you just plug in and talk without any distractions. This classic‑looking, high‑fidelity speakerphone for everyday conversations and video calls will also make you look like you time-traveled from 20 years ago.

Designer: Native Union

The handset looks like the telephones we had in the ‘80s and ‘90s, complete with a vintage‑style spiral cord. Instead of being connected to a landline, the cord ends in a 3.5 mm headphone‑and‑microphone combo plug, so you can attach it to your device. It even has pick‑up and hang‑up buttons on the handset, so you don’t need to touch the device. (Unfortunately, you still can’t slam the handset down like you might have when hanging up angrily; doing so would risk damaging your device.)

The POP Phone is optimized for most video‑call platforms, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and FaceTime, in case that’s where you want to use it. It also includes a noise‑reduction system that minimizes background noise when you’re outdoors or in a less‑quiet environment. The device is available in several colors: alarm red, pine, black, sandstone, lemon, candy, azure, slate green. It features a luxurious textured surface. It also has universal USB‑C compatibility with smartphones, laptops and tablets; iPhone 15 and later models work via USB‑C (not compatible with Lightning).

Why would you use a handset like this for your audio and video calls? Besides the nostalgic retro aesthetic, the POP Phone reduces the amount of radiation absorbed by your head because the phone is kept away from it. In practice, you simply look cooler holding a POP Phone to your ears. Well, if retro is cool to you, this accessory delivers both style and function. It also frees up your hands for multitasking, and its built‑in noise‑reduction keeps your voice clear even in noisy environments.

The post Native Union’s POP Phone is the perfect retro-tech companion first appeared on Yanko Design.

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Terna Stool prototype uses minimalist Brentwood design for cafe seating

The Terna Stool is a new prototype that strips a café stool down to three essential parts: a round seat and two matching legs. It is able to create a lightweight, portable perch for short stops in bustling city spaces. Its circular seat lets users sit facing any direction, while a cut‑through handle in the centre provides an instant grip for picking up and moving the stool .

Designed by industrial designer Joe Slatter, the prototype was fabricated in London using CNC machining on solid European beech. The stool is dry‑assembled with minimal fixings and magnets, allowing it to be quickly assembled or disassembled without tools . Future production will shift to a steam‑bent process for the legs, echoing the mid‑century tradition of bentwood café furniture while keeping the design’s ultra‑simple aesthetic .

Designer: Joe Slatter

With its circular seat and two identical legs, the Terna Stool is crafted from solid European beech and dry‑assembled with magnets and minimal fixings for easy disassembly. Its 360‑degree seat allows users to face any direction, while a cut‑through handle at the centre provides a quick grip for lifting and repositioning. They nticipate future production using steam‑bent leg construction that references the tradition of bent‑wood furniture.

The Terna Stool debuted as part of Design Everything’s “A Seat At The Table” exhibition, a traveling showcase that places seats in active community settings rather than on static plinths. Each day the exhibition moves in a Luton van to different design districts across London, hosting talks, workshops and round‑circle debates. Within this mobile context, the stool reflects café culture’s emphasis on quick exchanges, brief perches and easy movement through the city.

Joe Slatter describes the piece as “a study in utility,” noting that it is meant to be lifted, positioned, used for a brief perch and then left behind as the user continues on . The design’s simplicity is intentional: by reducing the stool to three components, it becomes a tool for conversation and collaboration rather than a decorative object . The prototype was made by maker James Trundle, who executed the CNC machining in London’s workshop . Photography by Guy Lockwood captures the stool’s clean lines and the way it integrates into the exhibition’s interactive settings.

By combining modern digital fabrication with a nod to traditional bentwood techniques, the Terna Stool illustrates how minimalist design can serve both functional and social purposes. Its lightweight construction, 360‑degree seating and easy‑carry handle make it ideal for the transient nature of urban cafés and pop‑up community events. While still a one‑off prototype, the design points toward a future where small‑scale, sustainably produced furniture can adapt to ever‑changing public spaces.

