Students from Hongik University in South Korea have beaten 50 rivals from the world's leading car design universities at the 2011 Ferrari World Design Contest.
The winning design 'Eternita', was penned by a trio of would-be newcomers. The judges declaring their entry as the "finest interpretation" of Ferrari's design brief, which called for a "thoroughbred hypercar brimming with new generation technologies and materials".
The Seoul students first completed a 2D design before later sculpting a three-dimensional 1:4 model. Particular attention was given to exterior and interior detail, as well as addressing various functional concerns.
In keeping with contemporary themes, Eternita also focused on the "reduction of fuel consumption via alternative propulsion systems", designers said. Namely a petrol-electric hybrid engine.
Runner-up place getter was an Azerbaijani student from the Turin campus of the Institute of European Design with his design 'Xezri'. Third place was awarded to a Chinese/British duo from the UK's Royal College of Art with their entry, 'Cavallo Bianco' (White Horse).
The three finalists received their prizes from Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo and Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa, the chairman of the Pininfarina Group, Paolo Pininfarina, and the director of the Ferrari Style Centre and competition organiser, Flavio Manzoni.
"Nurturing the creativity of young people must be a fundamental strategy in every walk of life. The Ferrari World Design Contest represents a window that we want to keep open on the world and the creative energy of the next generation," said di Montezemolo.
"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. I am certain that some of these suggestions will come to light in the Ferraris of the future."
Pictures: Eternita (red, with rear-wheel spats), Xezri (red with open wheel arches) and Cavallo Bianco (in silver)
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