car design thread

To paraphrase Shakespeare:

'Tis but thy name that is my enemy;
Thou art thyself, though not a Testarossa.
What's Testarossa? It is nor wheel, nor tire,
Nor wing mirror, nor headlight, nor any other part
Belonging to a car. O, be some other name!
What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;
So 849 would, were it not 849 call'd,
Retain that dear perfection which it owes
Without that title. 849, doff thy name,
And for that name which is no part of thee
Take all myself."​

It's not boring and has some mildly controversial elements, but the most controversial thing of all is the name they gave it. I'm not so much opposed to the design but to the introduction/expectations of the name. I had hoped for something different in a return of the Testarossa name. I think I'd like the 849 better if it had a different name and therefore was positioned differently within the brand.

Is it unfair to designers to recoil from a design over what seems like a marketing decision?

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I agree 150%. Poor choice of names. It ain't no TestaRossa.
Even I'll say that.

And to further the story. Im old enough to remember when the mid '80's Testa Rossa came out. My boss had one of the first ones in the USA and the day he brought it to work, it emptied out the building. My first reaction wasn't positive to say the least. Slab of ribs? Check. Wide rear? Check. Flat surfaces? Check.

 

I seem to be in the small minority that liked the Testarossa in the '80s (I was a kid, and it defined cool) but thinks its aged poorly.

Yes, exactly.

 

This interpretation of a modernized Testarossa is absolutely gorgeous:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOtZNFkDc-e/?igsh=MWVqMnQ0aDgyd2o3NA==​

I know there's a big difference between digital sketches and getting a design into production, but still.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Nice Z4 interpretation, also, in the link! That individual seems to have good taste.

 

This weekend's silly design content​

The Lexus Fan Bois have just deemed the 5 worst Lexus grills of all time. They also proclaimed the 5 best Lexus grills of all time, but I'm withholding those because you guys will probably comment that there is no difference in the two categories.

IMHO, #4 worst looks like they phoned it in rather than connived to create something hideous!

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​

 

And there is such a thing as a "best" Lexus grille?
Oxymoron?

 

LS600h for the top 3 grill designs. My father imported a right hand drive steering one from Japan with low use for $10,000 USD.
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The order seems off. 5 is the worst and 1 is probably the best. 4 probably does not belong on the list as it is just a nothing grill from that era.

 

Spoil sport!

 

Here you go:

Might the #1 Worst really be better than the #4 Best? I rest my case!

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#4 Best


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#1 Worst​

Pick your poison(s)!

 

Can't we just put picks in our eyes and call it a day?

All the best,
Andrew.

 

It is the rugged mustache of a cowboy yet sensitive with emo eyes!
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You could moonlight as a copywriter!

 

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Remembering Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, 1947-2025
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We wanted to take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of Tsutomu “Tom” Matano, often called the “Father of the Miata,” who passed away on September 22 at the age of 77. Matano was a champion of “empathetic design”—the idea that objects should communicate how they want to be used with their design—and he shaped Mazda’s design philosophy during what could be considered the most important period in the company’s history. Above all, he was remembered for his cheerful disposition and boundless enthusiasm for car culture and its people.

https://bringatrailer.com/2025/09/25/remembering-tsutomu-tom-matano-1947-2025/

 

Tom & I were classmates at Art Center. We' were friends for 50 yrs. What a legend. Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

He was my wife's favorite car designer. She loves the design and ethos of the Miata, so it's only a matter of time before she gets one.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

My wife had one when we got married. She loved it. When I told her i was friends with the designer, I don't think she believed me! Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I know the feeling! I told a CTS-V owner at a car show that my friend John designed his car. I got a look like "yeah, right."

All the best,
Andrew.

 

My first two cars were Miatas. Of all the cars I've owned, the first Miata (1993 gen one) probably brought me the most joy. Truly a terrific car.

 

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Avatr design chief reveals Vision Xpectra secrets

 

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