Completely agree on the Bentayga. Those that are potential buyers will be lined up. When an Escalade is just too common and doesn't offer any where near the personalization choices and quality of materials these will be their natural target market. Jeff
Sang Yup showed us concepts for the interiors of some future Bentleys, and I was duly impressed. They have the wherewithal to do some very cool stuff, because, ultimately, they have the $$$ to execute it properly
If the reports that Cadillac is moving forward with an SUV above the Escalade are correct, then GM better be willing to study and grasp the Bentley's interiors. Should be a number of Bentayga running around Detroit with M plates soon.
I don't know, but he showed up at school in a chauffeur driven Bentley i was amused as well as impressed! He never had that treatment when he was designing cameras & Corvettes Image Unavailable, Please Login
Just received the latest copy of 'Automotive History Review' Autumn 2015 #56. There is a comprehensive, well researched article comparing the 'designs' of the Ferrari GTO #3387 & the Shelby Daytona Coupe #2287, both owned by the author Doctor F. Simeone. It's a thoughtful analysis comparing Ferrari's car with Shelby's. Because it's copyrighted, I've intentionally blurred the text. Sorry, but I'm a stickler about copyrights. However, any students of aerodynamics & racer design might want to purchase a copy. The article is 10 pigs long and has a number of photos along with the specifications of the respective cars. Back issues are available for $10 SAH, 1102 Long Cove Rd, Gales Ferry, CT 06335-1812. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
my cynical side sez door #2 the Chinese have made it very clear that they are going to do what the Japanese and Koreans did to the global car biz in half the time their strategy is to throw as much money at the goal as it takes I can't imagine there would be any more or less creative freedom for someone who was responsible for the i3 & the i8, and I would also think that door #3 would be just as doable at his former employer door #4 however is the ability to run your own 'shop' which he probably had less of an opportunity to realize at BMW, don't know but to pick your family up and relocate to China, if that is indeed where the work will be performed, takes an incredible amount of commitment for a family......so there'd better be a payday I would think, but sometimes you just don't know what motivates a move of that magnitude...............never a dull moment
Those cars will both be on display during the monthly Demo Day racing at SPA event if you happen to be in the Philadelphia area tomorrow.
Don't know in this case but the idea of #4 having the ability to define the facility, the process, organization structure and hand select the staffing combined with a nice pot of money for oneself and to execute the vision could be quite enticing. It would be one thing to do nice notable cars but to be able to have a legacy of an overall creation would be special. Apparently that type of package lured Jerry Hirschburg to Nissan in the past.
Peter Brock apparently thought about down force in his design process. In some article there was talk of how he bemoaned the reinterpretation of the Daytona coupe design by the body builder after his first prototype. They had altered some of his shapes without understanding how it would affect lift.
yet another example of the creative art and sculpting that goes into designing a vehicle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsVGXym_R64
Looks like the Mitchell book is going to stop with just the 25 copies. A shame. But, I am vey happy to have mine. Project Suspension: After five years to the day since this book project began with the interview at the GM Heritage Center, I have reached the decision to suspend the project due to unanticipated production costs and personal issues. However, I intend to search for a publisher who will take over the project. Stay tuned, the book may yet see the light of day in your local bookstore or on Amazon. To my fellow designers, contributors, and friends, my deepest appreciation for their time and effort especially to Christo Datini and Susan Skarsgard at the GM Design Archive. Designer Limited Edition I received the books and I am absolutely Blown Away! Thank you so much! I love the red pages quoting Dad's one liners ... He was really one of a kind, wasn't he? I will thoroughly enjoy reading these volumes and sharing them with friends and family. I think it's terrific and I'm sure Dad would be over the moon!! Wendy Mitchell Campbell Daughter Maestro: Bill Mitchell and the Iconic Cars of GM Styling is a fascinating insiders glimpse into the amazing 60s car design evolution brought about by the colorful and controversial head of GM Design Bill Mitchell. Beautiful photographs and original artwork chronical this unique period in automotive design when GM was the worlds undisputed trend setter. The cars are the stars! Roy Lonbergers personal experience as a young passionate designer is complimented by additional contributors to paint a picture of a flamboyant leader and the organization within GM that made it successful. Ed Bellandi The book presents an insider's view of the flamboyant, egocentric and passionate Bill Mitchell from a designer who worked directly for the great man on a daily basis during the heyday of the 1960's. The amazing collection of design sketches and photos of the concept cars created during this period have never before been seen outside of the halls of the GM archives