Ford: Green cars could look like sexy science projects
Some see the success of the Toyota Prius, compared to such competitors as the Civic Hybrid, as proof that green cars need to look different from their normal siblings. While it may be a bit early on in the game to make this assessment, Ford's North American director of car design, Pat Schiavone, suggests that there could be a trend towards "green" styling cues. For instance, cars like the Honda Insight and GM EV1 are easily recognizable for their teardrop shape and covered wheels, both of which help with the vehicles' high efficiency. While nobody that I can think of considers covered wheels "sexy," Schiavone indicates that could change, saying, "This sort of science-project look could end up sexy, or perceived sexy." We've seen some rolling science projects on these pages... although often supremely practical, not one of them has been all that sexy. Also mentioned as earmarked for the future are the wings and spoilers used by Indy racers in the 1970s. Now that could be pretty cool!
[Source: AutoWeek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ron bird 8:46AM (5/22/2008)
'While nobody that I can think of considers covered wheels "sexy,"'
er... Citroen DS anyone?
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Tim 9:30AM (5/22/2008)
Now that efficiency is becoming more important [especially for electric cars], form will more closely follow function. More cars are and will be designed for their aerodynamic qualities over their visual attributes. Unfortunately, there are only so many "perfect" aerodynamic forms so these cars will tend to resemble each other. We can already see that trend taking place in the cars that were built in the 21 century.
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justelise 9:17AM (5/22/2008)
The Toyota Camry hybrid outsold the V6 Camry last year. No offense, but I think that hybrids will sell better if they are placed in existing body styles. There are a lot of people who trust the evil they know (Camry good, space ship looking vehicle bad), and it will be hard to sell them anything that isn't traditionally styled.
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GoodCheer 9:29AM (5/22/2008)
I may once again be underestimating the shallowness of the American car-buying public, but I think the Prius is the best selling hybrid because it has room for 5 with luggage, had adequate performance, and gets the best mileage of any vehicle on the road.
Why would I give up mileage and trunk space with a Civic, or pay more for less mileage and only a fraction more passenger volume in a Camry.
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BlackbirdHighway 9:33AM (5/22/2008)
With gasoline at $4, sexy is getting over 50 mpg!
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Mike Z 10:14AM (5/22/2008)
Sorry, I'm won't buy a Prius or a Civic because they are both ugly.
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Tim 10:29AM (5/22/2008)
I want a Volt.
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Charles S 10:21AM (5/22/2008)
Even at the end of 2007, 53% of all vehicles sold in US are in the light trucks category. I'm sorry to say, but even at today's prices, there will still be a good portion of the market that will still buy vehicles far far below 30-mpg.
The US automotive market had never been about saving fuel or even saving MONEY through fuel efficiency. It is always about how much "car" you can buy with the money at hand. It doesn't matter if a minivan has more space and more utility, people will still choose lower MPG for the styling of an SUV.
Yes, perhaps maybe the "R" word will start changing people's minds about their vanity with cars. But if the economy bounces back, guzzling gas will be the new black again.
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ron bird 10:27AM (5/22/2008)
Sorry, but form has always followed function. However you must define what the function is. In this society the function is first and foremost to make a profit to pay the shareholders.
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why not the LS2LS7? 10:57AM (5/22/2008)
I don't think the EV1/Insight trapezoidal shape will ever become cool, or at least not for long. There was a period in the 80s where making cars appear "high tech" was in. We had cars that had digital dashes and space shuttle exteriors (like the Lumina van).
Look at how the Corvette was sold in 1984:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=b7w0nQB8Hew
But things have changed now. The future is nothing to look forward to. The future will just bring new terrorists methods, filthier air, higher energy prices and the chemicals in your nalgene bottles will turn your kids into mutants.
Right now, thanks to our fearmongering government and media, you can't sell anything by invoking the future. It's no wonder retro styling is in on cars. The past is the future right now, until the public mind set changes, I don't think automakers are going to try to sell us jellybean cars.
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Rick 12:46PM (5/22/2008)
COVERED WHEELS SUCK! That's why the insight didn't sell, it was butt ugly!
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Steve 11:17AM (5/22/2008)
I think the Honda Insight is sexy. I've seen a couple on the roads recently, and I'm wishing I had the money to buy one. And with the Insight, hypermiling isn't worth the bother, which would be really nice.
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Luke 11:46AM (5/22/2008)
The Prius gets the same highway mileage as the hybrid Civic, but 8 more miles to the gallon in the city. They are priced almost the same, so the Prius sells better. It's not too complex.
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Charles S 12:09PM (5/22/2008)
The "past" is the future? Okaaaay...
It's quite the opposite: no one think that smaller cars or smaller engines of the past is the answer. Most people are only looking forward to buying bigger cars and trucks and dream that "future" technology will make them running at 100-mpg.
I'd agree that until people change their mindset, then maybe people will buy sensible cars instead of arguing about wheel covers.
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Charles S 1:01PM (5/22/2008)
How times change... covered rear wheel-well was a status symbol back with the vintage cars. Only luxury cars had them.
One of the biggest reason Insight didn't sell because traditionally, 2-seaters don't do well in the US. The only reason some 2-seaters did well at all because they are sports cars and/or their iconic branding.
I'm not saying that the Insight should appeal to everyone. However, there are plenty of "ugly" cars out there that only gain respect because people cared more about speed performance rather than a functional low-drag design. Let's see, how about the ugly frog-like Porsche 911? The Corvette 5th-gen is by far the ugliest of all Corvettes. The Lotus Elise looks like a little squished up toy car. The Ferrari Enzo... ugh!
It's too bad that people didn't value the innovative design of the Insight. I'd care far more about the drag co-efficiency than silly vanity any day.
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Tim 1:42PM (5/22/2008)
Rick (#14)
Yes, covered wheels are ugly however beauty is in the eye. Anyway they ARE more aerodynamic, [regen breaking creates less heat and requires less venting] and much easier to keep clean. I hate scrubbing my wheels with a tooth brush. It's a pain in the knees, and back and…
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Alex 1:55PM (5/22/2008)
The Insight, EV1, and Prius don't look futuristic, they look unusual. Heck, cars with fins on the back, now THOSE look futuristic. But really, most people just want a car that looks normal. If enough long-windshield Kammbacks are on the road, that will look normal too. Wheel covers might take longer to gain acceptance, because they are more visually striking, but there's nothing inherently ugly about them... just convention.
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Joseph 7:04PM (5/22/2008)
Hooray! Honda Insight!
You could make alot of things look "sexy" if you hype it up enough.
The most aerodynamic vehicles usually look kind of quirky, but it'll grow on people eventually.
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Ken Brunot 9:56PM (5/22/2008)
Ford needs to get busy stamping out Ford Escape Hybrids instead Expeditions or the FORD name is going to stand for Found On Road Dead.
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John Starnes 11:12AM (5/23/2008)
Well THIS car guy LIKES covered wheel wells as to me they not only contribute to improved air flow, they communicate a feel of sci-fi futurism. I loved 80's concepts like Ford Probe V and Cadillac Solitaire for those reasons and hope that "look" makes a come back!
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