Owners and aficionados have long known that Mercedes-Benz has stood apart from the rest because of its fine craftsmanship, powerful performance, and sophisticated elegance. So it comes as no surprise that Mercedes-Benz made the short list for the 2015 World Car Awards. Twice. The C-Class is a finalist for the World Car Awards Design of the Year 2015 and the S-Class is a finalist for World Luxury Car of the Year 2015. If you have driven one, you understand. If you own one, you know.
A panel of five narrowed the field down to the short lists this year. Composed of Masatsugu Arumoto of Japan, Silvia Baruffaldi of Italy, Gernot Bracht of Germany, Tom Matano of USA, and Sam Livingstone of the UK, each highly respected designer brings a unique strategy and strength to the task at hand as well as a passion for automotive design.
Bracht shares his strategy with WCOTY: “At first, it is a spontaneous ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’ decision. There are cars you would never vote for because they are against your own design philosophy.” Baruffaldi has a different approach: “I start deleting the less significant models first, in order to narrow the selections. Then comes the more difficult part, to pick up only five of the remaining nominees.”
Judging the quality of a vehicle’s design comes down to a certain balance between proportion and shape, as well as between form and function. In addition to these key elements, notes Arimoto, “being consistent with the brand’s identity.” Matano adds “I always look for a ‘newness’, indicating a new direction in design, or the innovative approach of blending function/technology and aesthetics.” For Livingstone, standout candidates are “the ones that move the discipline of car design forward in useful, relevant (for today and tomorrow) ways, and that are well executed.”
The finalists for the 2015 World Car Awards were announced earlier this year, a diverse representation across a wide range of vehicles. The design panel eagerly awaits the final results from the jury’s vote in April at the New York Auto Show in April. What makes the awards so significant, notes Matano, is that “the jurors come from a truly global scope. It’s truly global and very neutral.”
The only thing left to do is experience the C-Class or S-Class for yourself. Take a ride in a vehicle as distinctive as you are. Make your statement.
Friday, March 13, 2015
VW Passat nominated World Car of the Year 2015
To drive a Volkswagen is to experience passion. Engineering and fueling passion is at the heart of Volkswagen. And it caught the eye of the panelists at the World Car Awards 2015, landing the Volkswagen Passat as a finalist for World Car of the Year 2015.
To get to this point, a panel of five of the most highly respected designers in the industry had the formidable task of narrowing the field for the jury to vote for. Masatsugu Arumoto of Japan, Silvia Baruffaldi of Italy, Gernot Bracht of Germany, Tom Matano of USA, and Sam Livingstone of the UK. Each brings a unique strategy and strength to the task at hand as well as a passion for automotive design. Bracht explains that “at first, it is a spontaneous ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’ decision. There are cars you would never vote for because they are against your own design philosophy.” Conversely, Baruffaldi says she starts “deleting the less significant models first, in order to narrow the selections. Then comes the more difficult part, to pick up only five of the remaining nominees.”
The panel says that the final decisions come down to a certain balance between proportion and shape, as well as between form and function. In addition to these key elements, notes Arimoto, “being consistent with the brand’s identity.” Matano adds “I always look for a ‘newness’, indicating a new direction in design, or the innovative approach of blending function/technology and aesthetics.” For Livingstone, standout candidates are “the ones that move the discipline of car design forward in useful, relevant (for today and tomorrow) ways, and that are well executed.”
...
Continue reading at Gurley Leep Volkswagen
To get to this point, a panel of five of the most highly respected designers in the industry had the formidable task of narrowing the field for the jury to vote for. Masatsugu Arumoto of Japan, Silvia Baruffaldi of Italy, Gernot Bracht of Germany, Tom Matano of USA, and Sam Livingstone of the UK. Each brings a unique strategy and strength to the task at hand as well as a passion for automotive design. Bracht explains that “at first, it is a spontaneous ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’ decision. There are cars you would never vote for because they are against your own design philosophy.” Conversely, Baruffaldi says she starts “deleting the less significant models first, in order to narrow the selections. Then comes the more difficult part, to pick up only five of the remaining nominees.”
