Quote:
Originally Posted by proton007 
I think one of the reasons is aerodynamics and the monocoque design. The traditional approach to something aerodynamic was to make it sharp and swooping, but our knowledge and design methods have changed, hence the focus is towards more functional designs.
To look at an example, a Nissan GTR (not the skyline), or a Lexus LFA wouldn't be possible in the old world, no matter how pedestrian it looks.
Some may say thats what happens when you design with a computer doing CFD analysis, but you end up trading looks for performance.
I think one of the reasons is aerodynamics and the monocoque design. The traditional approach to something aerodynamic was to make it sharp and swooping, but our knowledge and design methods have changed, hence the focus is towards more functional designs.
To look at an example, a Nissan GTR (not the skyline), or a Lexus LFA wouldn't be possible in the old world, no matter how pedestrian it looks.
Some may say thats what happens when you design with a computer doing CFD analysis, but you end up trading looks for performance.
Yes - I agree - and if you're building a 200 mph supercar, you really do need to let the CFD & wind tunnel guide your design. For the more pedestrian consumer cars, the MPG ratings drive the design - which is unfortunate. But in the middle, I think there is still some room for style-based cars. The buyer of a Ford Taurus or Chevy Caprice aren't buying for MPG or top speed. I think it's unfortunate that the MPG rules prevent a style-based category from being offered. They almost get it with the remakes of the classic muscle cars - but for some reason they don't extend that to other classic designs from history - regardless of who the original designer was.
Edited by billybob_jcv - 11/13/12 at 7:34am
My wife's BFF is flaming, man-the-fire-extinguisher gay,
Always loved the 8C myself.
