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# Modern Electrified Retro Automobiles
Shane Baxley Designs the TWO8eSL Reinterpretation

By Amy Duong | Published 2023-09-26 | Autos
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/two8esl
References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2023/09/25/check-out-this-modern-electrified-version-of-the-iconic-mercedes-benz-280sl/) & [shanebaxley](https://www.shanebaxley.com/)

![Modern Electrified Retro Automobiles](https://cdn.trendhunterstatic.com/thumbs/516/two8esl.jpeg)

Concept artist Shane Baxley designs the new TWO8eSL, which is essentially a modern version of its predecessor. It embodies a retrofuturistic look that is fueled by an electric drivetrain resting underneath. The artist's concept art can be seen throughout a series of movies such as Suicide Squad, The Transformers, and more. The original car was created by Friedrich Geiger and he is also who is responsible for the [Mercedes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mercedes-dresscode-concept) [300SL](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/finish-line-auto-club) coupe.

Baxley explains “My intention was to maintain this original funk in a slightly modernized proportion. [The car was] Modeled from the ground up in Maya, rendered in OTOY." There are two powerful LED lights that are detailed with a halftone graphic along the front to diffuse the glare.

Image Credit: Shane Baxley

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.1/10
- Popularity: 61% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 18%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Retrofuturistic Automobile Design:** The TWO8eSL showcases a retrofuturistic aesthetic with a modern twist, presenting an opportunity for designers to create new vehicles that blend nostalgia with advanced technologies.
- **Electric Drivetrain Integration:** The TWO8eSL's electric drivetrain highlights the growing trend towards electrification in the automotive industry, opening up opportunities for innovation in clean and sustainable transportation.
- **Artistic Concept Car Renderings:** Shane Baxley's concept art for the TWO8eSL demonstrates the potential for artists to contribute their creative vision to the automotive industry, inspiring unique and visually striking vehicle designs.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Automotive Design:** The TWO8eSL design represents an opportunity for automotive designers to explore retro-inspired concepts with modern features, meeting the demand for nostalgic aesthetics in the market.
- **Electric Vehicle Manufacturing:** The integration of an electric drivetrain in the TWO8eSL suggests opportunities for manufacturers to develop and produce retrofuturistic electric vehicles that cater to the growing demand for sustainable transportation.
- **Entertainment and Media:** The use of Shane Baxley's concept art in movies like Suicide Squad and The Transformers showcases the potential for automotive-inspired designs to have a significant presence in the entertainment and media industry, creating cross-promotional opportunities.

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