above / below> mercedes f015
this year ‘s winners of the eyes on design awards at north american international auto show in detroit have been announced. there were very few concept cars offered and except for the mercedes futuristic f015 (above) they were quite restrained. the production models stars were super cars like ford’s gt and acura’s nsx. the judges are an all-star cast of former auto design studio chiefs.
above> acura nsx
[ eyes on design awards ]
best designed production vehicle sponsored by lacks wheel trim systems (above)
finalists: acura nsx, ford gt, mercedes benz gle class coupe
winner: ford gt
judges cited the winner as “capturing the original gt40 in a modern interpretation…and the optimism it showcases for both the ford brand and the industry.”
best designed concept vehicle sponsored by dassault systemes (above)
finalists: chevrolet bolt ev, buick avenir, mercedes benz f015
winner: buick avenir
judges cited the avenir as “something special that you could tell designers really liked doing…it represents presence, elegance, sportiness all rolled into one.”
innovative use of color, graphics & materials sponsored by axalta (above)
finalists: audi q7, buick avenir, mercedes benz f015, vw cross coupe gle
winner: buick avenir
judges cited its “attention to detail…the way its materials worked together…its understated elegance which was true to the brand.”
best designed interior sponsored by abc group (above)
finalists: audi q7, buick avenir, infiniti q60
winner: audi q7
judges cited its “beautiful theme…wonderful fit and finish…great ergonomics and use of materials.”
and finally, the 2015 catalyst award was presented to automotive veteran robert lutz. lutz, senior advisor at katzkin leather interiors and patrick le quement of renault will receive the lifetime design achievement award.
the 21 june eyes on design automotive design exhibition will be held at the edsel & eleanor ford house in grosse pointe shores, michigan.
for additional information visit [ eyes on design ] or contact judi dara 313 824 4710. sponsorship information > cyndy doherty 313 515 9050. media inquiries > kathy lightbody at 313 587 6677.
