A successful style is contagious. It happens that you look at the elegant Benedict Cumberbatch wandering around the screen, and then you go to the tailor to order a similar suit. Czech designers, for example, rode for a long time and with pleasure. Mercedes-Benz E-class the previous generation before restyling. The subconscious is an amazing thing: as a result, an updated Skoda Octavia with a similar "muzzle". By the way, taxi drivers love "Eshki". There are also a lot of "Octavias" in taxi companies, so Europe (and Moscow too!) Already has the right to talk about a single corporate identity for its cabs. Just like in London!
It is not the first time that Skoda cars are born with someone else's design. The Octavia of the previous, second, generation was too similar with its headlights ... yes, also like a Mercedes! This time - for the post-styling C-class 2012.
Copying styling elements from Mercedes-Benz, Audi or BMW is always beneficial. A recognizable aristocratic breed makes anyone potential buyer hold your gaze on the car. According to the recipe "a little from here, and a little - also from here" luxury sedans Korean stamps... Consider that they do not have their own genes. And they will not appear soon. Perhaps one of the first such effects we could observe while taking childbirth Kia opirus... Remember this parody of the "big-eyed" Mercedes-Benz E-class in the back of the W210?
Then the Koreans worked much more subtly. The current Genesis G80 certainly resembles the proportions and grille of the Audi A7. But he copies it, shall we say, with dignity. And the latest model, the G90, looks almost like a Maybach in the back and an Audi in front. Inside, there are also Mercedes motives. It can be seen that stylists got to know German brands for a long time and closely.
In general, and more democratic Hyundai models they look longingly towards Ingolstadt, remembering the past joys of their stylists. Compare newest Hyundai i30 and pre-reform Audi A3 Sportback. Designers are trying to come up with something of their own within the framework of recognition-premium. In this case, the torment resulted in the slightly concave undersides of the polygonal radiator grille.
There are also more straightforward borrowings. Even strange ones in their impudence. Let's compare the sirloin parts of the Volvo XC60 and the conceptual Lada X-Ray (in the production car taillights were cut off, most likely for financial reasons). Most striking is the similarity of the brand's lettering in sparse print on the trunk lid. However, what is surprising here: both designs came from the pen of Steve Mattin.
By the way, Volvo is another great role model. The same four irregularly shaped headlights, which the Octavia will now flaunt, were not only in the "yeshka". But there are also several Volvo models from five years ago. But, say, the conceptual large crossover Kia Telluride. How not to compare its monumental and, at the same time, banal image with the Volvo XC90? What are you saying? The vertical segments of the taillights on the Volvo go down the C-pillars, and on the Kia, on the other hand, go down to the bumper? Oh well.
Have Ford brands there is a peculiarity: once every few years, its draftsmen find a radical new style. Moreover, sometimes, indeed, they make colossal discoveries. For example, the New Edge, which started in the late 90s with the tiny Ka model. But now "Fords", although beautiful, but too similar in face to the model Aston martin... Such a belated genetic hello from a brand that previously belonged to the "blue oval".
By the way, I would like to compare the same Genesis G90 - of course, with the well-known assumptions in terms of proportions - with the fantastic Aston Martin Lagonda. Up to the emblem on the hood.
Would you like more information to think about? Then we suggest taking a closer look, for example, at a couple: the freshest Lincoln Continental and Jaguar XF.
Sometimes borrowings are so subtle that you can't understand how important they are. For example, the "Hoffmeister bend" in the design of the C-pillars, which has become a hallmark of BMW, is also found in other brands. Take a look at the profile Volkswagen passat and compare it with a three-ruble note. Yes, completely different proportions due to the layout. But the famous bend is not going anywhere!
Finally, "our everything", the "Cortege" project! Or, by new version, Aurus. They say that a serial (non-presidential) sedan will be very similar to this image. Which, in turn, resembles either Bentley or Rolls-Royce. And the front panel with two huge screens refers us to the Mercerdes S-class. In general, not China, but some yellowness is present.
The Chinese song should be sung separately. Everybody there car brands grew out of a carbon copy and a copier. On the surface - an analogue of the "Cortege". Here he is called HongQi ("red flag", read "Hong Qi"), and the tangerine nobility rides it on it. In general, "Hong Qi" has several models. At the top there is a 6.5-meter HongQi HQE. The car is one of the most serious passenger cars in the world. Nevertheless, with its profile and proportions, it unequivocally reminds of Rolls-royce phantom, and in full face ... the spilled "Volga" GAZ-21! Why is that? The fact is that the "English" limousine today is the standard for the most comfortable cars. Therefore, according to the Chinese, all the best must be copied. Moreover, in the East they believe that by copying you pay tribute to the copied one. A similar situation is with the 21st "Volga". This is how the "Red flags" looked for several decades, from the very first car, indeed, spied on from older Soviet brothers.