The panel says that the final decisions come down to a certain balance between proportion and shape, as well as between form and function. In addition to these key elements, notes Arimoto, “being consistent with the brand’s identity.” Matano adds “I always look for a ‘newness’, indicating a new direction in design, or the innovative approach of blending function/technology and aesthetics.” For Livingstone, standout candidates are “the ones that move the discipline of car design forward in useful, relevant (for today and tomorrow) ways, and that are well executed.”
...
Continue reading at Gurley Leep Volkswagen
3 Audis make final World Car Awards list
2015 World Car Award Finalists
The short lists are now in for the 2015 World Car Awards.
To get to this point, a panel of five of the most highly respected designers in the industry had the formidable task of narrowing the field for the jury to vote for. Masatsugu Arumoto of Japan, Silvia Baruffaldi of Italy, Gernot Bracht of Germany, Tom Matano of USA, and Sam Livingstone of the UK. Each brings a unique strategy and strength to the task at hand as well as a passion for automotive design.
Bracht: “At first, it is a spontaneous ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’ decision. There are cars you would never vote for because they are against your own design philosophy.”
Baruffaldi: “I start deleting the less significant models first, in order to narrow the selections. Then comes the more difficult part, to pick up only five of the remaining nominees.”
Judging the quality of a vehicle’s design comes down to a certain balance between proportion and shape, as well as between form and function. In addition to these key elements, notes Arimoto, “being consistent with the brand’s identity.” Matano adds “I always look for a ‘newness’, indicating a new direction in design, or the innovative approach of blending function/technology and aesthetics.” For Livingstone, standout candidates are “the ones that move the discipline of car design forward in useful, relevant (for today and tomorrow) ways, and that are well executed.”
When it comes to “genres” and car design – from SUV to sport coupe to luxury limo – this is not something the panel focuses on when judging candidates. The same criteria applies for all candidates, the panel agrees. “I do not pay much attention to categorization, because it is not important for customers,” says Arimoto. “…Good design can be done in any category. People fall in love with a car not because of its categorization but its design.”
The only time categorization becomes more pertinent is as we move forward, into the future. Boundaries with car categories are becoming increasingly blurred. “Broadly I see more ‘mash-ups’ of existing genres,” observes Livingstone, “particularly those that sit around the lifestyle end of the crossover/SUV space…”
When inquired about the potential of a new “autonomous drive” category within the World Car Design of the Year Award, Baruffaldi commented, “Autonomous driving is definitely the issue of the future: It will be interesting to see, for example, how the on-board space will be reorganized… But probably, at the beginning, the autonomous features will simply be added to the cars as they are today, so adding an additional category won’t be immediately necessary.” Tom Matano agreed, adding “I still believe that the criteria for what is good design doesn’t need to change. If an autonomous vehicle changes proportion due to what it does, inside and so on, we will be judging the correctness of that proportion.”
The finalists for the 2015 World Car Awards were announced earlier this year, a diverse representation across a wide range of vehicles. The design panel eagerly awaits the final results from the jury’s vote in April at the New York Auto Show in April. What makes the awards so significant, notes Matano, is that “the jurors come from a truly global scope. It’s truly global and very neutral.”
Click here for the full 2015 WCOTY report
NEXT STEPS
View Audi Finalists:
2015 Audi S1: Contact Audi Michiana
2015 Audi S3
2015 Audi TT
The short lists are now in for the 2015 World Car Awards.
To get to this point, a panel of five of the most highly respected designers in the industry had the formidable task of narrowing the field for the jury to vote for. Masatsugu Arumoto of Japan, Silvia Baruffaldi of Italy, Gernot Bracht of Germany, Tom Matano of USA, and Sam Livingstone of the UK. Each brings a unique strategy and strength to the task at hand as well as a passion for automotive design.
Bracht: “At first, it is a spontaneous ‘like’ or ‘don’t like’ decision. There are cars you would never vote for because they are against your own design philosophy.”
Baruffaldi: “I start deleting the less significant models first, in order to narrow the selections. Then comes the more difficult part, to pick up only five of the remaining nominees.”
Judging the quality of a vehicle’s design comes down to a certain balance between proportion and shape, as well as between form and function. In addition to these key elements, notes Arimoto, “being consistent with the brand’s identity.” Matano adds “I always look for a ‘newness’, indicating a new direction in design, or the innovative approach of blending function/technology and aesthetics.” For Livingstone, standout candidates are “the ones that move the discipline of car design forward in useful, relevant (for today and tomorrow) ways, and that are well executed.”
