Cardo Beyond GTS lands Red Dot design award
Cardo's upcoming Beyond GTS smart helmet has picked up a prestigious Red Dot award thanks to its fully integrated communications system and safety tech.
Cardo's upcoming Beyond GTS smart helmet has landed itself a 2026 Red Dot design award, with the connected lid being recognised for its combination of integrated technology, safety features and industrial design.
The helmet, developed by Cardo Systems alongside the Austrian design house (and former KTM visualiser) Kiska Design, was selected from thousands of entries submitted to this year's Red Dot Award: Product Design.
Unlike most motorcycle intercom setups, which rely on external communication units being bolted to the side of the helmet, the Beyond GTS has been designed from the outset with the tech built in. At its heart sits Cardo's flagship Packtalk Pro communication system, complete with the firm's Dynamic Mesh Communication technology capable of linking up with as many as 31 other riders.
The carbon fibre helmet also introduces what Cardo claims are the world's first integrated 53mm speakers, developed by its own sound division and paired with an active noise cancellation (ANC) system designed to cut wind roar without completely isolating riders from surrounding traffic.
Away from the tech, the Beyond GTS features an integrated rear brake light, crash detection technology and a helmet health monitoring system designed to keep tabs on the structural condition of the shell over time.
Other features include a drop-down sun visor, double D-ring fastening system and what Cardo says is the first use of a Pinlock 200 anti-fog visor on a production motorcycle helmet. The lid will also meet both ECE 22.06 and DOT certification requirements.
While design awards don't always translate into products riders actually want to buy, the Beyond GTS is at least trying something genuinely different in a market dominated by traditional helmets with aftermarket comms systems hanging off the side.
The Beyond GTS is expected to arrive towards the end of 2026 with UK pricing starting from £1,129.95 for the GTS model, while the lower-spec GT version is expected to retail from £865.95.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