Finally, you can borrow the design ... from yourself, from generation to generation. No kidding, this is the height of professionalism. Porsche designers are truly incredible masters of their craft, painting absolutely new car so that 100% of the genes of the great 911 are preserved in it.
By the way, the same well-deserved German trinity is now coming to approximately a similar approach in design. Stylists do not make their work easier at all, but everyone does next car so that DNA is not lost. So, the desire to copy a design because it is recognizable and successful is the logic not only of plagiarists, but also of excellent artisans.
Chief Exterior Designer, Ford (Europe)
“Many people do not understand what we are doing. The engineers think that we are playing with spillikins, our parents are sure that we are sculpting from plasticine like little children, our friends think that we are having a never-ending party. In fact, of course, our tasks are more difficult and boring. The exterior design of the car is developed by a group of 5-6 people under the direction of the chief designer. Few are studying to be a car designer. We have a furniture designer, graphic designer in our team, but the main condition for everyone is that the specialist must have a vision of the future car.
Here in Cologne (Ford of Europe design center in Merzenich. - Approx. ed.), we specialize in small and medium-sized vehicles: Galaxy, Mondeo, Fiesta and Focus. But development usually takes place in a competitive environment: new cars are drawn in Ford design offices around the world, and then the best one is chosen from all projects. We are involved in every stage of the machine from the very beginning to the very end - from the paper sketch to the assembly line. We draw a lot of sketches. Some paint with a marker, others with an airbrush, some paint on a digital tablet. We have huge screens - powerwalls, onto which we can project our drawings in order to perceive them better. We'll also animate sketches to see how the car looks in motion.
Having finished with the sketches, we proceed to the full-size plasticine models. This is perhaps the only industry where designers have to work with plasticine. This is the only way to study the curves of the model lines on a real object. Such volumetric model car gives a completely different sensation of perception than any, even a three-dimensional image. It's one thing if you see a picture, it's quite another when you can walk around the object. Now digital technologies are also included in this process, but mostly it is still handmade... Next, we apply a film imitating paint to the plasticine and add details: door handles, headlights and wheels. A special material simulates tinted glass - in general, we make the model as realistic as possible. It takes about two weeks to create a 1:10 scale model and weighs about 10 kg; in order to make the final edits and make the model in real size, designers need to spend another two months and 1.2 tons of plasticine. The materials alone cost $ 30,000, while the entire model costs $ 2 million to develop.
Further, this model is tested in a wind tunnel, where the behavior of each part is studied from the point of view of aerodynamics. Not every automaker has a set up for this, but we're lucky. After the tests, we pass the 3D drawings to the engineers, who tell us which body elements and bends can be implemented in a real car, and which ones will have to be discarded. Then we check the model to make sure there are no gaps or gaps in the panels: everything should look premium. At the same time, interior designers are working on how the car looks from the inside. We designers are crazy about details. "
How the interior of the car is designed
Lead Material & Color Designer, Ford (Europe)
“Work on an interior project starts with a mood board. Having decided on the size and parameters of the cabin, we decide whether it will be classic, sporty or elegant style. We work with the mood and try to look for inspiration in a variety of things - for example, in sneakers or racing jackets: they have many details and combinations of materials, seams and so on. We often visit industrial exhibitions: it is very interesting to observe, for example, how furniture inspires technology designers, and technology inspires furniture makers. It is important for us to follow the latest trends, especially when we decide on the color palette of the interior and the main color. For example, over the past three years, cars have become popular in brown colors: from light brown to dark chocolate. Before that, the most popular were white cars.
It is important that everything is harmonious: colors, textures, and surfaces that are different to the touch. We are working on a full-size car interior layout - here we see how everything fits together. This is our sandbox where we play with materials, colors and details. It happens that we ask 10 times a day to change the color of an element. The slightest nuances completely change the feeling of the entire interior. On the same layout, we are conducting a demonstration for our management. But the hardest part is giving each individual element of the car a name and color and texture code. According to this detailed brief, our order is then executed, after which everything is checked by the quality department.
When working for the global market, it is important to cater to everyone's tastes. Take Apple, for example - why does everyone love the iPhone so much? It only comes in a few colors, but it is a very emotional product. In my work, I also always try to get into these emotions. Only then will people like the product. But each region requires something different. For example, in Turkey and Israel, because of the hot climate, light car interiors are popular, but in Germany and Britain, no one needs them. For different countries, different sensations are important. For example, Americans like something more flashy and prefer soft-touch seats like a teddy bear. Europeans love dry, hard textures. The graininess of the surface, hardness, gloss or lack thereof, the contrast in the sensations from the material - all this creates the feeling of a quality thing. However, we have the ability to make only one product - and there is no mistake.
