It’s 2008, which means it’s been 4 years since the last Summer Olympics and, with the Olympic Fever running rampant around these parts (we’re Phelps Phans here at CDf) we thought we would take a break from cars and look at product design. Specifically, that of the Olympic Torch.

This year’s torch was designed by Lenovo, creators of laptops. Yes, laptops. Note: I didn’t see the correlation either, but when I saw the final product I was surely delighted. Chosen from some 300 submissions, Lenovo’s design focused on the heritage and history of China and mixed it with modern technology which, if you saw the INCREDIBLE opening ceremonies, you realize is the mantra for the now Chinese Century that we all live in. The name of this year’s torch is “The Cloud of Promise”, designed to resemble a red & white Chinese scroll motifed with clouds. High-tech and extremely sexy, the torch is one to remember, putting an exclamation point on this year’s games.

Regardless, you’ll still here us chanting in the background, “U-S-A! U-S-A!”

Check out the special section that the New York Times devoted to the history of the torch’s appearance (trust us… it’s pretty freakin’ cool to see the different designs and their designers): Click here to go to the NYT article

To see more images of the uber-cool torch, click the “Read More” link…. NOW!