Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
    • Meet the 2021 winners
    • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Automotive News Europe
May 29, 2006 01:00 AM

Raul Pires, Bentley

Paulo Soares de Oliveira
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Pires's Continental GT exterior changed Bentley's image.

    The man responsible for much of the Bentley Continental GT's success is Raul Pires. The 37-year-old Brazilian-Italian designed the hot-selling coupe's distinct exterior. Pires also provided the outside styling for the Continental GT's four-door and convertible derivatives.

    "He completely changed the way people view a Bentley's exterior," a company insider says. The source believes that Pires someday could hold the top design job at an automaker. For now, Pires's biggest challenge is to design the Bentley Arnage's new exterior. Expect him to give the brand's flagship ultraluxury sedan, which is due as early as 2008, a sportier look so that is stands out compared with rival models from Maybach and Rolls-Royce.

    Name: Raul Pires.

    Age: 37.

    Title: Bentley exterior design director.

    Nationality: Brazilian and Italian.

    Education: Degree in industrial design from Mackenzie University in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

    What do you drive? Audi A6.

    What was your first job in the auto industry?

    Junior designer at VW in Brazil.

    What advice would you give someone who wants to become a car designer?

    Be persistent.

    What misconception do people have about your job?

    People outside the car industry think that the life of a car designer is glamorous. It isn't.

    What didn't they teach you about your job in design school?

    That the work really would be my best school.

    Finish this sentence: When it comes to car design, pedestrian safety rule are:

    Particularly tough when it comes to designing small cars.

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Hyundai Europe boss Michael Cole to speak at Automotive News Europe Congress
    Related Articles
    Anders Warming, BMW
    Filippo Perini, Lamborghini
    Karl Elmitt, BMW
    Martin Uhlarik, Nissan Europe
    Omer Halilhodzic, Mitsubishi
    Gilles Vidal, Citroen
    Lowie Vermeersch, Pininfarina
    Simon Lamarre, Volvo
    Robert Lesnik, Volkswagen
    Andreas Deubzer, Johnson Controls
    Anders Warming, BMW
    Filippo Perini, Lamborghini
    Karl Elmitt, BMW
    Martin Uhlarik, Nissan Europe
    Omer Halilhodzic, Mitsubishi
    Gilles Vidal, Citroen
    Lowie Vermeersch, Pininfarina
    Simon Lamarre, Volvo
    Robert Lesnik, Volkswagen
    Andreas Deubzer, Johnson Controls
    Hey carmakers, don't hide your designers
    Recommended for You
    Mike_Cole_Hyundai_2020
    Hyundai Europe boss Michael Cole to speak at Automotive News Europe Congress
    Aldo Kamper Leoni 2022
    CEO of wiring systems supplier Leoni to speak at Automotive News Europe Congress
    Wolfgang Bremm von Kleinsorgen Mercedes web
    Mercedes Central, Eastern Europe boss von Kleinsorgen to speak at Automotive News Europe Congress
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
        • Meet the 2021 winners
      • ANE Eurostars
        • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us