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Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition: 50 cars, real gold, and a two-tone finish that takes ten days

Only 50 cars, lacquered in Olive and Obsidian with real gold medallions, mark Mercedes-Maybach’s unapologetic salute to twelve cylinders. The car wears MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic over Obsidian Black Metallic divided by a razor-clean silver pinstripe. Mercedes says this finish can take up to ten working days, roughly twice the time of its usual two-tone. Inside and out, solid 24-carat gold details turn heritage cues into literal jewelry.

Designer: Mercedes-Maybach

This exclusive V12 Edition, defined by 24-carat gold medallions, arrives at a moment when most luxury brands are chasing efficiency metrics. The V12 Edition doesn’t apologize for existing. While competitors chase efficiency ratings and government incentives, Mercedes created automotive jewelry that guzzles premium fuel with the abandon of a champagne gala. The cost exceeds what most people earn in five years, all to celebrate an engine configuration that refuses to die quietly.

Why Gold Belongs in Jewelry Boxes, Not Badge Holders

The C-pillar double-M now sits inside a 24-carat gold medal ring with diamond engraving. A matching 24-carat gold inlay carries a fine V-pattern that echoes the cylinder layout, and the motif nods to the Maybach Zeppelin DS 8 hood ornament. These accents serve absolutely no functional purpose beyond announcing that the owner values craftsmanship over common sense.

The gold treatment extends beyond simple decoration. Each medallion requires specialized application techniques to ensure proper adhesion in automotive environments. Because nothing says “practical luxury” like precious metal decorations that will encounter road salt, bird droppings, and parking garage concrete. Yet this commitment to excess defines the V12 Edition’s appeal for buyers who want their automotive statements written in actual gold.

Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition Paint: A Ten-Day Process

Mercedes quotes up to ten working days for this Edition’s two-tone and pinstripe finish, about twice its usual two-tone process. Forged five-hole wheels are color-matched in Olive Metallic to complete the surface continuity. The process begins with mathematical precision: spray patterns calculated to achieve perfect color depth across body curves that would challenge Renaissance sculptors.

The MANUFAKTUR Olive Metallic upper section flows over the Obsidian Black Metallic base, separated by hand-applied Hightech Silver Metallic pinstripes. These demand Swiss watchmaker precision. The surface measures 16 feet long instead of 1.6 inches wide. Each stripe requires template alignment accurate to within millimeters, followed by freehand finishing work that separates craftspeople from production line workers. The slightest tremor, sneeze, or moment of inattention ruins hours of previous work and forces complete section repainting.

The stretched hood and upright grille carry Maybach’s classic form language, while the Olive-over-Black scheme visually lengthens the sedan’s stance. The two-tone layout doesn’t just flaunt craftsmanship—it enhances proportions that define Maybach design DNA. This timeline represents intentional craftsmanship bottlenecks rather than artificial production limits. Mercedes designed these processes to ensure genuine exclusivity through manufacturing complexity that cannot be rushed or replicated at scale.

Interior Craftsmanship That Justifies Mortgage Payments

Edition-specific touches include Saddle Brown Nappa, burr walnut, a diamond-quilted headliner, and a ‘1 of 50’ console badge. Owners also receive silver-plated champagne flutes, a key gift box with a matching ring, and a Saddle Brown-edged trunk mat. The attention extends to areas most manufacturers ignore. Ceiling surfaces receive the same quilted leather treatment as seats and door panels.

Every stitch requires individual attention to maintain consistent depth and color saturation. The leather selection process alone takes weeks, as Mercedes artisans reject hides with even microscopic imperfections that would be acceptable in lesser luxury vehicles. Hand-embroidered V12 Edition logos appear throughout the cabin via headrests, stitched by craftspeople whose precision rivals haute couture ateliers.

Beyond visual luxury, the cabin is engineered as a soundstage: silence when cruising, then a carefully tuned V12 resonance that seeps in only when pressed. Even ambient lighting is tuned to refract subtly off burr walnut veneers, emphasizing warmth over glare.

