Modern Automotive Designs

The beauty of classic automotive design is often in direct struggle with modern safety and fuel economy standards, not to mention the latest in technology. Case in point, the European Union’s forceful 2013 standards for safety, which led to prior beauties like the BMW 7 Series donning a more vertical fascia, a taller hood/impact zone and lower bumpers to decrease the risk of pedestrian injury in an accident. This was, of course, a good thing, but our point is that in many ways it’s becoming harder to design an iconic beauty.

Even disregarding standards, plenty of manufacturers are making hideous cars all on their own. But there are still a number of shining examples around today, ones that echo the past and ones that break new ground but don’t break the rules of good taste. These ten prove that less is more and that automotive design is not on the rocks.

Best Design from the Past: 50 years on the automotive scene is one thing. 50 years of sports car awesomeness is another. The Porsche 911 Carrera’s basic shape has remained essentially unchanged for half a century, making it perhaps the most recognizable car on the planet. The current 991 platform shows no signs of slowing down. It’s as handsome as it has ever been, with classic round headlights and super sleek taillights bookending one of the sexiest bodies to ever come out of Stuttgart. We’re not sure how Porsche can possibly make this look better. Maybe Singer can get a hold of one?

Best 4-Door Coupe Design: Even though Mercedes beat Audi to the punch with the lovely CLS in 2004, the A7 has Merc beat in the looks department. See an A7 drive by and your head will turn, not because it’s flashy, but because the swoopy and crisp roofline ends in one of the most beautiful rear ends in the business. And it’s even better in the model refresh for next year — including the monstrous RS7

Best Electric Design: The Tesla Model S rockets drivers into the future by virtue of its speed, battery technology and space-age interior. The slippery shape catches eyes not because it’s overdone and flashy but because it’s subtle and elegant, unlike other “lozenge” inspired eco-cars out there. From its exotic headlights to the almond-shaped greenhouse and the flush-mounted door handles, the Tesla Model S is the best electric design out there