Why are car keys so ugly?

[Chrisbes]

Not seen most of the keys posted in here, but I'm a big fan of the simple keys - the NSX and GTR ones in particular.

Shame you need the big clunky keys for the immobilizer chip and electronics nowadays. I'd definitely buy a simple key if I could, something like this:

Edited by Chrisbes on Wednesday 1st June 03:36

[Gecko1978]

Jag F Pace has wearable key

http://www.techradar.com/news/car-tech/jaguar-s-we...

This I see as the future of car keys i.e. no key at all just get in with your smart watch drive off walk away it locks etc.

[suffolk009]

I had thought that the Pagani model car, with a usb stick in the middle was naffest.

But then on Sunday I saw Gordon Ramsey's Ferrari LaFerrari Spyder stty key in it's big stupid carbonfibre trunk. Naff beyond belief.

I mean, is he going to carry that stupid box around with him so he can put it on everyone's coffee table, then, ooooowh, look, it's a key.

[richatnort]

I give you the honda...........



Who thought i know lets make a really long key! it's such a pain in the arse when it's in your jeans pocket too!

[MyCC]

"Is that a BMW 7 Series key in your pocket Dear, or are you just pleased to see me? It's the 7 Series key Darling...."

Not sure where a guy is supposed to keep the 7 Series key? Man bag? Brief case?

I agree wholeheartedly on the key point though, often seems to be the biggest after thought when it comes to most luxury cars. It should be something to treasure if it connects to something a bit special.

Regards,

MyCC

[robsa]

MrOrange said:

smithyithy said:

BMW's keys for their 7 Series etc are pretty smart

The theory is good but the limitations are idiotic. It's too big, the touchscreen doesn't look like it will survive in my pocket and the fecker needs charging every few days. Via a USB lead. _ it was supposed to have clever induction charging in a "pod" in front of the gear selector.

It does nothing more, and a good deal less than the i8 App on my phone. And if it goes flat there is no way to get into or start your car. Dumb.

I use the standard key which works just fine. If I need clever stuff I fire up the app.

The G11 has wireless Qi charging in the armrest I think, which will charge this key up. Is it standard or an option though?

[richatnort]

KimJongHealthy said:

Put it in your front pocket then.

Edited by KimJongHealthy on Thursday 2nd June 12:23

that's where they are but when you have your wallet in one and you don't want to put it in your other pocket with your iphone your buggered!

[Joe..]

soad said:

IanCress said:

Leaky Valve Stem Seal said:

I quite like my SAAB keyfob...

Lock, unlock, boot, flying saucer?

The sort of oval line button turns on the parking lights for a minute (or so), so you can find your way out of the garage. They are what's called the "Halo" lights iirc.

Also sets the car alarm off when held down for a few seconds

[3yardy3]

Nik da Greek said:

Mine is a rotor. Becos rotary

Love it! I also like the original VW one.

[alock]

It's the size that annoys me. How does one key take up half the total volume of my bunch of keys. The other half can open my house & office, store 128GB of data, and be used to strip/rebuild an entire computer as well as open beer?



It should be no larger than my Victorinox Rambler penknife.

[bigmuzzie]

This is my fav car key. The new fobby things are not really "keys" in the traditional sense.

The fob for my Jag sits in my pocket, never have to touch it so it doesn't really matter what it looks like.

[kevinaking2020]

all my previous cars, the key have been pretty plain and rubbish.

I love my R key.

http://www.swedespeed.com/news/uploads/features/15...

[brushwood69]

Fitted most early fords!

[Limpet]

carlove said:

Like my old 3 Series key, but that had a nice red bit, I liked it, maybe not on a Rolls Royce.

The Rolls Royce one does have what looks like a wifi button though, don't get that on the BMW key.

I like the 3-series key too, but mine looked pretty sorry for itself after 3 years / 60,000 miles. The BMW logo was flaking off, and the plastic was heavily marked. It had been in trouser pockets (occasionally with loose change) or hung up on the key hook at home. Hardly abused.

[Dale487]

Theophany said:

Love that.

The current Porsche ones are a bit marmite.

I think the Porsche key's design makes it colour sensitive - some of the c£300 optional colour coded keys I seen look great & others look terrible (I do like the leather pouch they come in though)

[nickydee]

IanCress said:

Leaky Valve Stem Seal said:

I quite like my SAAB keyfob...

Lock, unlock, boot, flying saucer?

I had an early this shape 9-3, and you could start the car with a finger as long the key was close by - Remember this was over ten or years ago before keyless entry was commonplace so seemed cool at the time.

[Dale487]

Volvo C30 - the worst looking key in the world?

[JatHanspal]

The colour coded Porsche one takes it a bit too far, but I guess its another "optional" waste of money lol. In a way, a key that looks just like the car, and is colour coded makes it a tiny bit easier to for the less honest to be able to find the car that matches they key etc. Surely a bland key, unbranded etc is the best way to safeguard things.....

On another note, I did like the VW Golf GTi ones that came with the Mk2, with the cover....



The Land Rover key I currently have is nice, although not amazing. The size is a pain in the rear, but that is probably part of the design to work with gloves on etc. I like the fact that it no sharp corners, and the metal edge on one side makes it easy to know which side the buttons are without looking/key in pocket etc (in conjunction with the key loop on the other side, and not in the middle like some makers do).



And in a function over form concern, the new land rover keys which come as a wearable, waterproof wrist band (might just be an optional extra) is a great idea. You can park up, go do all your activities without worrying about where to keep your keys.

Edited by JatHanspal on Thursday 2nd June 13:30

[C.A.R.]

Can't grumble about the keys for the Mazda, nice and slim compared to most modern stuff. Also was fiddling with it the other day and fount its' party trick - there's a real key in there!

[Draexin]

K series Elise key and key fob are spectacularly hidious...