Well, here's a thread I just couldn't let pass by. . .
The Ford 012C is a scam. Mark Newsom pulled one over on Ford. There is a
very wicked "Christmas card" making the rounds of the automotive design
community titled "0IC and UC2" with a picture of the "Fiat Safety Car"
concept from the 60s. The 012C is a line for line reproduction of that car.
I think Marky Mark got himself in too deep when he realized that designing a
car wasn't the same as a coffee table, and he got desperate the night before
his book report was due. Every "innovation" that car purports to
demonstrate, like pillarless suicide doors, a flat floor, removable seats,
etc. is only so much rehash. If it weren't orange, and the seats weren't so
nice there'd be nothing to look at.
Hate to admit it but the Focus is a very good car. Still, the Opel/Vauxhall
Astra is the best looking of the Focus/Golf/Xsara cadre, although VW has
hands-down the best interiors for the money (just pull on the assist
grips--they're DAMPED for goodness sakes!)
For seat-of-the-pants fun, few things beat a Lotus Elise. $45,000 and you
don't even get a radio, but listening to the engine at 120mph is more fun
anyway.
The Audi TT is an incredible piece of design, not just the shape but how the
pieces come together. My favorite part is the unbroken arch from the rear
quarter to the tailight to the bumper. Breathtakingly pure.
The Saab 900 is the best all-around practical-with-cache' vehicle.
Scandinavian design, a luxury car with a hatch! Although I admit (hi
Robert!) the Volvo S40 is bringing back some sex appeal to their cross-town
rivals as well.
Lastly, the BMW M Roadster is fun in a very brutish way. Just trust me, an
engine that big needs a little more wheelbase. The rear end keeps wanting
to be first through the intersection.
All this talk has me very psyched for next weeks International Auto Show
here in Motown.
Gary Player
Detroit, U.S.A.
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