| Author | Message | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 565 Registered: 6-2002 |
THE color! I want it in long wheelbase form with a v12 and 6-sp!  | ||
| Kristoffer Hansson (Maverick)
Junior Member Username: Maverick Post Number: 162 Registered: 3-2001 |
Mike - I must second your thoughts about the z4. I love the looks too. But for the 7-series. I think that the old version had a classic and great style. The new one I dont like at all. And there is no rights or wrongs here, everything is just personal views. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 564 Registered: 6-2002 |
MORE pics of e38 7-series!   | ||
| Mike Fernandez (Mbmike)
New member Username: Mbmike Post Number: 8 Registered: 6-2003 |
Oh yes, the new one. Ugly ugly ugly. Of course, I've never seen an old Multipla.... | ||
| Jeff B. (Miltonian)
Member Username: Miltonian Post Number: 439 Registered: 12-2002 |
Mike F - The Fiat Multipla is the ugliest car in the world?? Wait a minute, you mean that horrible NEW Multipla, not the beautiful OLD Multipla like mine, right? Right? | ||
| Kds (Kds)
Junior Member Username: Kds Post Number: 59 Registered: 5-2003 |
I'm sure it's been said before...... The rear view of the Z4 was stolen from the 550. | ||
| Mike Fernandez (Mbmike)
New member Username: Mbmike Post Number: 7 Registered: 6-2003 |
Ugliest car in the world? I would like to nominate the Fiat Multipla for that one. That car is hideous. Thank god I only ever see them in Europe. Personally, I think Mercedes-Benz has a gorgeous line up right now. There is honestly not a single car in that line up that I wouldn't want to own. Possible exception being the C coupe, but that can look pretty good in some colors. Unfortunately, I think they're starting to make some mistakes in the future. Most noticably with the F1 nose on the new SLK. The F1 nose looks awesome on the Enzo, but out of place on such a small car. BMW seems to be a mixed bag right now. I actually love the Z4. The upcomming X3 looks pretty decent to me. At first I really hated the rear end of the new 7, but it's grown on me and I actually kinda like it now. The front end is another matter though. It looks like ugly blob. I'm glad they're sharpening it up in the refresh. The new 5 looks awesome to me, but, whereas I love the new, agressive front, the rear end looks like an afterthought, and it doesn't really seem to flow with the lines of the rest of the car. I'll reserve final judgement for once I see some on the street though. As for the Swedes, I must say that I really like the new 9-3, although previous generation Saabs never did anything for me. I also really like Volvo's current line up. The S60 is one of the best looking Sedans out there, and the XC90 is pretty decent too. I think Lexus is doing alright too. They botched the current generation ES, but other than that, the lineup is pretty good. My dad just got a GX470 (His third Lexus), and it is an awesome car. I think Lexus makes some of the best interiors out there. We looked at a bunch of different cars, including the new Mercedes E-class (He thought the interior was too small, but it was nice overall), Mercedes SLK (Didn't really like the interior), Volvo XC0 (Interior was meh, and waiting list was too long), and Infinity G35 coupe (No wood? What the hell is that?. Then we went over to the Lexus dealer, looked at a new RX330, and thought it was pretty nice, and then sat down in the GX470 and decided instantly that it was the car to get. Lexuses are just so awesome. So some companies are having brain farts, but it's not that bad, yet.... | ||
| Kristoffer Hansson (Maverick)
Junior Member Username: Maverick Post Number: 159 Registered: 3-2001 |
Ferraris are getting more and more beautiful. The japanese cars as well (mazda 6, honda accord, s2000 and so on) (maybe NOT the new impreza)). The newest mercedes are the most beautiful ever. Look at that sl500. Ahh, pure enjoyment. But I dont like the looks of the new bmw:s. They should change the chief designer asap. kds - Saab only make butt-ugly looking cars. They never went to the swedish design school. Volvo on the other hand are making a great progress. The S60 and S80 are good looking cars! They make the swedes proud. But saab. Yikes. I drove one 9-3 from -01 today. Was one of my worst driving experiences ever. And it looks like •••• too. | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1500 Registered: 11-2002 |
Kds, I agree. I think Saabs are quite possibly the uglies cars on the road. Had the misfortune of using a 9000 turbo for a week when my car was in the shop and my friend was out of town. I hated the car. As for the toaster comment...I've seen nicer toasters out there. Cheers | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 360 Registered: 3-2002 |
And, I may get flamed for saying so here, I think the disease is striking Ferrari... the F50 and 360 are two of the most beautiful cars ever in my eyes... but the Enzo, while being a technical marvel, lacks the artistic elegance of the the F50 and 360... and then there are the drawings of the new 2+2 up on the owners' site... ick. Hopefully either sanity or the wind tunnel will prevail before that design gets fabricated. | ||
| Kds (Kds)
Junior Member Username: Kds Post Number: 52 Registered: 5-2003 |
