In a short space of time, Ian Callum and the team at CALLUM have formed a design studio and engineering workshop, enlisted the support of 18 experienced people and revealed its first project, the Vanquish 25 by CALLUM. We caught up with Ian Callum to uncover more details of the Aston Martin, the background to CALLUM's offering and its plans.
What have you most enjoyed since establishing CALLUM?
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I am doing what I love, sitting down and designing. After 20 years at Jaguar, we had created a fantastic team, but the role was more about leadership as much as it was about creativity. Now I'm sketching and being more creative every day. As an example, we've designed and produced the first visual and dynamic prototypes of the Vanquish 25, all in just a few months.
I've spent 50 years learning and now I want to put all that into practice on my own projects. It's incredibly satisfying and I'm enjoying getting up and coming into work every day.
What are you most passionate about CALLUM in terms of client offering?
I'm out to prove that I've still got it and can push the boundaries.
We are all very passionate here about being truly creative. Personally, I'm also out to prove that I've still got it and can push the boundaries. We'll focus on 'Journeys to Destinations', and all that encompasses, so bespoke and limited-edition products associated with transport and that are important when you get to the destination. That's going to include things we have never designed.
We're also keen to explore collaborations further. You saw the partnerships with R-Reforged, Mulberry, Bremont, Bridge of Weir and Michelin in the Vanquish 25. Expect more collaborations going forward.
Could we talk a little about the Aston Martin Vanquish 25, its visual design changes and how they add to the story?
It's over 20 years since I first sketched the Vanquish and revisiting it is something I've wanted to do for some time. A lot has changed since then; materials and technology have come a long way, so we don't have the restrictions that we faced then. I've changed too and had a chance to reflect about what the car needed. It never had a true facelift period; I think the car deserved that second chance, so that's what we've done. In total what we've done with Vanquish 25 adds up to over one hundred design, performance and vehicle dynamics changes to the car. The first thing you notice is the stance; it is now wider and lower, giving it a stronger presence. Visually it is much more refined.
What do you rate as the biggest improvement to the Vanquish 25?
I think the interior is where you'll see the biggest improvements. We have the new Bremont cluster, pocket watch, our CALLUM abstract tartan and a revised centre console with new infotainment. We've worked hard to improve the experience. Details such as lowering the seating position, opting for a finer steering wheel and revising the shifters. When combined, these changes genuinely transform the driving experience.
Under the skin details have received an equal amount of attention. There's more performance from the 5.9 litre V12. We've extracted an extra 60bhp and have introduced a new carbon induction and glorious sounding exhaust system. With stiffer anti-roll bars, tuned dampers, custom springs and lower ride height, we've improved the handling, steering response and reduced roll but crucially allowed the damping to 'breathe' a little more. The car now actually feels lighter than the original and feels more alive, it's a dramatic improvement.
Chinese tastes are increasingly influencing the design of cars driven not just in China, but around the world. How do you see that influencing design of luxury cars?
It is having an influence and is something that needs to be considered. For example, we see more brightwork on the exterior to appeal to that market. Additionally, my experience of the market indicates that it's preferable for cars with leather interior to not smell of leather. Those factors could affect the design going forward.
How do you see electric vehicles influencing exterior design?
Packaging and legislation will always be a factor that influences design, whatever the powertrain. With the requirements set, it's easy to end up with very similar silhouettes. But the 'skateboard' architecture and compact drivetrains of an EV do offer the flexibility to be creative and explore concepts that aren't feasible with conventional monocoque structures. I-Pace is a good example of being able to produce something that doesn't look like anything else.
What's next for CALLUM? Travel, audio, furniture? And in the longer term, building a car from scratch perhaps?
We want to make bespoke products and that could be anything.
It's very early days but I'm keen to do all of those. We are a start up and doing Vanquish was an exciting and appropriate first project. Eventually, we'd like to create our own car, but this is the first step. We will build from here and we will create products that aren't cars too. We want to make bespoke products and that could be anything. It's all about what excites us, and I don't want to constrain us. CALLUM is about having freedom to explore, try new things. Our facilities in Warwick allow us to produce a lot of things ourselves. We will soon have a trim shop alongside the paint facility and more additive manufacturing to be able to do even more in-house.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Looking back, there was so much I didn't know about or even consider when I first started out in the industry. It was a big learning curve and a little daunting. You're constantly learning in life and I'm still taking on new things every day, so one big thing is to always listen and learn from those around you. You can learn something from everyone – whatever their age or experience – by listening.
I'd also tell myself to be more assertive. As I say, everyone has lessons and ideas to offer, so I'd do that with more conviction. Designers are here to innovate, to break rules and challenge the norm. People won't always agree with you and you won't always agree with them. Don't be afraid to speak your mind, break the mould and be the first to do something. We waste too much time worrying about what people think and if our ideas and thoughts are valid – face your fears, get out there and say it or do it.
