The 21st edition of the Autostyle Design Competition, held on October 24-25 at Villa Schiarino Lena in Porto Mantovano, Italy, marked another significant milestone in the global competition for aspiring automotive designers. This year’s event was a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, and the future of car design, bringing together some of the brightest talents and industry leaders in a two-day symposium.
The event was structured around three main components: engaging presentations from prominent car designers, urban mobility experts, 3D modelling specialists, and yacht builders; an exhibition of exotic sports cars; and the highly anticipated announcement of the Autostyle Car Design 2024 award winners.
Rising Stars in Car Design
Among the notable achievements, Edoardo Basilissi, a student at ISSAM Istituto Superiore Scienze dell’Automobile di Modena, was crowned the overall winner of the Car Designers Award. His visionary designs for the new Fiat Panda and Lamborghini SC Lanzador captivated the judges and audience alike. The Press Award was awarded to fellow Italian designer Simone Soffietti from IAAD Istituto di Design in Milan, recognized for his striking interpretations of the Aston Martin Vantage Lagonda and the new Toyota Land Cruiser. The Public Vote Award went to Marco Barbadoro, also from ISSAM, for his work on the Lamborghini SC Lanzador and Toyota Land Cruiser.
With his father proudly in attendance, an emotional Basilissi expressed his gratitude, stating, “Winning this prestigious award is a dream come true for me. This prize will help me on my path to securing a position with a design house when I complete my studies.” Such accolades not only celebrate individual talent but also pave the way for future careers in top automotive design studios.
Insights and Innovations
The first evening featured a series of thought-provoking presentations that addressed pressing topics in the automotive industry. Francesco Forleo from AutoTecnica introduced two microcar models, the Micro Microlino and the XEV YoYo, showcasing innovative solutions to urban mobility challenges, emphasizing affordability amid increasing congestion and pollution in cities.
The advancements in 3D modelling technology were highlighted by partners like Quickparts, with discussions on how modern tools can enhance automotive design processes. WACOM presented cutting-edge products like the MovInk and VR Pen, designed specifically for the automotive design sector.
On the second day, participants were treated to insights from leading figures in the auto design world. Professor Roberto Artioli, CEO of Berman S.p.A and founder of Autostyle, set an optimistic tone, encouraging students to embrace creativity during these transformative times for the automobile industry.
Robin Page, Design Director at Bentley, shared the extensive portfolio of the brand, revealing how their craftsmanship extends beyond automobiles to areas such as furniture and architecture. Marek Reichman, Executive VP & Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin, linked the brand’s storied past with its present, showcasing the new Vanquish model as a culmination of heritage and innovation.
Design Breakthroughs
Flavio Manzoni, Ferrari’s Design Director, introduced the revolutionary Ferrari 12 Cilindri coupé, which departs from traditional designs with its futuristic elements. Meanwhile, Mitja Borkert from Lamborghini presented the new Lamborghini Temerario, the first super sports car equipped with a V8 twin-turbo engine and three electric motors, underscoring the brand’s commitment to innovation.
Further diversifying the discussions, Federico Lantero of Azimut shared insights into the design of the Seadeck 6 luxury yacht, drawing parallels between the automotive and maritime industries in their shared emphasis on detail and sustainability.
The event also highlighted new entries like the Fiat Topolino city car and the next-generation Toyota C-HR, reflecting ongoing evolution in design philosophies aimed at meeting modern consumer needs.
A Grand Finale
The competition culminated in a grand awards ceremony, celebrating not only the winners but the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines the automotive design community. The annual Autostyle Design Competition serves as a vital platform for emerging designers, fostering connections that could lead to future innovations in the automotive world.
As the curtain fell on another successful edition, participants left inspired, with new ideas and networks to carry them forward in their design journeys. The Autostyle Design Competition continues to illuminate the path for the next generation of automotive visionaries, reinforcing the importance of innovation in shaping the future of mobility.
