I get the feeling that we're dealing with another "cult" a la the leave-OS-9-kicking-and-screaming crowd, and that a lot of people even outside that group see BMWs as more, uh, high-end than I do. They don't sell Civics, but BMW 3 series is only a step up, and the 5 series is just above the Accord IMO. If you want total elegance, well, there isn't much left after the big mergers of the 90's.
3-Series? Civic? 5-Series? Accord?
The last good 5-series was the early 90s version...the one I had. The currently available redesign is pretty puke worthy, but bearable. The current 3-series is the best they've ever released, IMO. Of all the recent Bangle mangles, I'd rate the X5 as decent and the 7-series as barely worthy.
Anyway, I have no problems ditching BMW for another mark. Bangle can take BMW in whichever direction he wants. There are plenty of better looking fish in the sea. And they don't come equipped with the horrid I-Drive either.
Yes, the iDrive powered by Windows CE which almost killed a diplomat (remember, the situation with the car locking itself and not letting this guy out).
Mercedes and Audi's offerings are much more appealing to me than BMW. The new Audi A8L/S8 are positively awe-inspiring vehicles, and you can't beat the S series Mercs. (Sorry, I go for the big cars because ... that's all I can get into without my head smashing the roof.)
ALL current Audis look good, particularly the 6 series.
But if I had the money, which I don't, the big XJ jags are the best looking pure luxury sedans you can buy. The S-type is a poor interpretation, but if they clean up the detailing it might come out OK as it evolves, and the little X-type looks stunted. All of their current coupes look as though a giant sat on them, swoopy, but not so much sleek as they are kinda blobby (see how I rock those design terms!)
But the classic jag 4 door still looks great after all these years, and the new aluminum skin version is yum. Jag knows a good shape when they see it, and they haven't messed about with the overall theme of the big jag in 30 years. If you ask me, they're right. The other prettiest (semi retro) car on the market used to be the Porsche 993 (in silver with a glass roof and rusty brown leather interior) -- the result of shaping the car over a 30 year period to a final lovely shine.
The new Grand Prix is actually based on the Holden Monaro...Aussie-built. Relative to each other, the Bimmer is unfortunately not much better than the Monaro lookswise.
Actually, the new GTO is based on the Holden ... the Grand Prix is unrelated.
But back to BMW for a sec ... best looking BMW I've ever owned was a '71 3.0 CSi. Just gorgeous!
Here's a picture of one ... but not mine. (I didn't have a digital camera at the time, but I'll try to dig up a picture and scan one in.)
But if I had the money, which I don't, the big XJ jags are the best looking pure luxury sedans you can buy. The S-type is a poor interpretation, but if they clean up the detailing it might come out OK as it evolves, and the little X-type looks stunted. All of their current coupes look as though a giant sat on them, swoopy, but not so much sleek as they are kinda blobby (see how I rock those design terms!)
Also a big peice of crap Looked very sexy, handled like a dream. Spent more time in the shop than out. Lucas electrics to start with were/are terrible but a myrid of problems with the cpu related to the complicated intake system . But I agree with you they just were just so classy and beautiful to look at. Now that Ford owns them their quality has gotten much better.
looks like a Honda Accord Coupe from the side and front. The back is definitely Honda Accord Coupe Lights with the plymouth Breeze hood lip. This design should not have seen the light of day. Hate to say that about BMW. love my '8 325i Convt. Even though it has gotten it's hand into my wallet one too many times
Actually, the new GTO is based on the Holden ... the Grand Prix is unrelated.
Doh, you're right. The previous reference to the Grand Prix in this thread had me confused. The 2004 Grand Prix actually looks nothing like the BMW 6-Series, but the GTO's front end does bear a passing resemblence with the fat kidneys, lumpy hood, the mesh on the bumper.
One thing I have noticed is the tendency for car makers to take a few more risks in styling than they did in say the last 20 years or so. There have been a lot of misses but some hits too. The current crop of sports cars is some of the most beautiful there have been in a long time. The new 350z is odd but daring. The Audi is pretty spiffy as well. Too bad my wallet isn't flush with possibilities right now.
maybe cause of all the window tunnel tests and fuel effiency etc. ?
Could be, but they have gone from making everything with a low cd and the resultant egg shape. To some pretty daring designs albiet some ugly ones too. The Honda elephant er Element comes to mind.
Could be, but they have gone from making everything with a low cd and the resultant egg shape. To some pretty daring designs albiet some ugly ones too. The Honda elephant er Element comes to mind.
