For an automobile designer, its likely that few things rival the thrill of seeing an idea turned into reality. Toasts are made, curtains dropped, and, when the planets align properly, customers line up en masse to buy a little slice of that dream for themselves. While compromises in the name of safety, efficiency, and cost-cutting can certainly dull the cutting edge, elements of pure design and hints of unadulterated beauty do break though the noise and make production. Here are a few design details that did just that and resonated with the C/D staff this year:
Audi TT Vents
The time Audi invested in designing these functional works of miniature art might explain why the rest of the TT looks so much like the previous one.
Volvo S90 Door-Panel Speaker Grilles
The shapely grilles of the B&W audio system allow a tantalizing peek at the creamy gold Kevlar cones that sound great.
BMW M3/M4 Competition Package Wheels
These are the snowflakes that God would make if he owned a CNC mill.
Jeep Renegade Sasquatch
Why does it have the silhouette of Sasquatch on its rear window? Because Chupacabra’s agent wanted too much money.
Mercedes-Benz Puddle Lamps
The Mercedes puddle-lamp projection is so detailed that, if you bend down and run your hand across it, you can feel the pebbled texture of the badge. Well, actually, you’re just feeling pebbles on the ground, but it’s impressive nonetheless.
Bugatti Chiron C-Shaped Intake
This graceful sweeping piece of body-side trim makes us forget the chubby bug that was the Bugatti Veyron.
Ford GT Flying Buttresses
Do the flying buttresses at Notre-Dame Cathedral transport air from the intercoolers to the engine? No, sir. But Ford’s do.
Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary Wheels
Black wheels are so over. Give us low-gloss bronze-colored ones—earthy, with just the right touch of glimmer.
Volvo XC90 T8 Crystal Shifter
Straight out of your great-aunt’s curio cabinet comes this Orrefors crystal shifter. It can also be removed and filled with the fancy salt of your choice to make a great tabletop accompaniment for your heirloom china.
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