New Chief Designer at Aston Martin from Bugatti http://www.luxury4play.com/luxury-cars/aston-martins-new-chief-designer-comes-bugatti-20180515/
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thats a pic i took here in houston. normally it is seen on american cars from the 80's..... its called 'slab' i dont know why. i also have no idea how this can be legal, but i have seen it dozens of times. quite comical!
No! Blades are too blunt to be the renowned Ben Hur Vego-matic. What those devices on Houston cars look like are 21st century south-side "curb feelers!"
2+2 T-top hatchback and cab forward, mid engine van. These proportions need to be literally recycled into new cars using "kits". You wont find the industry bringing these back for the "regular Joe" to afford. Image Unavailable, Please Login
I must strenuously disagree with your premise that there's an unmet need here. The mid-engine minivan design is more expensive to service than a normal minivan due to decreased accessibility (minivan families typically want to save money wherever possible), the engine located further back compromises the interior space (with interior space being the whole point of buying a minivan), and the minivan suffers from an image problem (practically goes without saying). Instead of all that, the Regular Joe would rather have an affordable SUV - they're just about as practical on a daily basis, generally more durable due to uprated off-road suspension components, more capable in a wider range of road conditions (usually with an AWD option), and have a more acceptable masculine image that doesn't scream "kidmobile". There's a very good reason the industry isn't bringing that proportion back for the Regular Joe: the Regular Joe won't buy it. As for the 2+2 T-top, I agree it's a cool design. I'd quite like a T-top Pontiac Firebird or Nissan 300ZX. However, modern technology has brought the convenience, speed, reliability (fewer leaks!), and safety of the folding metal roof. The advances in chassis design also means the T-bar to assist rigidity and reduce scuttle shake isn't necessary, and nor is it necessary to assist in cabin integrity in the event of a rollover. The manually removable T-top roof segment is old technology that isn't coming back. There's plenty of reasons to buy a classic T-top car to enjoy the style and technology of a prior era but there's no reason to reintroduce it or reengineer it today. There is no reasonable case for kits to "recycle" these cars for the Regular Joe. The only argument for a kit would be to give the DIY enthusiast a project, and it would be a project that would be enjoyed and valued by the one undertaking it, with zero residual value to any other consumer. You'd be taking a dated technology car, slapping questionable lipstick on it, and making it as uninsurable as a Ferrari for the Regular Joe, who is going to want to commute in something modern, safe, reliable, and backed by a warranty. All the best, Andrew.
Andrew, I agree with your points. There is also another reason for the demise of the front/mid engine minivan going away. Front end crashwortiness is an issue as well. Your legs get to the accident before anything else does. And compromised interior room don’t help either. And your t-top arguement is spot on. Who wants to store those tops so they can rattle? A case could probably be made for a revised type t-top design, but I believe technology and the market have moved on.
I have a revised t-top 360. Image Unavailable, Please Login It really is fantastic. No nightmare repair convertible mechanism, and it's off and on in seconds. Does not rattle!
Either, and it's aluminum, just like the rest of the roof. It is shaped specifically to fit in the trunk, but I have a spare tire there, so it goes behind the seat. There is a cloth bag for it to go into, and believe it or not, those are still available. They won't sell you one w/o a photo of the car and proof of insurance with the VIN! So far I have the tool kit; car, seat, and steering wheel covers; the spare tire and spare kit; and sunroof panel bag. Need luggage and I'll have everything (Two kinds: Behind the seats, or in the trunk). Here's the car with the panel in place. Not unsightly like t-tops can be. Image Unavailable, Please Login
BMW Design: https://jalopnik.com/watch-bmw-designers-labor-over-the-ugliest-car-theyd-ev-1826133798?utm_medium=sharefromsite&utm_source=Jalopnik_facebook
That was fascinating. Love how there was no narration or subtitles, just the work going on. I don't think the 5 GT is a bad looking car, but it may be the answer to a question few are asking.
