A Brief History of The "Notch" - Auto Designers' Favorite Fad

"philaDLJ" (philadlj) 10/23/2013 at 14:37 • Filed to: the notch, automotive design, audi, notches, design cues, headlights, taillamps, trends

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You see it perhaps dozens of times a day: a car that has "notches." You might ask: "What's a notch?"

I define a notch as a "cut" made in a simple shape - usually a rectangle - that gives that shape more complexity. By and large, notches are employed for cosmetic purposes and serve no practical function. Nevertheless, designers seem to love notches, because they're showing up on a large percentage of car designs. The Notch is the defining design cue of the last five years and show no signs of slowing down.

So, you might also ask: "Who started this notch obsession?" That's a tough question. For the purposes of this discussion, I'm going to say Audi.

Audi didn't always employ notches in their designs, mind you. As late as 2004, there wasn't a notch in sight on any Audi model.

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Hot on the heels of Audi's notch-o-philia was Honda/Acura. We'll chronicle their use of the notch in the next installment of The "Notch." Thanks for reading!

Doctor Shieldsy > philaDLJ 10/23/2013 at 14:54

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Check out the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep lineup as well (especially Grand Cherokee and Durango)

philaDLJ > Doctor Shieldsy 10/23/2013 at 14:56

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Don't worry, we will!

I hoon, therefore I am > philaDLJ 10/23/2013 at 15:11

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I love notches. They look much better than fastbacks.

otto-from-another-computer > I hoon, therefore I am 10/24/2013 at 11:03

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They do indeed.