* Eyes On Design/Awards
Vision in automotive design was honored at the third annual Eyes On Design/Awards at the North American International Auto Show. The 15 award categories celebrate a comprehensive range of automotive design. A 40-member judging panel drawn from among practicing automotive designers, design school faculty and student designers from around the world selected the best vehicle designs. Two European carmakers were among the honorees:
* Most Significant Production Car-Interior Design:
Audi A8
* Most Significant Production Car-Exterior Design:
Bentley Continental GT Coupe
* Most Significant Production Car:
Bentley Continental GT Coupe
Eyes on Design/Awards benefits the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology, a non-profit research organization whose research, education and support-group programs enhance the independence of the visually impaired.
* American Rally Approval
Bill Gwynne Rallyschool International has become the first non-American rally driving school to receive Performance Rally School approval from the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). The Northamptonshire, UK-based school will take previously unlicensed competitors through a license-application assessment, similar to that required by the MSA. Courses can be completed in the UK and America. For more info: www.billgwynne.com.
* Trademark Dispute Settled
Rocky Mountain Motorworks (RMM), a supplier of parts and accessories for Volkswagens, resolved its long-time trademark dispute with Volkswagen of America. Through a secondary party, Volkswagen filed thousands of complaints around the U.S. against shops and distributors of parts for VWs for use of its trademarks. Volkswagen recently agreed to resolve the issue within Motorwork's insurance liability policy, thus relieving RMM of any direct monetary damages. Additional info can be found at www.motorworks.com.
Riding With a Legend in a Legend
For all the drama of the main event, my personal highlight was a ride in a works Lancia Stratos alongside the '85 World Champion Timo Salonen. The Stratos may be beautiful, but it was designed for midgets. I'm forced to sit with my helmet cantered to the left and touching Salonen's. Somewhat disturbingly, he admits that it's the first time he's driven the car.
We complete a demonstration run as an interlude to the main event, and the growl of the V6 rumbles around the amphitheater. Timo reckons that, "the absence of a servo makes this car very hard to drive. Not at all like the modern cars." "It's all ugh, ugh," he says, motioning frantic arm movements. "But it was," he concludes, "a privilege.