Since we're talking about blandness here....how about Saab. Some of their designs have looked like pre-WWII toasters to me. | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 384 Registered: 2-2003 |
The true test of a design/style is how well it will stand the test of time. My 1978 'oldslow308' still looks good and has STYLE. I have actually seen surprise on many a persons face when I tell them how old the car really is. The Japanese are seemingly trying to put a face on everything. The front of the new Celicas, "pissed off Rabbit' look. The front of the RX8 has a smile/happy face for a grill opening. So does the 550 Maranello but not so rediculous. They are even applying it to tail lights. The Cadillac CTS is one of the ugliest I've seen. Slab sides and industrial looking. The grill reminds me of a WWII German half-track. Where will these be 25 years from now? You guessed it! Whew! I feel better now. DJ | ||
| Al Johnson (Bigal)
Junior Member Username: Bigal Post Number: 118 Registered: 3-2002 |
Have ALWAYS hated the rounded off, roundish car design. I think the new Z's look terrible. | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 655 Registered: 2-2003 |
Designers are sampling designer drugs instead of the old tried and true stuff where they still came out with good looking or gorgeous exteriors. WM Hart, hahahahaha!! Angry appliances.. that quote made my day. Todays designs remind me of that commercial where everyone has a cardboard box. All ugly and uninspiring. | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 383 Registered: 2-2003 |
No I haven't sat in a new 350Z. Just not interested in the car. I have two 240Z's and the 308 to keep me busy. DJ | ||
| MarcoSchito (Smarco)
New member Username: Smarco Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2003 |
DJ, I totally agree with you. On paper, the 350Z looks good but the front nose on the sucker looks like a pug. Also, have you ever sat in one? I felt like that I was sitting in a tub (too much plastic for me). As for Mazda's new RX8, I like the design better but it has no torque. | ||
| DJParks (Djparks)
Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 382 Registered: 2-2003 |
Case in point, the nose on the 350Z......stupid and ugly! The layout and performance of the car is great but the 'sewer grate grill' ruins it all. DJ | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1444 Registered: 11-2002 |
HAHAHA!! Tim, That's hilarious!! Cheers | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 697 Registered: 11-2002 |
Some of the latest Japanese designs look good. I don't know if you get these cars in the States, but a Mazda called the Mazda 6 is a nice and clean looking saloon. Also the Rx8 is interesting, and they are apparently going to produce a similar (but even more sporty, without the rear seat access doors) looking Rx7. The new Nissan ZX is interesting, but a little too short, but it is still a head turner. Unfortunately Subaru, who finally had started designing nice looking cars, have gone weird again ... witness the new WRX, and the proposed flagship ... which looks like a woman's private part is driving towards you! Pete ps: the effort to be different always leads to bad periods, eventually they will sort it out, but if we did not have ugly cars, how would we know which ones were NOT ugly  ... | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 3242 Registered: 6-2001 |
I went to petitiononline.com to make a "Fire Chris Bangle" petition, but it seems someone already beat me to it. http://www.petitiononline.com/STOPCB/petition.html | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1442 Registered: 11-2002 |
The new Rolls looks like a friggin' hearse. That C Pillar is so damn fat it throws the proportions way off. Very inconsistent. It's a very very substantial car. Looks like it weighs 10 tons! Not particularly my kind of look. As for ugliest car of the century...That makes for interesting research. I'm sure there are others. I know of some visually. Just can't think of the names. Cheers | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Intermediate Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 1514 Registered: 12-2002 |
BobD is right --the ugliest car of this century is the new Rolls...Good god! I agree with all of you guys though. Even as a teenager, my favorite car designs are that of the past. The Ferraris in produciton now are all ok...but the new 465 is hideous in my opinion. I just hope Ferrari doesnt turn all their designs in that direction or it looks like the company might take a turn for the worst. There is one positive point though...However ugly these cars may be, it just makes me appreciate the asthetics of my favorite cars even more --the 246, 308, 355, and especially the 250/330 series Ferraris. | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Junior Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2003 |
Thanks all. You know, sometimes I feel like a motherless child. Is it just me, or has the world gone nuts? One of the reasons I brought a Maranello was the thought that it doesn't get much better than this. Yes, over time, I think that the Maranellos will replace the Daytonas as the best "American Ferrari." In fact, I kinda dread what Ferrari will come up with as a replacement. While any new Mareanello is bound to be a better car in a technical sense (e.g., AWD), as far as style goes, well... beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So keep the faith and, as always, wave that freak flag high. | ||
