New Bertone Supercar (Bertone Mantide)

My opinion is that it is very much generational. I grew up in the fifties and sixties and define beauty by the products of that age, just as I do music (remember your parents' first reaction to The Beatles and Stones?), movies, et al. It is, however, the past and what is the point, at least from an artistic perspective to continue to repeat the past. I stand firmly against pure retro design, and it is no wonder that auto designers such as Michelotti, Pinin Farina, Bertone and others did likewise in their time. They created a language that has basically lasted for forty years. The most talented designers today, yes including Chris Bangle and Jason, want to leave their own footprint and be guided by their personal vision. However, that vision is highly encumbered today because of the demand for greater efficiency and eco friendly products. Just as in aerospace and formula 1, the wind tunnel plays a far greater role in shaping the aesthetic today than it did in any previous era.
As someone else has said, this is a brave design, and pushes the envelope more than anyone could have predicted. I for one am glad. There is a promo photo on the Evo website of the new McLaren F430 fighter, and one has to ask himself, gosh haven't we already seen this before? Yeah, over and over, as a matter of fact.
I don't know if the Mantide is the future, but as an attempt to define it, it is a great achievement.

 

Could possibly have a rearview camera but I dont know.

 

Those holes makes it look even more like a vacuum cleaner...

 

This looks like a car that needs to be seen in three dimensions. There are fascinating aspects and lots of clever touches but I don't get a sense of how it all works together.
IMO a great design has to be conceptually and visually challenging and so will rarely look good at first.

 

ATROCIOUS!!!

The people who thought the Reventon was ugly will probably die when they see this..... this...... what the hell is it anyway???

 

It's pretty clear where the back of that car came from
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Growing on me. Still don't like the dotted side vents.

 

LOL! be careful it doesn't ingest you!

 

...although an unsuccessful one......;-)

 

Given some of the cars you've posted on the guess the car thread I'll concede that you do know ugly

 

And you are.......????

 

....I am.....disappointed in the design.....and you are.......????

 

I like it. It is unusual or original. How many cars of tomorrow do we see that can apparently run the ring sub 7:30? I think it is impressive that they've done both.

italiaspeed.com has a story about both Zagato and Bertone showing cars at Villa d'Este. Zagatos design is functional too but it looks like a number of other cars they've designed recently. The Bertone entry does not have that problem.

 

I am someone willing to give the design a personal viewing before making any predictions as to whether it is successful or not. Even then it will be my opinion only and not some wannabe's statement as fact.

 

run the ring in sub 7:30? (SEVEN thirty??? - that is an eternity)

OK, and your Ugly Auntie from Scotland can probably sing, too.

Better to keep her on the radio, IMHO.

 

It is my personal opinion that ugly just gained a whole new dimension.

Shame, is that the best they can come up with at such a well reputed company? Was it 'designed' by a Star Wars fan?

I agree that innovative design should by its' nature push the envelope, but this is an insult. The Reventon is pretty in comparison, and that says a lot.

 

back of the car?

that looks like the front of a car... the white reverse lights, look like Audi R8 headlights...

 

To each their own. As a car-design, perhaps this one misses the mark. I think most would agree that a 'beautiful car' not only pleases the eye, but also stirs the soul and entices one to want to drive it. I find myself looking at pictures of [what i consider beautiful] cars over and over again; pouring over their details and finding each time something else to appreciate... Does this 'car-design' make you want to come back to explore it again? Not for me... Perhaps if one considers this a 'sculpture' or a 'work of art' instead, it would...

 

Vette ZR1

I love it when you guys complaint everytime a new car comes out , about IT being a recreation of some other model , and the industry becoming predicatable faceless etc.

BUT whan a completely new bold thing comes out , you call it ugly

 

I was thinking the same thing.

It may not be the "best" looking, but at least it's original. Although, I think it's cool.

 

Problem is that they're not mutually exclusive, a design can be both bold and ugly.
I'm withholding judgement until I see it in person but the photos are not promising.

 

Looks like a DB9

/troll