21st century automotive icons...

[JsyM3]

This all boils down to the definition of an "icon", but for me it's:

Bugatti Veyron

Ferrari Enzo

First gen of the BMW Mini's



I can't get remotely excited about a Prius, and for that reason it will never be an icon for me.

[Poshbury]

One of these for me.

[RoverP6B]

DB9, SLR, SLS, Carrera GT, Sagaris, Zonda, X351 Jag XJ, MP4-12C (still the best-looking McLaren ever), P1, Citroen C6, L322 Range Rover, Murcielago SV (the last proper Lambo)... 997 GT3RS at a push, more for engineering than stylistic reasons... maybe the Audi R8, as the Honda NSX of the Noughties? I guess the Gallardo has a reasonable claim too. Corvette C6, especially the Z06 and ZR1. Lexus LF-A - leaves me a bit cold but it's pure engineering porn. E61 M5, possibly the most batst ludicrous 'sensible' car ever, 5-seat dog-wagon with an 8750rpm 507bhp V10... Alfa 159/Brera just because they're so pretty... and, although it launched in the late 90s, I have a lot of time for the Rover 75 and thought the stillborn coupé looked the business. Like the LF-A, a certain VAG loss-leading engineering showcase - but NOT the Veyron. The Phaeton has infinitely more integrity and fitness for purpose, in my view. Audi B7 RS4 - clean, crisp, that engine, combined with a 6-speed manual and full-time 4WD... and, in similar vein, albeit slower, the very underrated Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec B... still such a clean, timeless design.

[swisstoni]

If the OP's criteria is to be followed - cars still talked about in 50 years time from this century. I don't think that car has arrived yet.

[RoverP6B]

Oh, I don't know. I think McLaren's debut as an independent car-maker will still be the subject of many debates a century from now, for example.

[dinkel]

white_goodman said:

This might work though!

I think Audi hit a spot there - they still look good although I'd never buy one.

My entry:

And not because I own one.
Giugiaro's words: The mini relaunched by FIAT, designed above all for younger Europeans, which became a best seller.

IMO the 1st (2005) model is the pick of the bunch. My gf drives a 16 year young Mk1 Focus 1.6 and that is also a great car and IMO an icon. Although compared to the Grande Punto it has one or two drawbacks.

[patch5674]

Such a fresh design, even today still looks great.

[zebra]

Classic PH. Most of the suggestions are either ridiculous or not of the right era.

[white_goodman]

Some great suggestions. Continental GT, Murcielago, and Gallardo (moreso than Aventador and Hurracan) all draw a definite line in the sand between the 20th and 21st century for their respective companies. Ferrari less so. I can't think of what the definitive Ferrari of the 21st century is so far. They change so often, that they are just like computers in that respect but Enzo maybe? To be honest, I can't picture what the LaFerrari even looks like which is telling.

Nissan GTR and Audi R8? Yes, I could see that. Prius? I see the premise but a slow, heavy, rather awkward-looking car that isn't as economical as most diesels doesn't really do it for me and seeing as they pioneered the technology, they haven't really taken it as far as they should have.

The Tesla Model S and BMW i8 make me feel a bit more positive about the future.



And as a complete contrast, how about the last NA M-car?



I also happen to think this is the single rose amongst a bush of thorns in the Mercedes lineup and the best-looking Mercedes since the Pagoda SL. Can't wait for the convertible version (not that I could ever afford one)!



Out of interest, what was the last AMG Mercedes to use the NA 6.3 litre V8?

[white_goodman]

patch5674 said:

Such a fresh design, even today still looks great.

I'm not sure about the Clio 182. It's light and compact and has that classic big engine in a small bodyshell appeal but IMHO lacks the aura of a 205 GTi, 5GTT or big-bumper mk2 Golf GTi. The car that most shouts hot hatch to me in 2016 is this one



and this is my favourite noughties hot hatch.

[RoverP6B]

The last M156s were in the run-out W204 C63s, I believe.

[white_goodman]

RoverP6B said:

The last M156s were in the run-out W204 C63s, I believe.

Thanks. Great car but perhaps too ugly to be iconic?

[RoverP6B]

I think they're handsome, personally. Certainly nothing like the utterly vile and irredeemable BMW i8. Regardless, the engine alone cements their status.

[white_goodman]

RoverP6B said:

I think they're handsome, personally. Certainly nothing like the utterly vile and irredeemable BMW i8. Regardless, the engine alone cements their status.

Fair enough. The rear end of the saloon looks a bit heavy but in black with straight spoke wheels it can stay!

Edited by white_goodman on Friday 5th February 20:27

[smithyithy]

Thing about the Prius, it's not a great car by any means, but it's symbolic. Even complete anti-petrolheads know what they are, they became a social symbol, especially in America where celebs all over were jumping on the 'save the ice caps!!!' bandwagon, and in TV and film where it became a bit of a 'meme'.










I'm also still saying the H2 Hummer. Again, a massive social symbol, almost a characture of the 'America fk yeah!!' mindset, ridiculous excess, appalling economy and emissions, in a car based on a military vehicle used in wars for oil.

[Rawwr]

RoverP6B said:

Certainly nothing like the utterly vile and irredeemable BMW i8.

You're doing that thing again where you get confused between the subjective and the objective.

[RoverP6B]

This whole thread is inherently subjective. That's rather the point of forums. The expression of subjective opinions.

[SwedishSoul]

white_goodman said:

Bugatti Veyron

YOU CHOSE A PICTURE FROM FORZA 4????

GET OUT.


NOW!

[Rawwr]

RoverP6B said:

This whole thread is inherently subjective. That's rather the point of forums. The expression of subjective opinions.

Try posting something which actually looks and sounds subjective then.

[Slow]

Veyron, gtr and that Hummer are the only ones posted so far in my opinion, but it depends what you describe as an "icon".