Car Design Dialogues Detroit 2026 Agenda

As vehicles become more intelligent, how do designers ensure technology enhances rather than overwhelms? A discussion on clarity, control and crafting intuitive digital-physical harmony.  

This interactive session from Continental SSL is designed to show how we can be a true extension of your design team—bringing forward the unique value of our materials and the capabilities behind them. We’ll explore how embracing the inherent durability, flexibility, and character of our materials can unlock new design possibilities while supporting real-world performance.

Beyond materials, our trend-driven pitches and prototype collections across grains, textures, and prints are built to deliver both inspiration and ready-to-implement solutions. Ultimately, this workshop is about demonstrating how we can help you design with greater confidence, speed, and differentiation.

From heritage cues to advanced sustainable surfaces, designers explore how colour and material choices are evolving American notions of comfort, durability and premium design. 

Examining how lighting defines presence, proportion and emotion inside the cabin and on the road.

The road trip has long defined the emotional promise of the car: freedom, exploration and connection with the road. But as vehicles become electric, connected and increasingly autonomous, that experience is changing. This panel brings together leading designers to explore how the idea of the road trip is evolving and how vehicle design can keep the journey as compelling as the destination.

Discover how new composites, coatings, and tactile materials combine beauty with durability and function.

From muscle to sports cars, from electric performance to luxury craftsmanship, how do design studios across North America create emotionally charged vehicles that honour their unique heritage while pushing form, proportion and storytelling forward? A conversation on what makes an automotive icon in today's market.

Exploring how bold finishes and experimental surfaces move from concept to showroom without losing integrity.

A forward-looking conversation on next-generation materials, responsible sourcing and how designers are embedding circular thinking without losing luxury, performance or appeal. 

A hands-on session exploring haptics, sound and micro-interactions that elevate everyday driving experiences.

How architecture, fashion, technology and digital culture are influencing automotive thinking across studios in the Americas.

As OEMs seek new ways to differentiate their brands and create high-value customer experiences, personalization, special editions, and limited-series vehicles are becoming increasingly important.

Whether supporting a complete vehicle program or a specific development phase, Italdesign provides expertise exactly where it is needed, combining design, engineering, and industrialization to transform unique concepts into scalable, production-ready vehicle programs.