Panel design Ford focus was developed in 2008-2009; of course, we tried to "comb" it, to make it less loaded, we also tried to dilute it with materials that are more in line with the new time. When designing an interior, a lot comes down to money: I have a certain budget, beyond which I cannot go. And this is always very difficult. For example, I think, "It's worth spending a couple more dollars," but I just don't have them. Then I compromise: I decide to use, for example, fewer stitches, but I take more leather. High Quality... You always have to look for a balance, bargain like in a bazaar. "
Photo: Promo
Why do some cars look cool while others don't?
“My former boss used to say that there are three main things about automotive design: proportions, proportions and proportions. They can be bad if, for example, the front or back of the car is too long. Wheels play an important role - they must be proportional to the total volume. Of course, the shape of the body is also important. Previous Ford models The Focus was flatter, without much curvature - not as interesting. The hood used to appear flat, too side windows the Focus, like all modern cars, has become narrower. We can make the car look cooler - lower it, or, on the contrary, raise the seat, like an SUV. "
car designer
“One of the axioms of automotive design is that the wheels of a car must be visually highlighted so that the entire volume rests on them - this is what connects the car to the ground. The stronger this support, the more confidence in it. note that racing cars always look much cooler: they have much more powerful motors, and to improve driving performance cars use large, wide-spaced wheels (in case of excess power, the small wheels will spin, moreover, more effective brakes can be installed in a larger diameter disc).
“Of course, when working, for example, on a showcar, we, designers, have complete freedom. We do whatever we want; there are no engineers above us - and there are no such rigid limits on the cost of components. But I think that people actually like to look at such beautiful cars, but do not necessarily want to purchase them. Everyone prefers practical things that can be used every day, meet the needs and will be affordable. Even if someone has money for concept cars and sports cars, they are not so eagerly bought. It is uncomfortable to just go on vacation or to the store on such cars, so most people choose something simpler. "
“The main difficulty in working on a mass-produced car is that the models correspond to the given dimensions, the dimensions of the engine, wheels, the amount of free space in the cabin, and so on. There are a lot of restrictions: any change can move the car to another segment. In addition, we have to meet the cost of every part of the machine. Another thing is legal restrictions. The height of the roof, the dimensions of the headlights, even the dimensions of the mirrors are subject to certain safety requirements. For example, we cannot put a display and a camera instead of a rear-view mirror - we have no right to do so, since by law there must be mirrors in a car. While working on the design, we are constantly trying to improve something. There is always an original vision - best design that we can offer, but then, for example, management will ask, "Why don't you try doing this?" or "Can we still improve something, make the product more innovative?" We go back to work and come with others, best ideas... Therefore, the project is constantly evolving. "
“When designing a compact, low-cost car, the main determining factor is the greatest possible savings while making the greatest possible profit. Economy is manifested in absolutely everything - hence the very strict requirements for engine efficiency and aerodynamics. The efficiency of the motor assumes its relatively low power, which leads to a reduction in the size of the wheels to maintain adequate dynamic characteristics. The second aspect is the requirement to provide maximum space inside with small dimensions, and the requirement for fuel efficiency forces us to think about aerodynamics. "
product designer and art director
“Within a certain class of phenomena and things, everyone is similar in typology to everyone. All bicycles have two wheels, a handlebar and a seat, all watches have arrows and serifs, phones have just a screen. In this sense, cars of this class are in a very strict framework for a huge number of parameters, often contradicting each other. So the whole look of a car is just the ratio of the reasonable to the possible.
There are very few maneuvers left for the designer, just a few centimeters of wrapping around the platform. But auto designers work wonders by coming up with new solutions around the same thing. Brand features are already coming to the fore. If you look closely, you can always distinguish French style (light, a little frivolous), German (restrained, proportional), Korean (bright, lively curves) and the like. They differ in the curvature of surfaces, details, nuances. In addition, there are very eye-catching post-classics like the Mini or Fiat 500.
For example, the Ford Focus, since its introduction in 1999, has revolutionized mass production in many ways. automotive market... For such a monstrous concern as Ford, it was a risk, but they were very lucky. Everything was done competently, and the car became a legend. Since then, they have maintained the model's reputation by evolving and smoothly changing designs in line with the times. Which is understandable from an economic and even a consumer point of view. "
But why did all the cars look cool and so different before?
“Why can't we build cars like we did in the 1960s and 1970s? Because at that time there were other legal restrictions and there were no security requirements at all. In addition, many of the body parts were created by hand - therefore, the number of cars produced was incomparably less. Then everything was made only of metal, but now we use a lot of plastic. Also, modern people require more space in the cabin. If you get behind the wheel Alfa romeo from the 1950s, you will be very surprised how cramped it is. And the old "beetle" was generally considered a car in which the whole family went on vacation! But in the past it was easier to own a car: there weren't so many problems with it - and you didn't need so much money. It is a very expensive pleasure to own a car in the city now: gas prices are growing, insurance costs more and more, parking is paid everywhere - there are also constant traffic jams. If earlier all adolescents were just waiting to come of age to get their rights, now they don't need it - they simply cannot afford it. Therefore, we need programs like car sharing and, of course, attractive and available cars... For our part, as designers, we can offer people a product that looks good. ”
5 chose
This week in conversation aza brought up another interesting auto-topic: do cars look like their owners? ...