| chris cummings (Entelechy)
Member Username: Entelechy Post Number: 365 Registered: 5-2001 |
Bangle is El Diablo! In this month's issue of Roundel, they have a couple pics of the new 6 and it looks like a Grand Am that melted slightly in a fire! I love the 8 series as well and was looking into one until I found out they can not only be problematic to maintain, but parts are VERY difficult to come by. Too bad, as it was the first BMW that seemed to break out of the "box" look. I ended up getting an E36 M3 because it's such an amazing driver's car, and the looks have grown on me. In fact, I've grown to like most of the Bimmers pre-Bangle, but everything now is just depressing. Also went to the LA Auto show last year, and that boxy, plastic look is like a virus! Again, there's an article in Roundel lamenting this at the NY Auto show in the latest issue. Oh well, at the very least, it makes me appreciate what I have all the more, instead of longingly looking at the next wave :-) | ||
| mike montoya (Racer_f50)
New member Username: Racer_f50 Post Number: 11 Registered: 6-2003 |
i've gotta agree with all your points. new styling is going down-hill for most companies. i'm liking the exotics more now (compare Zonda to Countach), and most sports cars are still gorgeous (575, Vanquish, etc..), but family cars are total crap now. even Honda is making their already boring looks even worse. look at this 2001 concept http://www.supercars.net/cars/2001@$Honda@$Bulldog%20Conceptg.html that really goes for your bullnose stuff. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Intermediate Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 1039 Registered: 1-2002 |
Dale: even worse. Comapre the hyundai tiburon to the 456. Anyway, I think that there's too much post-modern introspectoin going on (did you read that interview w/ chris bangle; NYTimes?) he went on and on about how shapes are no longer shapes, and that distortion of shapes and forms leads to reinvention of the aesthetic, and blah blah blah. People have lost perspective, and are trying to be too avant garde; the new 7, the z4, the AZTEK (talk about drug induced), and so on. Designers have lost the insight to create "lines" and are to concerned with creating shapes to which they can attach their name, and CV. | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Junior Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 171 Registered: 4-2003 |
Okay enough BMW bashing. But what about my original point? That is, are all the desiginers doing the same drugs? Compare the new 456 to the BMW Z4. Notice anything similar? | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1410 Registered: 11-2002 |
CSi's are awesome. Got to drive one in the North East and it was a lot of fun. Enough power, enough handling, and enough braking. Doesn't sound like a winning combo, but somehow it works great. That's something BMW excels at. They make cars with great "feel". Cheers | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 1339 Registered: 3-2001 |
But this one runs away with the award of "UGLIEST CAR OF THE CENTURY": http://www.autoweek.com/search/search_display.mv?port_code=autoweek&cat_code=carnews&content_code=05817049&Search_Type=STD&Search_ID=1376463&record=1 | ||
| MarcoSchito (Smarco)
New member Username: Smarco Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hi guys, I've been following this site for a while to prepare for my eventual f-car purchase in the near future. I have to agree with the overall assessment that the automotive designers are out to lunch these days. As for Bangle, I can't believe BMW is standing by while this weenie screws the company. Anyway, as for the best looking BMW ever made, I think that it has to be the 8 series (enjoy the pics below). The 850 has the V12 up front and did come with an optional 6 spd transmission for the first few years of production(which was standard on the 850csi aka M8). Although heavy, these cars are pretty quick and with some minor modifications (ECU, exhaust...) will do 0-60 times in less than 6 seconds. Add in bigger sway bars and a low slung suspension then your set for the twisties too. The 850 is absolutely amazing on the highway.     | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1406 Registered: 11-2002 |
Ben, I'm speechless. That's awesome! Cheers | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 542 Registered: 6-2002 |
other pic  | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 541 Registered: 6-2002 |
other pic | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 538 Registered: 6-2002 |
