Discussion
I have recently noticed a changed trend in car design. Some new models have very smooth panels, instead of the existing popularity of indentations, scoops and considerable detail.
Do you think smoothness might become the new theme ?
Even concealed rear lights, that are only visible when switched on.
I’m the biggest Range Rover fan (I’ve owned 6, my dad 4). And since last Friday the owner of the ugly duckling described here.
The design doesn’t translate too well on pictures but when you see the car in the flesh, it looks really nice, very muscular, it manages to look smaller than it’s actual size.
The craftsmanship is sublime inside and out.
And that’s before you get to drive it.
It drives miles better than any other SUV out there and has to appeal to people who put the driving experience on top of their priorities.
Range Rover and DBX are two different cars.
If all you want is to waft around in total comfort, the Range Rover is the car for you.
If you like a spirited drive from time to time without sacrificing much in comfort, the DBX, especially in 707 form has a lot to offer… and is also way more exclusive than a Range Rover.
And finally, I don’t particularly like the new Range Rover’s rear end.
But looks are subjective aren’t they? Glad we don’t have to like the same things in life, that’s why we have the choice!
Edited as I was wondering why post this now as the DBX has been out for a few years now and the 707 is essentially the same design?!
The design doesn’t translate too well on pictures but when you see the car in the flesh, it looks really nice, very muscular, it manages to look smaller than it’s actual size.
The craftsmanship is sublime inside and out.
And that’s before you get to drive it.
It drives miles better than any other SUV out there and has to appeal to people who put the driving experience on top of their priorities.
Range Rover and DBX are two different cars.
If all you want is to waft around in total comfort, the Range Rover is the car for you.
If you like a spirited drive from time to time without sacrificing much in comfort, the DBX, especially in 707 form has a lot to offer… and is also way more exclusive than a Range Rover.
And finally, I don’t particularly like the new Range Rover’s rear end.
But looks are subjective aren’t they? Glad we don’t have to like the same things in life, that’s why we have the choice!
Edited as I was wondering why post this now as the DBX has been out for a few years now and the 707 is essentially the same design?!
Edited by CSK1 on Tuesday 1st November 13:56
I've seen a few of the new RR and it does look very nice, the design though makes the rear look very narrow, partly because the rear lights don't sit on the other edges of the car but instead sit inboard a little. When lit up, it makes it look worse to my eyes. Cant take away the whole car looks good from most angles though.
RichB said:
CSK1 said:
(DBX707) has to appeal to people who put the driving experience on top of their priorities.
Funny though, you'd think that would be the V12 Vantage or even the DBS. 
CSK1 said:
Edited as I was wondering why post this now as the DBX has been out for a few years now and the 707 is essentially the same design?!
The DBX is a very fine SUV Olivier and I am glad that you are enjoying yours.
Would you like to start a topic about the early trips in your 707?
In my own post, perhaps I did not explain very clearly, but I was trying to asking whether there might be a car design fashion change coming.
Smooth body shapes have gone and reappeared over the years. I suppose the 2005 Vantage was in that category.
However there have been other trends.
There was a sharp rectangular period in the 1970s - Cortina Mk 2 and Volvo 244.
Was it Mr. Bangle (BMW) who went for scoops and scallops in his 1990s designs?
More recently the tall car trend, crossovers and SUVs, essentially the estate car of old, but higher.
There are certainly fashion periods in the motor industry and most manufacturers appear to quickly follow what they decide might be the next trend.
Smooth rounded shapes have been absent for some time, but perhaps Land Rover think it might be coming back.
I think Swiss Toni had a few sayings about shapes.
RichB said:
Jon39 said:
<clip> there might be a car design fashion change coming...
The big trend seems to be for plug ugly jacked up boxes on wheels that all look the same in white with goggle eyes and a gigantic grills despite not needing one because they are battery driven. 
Simpo Two said:
I can understand the aesthetic need for some sort of grille, because we're so used them cars look a bit weird without one...
Nah, I don't buy that,. It's just lazy design. Porsche 911 doesn't look weird; VW Karmann Ghia, Renault Dauphine and Renault Alpine don't look weird. 
Remember the Hillman Imp? RichB said:
VW Karmann Ghia, Renault Dauphine and Renault Alpine don't look weird
Don't recall ever seeing those at the supermarket 
The thing is, designers have run out of ideas. It's all pinch and zoom, 'me-too' or something, as you say, plug ugly. All the good shapes for a box on four wheels have been done.
I agree with the oversize grill and "plastic front end" look.
Some variants of the Audi q8 look quite nice, then I saw one the other day with what seemed like a front end mostly covered in black plastic over a silver body....gross. Some of the new Macans also are heavily clad in plastic on the front ends. I do not understand this trend at all, to me it looks cheap and half ass stuck on rather than a contiguous flowing design.
Some variants of the Audi q8 look quite nice, then I saw one the other day with what seemed like a front end mostly covered in black plastic over a silver body....gross. Some of the new Macans also are heavily clad in plastic on the front ends. I do not understand this trend at all, to me it looks cheap and half ass stuck on rather than a contiguous flowing design.
RichB said:
Remember the Hillman Imp?
50 years on and still winning races.
James Ibbotson achieved his third overall win this season, at Donnington Park two weeks ago.
This time, with controlled power slides in wet conditions, crossed the finish line well ahead (11 seconds) of the second place Mini Cooper S, with Lotus Cortinas, a Jaguar and Ford Mustang all struggling for grip.
The DBX has grown on me, didn't hate the design, but wasn't smitten either - however it does look really good (and HUGE) in the metal. The design is a bit fussy at the rear, but you can see why they've done it to link it directly to the Vantage.
To my eyes, the Lotus Eletre looks the most compelling at the moment in SUV terms. If I could afford a DBX instead of my X5 to go aloneside my Rapide, I most likely would.
To my eyes, the Lotus Eletre looks the most compelling at the moment in SUV terms. If I could afford a DBX instead of my X5 to go aloneside my Rapide, I most likely would.
Looks better in person IMO. Drove a 707 not long back and considering in general I dislike SUV's it definitely would be the SUV for me if you want a balance of spirited driving and comfort. It managed the size, weight and height very well even at higher speeds.
I don't need the space though and have not long had the Vantage.
I don't need the space though and have not long had the Vantage.
Gassing Station | Aston Martin | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff