After challenging 50 universities around the globe to imagine what its cars will look like in the future, Ferrari has selected the winners of its 2011 World Design Contest. First prize went to the students of Hongik University in Seoul, Korea, for their Eterinitá concept, followed by Turin-based university IED in second place, and London’s Royal College of Arts in third.
Ferrari says the students from Hongik University best interpreted the contest’s design brief for a thoroughbred hypercar, incorporating next-gen technologies and materials throughout their design. As part of the requirements, the entrants drafted an initial 2D design, followed by a 3D rendering using the program specified by the contest’s partner, Autodesk. Finally, the students had to build a detailed 1:4 scale model of their concept, requiring them to pay special attention to interior polish and technical functionality of certain features.
As one of the contest’s fundamental design criteria, alternative propulsion methods had to be considered by the competitors, with each team tasked to dream up their own solution for reducing fuel consumption. Hybrid systems were most prevalent, as Ferrari is already looking to utilize hybrid technology in its future lineup. Many of the concepts also proposed reduced weight as a solution for better efficiency, with the intended bonus of also increasing driving pleasure.
“I saw at first hand the many genuinely innovative ideas that these talented youngsters sent us and could feel the enormous passion and commitment that had gone into them,” said Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo. “I am certain that some of these suggestions will come to light in the Ferraris of the future.”
Ferrari World Design Finalists
1) Eternità – Hongik University (Seoul)
2) Xezri – IED (Turin)
3) Cavallo Bianco – Royal College of Arts (London)
Source: Ferrari
