Stunning Cars from the Fatherland: Top 5 German Auto Design Icons that Turned Heads
Top 5 German Automotive Design Pinnacles
Germany, known for its engineering prowess and precision, isn't just about boring Beetles, Corsas, Golfs, or Escorts. There's more to German cars than what meets the eye. We're here to show you five stunning automobiles that prove German cars can be more than just ordinary.
From coupes to sedans, here are the five metal masterpieces that German designers churned out, setting trends and breaking norms:
Karmann Ghia: The Hidden Gem (1955-74)
Shared fathers, shared success? The Karmann Ghia, a sleek and stylish coupé, brought together the talents of multiple designers, with some attributing its body design to Luigi Segre and others to Felice Mario Boano.
The first Karmann Ghia rolled off the assembly line in 1955, at a time when Germany was heavily invested in its beloved Beetle. Volkswagen's general director, Heinrich Nordhoff, gave the green light for this exciting option, giving Beetle enthusiasts something more to look forward to. Despite sharing some technology with its iconic sibling, the beautiful Karmann Ghia offered a fresh twist that set hearts racing.
Timeless Runners and Star Performers: Five Key German Cars in HistoryWith a modest 30 hp (eventually 50) and additional weight, the Karmann Ghia wasn't the fastest car on the road. It took a full 30 seconds to reach 100 km/h. But as they say, good things come to those who wait. Its elegant design and sleek convertible variant, introduced in 1957, proved popular among the wife of the senior high school teacher. Before the Scirocco took over in 1974, a whopping 385,803 coupés and 81,053 convertibles were built, making the Karmann Ghia a classic in its own right.
Glas V8: The Swan Song (1966-68)
The German press heralded "Glas V8" as a concept that Porsche had once considered and rejected. Built in the small Bavarian village of Dingolfing, the Glas V8 showed that even the smallest manufacturers had the potential to create impressive designs.
Its powerful 150 hp V8 engine, overhead camshaft, and plastic toothed belt solidified its status as a dream car. But it wasn't just its technology that caught the attention of onlookers—its stunning design by Pietro Frua, the father of many Maserati models, ensured it would remain timelessly elegant.
Despite BMW's generous financial backing, the Glas V8 had a short lifespan. Its complicated design, quality issues, and comfort shortcomings led to its demise in 1968. But its brief existence left behind a lasting impression, as it demonstrated what a small manufacturer could achieve with ambition and creativity.
NSU Ro 80: The Aerodynamic Marvel (1967-77)
Claus Luthe, an expert body builder, brought the NSU Ro 80 to life, creating an iconic vehicle with unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency. Its wedge shape, revolutionary design, and air resistance coefficient of 0.355 blew other sheet metal contemporaries out of the water.
The NSU Ro 80 was meant to cater to the affluent market of doctors, architects, and manufacturers. However, the flicker of promise was soon overshadowed by technical issues and caravan-level fuel consumption. Engine failures, high oil consumption, and product recalls couldn't save the NSU Ro 80, which limped towards obscurity. Production ceased in 1977, and the name NSU following in 1985 when the company was rebranded Audi AG.
Porsche 928: The Unexpected Heir (1977-95)
Anatole Lapine, Porsche's chief designer, foresaw the 928's enduring popularity, stating that it would continue to captivate people for years to come. The 928 was designed as a successor to the 911, with a luxurious twist to keep Porsche enthusiasts happy.
Its sophisticated design, with its sleek lines, expansive rear glass, telephone dial-style wheels, and pop-up headlights, won the title "most practical sports car of the year" at its unveiling. Its 4.5-liter V8 engine and transaxle design provided excellent driving dynamics, ensuring that the 928 would remain a top choice for the discerning driver.
Audi TT 8N: Not Always a Smooth Ride (1998-06)
German auto journalists were initially concerned about the handling of the first TT series, with some claiming that taking your foot off the gas at 200 km/h could send the car backwards. A rear spoiler and ESP (Electronic Stability Program) were added to address these issues, ensuring that the TT's incredible design wouldn't go squandered.
The TT's design, a collaboration between California and Ingolstadt, drew inspiration from Audi's rich history. Its modern styling, powerful engines, and practicality made it a cultural sensation and an instant classic. The first TT series sold over 250,000 units by 2006, cementing its legacy as a desirable vehicle.
Sources: ntv.de, Tomas Hirschberger, sp-x
- Audi Models
- Porsche
- BMW Models
- Mercedes-Benz Models
- Within the automotive industry, the manufacturing of the Audi TT 8N was a testament to the company's ambition, as they utilized materials from various headings to produce a design that combined style, power, and practicality.
- In the realm of German automotive history, the Glas V8, albeit short-lived, serves as a reminder of how even small manufacturers can defy expectations and finance limitations to create distinctive and captivating vehicles, such as the one Pietro Frua designed.
