Article Summary
- Hussein Al Attar is leaving BMW Group and Designworks after 14 years to take on the role of Design Director at General Motors' Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California.
- During his professional journey, Al Attar played a key role in the exterior design of numerous iconic BMW models, including the F87 M2 Coupe, the 6 Series Gran Turismo, the X6, and the BMW M Hybrid V8 Le Mans race car, as well as the lighting design for the 4 Series Coupe.
- Al Attar is moving into a forward-thinking role at GM's California studio, which focuses on advanced and concept design, granting him the creative liberty to shape the future look of the brand's vehicles.
In the car industry, certain individuals leave a mark so unmistakable that you can perceive their impact on a vehicle even before knowing their name. Hussein Al Attar is one of these remarkable people. After a distinguished 14 years with BMW and Designworks, he is transitioning to the Design Director position at General Motors’ Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California. While I’m excited for his new chapter, BMW will miss an exceptionally gifted designer.
Hussein shared his move on LinkedIn, thanking his BMW family for 14 extraordinary years filled with thrilling projects, obstacles, and wonderful colleagues who have influenced his path as a designer. His achievements are significant, and here are some key details.
The Creator of the F87 M2
For many years, whenever I met someone in the BMW community, I would introduce Hussein with the same phrase: “This is Hussein. He designed the M2.” That was all that was needed. The excitement would be evident on people’s faces, and handshakes would feel more welcoming. The F87 BMW M2 Coupe is a vehicle that bestows its designer with true street credibility, not merely professional recognition. Compact, assertive, and genuine, the M2 showcases its design like a fighter conscious of its capabilities. Hussein was the lead designer for that model, and whenever the M2 is brought up, it is the F87 that immediately comes to mind.
This introduction grew to be a bit of a recurring joke between us over the years.
Next Up: The 6 Series Gran Turismo
Shortly thereafter, Hussein assumed the role of Lead Exterior Designer for the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, a model that stands in stark contrast to the M2. While the M2 was compact and robust, the 6 Series GT was elongated, elevated, and maybe a bit too unconventional for my preferences. It was a four-door grand tourer crafted for those wishing to travel across continents without creasing their suits, yet who might not have the means for a 7 Series.
I updated my introduction accordingly: “This is Hussein. He designed the 6 Series GT.” He found this humorous, and we laughed about it for years — the idea that his career fluctuated between two extremely different automotive philosophies. Compact M car for enthusiasts
Article Summary
- Hussein Al Attar is leaving BMW Group and Designworks after 14 years to take on the role of Design Director at General Motors’ Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California.
- During his professional journey, Al Attar played a key role in the exterior design of numerous iconic BMW models, including the F87 M2 Coupe, the 6 Series Gran Turismo, the X6, and the BMW M Hybrid V8 Le Mans race car, as well as the lighting design for the 4 Series Coupe.
- Al Attar is moving into a forward-thinking role at GM’s California studio, which focuses on advanced and concept design, granting him the creative liberty to shape the future look of the brand’s vehicles.
In the car industry, certain individuals leave a mark so unmistakable that you can perceive their impact on a vehicle even before knowing their name. Hussein Al Attar is one of these remarkable people. After a distinguished 14 years with BMW and Designworks, he is transitioning to the Design Director position at General Motors’ Advanced Design Studio in Pasadena, California. While I’m excited for his new chapter, BMW will miss an exceptionally gifted designer.
Hussein shared his move on LinkedIn, thanking his BMW family for 14 extraordinary years filled with thrilling projects, obstacles, and wonderful colleagues who have influenced his path as a designer. His achievements are significant, and here are some key details.
The Creator of the F87 M2
For many years, whenever I met someone in the BMW community, I would introduce Hussein with the same phrase: “This is Hussein. He designed the M2.” That was all that was needed. The excitement would be evident on people’s faces, and handshakes would feel more welcoming. The F87 BMW M2 Coupe is a vehicle that bestows its designer with true street credibility, not merely professional recognition. Compact, assertive, and genuine, the M2 showcases its design like a fighter conscious of its capabilities. Hussein was the lead designer for that model, and whenever the M2 is brought up, it is the F87 that immediately comes to mind.
This introduction grew to be a bit of a recurring joke between us over the years.
Next Up: The 6 Series Gran Turismo
Shortly thereafter, Hussein assumed the role of Lead Exterior Designer for the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, a model that stands in stark contrast to the M2. While the M2 was compact and robust, the 6 Series GT was elongated, elevated, and maybe a bit too unconventional for my preferences. It was a four-door grand tourer crafted for those wishing to travel across continents without creasing their suits, yet who might not have the means for a 7 Series.
I updated my introduction accordingly: “This is Hussein. He designed the 6 Series GT.” He found this humorous, and we laughed about it for years — the idea that his career fluctuated between two extremely different automotive philosophies. Compact M car for enthusiasts
