Cars & motorsport
A Shared Attention to (Auto) Details, Part 5
Watchonista uncovers those small automotive design details that are guaranteed to surprise and delight, especially for watch lovers with an eye for detail.
By Nate Chapnick
Contributor
Watch enthusiasts revel in the intricacies, and so does Watchonista. The devil is in the details, and that’s precisely why Watchonista wants to highlight some of the brilliant design elements usually overlooked by mainstream automotive publications (as we have done in Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 of this series).
These hidden gems, obsessed over by automotive designers and engineers worldwide, deserve recognition.
We hope you enjoy the latest crop of our favorite design and engineering details – elements that we think capture and celebrate the artistry of automotive innovation.
The Ford F150 Lightning’s Mega Power Frunk
Whether you’re an EV fan or not, the Ford F-150 Lightning’s Mega Power Frunk is hard to ignore.
Under its power-operated hood isn’t an engine, but a huge 14.1-cubic-foot lockable, water-resistant storage compartment that can hold up to 400 pounds of gear. Meanwhile, four 120V outlets let you power your devices on the go.
For a pickup, having this secure, dry storage is a total game-changer.
The Hyundai Palisade’s UV Clean
Moving upscale in a big way, Hyundai fully redesigned its three-row SUV, the Palisade, this past year. One standout feature is its UV-C Sterilization Compartment in the center console.
First introduced in the 2024 Santa Fe as a tray in the glovebox, the UV-C Sterilization Compartment is a first-of-its-kind feature for the auto industry that can eliminate 99.9% of germs on your phone with a quick burst of UV light. Say goodbye to that germy phone (or keys or whatever can fit inside the compartment) for good!
The Lexus GX Overtrail’s Tires
To kick its go-anywhere capability up a notch, Lexus upgraded its GX Overtrail with aggressive off-road tires.
The 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/Ts feature knobby treads for enhanced grip and river-fording capability, with 9.84 inches of ground clearance, while still allowing you to tow over 9,000 pounds.
The Infiniti QX80’s Light Path
Inspired by Japan’s tradition of thoughtful hospitality, Infiniti’s new QX80 puts on a dramatic lighting show to welcome you aboard.
As you approach with the key fob, flush door handles extend and the emblem illuminates, triggering a synchronized LED animation that spreads outward across the vehicle. The finale is the Infiniti Light Path itself: a striking ground projection with the Infiniti name and a wing-like geometric form that extends outward. Your chariot awaits.
The Cadillac Escalade-V’s Active Quad Exhaust
Last but not least, Cadillac’s high-performance flagship SUV, the Escalade-V, flexes serious muscle with its 682-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. However, it’s the vehicle’s rear design that stands out with two sets of gleaming dual tailpipes integrated into an aggressive diffuser, giving it a commanding stance.
And true to Cadillac form, an active exhaust system lets you cruise in quiet Stealth Mode or unleash a full Sport Mode roar.
