The BMW Concept XM is the latest example of this, even if it is very appropriate. Yes, I know car buyers have more choices now than ever before. Yes, I know it is difficult to create something unique with the safety and aerodynamic requirements to follow. However, that doesn’t mean that auto designers should only expect that a massive front grille or weird creases will make their projects stand out in a good way. The bold may be brave, but it’s not pretty. Often, this is not the case.
Just check out what Hyundai does with its new models. The Concept 45 was a nice homage to the pony apart from a strange sideline that runs from the base of the A-pillar all the way to the leading edge of the rear wheel wells. As much as I tried to get it, I couldn’t. I still can’t. When the Ioniq 5 was introduced, the first thing I looked for was that wrinkle. Disappointingly, it made it into production. Fortunately, he didn’t pollute the design too much – but he was very close to doing so.
What about the new Elantra? This thing is hideous, even if it’s a great swan song for Albert Berman’s work in the company. “Villain” also suits Bayonne and Krita (a recently established type). The Tucson managed to escape from God knows how: it also has the odd folded metal on the sides, but it didn’t do as much damage there as it did on other cars of the brand.
There are plenty of examples of car design coming close to being a lost art. Just think of naming a car designer now and in the ’80s. It was much easier back then: Marcello Gandini, Giorgetto Giugiaro, Walter de Silva, Batista (Penin) Farina are just a few of those masters. Name a contemporary designer – apart from Ian Callum – who you can remember for his great design. We see?
This plague did not start with the design of the car. It also affects architecture and the arts in general. We seem to have lost touch with what is truly beautiful and decided to praise horrible things just to pretend we understand “vision” artists.
I can never forget to go to the Basquiat Gallery and ask why the painting is different from the others, apart from the location of the scribbles. On the other hand, Van Gogh’s paintings immediately touched my heart. Contemporary super-reading artists always impress me with their skills, and sometimes what they want to express.
It is not surprising that children in some countries do not care about cars. I doubt they’ve given up driving, fallen in love with public transportation, or only computers and video games get their attention. I think ugly cars have turned the car into just a means of transport that takes it from point A to point B.
On the one hand, these designs cannot create emotional bonds apart from blame. On the other hand, I think those people who say they have cars probably never have to do the monthly shopping or take their kids to school on a rainy day (even if they have kids).
The most brutal vehicles will be better than most public transportation available around the world, which is mainly crowded, uncomfortable, late and inconvenient. Those who advocate some good examples as a solution to all the transportation needs out there forget that they only work well thanks to the city’s strict planning, but that’s another problem.
When it comes to vehicle design, I yearn to see professionals who love a good-looking product above anything else win out over those who want to shock and “bold” design. Those who don’t try to reinvent the wheel should only have a chance to celebrate beauty as Gandini, Pininfarina, and Giugiaro once did. This is not asking for much.
Kids should be entitled to have their dream cars and huge posters with them on the walls again. They must be able to distinguish one vehicle from another and their preferences depend only on style. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say this: Please return the cars that inspire buyers to crave. We are angry to see what is on offer nowadays.
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