The E38 7 series (1995-2001 with almost no changes) was I think one of the greatest cars BMW ever made. All versions are pretty quick, and the 750 would get you doing 130 like *that* when you thought you were doing 70. In europe several 740 and 735 (smaller v8 not offered in the 'states) were fitted with manual 5 and 6-speed transmissions. Thus the clutch pedals, mounts, etc all exist! Several people have done a manual conversion, you have to do a bit of work (engine computers, etc) but it's not too bad. It's reportedly one HELL of a car with a manual. Rob Levinson's 750il/6 rips off 6-sec 0-60 times, that automatic sucks a LOT of power! Watch "The Transporter" that's a 6-speed converted 750iL (1998 or earlier, and not a 1999 735 like the script said, oops Here's a blown (supercharged) 740iL with an M5's 6-speed box. I want to do an Imola Red 750iL with a 6-sp.  Yes, he tracks it  Best! Ben. | ||
| Andre Vieira (Goggles_pisano)
Junior Member Username: Goggles_pisano Post Number: 106 Registered: 5-2002 |
They are building the headquarters of BMW of Canada near my work. They have refurbished an office building, and one of the main features is to be a lighted area in the centre of the building where the BMW lineup would be visible to people driving by the headquarters. Three years ago, this would have been the coolest idea ever but looking at their present line-up, I wonder how long it will be before someone reports the building as a public eyesore? | ||
| Dave328GTB (Hardtop)
Member Username: Hardtop Post Number: 632 Registered: 1-2002 |
There is a lot of copy cat in the car world. Remember when Datsun boldly stole Italian designs for it's cars? The 240Z looked like a child of mated up 275 and 365. The 510 looked just like Fiats. The new 350Z looks like the bastard child of a one night stand between a Porsche 996 and Audi TT. Everyone is copying Germans now. While I think German cars are great (I have an E36 M3) I can't think of a single one I ever thought was good looking. Dave | ||
| Ron (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 597 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dave, I have a 2000 740i with the sport package and I love it. It is very quick, handles really well and is a dream to drive. Too bad the new ones are so lame. | ||
| Ralph Koslin (Ralfabco)
Member Username: Ralfabco Post Number: 426 Registered: 3-2002 |
BMW ? Y'all forgot the beautiful new freshly designed Z-4. | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2682 Registered: 9-2001 |
No, the thing that really sux about all of the 7 series(new and old) is they come with an auto tranny only ! For a luxury car you would think BMW would have the sense to offer a manual tranny option. After all, doesn't most people want the luxury of changing their own gears. Driving an auto is like paying someone to make love to your wife. It gets the job done, but it's not nearly as much fun. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1421 Registered: 12-2001 |
Dave: if you buy the 740, circa 2001, go for the "i" and get the Sport version. You will probably give her back the M3.The only thing that sucks is the nav/stereo which not only sounds lame but is impossible to upgrade. You have to install a parallel system. Oh, yea, and the dinan treatment, ranging from modest to insane, will really make you smile. | ||
| Jim Schad (Jim_schad)
Intermediate Member Username: Jim_schad Post Number: 1562 Registered: 7-2002 |
I just bought a used 2000 740iL and love it. My aunt has the new 745i and hates it due to all the high tech crap on the steering column. The 745 rear looks like a dodge stratus to me. Although, my 740 has an onboard computer and it kind of frustrates me and I am computer literate. | ||
| Brian Kennedy (Kennedy)
Member Username: Kennedy Post Number: 357 Registered: 3-2002 |
BMW's trends have been saving me money. The current M3 is sooo much heavier than my E36 M3 that I didn't bother with it... even with its extra HP. And in a year or two my boy will be outgrowing the back seat of my M3, so it'll be time for an M5... and in all likelihood I'll have no interest in the next M5... I'll be happy with the current one (which will be a cheaper used one by then). Unless, of course, Maserati finally makes a car that will accommodate 5... then I'll be spending more than a good-looking M5 would have cost. | ||
| Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member Username: Toby91 Post Number: 228 Registered: 4-2001 |
The 740i was a great machine with really not much bad to say about it. Enjoy. | ||
| Dave (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 540 Registered: 4-2001 |
Lou, I have been thinking about taking my wife's 91 M3 as my daily driver, and getting her a 2000 or 2001 740il. What can you tell me about the 740... Any thing I should look out for? | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Advanced Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 2680 Registered: 9-2001 |
I agree BMW should drop Bangle before he ruins the company. I am on the list for a new M5 to replace my current M5 that is my daily driver. I have been through two M5s and one M3 as my daily drivers in the last decade or so. But, after seeing photos of the new M5, I put my name on the list for the new Maserati Quatroporte too. I will just wait and see what the Quatroporte's magazine test say once the car comes out in Europe in the Fall. Hopefully it will be a good car because it looks great. | ||
| Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member Username: Toby91 Post Number: 226 Registered: 4-2001 |