When it comes to “genres” and car design – from SUV to sport coupe to luxury limo – this is not something the panel focuses on when judging candidates. The same criteria applies for all candidates, the panel agrees. “I do not pay much attention to categorization, because it is not important for customers,” says Arimoto. “…Good design can be done in any category. People fall in love with a car not because of its categorization but its design.”
The only time categorization becomes more pertinent is as we move forward, into the future. Boundaries with car categories are becoming increasingly blurred. “Broadly I see more ‘mash-ups’ of existing genres,” observes Livingstone, “particularly those that sit around the lifestyle end of the crossover/SUV space…”
When inquired about the potential of a new “autonomous drive” category within the World Car Design of the Year Award, Baruffaldi commented, “Autonomous driving is definitely the issue of the future: It will be interesting to see, for example, how the on-board space will be reorganized… But probably, at the beginning, the autonomous features will simply be added to the cars as they are today, so adding an additional category won’t be immediately necessary.” Tom Matano agreed, adding “I still believe that the criteria for what is good design doesn’t need to change. If an autonomous vehicle changes proportion due to what it does, inside and so on, we will be judging the correctness of that proportion.”
The finalists for the 2015 World Car Awards were announced earlier this year, a diverse representation across a wide range of vehicles. The design panel eagerly awaits the final results from the jury’s vote in April at the New York Auto Show in April. What makes the awards so significant, notes Matano, is that “the jurors come from a truly global scope. It’s truly global and very neutral.”
Click here for the full 2015 WCOTY report
NEXT STEPS
View Audi Finalists:
2015 Audi S1: Contact Audi Michiana
2015 Audi S3
2015 Audi TT
Thursday, March 12, 2015
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster: Leading the curve
AN ICON COMES TO LIFE
There are few cars that can pull from 60 years of history. It comes from an endless devotion to innovation. A passion for perfection. This is the sports car for drivers.
The classic two-seat cockpit embraces you the same way the SL hugs the road. Forward thinking and still rooted in roadster tradition, technologies abound that reflect your passion for life. From its season-extending AIRSCARF® system to innovative sun-reflecting leather that’s still carefully fitted to each seat by hand.
In seconds, the SL’s signature retractable power hardtop transforms from coupe to open roadster, allowing you to take full advantage of the day. The standard Panorama roof features a see-through panel and sliding sunshade, allowing you the options of a breezy top down feel or hardtop in the shade drive. For additional customized options at the touch of a button, the exclusive MAGIC SKY CONTROL® lets you darken the roof’s glass panel electronically.
Surround yourself with clear standard Harman/kardon surround sound. Delivering 600 watts of crystal clear audio, even with the top down, this is an innovative system where the FrontBass® subwoofers utilize parts of the aluminum body structure as acoustic chambers. Conversely, you can immerse yourself in the luxuriance and artistry of the 900-watt, 7.1 channel Bang & Olufsen® BeoSound Premium Sound System...
There are few cars that can pull from 60 years of history. It comes from an endless devotion to innovation. A passion for perfection. This is the sports car for drivers.
The classic two-seat cockpit embraces you the same way the SL hugs the road. Forward thinking and still rooted in roadster tradition, technologies abound that reflect your passion for life. From its season-extending AIRSCARF® system to innovative sun-reflecting leather that’s still carefully fitted to each seat by hand.
In seconds, the SL’s signature retractable power hardtop transforms from coupe to open roadster, allowing you to take full advantage of the day. The standard Panorama roof features a see-through panel and sliding sunshade, allowing you the options of a breezy top down feel or hardtop in the shade drive. For additional customized options at the touch of a button, the exclusive MAGIC SKY CONTROL® lets you darken the roof’s glass panel electronically.
Surround yourself with clear standard Harman/kardon surround sound. Delivering 600 watts of crystal clear audio, even with the top down, this is an innovative system where the FrontBass® subwoofers utilize parts of the aluminum body structure as acoustic chambers. Conversely, you can immerse yourself in the luxuriance and artistry of the 900-watt, 7.1 channel Bang & Olufsen® BeoSound Premium Sound System...
