[hks786]

Originally Posted by Diver

There is definitely a design language which distinguishes a well designed brand across its products. Chris Bangle made his own divergence in that language, but things have returned to a saner state.

One must remember that modern automobile design is heavily influenced by aerodynamics, crash survival, weight and even regulatory quirks that make it beneficial to place the wheels as close to the corners of the vehicle as possible. It isn't so easy to be distinctive when these factors favor convergence.

This.

I'm not really a bangle hater though. At the time I quite liked the 6 and 7 series. Now I only like the 7 when I see it in black with black window trim. Still looks boss. 6 series is dated but the M6 still looks sweet.

I get what you mean though. BMW have a way with lines. All sorts of new cars out there but when you look closer BMW has really nice details and proportions are usually spot-on.

[bimmin]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Marketing marketing marketing...

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by Diver

One must remember that modern automobile design is heavily influenced by aerodynamics, crash survival, weight and even regulatory quirks that make it beneficial to place the wheels as close to the corners of the vehicle as possible. It isn't so easy to be distinctive when these factors favor convergence.

I will respectfully disagree. There are few brands that push the wheels to the corners (BMW/MINI do so most notably). In many aspects now crash testing disallows this due to crumple zones. BMW has actually had to back off the wheels as far forward as they once were. Then there is the ever present FWD brands that have not even attempted to move the engine from in front of the axle to behind it- Toyota/Nissan etc.

Have you looked at at Audis/VWs? They do not have the wheels as close as possible by a mile. VAG rarely uses profile shots for this very reason.

[the infamous...]

great article.

[Bimmernerd]

Originally Posted by Fraggy

Marketing marketing marketing...

So??

[Pentium]

Thanks!