The winners of the most prestige product design awards, Red Dot, were unveiled in June in Germany. The design experts of international repute comprised the Red Dot jury , and the composition changes every year. To avoid conflicts of interest, the jurors may generally not be employees of the manufacturing industry.
A total of 11 carmakers received Red Dot: Best of the Best, Red Dot, and Honorable Mention awards. Let's take a look at the five Best of the Best award winning cars and products:
Audi AG's headlamp for Audi TT 3
Statement by the jury
"This full LED headlamp for the Audi TT3 successfully merges all elements into a symbiotic unity. With its highly impressive design, it serves as a dynamically shaped daytime running light as well as a progressive turn signal. This headlamp delivers a highly effective lighting performance thanks to its adaptive function of the glare-free "Matrix" high beam. With its futuristic design it underlines the distinctive character and expression of the Audi TT3."
Daimler AG's Mercedes-AMG GT sports car
Mercedes Formula One driver Nico Rosberg of Germany drives in the new Mercedes AMG GT super sports car on stage during its world premiere at the Mercedes AMG headquarters in Affalterbach near Stuttgart, Sept 9, 2014. [Photo / Agencies]
Statement by the jury
"The proportions of the Mercedes-AMG GT perfectly unite to form a statement of purity and precision. Its sculptural appeal, which is created by positively arched surfaces and a dome-shaped arched roof line, is fascinating. Each detail is assigned a corresponding functionality in the design, and nothing appears superfluous or artificial. Thus, the Mercedes-AMG GT embodies a very good example of a sophisticated sports car design."
Ferrari SpA's FXX K sports car
"As a further development derived from the LaFerrari high-performance racing car, complemented by a further refinement of all elements, the Ferrari FXX K showcases an appearance of extreme dynamics that embodies true novelty. An engaging design has developed a car whose tremendous engine power is striking at first sight. Also impressive is the visually well-defined interplay between interior and exterior. The Ferrari FXX K is perfectly balanced and delivers a sensational driving experience."
Mazda Motor Corp's MX-5 roadster
"The design of the fourth and latest generation Mazda MX-5 has managed without fault to pick up where its predecessor left off. This new roadster possesses a highly expressive and rather masculine identity. In an impressive manner, the car has also been developed into an all-rounder that should appeal to many different target groups. It is lighter, more agile and offers outstanding ride comfort as well as a perfect driving performance."
Volvo Car Group's XC90 SUV
"At first glance the Volvo XC90 communicates driving comfort and follows the demand for unconditional safety. Impressive features are its innovative safety package, including an auto brake assistant for intersections and the special passenger protection in case the car runs off the road. The design successfully balances an appearance of motorized power and dynamic, elegant lines. A design that is also entirely reflected in the interior."