Twelve Cylinders of Beautiful Inefficiency

US-market S 680 output remains 621 hp and 664 lb-ft from the 6.0-liter biturbo V12 with 4MATIC and rear-axle steering. European coverage quotes 612 hp due to different rating standards. Mercedes quotes a 0–62 mph time of 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, remarkable figures for a sedan weighing over 5,200 pounds. Numbers that sound impressive until you realize modern turbocharged six-cylinder engines deliver similar performance with half the cylinders and twice the fuel economy. This powertrain represents everything contemporary automotive engineering abandoned: massive displacement, complex cylinder configurations, and maintenance schedules that would bankrupt normal people.

The V12’s significance transcends raw power figures. This engine requires 12 pistons, 24 valves, dual turbochargers, and cooling systems complex enough to challenge aerospace engineers. All to deliver smoothness and sound that no smaller engine can replicate. The additional complexity increases manufacturing costs, service intervals, and potential failure points while providing benefits that exist purely in the realm of sensory experience rather than practical transportation.

Mercedes pairs this V12 with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering that transforms 5,000 pounds of luxury sedan into something surprisingly agile around corners that most owners will never attempt. The engineering achievement lies not in making this sedan fast. Plenty of cars accelerate quicker. The achievement is making it feel effortless while carrying enough leather, wood, and gold to furnish a small palace.

The Heritage Tribute, Not Farewell

Production is limited to 50 cars for select markets. Pricing is unannounced. Reports indicate first deliveries begin in fall 2025. The hand-applied paint processes, 24-carat gold medallions, and bespoke interior treatments justify premium pricing that places this sedan in territory traditionally occupied by Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Where Rolls-Royce hides wealth under restraint and Bentley ties it to performance, Maybach amplifies it as theater.

Only 50 customers worldwide receive allocation, making the V12 Edition rarer than Ferrari’s LaFerrari (499 units) or Bugatti Chiron (500 units), yet defined by craftsmanship complexity instead of sheer speed. Each sedan becomes a collector item before leaving the factory, representing Mercedes-Maybach’s commitment to twelve-cylinder heritage in an increasingly electric world.

This Edition ignores the design industry’s shift toward recycled materials and carbon metrics, embracing indulgence as a design statement in itself. While Rolls-Royce experiments with sustainable veneers and Bentley targets full electrification by 2030, Maybach celebrates everything the industry is abandoning. This run reads like a tribute to twelve-cylinder heritage rather than a finale. The V12 Edition’s gold medallions echo the 1930s Maybach Zeppelin DS 8, when hand-built luxury defined automotive excellence before mass production changed everything. Mercedes has indicated the V12 continues in selected markets. For buyers willing to pay any price to avoid the electric future, the V12 Edition offers the ultimate internal combustion statement. Wrapped in artisan paint, adorned with real gold, and powered by twelve cylinders that burn premium fuel like a celebration of everything the automotive industry abandoned in pursuit of a more sensible tomorrow.

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LDF 2025: Royal College of Art – Tender Revolution

When looking for new ideas from talented young minds, The Royal College of Art exhibition at London Design Festival is always a good start. This year, Tender Revolution showed what RCA design graduates from various disciplines imagined to resist rigid systems. Part of the curated strand A Softer World by Alex Tieghi-Walker, where designers explore empathy, tactility and connection, the exhibition had a strong focus on wearable designs.

RCA Tender Revolution. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Modular snow shoe

Z-TREK, by Zhibo Yang is a terrain-responsive snow-hiker footwear system. Rather than offering one shoe, it is a modular system that lets the user adapt their footwear to different conditions.

Z-TREK by Zhibo Yang. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Z_TREK by Zhibo Yang. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Made for terrains from ice to snow melt, the design is inspired by how animal feet are structurally adapted to winter grounds. It uses principles of surface expansion, grip control and drainage in the natural world to inform parametric modeling and structural design decisions.

Z-TREK by Zhibo Yang. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Z-TREK by Zhibo Yang. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Z-TREK by Zhibo Yang. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Cashmere, merino and linen

With her project Modern Nomads: Heritage in Motion, Lydia Lin visualises the idea of modern nomads through the persona of female aviators. Made for a competition with Loro Piana, the design is made of cashmere, merino and linen, using software that enables the designer to program the knit for a specific shape without cutting the fabric.