and give the reader a glimpse of what could have been. Scott Dungan #1/25 Maureen Sherman The Revs Institute for Automotive Research, Inc #2/25 Just opened your package and it's an impressive presentation. I look forward to sitting down with your volumes to read about an incredible time at GM. Tex Otto Synchronis #3/25 A wonderful book on one of the icons of automotive design. Looks at what was achieved through the experiences of the designer insiders that made it happen. Put together as an opus by one of those designers as a testament to what can be achieved under a truly gifted, strong willed emperor of his realm that saw the world through the windshield, not the rear view mirror. It also makes a clear point in crediting the many who contributed in making the greatness realized throughout his reign. Jeff Kennedy ACCD Trans 1978 #4/25 I was thrilled to hear that you were about to document the work of Bill Mitchell in a detailed book. I've been a fan of cars from the Bill Mitchell era since well before I was old enough to drive. Those cars provided a lifetime of enjoyment, but it took almost to my retirement to realize it wasn't the horsepower, terrific handling or the wonderful engineering that I lusted for, it was the styling that enamored me to the 60's and early 70's GM cars. Once I realized this, I wanted to learn more about the design people who were responsible and all roads lead to Bill Mitchell. I wanted to understand what kind of creative magic potion was in the air when Bill was in charge. Your book eloquently describes what it was like to know and work with Bill Mitchell, I now know him much better and can more fully come to grips with my infatuation for cars of that era. Your efforts are appreciated, thank you! Jeff Goldstein #5/25 I met Roy on an amazing automotive tour of Italy. He mentioned his Bill Mitchell book project. I said I must have one. The finished product is masterfully written, beautifully designed, and it tells the story of Mitchell and the era with photos I've never seen. The insider stories gave me goose bumps. I couldn't put it down. A world class project. John Gourley #6/25 Had a shoulder surgery which has slowed the total review of the books just a bit. What I have read and perused I must say is nothing short of stunning. The sheer volume of previously unseen material is amazing. Your remarkable recounting of your time at the Design Center is so valuable to all of us who wish we could have been there. I 'll continue to comment as soon as my shoulder has recovered to the point of being able lift these books again. Rick Tucker #7/25 I was completely blown away by the history, stories and imagery! Its an absolutely amazing collection of original material of the highest quality. Your direct contact with Mr. Mitchell and your interviews with significant automotive-world individuals helps infuse a very personal feeling to this masterpiece. Bill Siino #8/25 Sam Posey and I had the pleasure of working on a Road & Track feature on Bill Mitchell, that unfortunately hit the cutting room floor. Roys book on Mitchell covers every aspect of the man with exception of the saltiness for which he was famous but documentation of is not necessary. If you love design and understand the pressures of that era to meet both safety standards and create great design, then you will enjoy Roys book. The depth and detail that he pursued to tell the story of Bill Mitchell is second to none. Nextto having lunch with the man and hearing the stories first hand, this book is the next best thing, plus it has been sanitized for a G rating. Bill Warner Founder and Chairman The Amelia Island Concours dElegance #9/25 Roy Lonbergers book is a masterpiece that has been presented in an informative format with amazing photos and documented history that can be enjoyed by all car enthusiasts. This book could only have been written by someone who had technical expertise, experience, creative talent, and a passion for design. An exemplary work of automotive design history! George & Shari Breein #10/25 Anonymous #11/25 Roger and I went to a Pontiac designer's party at Bill Porters house Sunday and took your book with us. It was a BIG HIT. There also was a writer there who writes on mostly Pontiac cars and he was very impressed with the book. No one had time to read every page , but they all thought the book was exceptional, well written, fantastic photos, and very interesting. Roger calls it the Bible of the car books. The history of Bill Mitchell was well done and the pictures of Bill were very good and unusual. Meaning that no one ever saw some of those pictures like the one of Bill dressed all in red to match the car. Roger remembers that during Bill's Motorcycle period he would have leathers made to match the motorcycles. I think we sent you some of those pictures. Another thing that was well liked, was the quotes of Bill's and some otherpeople done on a red page. That was a nice touch to break up the sections of the book. Roger & Patti Hughet #12/25 Great book overall, a big wow. What a great job of putting this all together. My hat is off to you my friend. John Schinella #13/25 Having had a chance to live with Roy Lonberger's marvelous book, "Maestro Bill Mitchel and the Iconic Cars of GM Styling", (two volumes) for some weeks now and it is truly a feast for those interested in the seminal vehicles of the sixties and seventies. Unlike most potential purchasers I was involved in a sense, as a staff designer at GM Styling ( later GM Design Staff) so my view was as a sometime participant and most importantly