James, I agree. A hr drive in the 745 cost them a sale after I couldn't figure out how to cancel a turn signal or being told I would get a card in spanish so the car wash guys could start the car. It did drive great however but far far too much "why tech". Traded my 740 in on a S55 AMG and never looked back. Dale. Unfortunatly, the ugly bull nose may be required if Euro regulators get their way as a safty feature to avoid pedestrians from going up on the hood. I guess they figure a clean hit is better. Not clear how Ferrari would handle this. | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Junior Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 169 Registered: 4-2003 |
Well, are these guys (Don't know if there are any gal car designers. If there were, it would probaby improve things.) engaging in some kind of contest to see who can build the most butt ugly car? Actually, I blame all this on the Viper, the original cartoon car. You know, the car you doodled instead of paying attention during 2nd period algebra. It's one thing for a 13 year old to have weird car fantasies, but presumably these designers are grown ups? You know, it is probably our fault because apparently somebody is buying this crap. From a car nut in Tejas who would sell his mother (twice) for the chance to buy a modern 250 GTO, or maybe a sharknose, or maybe a Cobra Daytona, or ???? | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1994 Registered: 10-2002 |
I am amazed that BMW would continue down this disasterous road with the look of the new 5 as well as the "I" drive system which is another loser. That Bangle look and the "I" drive cost them my bussiness. | ||
| Kds (Kds)
New member Username: Kds Post Number: 46 Registered: 5-2003 |
I think Peugeot has it right with a few of their current cars. The 206 and the 406 "coupe" are gorgeous designs. Quite frankly BMW should fire Bangle because they are going to get bit again with the new 5 series...... If they remodel the volume selling 3 series in a style similiar to the 7 & 5 it could be the end of them as a private company. I've never heard of so many people disliking BMW's new trend so vocally before. | ||
| Andrew-Phillip Goalen (Andrewg)
Junior Member Username: Andrewg Post Number: 150 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dave, agree whole hartidly, the funny thing is the Renault's at the top of the sales list at the moment, I'm sure its nothing to do with give away(ish) pricing, free insurance, servicing................... oh and a fleet discount you really wouldnt belive, you can lease them for less than a fiesta!!, if you think the outsides bad try to drive one (actually you may not wont to just take my word Awful tinny French crap!) but since when have Reanult (or the french!) made a good looking hatch!, Saw the new Renault Exec car on the road last week the guy driving look hugely embarased driving it, think of an uglier Meganne for 3 times the money | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Intermediate Member Username: Whart Post Number: 1419 Registered: 12-2001 |
I loved Bob Lutz's description of modern (circa late 90's) designs as "angry appliances." | ||
| Dave Penhale (Dapper)
Member Username: Dapper Post Number: 732 Registered: 4-2002 |
Right with you on that one Dale. The amazing thing is the marketing twats think they are right too. When they realise the design is shite that wont sell well they design a crappy advertising campaign to try and push it on some other theme. In the UK right now the above has been played out with a Renault Megane, its ugly as sin, with a real bad protrusion at the rear, they now run an advert with the song, 'I see you there, shakin that ass, shakin that ass!!!!! Like thats going to all of a sudden make us buy it...I think not. BMW, well, what a disaster the 7 is, and the new 5 is about to drive up the same street, shure it will sell thousands, but nowhere like as many thousands as if they designed it to look nice. And thats just the outside, have you seen the interior...yikes! | ||
| Crawford White (Crawford)
Junior Member Username: Crawford Post Number: 121 Registered: 3-2003 |
I agree - look at the new Cadillac! | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Junior Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 168 Registered: 4-2003 |
One problem with age is that you tend to remember things... During the 80s, every European car designer went through a wedge phase, e.g., the 400 the the GT4. Fortunately, the drugs that they were taking wore off, and we returned to good looking cars, e.g., the 308 and the 456. But it seems like we are going through this all over again will all this "Bullnose" crap, e.g., Audi, Bently GT, a bunch of Japenese cars that I don't know the name of, and, yes, even the new 465 suffers somewhat from this Bullnose effect. (I'm not sure you can say the Enzo has a bullnose. Maybe an anteater nose?) (Plus, I'm not even going to get into the new BMWs. It is amazing to watch an entire company commit design suicide.) What's even more amazing is that the car companies really don't have to try that hard. Just go into their company museums, pop a top, and just stare for a while. For example, on another tread, someone posted a pic of a rebodied TR. DFDG. Is is just me? Or has everybody started designing ulgy cars again? |