Modern Nomads: Heritage in Motion by Lydia Lin. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Modern Nomads: Heritage in Motion by Lydia Lin. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Adaptive fashion

Huili Jin, a fashion designer and creative pattern maker is inspired by the belief that fashion should be accessible to everyone. Her project What Do I Want To Wear? addresses the common challenge of independently putting on pants faced by wheelchair users. The pants can be put on from the top while seated, improving independence and comfort through careful fabric, seam, and pattern choices.

What Do I Want To Wear? by Huili Jin.. Photo by Anki Delfmann

What Do I Want To Wear? by Huili Jin.. Photo by Anki Delfmann

What Do I Want To Wear? by Huili Jin. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Pockets

The Pocketed Body by Audra Grays is a series of garments that reclaim pockets as both function and feminist statement and put them at the center of the design. Made from post-industrial textile waste, the project examines how pockets shape gender roles, while serving the needs of urban commuters.

Photo by Anki Delfmann

The Pocketed Body by Audra Grays. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Banana-waste textile

MUSATEX by Carmen Danae Azor is turning banana and plantain waste into zero-synthetic textiles. Sourced from organic farms and processed by women’s cooperatives, the fibres cut carbon emissions by 94 percent compared to cotton, needing no chemicals or extra irrigation. Using low-impact methods like felting and hand weaving, the project preserves material integrity while opening new design possibilities.

MUSATEX by Carmen Danae Azor. Photo by Anki Delfmann

MUSATEX by Carmen Danae Azor. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Dresses to colour in

Shino Hitosugi softens the border between designer and consumer with her project Brand New Flower by inviting them in to participate in the creation of the garment. Made from paper and featuring black and white patterns, her dress lets visitors leave their mark via coloured pens.

Brand New Flower by Shino Hitosugi. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Brand New Flower by Shino Hitosugi. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Brand New Flower by Shino Hitosugi. Photo by Anki Delfmann

Garments you can smell

Ruwanthi Gajadeera immerses visitors in the underwater world with A Scented Reflection on Ocean Pollution, where pollution is felt through touch and scent rather than statistics. Yarn and textiles evoke coral bleaching and ocean currents, while a crafted fragrance contrasts pure waters with chemical traces of human impact.

A Scented Reflection on Ocean Pollution by Ruwanthi Gajadeera. Photo by Anki Delfmann

A Scented Reflection on Ocean Pollution by Ruwanthi Gajadeera. Photo by Anki Delfmann

See a video of the visit

Watch the RCA Tender Revolution Design Postcard to get a more immersive feeling for the exhibit:

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Raspberry Pi 500+ is full-fledged computer in mechanical keyboard with swappable keycaps, RGB lighting

Raspberry Pi is easily the most versatile and compact single-board computer (SBC)on the market, which has helped educators and hobbyists create impactful projects. We have seen RPi (as it is lovingly called) based chatbots, ultra-slim handheld consoles, and an entire Desktop PC. Talking of the latter, Raspberry Pi has also found its way into a keyboard, turning the peripheral into an effective, all-in-one computer.

This tale of a Raspberry Pi computer built into a keyboard started with the launch of the Raspberry Pi 400. Released in 2020 by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, it was the first official RPi keyboard PC. Last year, in 2024, it was followed by the RPi 500, which is now dethroned by the 2025 release of the Raspberry Pi 500+ offering SBC inside a mechanical keyboard.

Designer: Raspberry Pi Foundation

Raspberry Pi 500+ is an extension of the power and abilities of the Raspberry Pi 500. This one, like the predecessor, fits a Raspberry Pi 5’s quad-core 64-bit ARM processor into a tactile mechanical keyboard, now with removable keycaps and RGB backlighting. This is an unrelenting combination of convenience and performance, which those who have used the RPi 400 would love to upgrade. Of course, there are some significant upgrades from the 500, but if you own one, it’s probably not a drastic difference to entice you to upgrade.

That said, the Raspberry Pi 500+ uses the same CPU as before – a 2.4GHz quad-core Cortex-A76 CPU – which will handle most of the computing tasks thanks to its pairing with 16GB of LPDDR4X-4267 SDRAM and 256GB SSD in the new model. The keyboard is equipped with Gateron KS-33 Blue low-profile switches that are comfortable for typing, and should you like to customize the look and feel, allow keycaps to be swapped with those of your choice.