as a recipient of the energy and forward thinking that accompanied Bill Mitchel at the time. There is so much depth in the volumes that pertains to the deeply involved and emotional process of vehicle design. The research that highlights this via pictures of concept sketches, models, text, and final prototypes is exceptional and almost never seen. If a person feels a strong attraction to this era in Automotive design this book is a must. Ronald C. (Ron) Hill Senior Design Manager, GM Design Staff (Ret.) Chairman Transportation Design Department Art Center College of Design (Ret.) #14/25 Hello Roy ..I cant tell you how wonderfully impressed I am with your fine set of books .and I havent even opened the second volume! Volume 1 was absolutely the most enjoyable, educational piece on automotive design Ive ever held in my hands. Ive not even had a moment to go back and look through it again as there simply hasnt been time here during the holidays, but please I know that Ill be spending hours appreciating your research .and quite wonderful text. Id read the De Lorenzo piece on Mitchell before but now in context with the proper illustrations it had so much more power! The depth of the photographic and artistic research is just beyond wonder. And the names ..every cool car design guy Ive ever met or known about is there ..seeing all this great work in one spot is worth eight years at Art Center! I had no idea that you personally were involved in so many great designs! .The best part of what Ive seen so far is what others have never even imagined existed! There is so much great work that never saw the light of day. All the Mitchellisms quoted throughout are priceless . I had to laugh with tears in my eyes. Thanks so much Roy, Your book has not only made the year, but made my entire lifes appreciation of fine automotive design even richer. All of us who love car design owe you so much for creating such a fine piece of work .Now on to Volume II! Roy .Volume II is even better! I feel honored that youd run my comments on Bill Mitchell. Compared to the real guys you worked with for years, like Holls, Haga, Wilen, Parker, Schinella, Wittine, Rybicki..etc and who accomplished so much Im barely a notation in GM Designs history. I know I was damn lucky to be in one of Mitchells secret studios and got the opportunity to do what I did .and that youve given me the credit. I cant tell you how much this mean seeing it in YOUR book! The best! I LOVED your story on the Nova SS! You really explained this all so well....his philosophy of keeping small passionate groups constantly creating and competing against each other without really knowing who was working on what .I sensed all that when I was there but never got to see it over the years the way you did. Fantastic stories amazing stats! Im hardly through the book Roy but loving every moment. Great to see ol Jules Andrades name there .When I was in Hoags orientation Studio I got to spend some time with him ..I never guessed that he had worked on so many iconic shapes in the early days Did he really do the 32 Ford? .How I wish I could go back and spend time with all these guys! Ill keep reading Really look forward to spending some time with you. When I compare my effort with yours I am humbled ..GREAT book! Peter and Gayle Brock #15/25 I have spent time with your book, mostly the first volume. I have found your effort to be most impressive and your approach to be unique and interesting. Michael Furman #16/25 Roy Lonbergers new book Maestro: Bill Mitchell and the Iconic cars of GM Styling provides the reader with a "backstage pass" through the studios that created the automobiles of General Motors during the golden age of car design. It is lavishly illustrated with photos, sketches, renderings, and memories from many of the designers who were directed by William L Mitchell. For those whom these exceptional cars played a very emotional part in their lives , and everyone else who saw them, truly Roy's book will be a treasure. David R North #17/25 I am delighted with the books; they are brilliant works of art and a treasure to own. The photography is amazing, and the exhaustive research and beautiful presentation overwhelming. I love the books, and I commend you for such a massive and successful effort to appropriately honor a true Maestro. Paul Leon Peters #18/25 I received the book and I'm so honored and happy to have one. It is truly a highlight for me. Nick Bimonte CKS & Associates, LLC #19/25 This book should belong in just about every serious auto enthusiast's library. Roy Lonberger has created an exhaustive study of one of the most prominent figures in the history of automotive design: William L. Mitchell of GM Design/Styling. It's a comprehensive history and a study of the man responsible for the great period of General Motors Design, from the late 1950's through the late '70's. Mr. Mitchell was a talented designer and a larger than life character. Lonberger's book captures the essence of Mr. Mitchell the man and his positive, as well as his not so positive traits. A wealth of photos and stories never before printed make the book not only a great read, but a historical document about a time when General Motors dominated the auto business and the automotive design profession. It is truly a work of passion dealing with the cars and colorful personalities unknown in today's corporate environment. In addition, the author has included personal anecdotes from his own experience working for Mr. Mitchell during those halcyon days. If the reader has a desire to learn