Autocar has recognised Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann with its highest honour, the Issigonis Trophy, at the 2026 Autocar Awards in partnership with Siemens.
The prize, named after Mini inventor Sir Alec Issigonis, is presented to an individual in the automotive industry who has delivered exceptional success.
During two stints in charge of Lamborghini, Winkelmann has not only grown its annual sales from 1600 cars to more than 10,000, but has also provided stability and a clear vision for the marque’s future.
Having first joined after the launch of the Gallardo and Murciélago – its first cars under Audi ownership – he has since overseen the development of new products such as the Urus, tapping new markets. He has also transformed the historic Sant’Agata factory into a modern plant and electrified its supercars – all without betraying the character that defines a Lamborghini.
“What makes the Autocar Awards different is that we aren’t just celebrating the very best cars on the road,” said Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw. “Incredible cars don’t just happen; they require immense bravery, vision and exceptional leadership. By honouring the individual trailblazers alongside the vehicles themselves, we recognise that great cars are always made by great people.”
The Mundy Award, named after Autocar staffer Harry Mundy and given in recognition of engineering excellence, has been won by BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture. The basis of BMW’s forthcoming rebirth, it has already demonstrated its prowess under the iX3 SUV, which is among the finest electric cars yet launched.
The Editors’ Award, a special prize given in recognition of individual achievement, has been presented to Fiat CEO Olivier François for his role in returning the Italian brand to growth. He has overseen the development of its strongest line-up in generations – yet, as he told Autocar, his plan has taken more than a decade to come to fruition.
Horse Powertrain, the Renault-Geely joint venture working to give combustion engines a more sustainable future, has taken the Sturmey Award for innovation, named after former Autocar writer Henry Sturmey.
Ford Racing has won Autocar’s Motorsport Award, while Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer has been recognised as 2026’s Outstanding Leader. BYD’s Bono Ge has been presented with Autocar’s Outstanding UK Leader prize.
Meanwhile, Julian Thomson – responsible for the Lotus Elise, Range Rover Evoque and a number of striking Jaguars – has been recognised as Autocar’s Design Hero for 2026.
Renault took Best Manufacturer honours for its outstanding range of retro-futuristic EVs – the 4, 5 and Twingo – bringing electrification into the mainstream while also making it more desirable.
The Watt Electric Vehicle Company takes Autocar’s Innovation Award for PACES: a lightweight, scalable platform designed for niche and low-volume electric vehicles.
The full list of honours given to individual vehicles at the 2026 Autocar Awards, in partnership with Siemens, is as follows:
Autocar Awards 2026: The Best Cars
Five-Star Car: Mazda MX-5
