Are you an inventor who's currently developing the "next big thing?" If so, Ira Porsche, conveniently located at 97C Andover Street Danvers, MA 01923 sincerely hopes that you had the chance to enter the Porsche Next Design Challenge. This competition seeks out talented designers across the world to create something unique and innovative. The grand prize for the winner of this competition is a free one-year lease on a 2012 Porsche 911 or a cash prize equivalent of $20,000. Each finalist will also receive $1,500. The challenge is simple. As the Porsche design website explains, "Design an object smaller than a living room and bigger than a purse, which references three design elements taken from Porsche 911s of the past or present. (But not a car!)"¹

The Next Design Challenge was closed to entrants on April 6, 2012, and the Top 25 designs have now been revealed. On April 23, 2012, the Top 7 designs will be revealed, and then on May 14, 2012, updated versions of these designs will be posted and you and your friends and family can participate in the User's Choice Voting. The Grand Prize Winner and User's Choice Winner will be revealed on May 21, 2012. Top 25 entries currently include an artificial knee that resembles the new Porsche 911's gear shifter, a hairdryer that sounds like a 911, and a hardshell Porschebackpack.

Don't forget to take part in the User's Choice Voting as soon as it's up. You can navigate to it here (http://www.fastcodesign.com/section/next-design). In the meantime, feel free to browse our fantastic selection of new Porsche vehicles. Maybe you'll even be inspired by the Porsche 911 as well!