about an important period of the automobile, and one of the seminal personalities responsible for creating beautiful automobiles, by all means consider this book as a must read. John Manoogian Forza Design #20/25 "Maestro: Bill Mitchell and the Iconic Cars of GM Styling' is the definitive retrospective on one of the most influential designers in automotive history. Beautifully presented with superb photography and illustrations, 'Maestro' conveys the passion, the unflinching confidence, the powerful presence, the demanding expectations of those who worked for him and, of course, the prodigious talent that defined Bill Mitchell, while perfectly capturing the essence of the man." Peter M. De Lorenzo The Autoextremist #21/25 This mammoth two volume set gives up close and personal insight into Bill Mitchell, the man who created the iconic style setting cars of GM in mid-century. From the personal stories of friends, fellow designers and Bills own words comes the story and cars of the design genius who kept GM at the top of the sales charts with stunning designs and jaw dropping show cars. Hundreds of, up to now, secret drawings and photos of GM prototype models are beautifully printed in both color and black and white. The oversize 12.3 x 10.6 inch pages are perfect for capturing close up views of historic drawings by GM designers who were at the top of their game. The story of Bill Mitchell is the story of a futurist who constantly pushed his team of talented designers to look 5 and 10 years down the road to create the cars of tomorrow. This is the book that follows that exciting road. The Bill Mitchell book is a wide open view past the secret doors of the GM Design studios. It not only covers the exciting cars of the Bill Mitchell era, but also the many personalities and insider stories of the designers who worked for him. It is entertaining, informative and a visual masterpiece. Ron Will #22/25 WOWWWWWWW WOW WOW WOWWWWW !!!!!!!!!!! BEAUTIFUL book(s) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You did a superb and admirable job !!!!!!!! I really like your layouts, that "little bit" of extra white space on each page and the assemblage of various categories and parts and pieces to comprise your tome. I took very special interest in any of my great friend, Strother "Stroker McGurk" MacMinn's quotes. He was such an interesting and super guy. I thank you so very much for allowing me to play a small part in contributing to this beautiful Coffee Table Centerpiece. It is a true honor for me. "Q" Roy D. Query #23/25 It was great news when you announced that you were going to do a book about Bill Mitchell and GM Styling! Such a book about Bill is long overdue. His influence as an automotive designer and as the VP of Styling for the then largest automotive corporation in the world not only reached those of us who worked as designers for him, but also GMs Competitors designers and consumers world wide! Thanks for telling the story exactly as it was. You pay homage to a talented man and the halcyon days he helped create of a bye gone era likely GM Designs best years! The text, anecdotal commentaries, interviews, design sketches, renderings, clay models, photographs, show-tell it all, reawakening this exciting era for all to experience and appreciate anew. Im sure Bill would be pleased with your inspiring and impassioned 2 volume book, MAESTRO: Bill Mitchell and the Iconic Cars of GM Styling. Im thrilled to have this book-set myself as a remembrance of those unforgettable great days working for Bill! Thank you for your dedication, focus and hard work getting it all right so well never forget the man, the cars, the times. Youve done a great job! John M. Mellberg #24/25 Roy Lonberger had a front row seat to the greatest show on earth: General Motors Magic Kingdom, GM Styling. Orchestrated by none other than the eras most flamboyant automotive designer, Bill Mitchell. Roy was Head of Bill Mitchells secret Studio-X during the mid-1960s, fleshing out WLMs latest ideas with fresh concepts that turned into some of GMs most amazing and outrageous concept cars. I built scale models of some of Roys designs growing up, waiting my turn to join the circus. Mitchell was a complex man. A series of anecdotes in the book from those closest to Mitchell paint a detailed portrait of WLM from various points of view. The two volumes contain many historical photographs of Mitchell and Styling, mouth-watering photos of Mitchells concept cars by Michael Furman, and styling renderings from the Mitchell dynasty. Jim Halls Chaparrals are part of the story, beautifully photographed by Roy D. Query. This coffee table book is impressive. Gary Smith Deans Garage #25/25 I saw the book Amazing! Congrats on a beautiful and historic project so very well done. Amy Swain Director of Development Art Center College of Design Review of #14/25
Body by Fisher version of development. Wonder if Styling created their film version too. https://youtu.be/ACWMbeXd31s
And those body surfacing engineers are doing loftings on mylar. Likely the pencil isn't lead but flattened aluminum as those held an edge longer.
It is an old option in Designo range on Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It's like 6 years old. Wow! Thanks for the info! No way... I'll contact someone to get ahold of one.
Q for the designers that follow this thread: Why are we seeing more and more good to great designs that look off in 2D?
I think he's referring to cars that look good in person / in the metal, but look awkward when drawn or photographed. All the best, Andrew.
