Design through the decades: 2000s

We take a walk through seven decades of the most interesting automotive designs. This week - the '00s.

Check out the other parts in this series:

Design through the decades: 1990s
Design through the decades: 1980s
Design through the decades: 1970s
Design through the decades: 1960s
Design through the decades: 1950s

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Aston Martin DB9 (2004)

The DB9 features simple lines and integrated references to the past.

Perhaps more than any other, Aston Martin is the Grand Touring brand, with a range of vehicles renowned for their effortless combination of a comfortable long distance touring ability and dynamic performance. The DB9 is an exemplary interpretation of these ideals for the new millennium.

Aston Martin created an elegant silhouette for the new millennium.

A subtle curve over the rear haunches, flowing C-pillar and a spoiler free rear deck combine with the DB9’s traditional rear-wheel-drive proportions to create an understated, yet timelessly elegant and beautiful design. Stunning.

Rolls-Royce Phantom (2003)

The Phantom features re-creations of original Rolls-Royce design features such as the 'Parthenon' grille.

Following its ill-fated ownership of Land Rover, there was an air of scepticism about whether BMW could restore the reputation of the regal Rolls-Royce marque. The new Phantom emphatically allayed these fears.

The rear-hinged 'suicide doors' also contain umbrellas.

The new Phantom combined the traditional, imposing Parthenon front grille with extra-wide C-pillars. These ‘shoulders’ not only accentuated the car’s power and regal stance, but also served a more pragmatic function of providing greater privacy to any VIPs seated in the rear.

Dodge Challenger (2008)

The Challenger is perhaps one of the most successful modern retro designs.

Together with Ford’s Mustang and Chevrolet’s Camaro, the Dodge Challenger formed a trio of 21st Century, retro-styled muscle cars that harked back to the glory days of 60s America.

The elements of the Challenger add up to an unmistakably American look.

Echoing its original Challenger forebear, the new model incorporated a distinctive, broad curve between the rear window and wheel-arches together with full width tail lamps that visually widened the vehicle’s tail. These styling features combined to create a muscular, masculine, appearance that hinted at the powerful drivetrain within.

Audi R8 (2007)

Underneath, the R8 shares a platform with the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The VW Group had previously left Lamborghini, Porsche and Bugatti to compete in the supercar market, but 2007 saw Audi join the fray as well with its R8.

The R8 is tied heavily to Audi's LeMans success, taking its name from the successful R8 LMP race car.

With its motto of ‘Progress Through Technology’, Audi had been positioned as the premium, technology focused brand within the VW Group, and the R8 stayed true to this ethos. A stunning LED lighting signature, together with a contrast painted ‘sideblade’ and protruding ‘side strakes’ from the front and rear grilles developed a futuristic, sci-fi appearance.

Alfa Romeo Brera (2005)

The styling betrays the average underpinnings of the Brera.

Based upon a mundane GM platform and not being particularly exciting to drive, the Brera compensated to some degree with its stunning exterior styling.

Italdesign Giugiaro's modern take on a 2+2 coupe was widely acclaimed at the time.

The Brera is particularly notable for its tail, with the tapered, shield-like rear windscreen, quad tailpipes (in certain trim levels) and sharp, arrow-like tail-lamps creating a unique look. A solitary bone line running along the side profile further accentuated the width of the tail.

What's your favourite piece of automotive design from the 2000s? Tell us about it in the comments.