Monday, March 9, 2015
Five Audis worth looking at
When it comes to ratings, Audi has always earned the highest marks. And
with trusted online automotive advisor Edmunds.com, this is no exception. Five
of Audi’s defining sedans were awarded A’s. Top honors indeed. And while four
of them are 2014 models, there is confidence in knowing Audi’s dedication to
ongoing excellence and perfection. No doubt the next models will make the
subsequent list.
2015 Audi A3
The 2015 Audi A3 is the award-winning luxury compact car that leaves a big impression. Premium design, craftsmanship and impressive performance, this is the Audi that proves there are no limitations.
2014 Audi A4
Put the status quo on notice with your arrival. The Audi A4 is a statement of timeless style and unrivaled craftsmanship. It doesn’t compromise. Because you don’t compromise.
2014 Audi A6 TDI
The Audi A6 TDI delivers it all: impressive power, cutting-edge technology, a beautifully crafted interior. It commands attention and has the details to keep it.
2014 Audi A8
An unrivaled level of luxury, craftsmanship and performance, the A8 takes your arrival and turns it into a statement.
2014 Audi RS7
Pure performance. Impressive style. The RS7 captures all the senses and inspires. But you were never one to take the backseat, either.
See Audi Michiana for more information
Wednesday, March 4, 2015
2015 Volkswagen Touareg: Keeping it smart
The reviews are in on the 2016 Touareg and the critics are raving. Volkswagen didn't have to make too many changes on this model but when a crossover is this impressive, you don't have to.
The overall redesign is subtle. Exterior details such as the grille and front end have been molded to carefully mimic VW's auto line. To give the Touareg a more conventional crossover look, it has been given a slightly wider body, longer wheel body, longer wheelbase and length. It also provides greater functionality. More space!
The Touareg has some great SUV-like features: standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive, a rated towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, hands-free liftgate, and more than 6 inches of fore/aft travel with the split folding rear seat...
Read more at Gurley Leep Motorwerks: 2015 Volkswagen Touareg, Still Smart
The overall redesign is subtle. Exterior details such as the grille and front end have been molded to carefully mimic VW's auto line. To give the Touareg a more conventional crossover look, it has been given a slightly wider body, longer wheel body, longer wheelbase and length. It also provides greater functionality. More space!
The Touareg has some great SUV-like features: standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive, a rated towing capacity of 7,716 pounds, hands-free liftgate, and more than 6 inches of fore/aft travel with the split folding rear seat...
Read more at Gurley Leep Motorwerks: 2015 Volkswagen Touareg, Still Smart
Never Compromise: The All-New 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet
When you come to think of it, the all-new 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet can be considered optimism on display. When driven with the top down, it communicates that you look on the bright side of life. No rain. No worries. The very act of acceleration opens you up to a world and its possibilities.
Not just this, the redesigned A3 Cabriolet is a statement of self-assurance. This is the vehicle for those who do not compromise because it is designed to hold its own beside vehicles with a much larger price tag. Perhaps it’s best to call it happy, but not frivolous, since it is a soft-top. It’s a versatile performer that offers ample interior comforts along with the sensibility of available quattro® all-wheel drive capabilities, should the weather require you to put the top up.
And it is, inside and out, an Audi. From its three-spoke steering wheel to the signature Tornado line bisecting the carriage, there is no mistaking the styling or interior that is distinctly Audi. While the industry’s current trend has been moving toward hard-tops, the choice in making a fabric soft-top has its advantages. One is ample cargo space. As a result of Audi engineering and design, allowing for a soft top provides ample trunk space. It’s also easier to retract and open—a push of a button can raise the roof in as little as 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. And with a heated rear window, optimized window for sound absorbency and Aluminum-optic trim around the shoulder line, the soft top delivers all-weather performance and style too.
As you can see, the purpose of the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet is true. Compromise is not an option. It hasn’t been when it comes to design or function from Audi. And it shouldn’t be with what you choose to drive...
Read more at Audi Michiana
Not just this, the redesigned A3 Cabriolet is a statement of self-assurance. This is the vehicle for those who do not compromise because it is designed to hold its own beside vehicles with a much larger price tag. Perhaps it’s best to call it happy, but not frivolous, since it is a soft-top. It’s a versatile performer that offers ample interior comforts along with the sensibility of available quattro® all-wheel drive capabilities, should the weather require you to put the top up.
