The direction of automotive design

Just looking at the NSX, Mclaren, 458, Porsche 918 and future 961 in a side-by-side photo.

Also think its going to be interesting to see the new R8, Gallardo, and Porsche 961 all built on the same platform.

Anyone want to play spot the trends?
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I think rules and aerodynamics dictate certain direction that's common for them all.
Total individualism that was possible not that long ago is gone....

 

I'm anxious to see what Lamborghini does with the new Gallardo

 

The Huayra follows this trend as well:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0FkD7UtkGUw/ULuUaQ_8-eI/AAAAAAAAAFY/l2jDOPQa0JU/s1600/Pagani-Huayra_4.jpg

 

I have to agree with "absent" and add that Marketing plays a huge amount.
I see the drivers for design being Regulation driven buy nanny states accountants and greenies not by innovation and out there design.

As these cars cost so much to design and develope, any one doing as Lamborgini did with the Miura needs to be very brave or have fired the Marketing and safety departments during the design.

For this reason the very inovative design from Bertone and pininfarina are are remaining as Show Cars

I will say the English Cottage industy has been fare braver than the rest of world with cars like the Caparo T1. Radical, and the Aerial atom.

The US Hot rodders have some interesting designs but these are more retro

What makes the English and the US side of things work design wise is vastly reduced reglulatory and markeing influence.

If there is a new trend then it will be by smaller less restricted designers like Pagani. and a lot more will be to do with detail.

Graeme

 

I love how Mr. Pagani's eye point is barely above the beltline
awesome

 

They all look like the car I drew when I was a young boy. I wanted to start a car company back then & was sure I had the perfect shape! Looks like I was right (about the shape anyway).

 

you & 1000's of other guys that weren't paying attention in school.....

 

Especially the 918. I wish I'd kept my doodles from 4th grade (back in the 60's).

 

Ever look at a Miura and GT40 side by side? Their profile is virtually identical. They are also never confused for each other. This is nothing new.

 

I believe all those cars you listed were inspired by this

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c4qOgMZZp8[/ame]

 

I agree.

The side-exit exhausts on the 918 are the only distinctive touch, and I recall reading that those wouldn't make it to the production version.

I think the best recent sports/sporting-ish car designs have been in the sub-supercar category: new Porsche Cayman; new BMW Z4; current Audi TT; Porsche 997 (if you can call it a recent design... admittedly a stretch).

Given that the old F40 was a 201 mph car, I wonder if the blandness and sameness in the designs above is more conformity than submission to the wind tunnel?

 

For what it's worth, Porsche has moved the exhausts to the top of the engine bay. The idea is to spare the batteries the additional heat.

Pics:

http://dedeporsche.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/porsche918spyderprototype-06.jpg

http://laptopmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/918spyder-flared-exhaust-650x446.jpg

(I'd love to see a stripped down, mid-eninged Porsche with that V8 at atmospheric -- not!)

 

Might explain the size and placement of those mirrors . . .

 

...which was inspired by the McLaren F1

 

I love the "LeMans racer" type shape of the 962, Saleen, XJ220, NA1/2 NSX, etc... the short nose, longer tail with wing. F40 kind of fits as well.

 

Surely, there is a current design trend. Having said this, one can argue the same thing in various automotive eras. Nowadays, a better understanding of aerodynamics shows its influence. Regulatory restrictions also play a role, but this has been the case for decades. Design innovators eventually work around such restrictions. I also think that there is still room for detail innovations and some designers are coming up with something better than others.

I personally think that designs are getting better overall compared more recent decades. The trend has been returning towards the racer silhouettes of my favorite 60s cars. For instance, the 458 is the first F car I really like since the 3x8 as the 360/430 shape seems bloated to me and the 3x8's silhouette is reminiscent of the 60s Dino albeit with added wedginess. The 918 and 961, I think, are also great designs that are evolutions of the 60s silhouette. I'm glad Porsche is pursuing this route especially above the price point of the 911, which has been a well-milked design. OTOH, the McLaren to me is part of a similar trend but not well-executed.