The Raspberry Pi computer inside a mechanical RGB backlit keyboard alongside swappable keys offers an M.2 slot for allowing the user to swap the SSD in order to increase internal storage. The storage can also be enhanced with a microSD card slot. Besides the CPU from its predecessor, the new Raspberry Pi 500+ also retains the I/O options. It has a Gigabit Ethernet port, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, two USB 3.0 ports, and a USB 2.0 port. For connecting a monitor, you have a pair of micro-HDMI ports that support dual 4K models with 60Hz display output.

Since this is not your ordinary Bluetooth keyboard, the Raspberry Pi 500+ comes for an asking price of $200. Currently, it is available and also provides users with an optional Desktop Kit. Raspberry Pi 500+ Desktop Kit includes a mouse, a two-meter micro-HDMI to HDMI cable, a 27W USB-C power supply, and a RPi Beginner’s Guide.

The post Raspberry Pi 500+ is full-fledged computer in mechanical keyboard with swappable keycaps, RGB lighting first appeared on Yanko Design.

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modular brass grid chair draped in velvet replicates coreless exoskeleton skyscrapers

Copia New Yorkea Translates High-Rise Structures into Furniture

 

Italian architect and designer Massimiliano Malagò presents Copia New Yorkea, a chair that translates the structural logic of coreless exoskeleton skyscrapers into furniture form. The piece combines brass, velvet, 3D printed PLA joints, and gold thread, situating itself between functional object and critical inquiry.

 

The design employs an isomorphic process, mapping the spatial and structural qualities of high-rise architecture onto a domestic seat. A brass grid frame recalls the column-free curtain wall of corporate towers, within which a suspended fabric cocoon creates the seating surface. Modular 3D printed nodes join the frame, reflecting the parametric connectors typical of high-rise engineering systems. Unlike biomimicry, where natural forms inspire architecture, Copia New Yorkea reverses the process by drawing directly from architectural typologies. By adapting the monumentality and logic of the skyscraper to the intimate scale of the body, the work raises questions about the transfer of design languages across scales and contexts.

all images by Helene Helleu

 

 

Massimiliano Malagò Explores Power & Privilege Through Design

 

The chair’s enclosed form resonates with historical precedents such as the sedan chair, once used to transport elite individuals. Massimiliano Malagò draws a parallel between these vessels of privilege and modern skyscrapers, both of which serve to elevate, conceal, and project authority. ‘Their reflectivity and transparency are curated, not democratic. Nor is any of the scale of them proportional to the merits of those who inhabit them,’ notes the designer. ‘Copia New Yorkea reframes the curtain wall not just as an aesthetic, but as a social and political skin.’ The brass grid and textile cocoon become both structural and symbolic, framing the chair as a reflection on architectural skins and their social dimensions.

 

The project traces its origins to Malagò’s experience at OMA in New York, where questions regarding the narrative strategies used to justify skyscraper design sparked a broader reflection on isomorphic design methodologies. Later, during his time at Bond NY, he experimented with translating texts into architectural forms, a method that informs his current practice. Copia New Yorkea continues this trajectory, positioning isomorphic design not as a stylistic exercise but as a critique of how architectural references are deployed. Through this translation of high-rise engineering into a furniture object, Malagò opens a dialogue on the role of analogy in design, the politics of architectural form, and the legitimacy of transscalar methodologies in contemporary practice.

sitting in the object is a solitary experience

3D printed nodes connect the brass structural exposed skin

the construction of the object is modular

dense velvet clouds mirror the views of a skyscraper’s translucent curtain walls

the clouds operate like a bitmap on a planar surface

 

project info:

 

name: Copia New Yorkea
designer: Massimiliano Malagò | @massimilianomariamalago

photographer: Helene Helleu | @helenehelleu

photography coloring: Tom Keelan | @tom_keelan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post modular brass grid chair draped in velvet replicates coreless exoskeleton skyscrapers appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.