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Scuola Politecnica di Design Milan 2007
by Eric Gallina   
 
'Audi 50' by Manuel Borrayo and Carlos Ron Magana. Click for larger images
Berk Keskin's 'Leap'
Audi 4X4 Coupe by Francesco Carbini, Camillo Morande and Mario Ortiz
Audi 'S1' by Tzolt Tarnok and Maurizio Trotteli
Eleven students graduated from the Masters course this year
Photos: Eric Gallina

Manuel Borrayo and Carlos Ron Magana proposed the 'Audi 50': a two-door hatchback concept that was inspired by classic Audi design from the 1970s. The concept is set to compete with BMW's new MINI and the reinvented Fiat 500. "Those cars are more like a toy," said Borrayo, "they are more emotional in a happy way. We wanted to give a twist toward a more muscular, agile and masculine car." The shape of the model is symbolic of an arrow to give the car a more aggressive and sporting appearance, while the wheelbase has been extended to improve the car's overall demeanor. The air intakes on the front recall the RSQ concept and help to continue the side line, merging into the single frame grille on the front - a distinctive Audi brand element.

'Audi 50'
'Leap'
Audi 4X4 coupe
Audi 'S1'

Berk Keskin devised a sporty variant called the 'Leap'. With aggressive lines and a large DLO, the concept seeks to establish a future direction for Audi by improving the straight lines of current designs and making them face downwards, lending an appearance of agility to the design. The headlamps and details take their inspiration from agile animals - like cougars - in nature. The window line is broken in the center, continuing the lines of the body in a symmetrical form. Keskin was inspired by the Audi TT to retain brand consistency within his design, as is evident in the rear of the side window treatment. The window height also emphasizes the 'leaping' aspect, such as a lion ready to pounce on its prey. An 'X' is created through the door shutline and exaggerates the muscular appearance of the model.

Three students worked jointly to develop a small 4X4 combined with the shapely curves of a coupe. Francesco Carbini, Camillo Morande and Mario Ortiz designed the car, with Carbini and Morande concentrating on the exterior and Ortiz working on the interior design. With an elevated ride height and a sleek roofline, the car looks prepared to conquer downtown traffic as well as more remote areas of the Serengeti. Striking the right balance between solidity and lightness, the concept is at once elegant whilst retaining a sporting edge. The interior is suitably well presented, combining functionality with flair previously unseen in many current production examples. The crossover has the demeanor of a small off-road vehicle without lacking the elegance of a refined coupe: an excellent proposition for those dreaming of adventure.

The Audi 'S1' is the proposal by Tzolt Tarnok and Maurizio Trottoli. In the typical architecture of a city car, Tarnok and Trottoli introduced distinctive elements referring to the world of sports cars - such as the gaping air intakes on the front, strong wheelarches, large rear bumper and short overhangs - ideally placing this small car in the Audi S range. The front graphics give just the hint of the single frame grille without actually showing it, whilst the overall proportions of the vehicle empasize its sporting pretensions. Though the 'S1' has the volume of a city car, the design language and detail strongly refer to sport cars and other models in the Audi sporting lineup. Unconventional in design, the concept was created to generate passion for the user and develop the future of the Audi brand.

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College Exhibition: Scuola Politecnica di Design Milan 2006