RE: McLaren goes back to the future with design DNA
Discussion
Bit surprised that no-one likes the looks of the T50. It looks pretty much like a new F1, and I have spent lots of time looking at one at Goodwood and many an F1 over the years. What’s interesting is that everyone seems to like the F1’s looks now, but it wasn’t considered a particularly beauty when it was new. I didn’t think it looked that amazing back then, but how wrong I was. I’d say the beauty of the F1 and the T50 come from how cleverly engineered they are, and the styling is what it needs to be to wrap up such clever engineering packages. As for the T33, I think that really is beautiful, but then (like Gordon Murray) I’m a big fan of the 1960s sports prototypes, such as the Alfa 33 Stradale and its race versions, where the name came from.
whp1983 said:
Think they get a bit unfairly slagged off design wise…. Whenever I see a 720 or 650 or 570 on the roads I think they look great.
Yes I can tell the difference between them and I think they look more cohesive in design than some of the latest Ferraris.
All subjective I know…. But I quite like their current range and recent cars.
570's are the only ones I dislike... They look like budget McLaren's.... Love the 720s and upwards.Yes I can tell the difference between them and I think they look more cohesive in design than some of the latest Ferraris.
All subjective I know…. But I quite like their current range and recent cars.
ManyMotors said:
For any three-seater McLaren makes, where will Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa put his other two wives? Whatever - maybe those left out aren't allowed to talk.
Jealousy... wouldn't wish that disease on my worst enemy.... Get some help ey'... Very bad for your health, goals and mental well being...
I think some of the best car designs, which might not be an absolute knock out when compared
to some of their rivals in period, tend to stand the test of time and eventually come to be seen
as stunning designs.
I think this was another very clever move by the likes of Gordon Murray.
Create a car whose design will only be seen to get better with both familiarity and age.
If I had the funds, I would very happily take the keys to a T.33 Spider.
The issue I have with road going supercars is that since speed can never be the ultimate goal on road, they need to offer drop dead stunning looks and the t50 looks, well, tidy both on film and in the flesh.
I’m sure it’s stunning engineering but I’d much rather have a Zonda or something
I’m sure it’s stunning engineering but I’d much rather have a Zonda or something
Funny, had a play with the silhouettes of the F1 and the 650s (out of avoiding work-dom)
Turns out they are much more aligned design wise than I first realised save for evolutions in aero etc.
Window line closely aligns, rear vent aligns very closely to body lines and aero vents on the doors
Couple of quick comparasons shows similar results on the front rear too.. not that you can compare the two, just thought it was interesting nonetheless. Think it explains why I like the proportions of the 650 / mp4 too.
Turns out they are much more aligned design wise than I first realised save for evolutions in aero etc.
Window line closely aligns, rear vent aligns very closely to body lines and aero vents on the doors
Couple of quick comparasons shows similar results on the front rear too.. not that you can compare the two, just thought it was interesting nonetheless. Think it explains why I like the proportions of the 650 / mp4 too.
Edited by thejaywills on Friday 29th March 05:17
That image showing the supposed themes through the ages is an embarrassment. And why even try to find a theme in designs that clearly have no common language? I'm sure the guy knows what he's doing, but I would expect this process to start on paper and say "What is it that we're all about, what sets us apart and what do we want to be known for?" and then translate that into design queues.
I'd also like to add that I generally can't abide Nick Cackett's writing, but it seems much better suited to this sort of thing than the car reviews.
I'd also like to add that I generally can't abide Nick Cackett's writing, but it seems much better suited to this sort of thing than the car reviews.
thejaywills said:
Funny, had a play with the silhouettes of the F1 and the 650s (out of avoiding work-dom)
Turns out they are much more aligned design wise than I first realised save for evolutions in aero etc.
Window line closely aligns, rear vent aligns very closely to body lines and aero vents on the doors
Couple of quick comparasons shows similar results on the front rear too.. not that you can compare the two, just thought it was interesting nonetheless. Think it explains why I like the proportions of the 650 / mp4 too.
Looking at factual and relative dimensions, rather than image comparison, each measurement of length, width and height is marginally lower in the F1 than the 650s - taking into account all 3 (F1 shorter by 22.4cm, lower by 7.5cm and less wide by 5.9cm) creates a noticeably smaller car in the F1. This, coupled with the F1's larger wheelbase, smaller overhangs (including virtually no overhang at the rear of the F1) creates a much more aesthetically pleasing car in the F1 (for me at least) than all modern Mclarens.Turns out they are much more aligned design wise than I first realised save for evolutions in aero etc.
Window line closely aligns, rear vent aligns very closely to body lines and aero vents on the doors
Couple of quick comparasons shows similar results on the front rear too.. not that you can compare the two, just thought it was interesting nonetheless. Think it explains why I like the proportions of the 650 / mp4 too.
Edited by thejaywills on Friday 29th March 05:17
Whilst all Mclaren cars share an element of DNA from the F1, the increases in size (and yet smaller wheelbase compared to F1) and more pronounced overhangs, including the longer nose in all Mclaren cars from the MP4-12c onwards, have gradually created progressively uglier cars (in terms of side profiles). The 650s has a better side profile than the 720s/750s, but, personally, i feel the best looking rear mid-engined cars have short noses and minimal rear overhangs - personified for me in the peerless F1.
One other thing that also improves the looks of the F1 for me over any more modern Mclaren is its windscreen - which by being bigger, more curvacious, positioned at a shallower angle and extending deeper into the front bonnet helps an already smaller nose appear smaller still. Obviously this windscreen is also the F1's achilles heel in that it is so bespoke for the F1, it costs a fortune to replace - but then nearly everything on the F1 is expensive and bespoke, other than the Bova rear lights, Elan front indicators etc....
Edited by Phobos50 on Friday 29th March 11:10
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