Gallery: Behold the Best-Designed Cars of 2015
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Porsche Mission E Concept: First, it's gorgeous! Although a concept car, it is simply stunning, and more of a hint for the next generation Porsche. But more than that, it's shows how much Tesla changed the industry and how the industry responds so positively to the challenge. *Editor's Note: This month, Porsche announced it will bring the Mission E to production, with a range of at least 300 miles.* — Gadi Amit, founder of San Francisco-based NewDealDesign.
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2016 Audi TT: What stands out is the flexibility of digital displays combined with the tactile reassurance of analog controls. The cockpit is oriented toward the driver. Unlike the majority of car manufacturers, Audi has thoughtfully chosen to discount the large center touch display that has become ubiquitous in the industry. Retaining the feel of tactile controls while providing the a display with the inherent flexibilities of digital feels like a natural evolution of the cockpit and dashboard. The TT’s interior dash display is a fantastically thought out and implemented solution that is situated toward the driver in terms of human capabilities and limitations. So far, it’s the best nod toward orienting digital interfaces towards usability with concern to the driver. A lot of thought has gone into the cockpit and dashboard, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed from the design industry. — Craig Erickson, design director at Artefact
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2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia: I have always been an Alfa fan. Finally, a four-door sports sedan in the BMW 3 series segment that stands out. The Alfa grille is well proportioned and the hood has a nice sculpture. The side section is new, and very sculptural. Overall, the car comes nicely together from all views and has a lean athletic look that is the best in the segment. A beautiful execution. Only comment to improve on in the facelift: More plane view in the front, and mine would have 20-inch wheels. — Henrik Fisker, designer of the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8, former CEO of Fisker Automotive.
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Mercedes-Benz F 015 Concept: This groundbreaking concept bravely explores how vehicles as we know them today may be transformed by the coming age of "automobility." The concept demonstrates the importance of designing holistically for a new category of vehicles made possible with the emergence of an autonomous vehicle fleet. Unique affordances for communicating intent to pedestrians, interior privacy, new interior configurations, and new ways to work with digital content all make this design particularly noteworthy. — Danny Stillion, executive design director at IDEO
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Mazda RX-Vision Concept: I created the third generation RX-7 (1992) to be a timeless design in the late 80s. It proved to be timeless after 23 years. Now, the RX-Vision, though a concept, makes a modern statement of classical proportions, in another timeless piece of automotive design, in a more dynamic way. Reflections on the car start a slow dance at the front edge, the drama evolves along the side, then leaves you in awe at the tail. — Tom Matano, former designer at Mazda, BMW, and GM. Executive director of the School of Industrial Design at the Academy of Art University
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Tesla Model X: Elon Musk has long said Tesla's goal isn't just to build the best electric cars in the world, but the best cars, full stop. I can't say the Model X is the best car, or even the best SUV, out there, but it's got more than a battery-dependent powertrain going for it. The double-hinged falcon doors look awesome, and pack ultrasonic sensors so they never hit your garage wall or crush your fingers. The "monopost" second-row seats sit on chrome-plated posts for better adjustability and more foot-room. The massive "panoramic" windshield gives the impression of looking through a fighter jet canopy. These are the clever touches Tesla expertly uses to convince its customers they're riding in something more than the average car, one that just happens to run on electricity. — Alex Davies, WIRED transportation editor
