AutoZine Awards 2007

Styling of the year: Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione

Last year the automotive industry gave birth to many cool designs, but among them there was only one really inspired emotion and caught our heart instantly - Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

The 8C Competizione was born in 2003 Frankfurt motor show as a concept car. Few people expected it to go production then, but fortunately Alfa did not want to waste such a good material. It decided to build 500 units of the car largely based on the mechanicals of Maserati. The production car was unveiled in last year's Frankfurt show so that it qualified for our Styling of the Year Award.

Unlike the recent Alfa Romeo Brera / Spider and 159, the 8C Competizione was designed inhouse rather than by Italdesign Giugiaro. Alfa Romeo Style Center referred to past legends like Tipo 33 Stradale and Giulia TZ for the inspiration of the car. This resulted in a classical shape and many elegant details.

The nose is the highlight of the design. A triangular bonnet draws attention to the signature triangular grille (there is still no one can make a prettier grille than Alfa Romeo, by the way). At either side of the grille is a big intake with chromed surround at the top edge and a fog lamp at the end. They are shaped, decorated and integrated so well that the whole thing looks very elegant.

The shape of the car is actually quite retro. It has muscular flanks and flowing curves like those sports cars of the 1960s. It doesn't have crease lines at both sides, unlike most modern designs. In this design, what you see is simplicity, power and dynamic. Even in static, it looks hungry for motion. Like a Spanish beauty - very sexy, emotional and a little wild. Alfa Romeo Style Center brought us a car that everybody recognizes as a beautiful design.

 

Runner up:
Volvo S80
S80 hits the right balance between elegance and dynamic for an executive sedan. Although it breaks no new ground for Volvo's design, it is the best ever interpretation of the design theme started with S60.

Volvo S80 Gallery
 Mercedes-Benz CL-class

An elegant and romantic design with half the visual impact of CLS but without its controversy. The sides and tail look better than the nose.

Mercedes-Benz CL-class Gallery
 Audi TT

Is it a progress from the original TT ? I doubt. Anyway, great detailings and a special shape continue to attract attention. A high quality design nonetheless.

Audi TT Gallery
Past winners: 
2006  Citroen C6
2005  Citroen C4
2004  Bentley Continental GT
2003  Nissan March (Micra)
2002  Lamborghini Murcielago
2001  Alfa Romeo 147
2000  Toyota Yaris
1999  Chrysler 300M
 
 Next: Concept Car of the Year ....
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