When it comes to automotive styling numerous design trends are popular today, but future vehicles are guaranteed to look very different. Functional styling elements will likely play a bigger role in exterior design, things like integrated air vents and spoilers. Naturally vehicle interiors will receive major updates as well, but arguably government regulations are the most important things driving change. Ever-increasing safety and fuel-economy standards are impacting automotive design in major ways.

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Daimler’s smart brand has partnered with BoConcept, a Danish interior design company to produce special furniture and accessories. A jazzed up fortwo cabrio is also a result of their cooperation.

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Starting with the 2014 model year, General Motors is looking to further differentiate the designs of its full-size SUVs, both inside and out.

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Hyundai will debut its next-generation Santa Fe crossover at the 2012 New York Auto Show in April, Motor Trend has confirmed.

Little is known about the new CUV, though the third-generation will probably feature the same drivetrain with somewhat improved performance and fuel economy. We’re also guessing the majority of aesthetic updates will be on the inside, keeping in line with the company’s other updated interior designs. Another example is the updated Elantra— you can see pictures-a-plenty of the futuristic design cues in our review.

The Santa Fe got an update in 2010 (pictured above), and the CUV isn’t a poor seller, but it isn’t great either falling into the middle range for overall sales last year with just over 74,000 units sold in North America. That’s a lot better than the abysmal 1,524 Azeras sold last year, or if you really want embarrassing numbers: 18 in December. It’s also nowhere near the Sonata, which capped 2011 off with almost 226,000 units sold.

While a fresh design and a little more horsepower isn’t going to slingshot the Santa Fe to such regal status among the fleet, it could stand to get current Hyundai customers back into the showroom at just the right time, when their 2010 leases are set to expire. Sales have been more-or-less stable since the update, but are on a slow decline, meaning the reiteration is probably a wise choice.

GALLERY: 2010 Hyundai Santa Fe

[Source: Motor Trend]

Oh Posh, what don’t you do? Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, has just added creative design director to her already impressive resume, as she’ll be designing the interior of the special edition Land Rover Range Rover Evoque.

Since being a pop star, model, soccer wife, yummy mummy, clothing designer and luxury style plate aren’t enough for this Brit, Victoria is set to put her name on the automotive world. The brand’s creative director, Gerry McGovern said, “Victoria understands luxury products. She is a Range Rover fan and has been a Range Rover owner for many years. Her fashion business is now in its third year and her designs are loved by critics and bought by many of the most stylish women in the world. I believe this appointment adds a new dimension to my design team as we continue to design products to appeal to a wider audience.”

The announcement came during the Range Rover’s 40th anniversary at Kensington Palace, at the same time the Range Rover Evoque was unveiled to the world.

“This is a very exciting collaboration,” Beckham said. “The classic British heritage of Range Rover and the effortless style, quality and beauty is something I truly admire and also what I hope to achieve with my own brand. I am honoured to take on this role and be part of the creative team.”

There are no prices attached to Posh’s special edition Range Rover Evoque, but something tells us that it’s not going to be a standard feature. Would you shell out the extra bucks just to say that your vehicle’s interior was designed by the one and only Mrs. Becks? And what do you think it will look like? We’re guessing a super slim design, accented by stilettos and Union Jack upholstery. Feel free to leave what you think the interior will look like in the comment section below.

[Source: Born Rich]