McLaren Design Director Might Head Back To MINI

Frank Stephenson, credited for designing the 2001 Mini before taking over as the design director at McLaren, might head back to BMW's small car brand.

Frank Stephenson is widely known for his design work at MINI, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and McLaren. He is considered as one of the most prominent car designers of the current age.

McLaren Design Director Frank Stephenson Might Return To MINI

He British-American automobile designer served as Design Director at McLaren Automotive since 2008 overseeing the styling of all the company's 21st-century vehicles, from the 12C to the new 720S.

McLaren Design Director Frank Stephenson Might Return To MINI

But this could change, as per reports, Stephenson is leaving McLaren to return to MINI, where he was the chief designer until 2002. Mini's former design director, Anders Warming, left the automaker last year to join Borgward.

McLaren Design Director Frank Stephenson Might Return To MINI

Stephenson is known for designing the first new generation MINI hatch (the R50) in 2000 and established a design language which the company has continued to this day.

McLaren Design Director Frank Stephenson Might Return To MINI

He quit MINI in 2001 and joined Ferrari and Fiat where he played a central role in designing the Ferrari F430, Fiat 500 and even the Maserati MC12.

McLaren Design Director Frank Stephenson Might Return To MINI

In recent past, the designer has been a critic of MINI's current designs. Commenting about the Countryman with Yahoo a few years ago, he slammed it saying designers had hurt the brand.

McLaren Design Director Frank Stephenson Might Return To MINI

"Oh, my gosh, I don't like it. I mean I don't like the whole new trend at all. I think they just wildly abused the brand. And they've gone away from their roots in such a way that now the buyers are not the same buyers," he said.

Neither Stephenson or McLaren have confirmed the move.

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Read more on: #mclaren #mini
Article Published On: Thursday, May 18, 2017, 11:11 [IST]
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