And it is, inside and out, an Audi. From its three-spoke steering wheel to the signature Tornado line bisecting the carriage, there is no mistaking the styling or interior that is distinctly Audi. While the industry’s current trend has been moving toward hard-tops, the choice in making a fabric soft-top has its advantages. One is ample cargo space. As a result of Audi engineering and design, allowing for a soft top provides ample trunk space. It’s also easier to retract and open—a push of a button can raise the roof in as little as 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph. And with a heated rear window, optimized window for sound absorbency and Aluminum-optic trim around the shoulder line, the soft top delivers all-weather performance and style too.
As you can see, the purpose of the 2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet is true. Compromise is not an option. It hasn’t been when it comes to design or function from Audi. And it shouldn’t be with what you choose to drive...
Read more at Audi Michiana
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
The Audi TT: An Instant Classic
When the first Audi TT made its European debut in 1998, the stars seemed to be in perfect alignment and an iconic sports car was born. Now, sixteen years after that momentous occasion, the third-generation TT stands poised to carry on the tradition.
At the introduction, the original was considered a daring design. A bold, geometric styling, the TT stood out from everything at the time, establishing a reputation as a revolutionary, a truly radical vehicle. Keeping this in mind, the Audi design team worked to keep that spirit alive in the latest incarnation of the TT as they reshaped the icon.
The first impression will be the strong horizontal lines that dominate the front. The new, broader Singleframe® grille flatters the face of the TT, grabbing for immediate attention. The signature four rings have been relocated to the hood, an inspiration taken from the R8. Taking in the rest of the vehicle, you’ll no doubt pick up on influences from the first generation, such as front wheel arches that extend up past the hood line, morph across the doors into a distinctive line that are dubbed the Tornado line, then grace back to the tail. There are subtler details that pay homage to the original such as the fuel filler door, surrounded by socket screws.
One beautiful added element didn’t need to look to the past for inspiration, however: LED lighting. The new TT features distinct LED daytime running lights that not only provide brilliant pinpoints to the complete design, but helps ensure that the TT is visible to other cars on the road.
The interior is just as impressive and features some dramatic changes. The dashboard, inspired by the wing of an aircraft, shows off smooth, pure lines that are echoed through the rest of the vehicle. Numerous details can be found throughout that speak to the intense level of craftsmanship all Audi vehicles are known for. From the redesigned, split gear lever and the precision engagement of the MMI® rotary push button to the finely crafted speaker covers with unique light guides that come with the available Bang & Olufsen® sound system, the details make the sum of the Audi TT even greater than its parts...
Read more at Audi Michiana
At the introduction, the original was considered a daring design. A bold, geometric styling, the TT stood out from everything at the time, establishing a reputation as a revolutionary, a truly radical vehicle. Keeping this in mind, the Audi design team worked to keep that spirit alive in the latest incarnation of the TT as they reshaped the icon.
The first impression will be the strong horizontal lines that dominate the front. The new, broader Singleframe® grille flatters the face of the TT, grabbing for immediate attention. The signature four rings have been relocated to the hood, an inspiration taken from the R8. Taking in the rest of the vehicle, you’ll no doubt pick up on influences from the first generation, such as front wheel arches that extend up past the hood line, morph across the doors into a distinctive line that are dubbed the Tornado line, then grace back to the tail. There are subtler details that pay homage to the original such as the fuel filler door, surrounded by socket screws.
One beautiful added element didn’t need to look to the past for inspiration, however: LED lighting. The new TT features distinct LED daytime running lights that not only provide brilliant pinpoints to the complete design, but helps ensure that the TT is visible to other cars on the road.
The interior is just as impressive and features some dramatic changes. The dashboard, inspired by the wing of an aircraft, shows off smooth, pure lines that are echoed through the rest of the vehicle. Numerous details can be found throughout that speak to the intense level of craftsmanship all Audi vehicles are known for. From the redesigned, split gear lever and the precision engagement of the MMI® rotary push button to the finely crafted speaker covers with unique light guides that come with the available Bang & Olufsen® sound system, the details make the sum of the Audi TT even greater than its parts...
Read more at Audi Michiana
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