Comments
Originally posted by BuonRotto
I get the feeling that we're dealing with another "cult" a la the leave-OS-9-kicking-and-screaming crowd, and that a lot of people even outside that group see BMWs as more, uh, high-end than I do. They don't sell Civics, but BMW 3 series is only a step up, and the 5 series is just above the Accord IMO. If you want total elegance, well, there isn't much left after the big mergers of the 90's.
3-Series? Civic? 5-Series? Accord?
The last good 5-series was the early 90s version...the one I had. The currently available redesign is pretty puke worthy, but bearable. The current 3-series is the best they've ever released, IMO. Of all the recent Bangle mangles, I'd rate the X5 as decent and the 7-series as barely worthy.
Anyway, I have no problems ditching BMW for another mark. Bangle can take BMW in whichever direction he wants. There are plenty of better looking fish in the sea. And they don't come equipped with the horrid I-Drive either.
Mercedes and Audi's offerings are much more appealing to me than BMW. The new Audi A8L/S8 are positively awe-inspiring vehicles, and you can't beat the S series Mercs. (Sorry, I go for the big cars because ... that's all I can get into without my head smashing the roof.)
ALL current Audis look good, particularly the 6 series.
But if I had the money, which I don't, the big XJ jags are the best looking pure luxury sedans you can buy. The S-type is a poor interpretation, but if they clean up the detailing it might come out OK as it evolves, and the little X-type looks stunted. All of their current coupes look as though a giant sat on them, swoopy, but not so much sleek as they are kinda blobby (see how I rock those design terms!)
But the classic jag 4 door still looks great after all these years, and the new aluminum skin version is yum. Jag knows a good shape when they see it, and they haven't messed about with the overall theme of the big jag in 30 years. If you ask me, they're right. The other prettiest (semi retro) car on the market used to be the Porsche 993 (in silver with a glass roof and rusty brown leather interior) -- the result of shaping the car over a 30 year period to a final lovely shine.
Originally posted by Eugene
The new Grand Prix is actually based on the Holden Monaro...Aussie-built. Relative to each other, the Bimmer is unfortunately not much better than the Monaro lookswise.
Actually, the new GTO is based on the Holden ... the Grand Prix is unrelated.
But back to BMW for a sec ... best looking BMW I've ever owned was a '71 3.0 CSi. Just gorgeous!
Here's a picture of one ... but not mine. (I didn't have a digital camera at the time, but I'll try to dig up a picture and scan one in.)
If only they weren't such rust magnets.
[B]Some bigger mercs look OK (2 or 4 door
But if I had the money, which I don't, the big XJ jags are the best looking pure luxury sedans you can buy. The S-type is a poor interpretation, but if they clean up the detailing it might come out OK as it evolves, and the little X-type looks stunted. All of their current coupes look as though a giant sat on them, swoopy, but not so much sleek as they are kinda blobby (see how I rock those design terms!)
Also a big peice of crap
Originally posted by audiopollution
Actually, the new GTO is based on the Holden ... the Grand Prix is unrelated.
Doh, you're right. The previous reference to the Grand Prix in this thread had me confused. The 2004 Grand Prix actually looks nothing like the BMW 6-Series, but the GTO's front end does bear a passing resemblence with the fat kidneys, lumpy hood, the mesh on the bumper.
http://ultimategto.com/2004/04_00094_1.jpg
Originally posted by keyboardf12
I like front view very very much. do you know if this will also be in a 4 door. ( i assume so) that to me would shore up the side view.)
(i feel the same about all 3 series too. 4 door or nothing.)
the interior is amazing too...
The 6Series is traditionally a coupe, not a sedan (of course, traditionally means the one they built a few years back). That means 2 doors.
Originally posted by keyboardf12
maybe cause of all the window tunnel tests and fuel effiency etc. ?
Could be, but they have gone from making everything with a low cd and the resultant egg shape. To some pretty daring designs albiet some ugly ones too. The Honda elephant er Element comes to mind.
Originally posted by taliesin
Could be, but they have gone from making everything with a low cd and the resultant egg shape. To some pretty daring designs albiet some ugly ones too. The Honda elephant er Element comes to mind.
The Scion xB is even uglier than the Element.
Originally posted by Eugene
The Scion xB is even uglier than the Element.
True Dat!
Originally posted by Eugene
The Scion xB is even uglier than the Element.
with none of the practicality. toyota R&D should be shot.