... Have you heard this expression: does a dog look like its owner? I'm sure you've heard. And I, thanks to my friend, had a chance to get acquainted with a similar theory, only regarding cars. Just imagine: a pile of iron on four wheels is driving along the road, and my friend with almost 100% accuracy determines what its owner looks like!
It would seem like a funny conversation, nothing more. Played, fooled around and forgot. But since then I noticed that I involuntarily began to apply this theory in my life. Suddenly I discovered that my neighbor in the stairwell is very similar to his Land cruiser 200 : both are massive, rounded, even their skin color is the same! - yellowish. And my girlfriend - a very bright, piquantly plump girl - rides on Rav4 bright red. And I don’t imagine her driving any other car.
Hearing my reflections on the topic, my husband chuckled: "Well, then, if you compare the car that you consider yours, then you should look like a terrible toad."
And you think, what is he talking about? ... Oh Porsche Cayenne
in a new body in 2010! And I strongly disagree with my husband!
I started to dry on this car three years ago, when my husband and I were looking after my first car. Every time, while driving around the city, I watched the passing cars with passion. Nothing clung to me. It's like choosing clothes - you run past the windows of boutiques and think: "Oh, what a dress. I would like this! And this, and that one more ..." And when you go with a specific task to buy a thing, you don't like anything. So it is here.
I have already decided that I will not meet my car, with which we would live in perfect harmony. When suddenly I saw HIM. And from that moment on, every time I just feel mum when I meet him. I like everything about it: the shape of the body, its streamlining and compactness, the predatory "face", graceful agility and of course the incredible comfort of the cabin. In addition, for me, German quality is always, everywhere and in everything in priority, and in cars as well.
And with all these advantages, with an eye on the words of my husband, it turns out that my inner world is all in warts and smells like a swamp? ..
It's not just twins that are very difficult to tell apart. This applies to many vehicles as well. Especially in last years many cars have become very similar to each other. Often many of us on the road began to confuse Mercedes with Hyundai or with Kia or other brands of cars. But Chinese cars stand out especially on the road, many of which are very similar to popular car brands.
We invite our readers to see what kind of cars are easy to confuse on the road? Despite the fact that Chinese cars in most cases are copies of European and Japanese stamps, there are many other cars in the world popular manufacturers which make their products very similar to other vehicles.
Alfa-Romeo 4C and Lotus Elise
The car has been designed for a long time. The engine layout concept for this model is very similar to that in the Lotus Elise. Therefore, it is not surprising that the body of these cars is very similar.
Kia Quoris and BMW 7 Series
Unlike Germany, where locals prefer to buy, in Russia there is Kia model Quoris. This is Korean car luxury class, which is very similar to the Bavarian "seven". Quoris is similar to the BMW 7-series for a reason, as this German model is the standard of luxury luxury sedans all over the world.
Jaguar C-X17 and Porsche Cayenne
It was introduced in 2013. In 2015, the car is expected to go into series production. This crossover has many common features with the Cayenne car.
BMW 2-series Active Tourer and Kia Carens
Active tourer is a new family model and will also be the first front-wheel drive production car. German company enters the unexplored field of front-wheel drive vehicles, where the Korean company Kia has been doing well for a long time. For example, here's the Carens model. Surprisingly, exactly. Both cars have a modern look and are equipped with everything you need.
BMW 2-series Active Tourer and Honda FR-V
FR what is this car? This is a six-seater compact minivan that was produced from 2005-2009. In Japan, it is known as the Honda Edix. The car was six-seater. Each seat moved independently of the others. Decisions and style are reflected.
Mercedes CLS and Volkswagen CC
He showed us what a car in the back of a four-door coupe should ideally look like with the release of the CLS model. In any case, Mercedes engineers were inspired by the style of the Passat CC, which is VW's most beautiful model. The Passat CC received a successful reystaling in 2012.
Opel Corsa and Hyundai i20
Like crossovers, small compact cars are gaining popularity in many cities in Russia. German and Korean mini cars are very similar to each other. Pay attention to the photo on the side details. The cars are almost identical, except that there are no triangular inserts in the front side windows.
Lexus GS and Jaguar XF
These two noble cars are not so common on our roads, unlike BMW and Mercedes. As you can see, for both manufacturers, the use of chrome-plated parts is the main thing to emphasize the premium class of cars.
Alfa-Romeo Giulietta and Mazda 3
Very similar cars. Giulietta shared the body design with Mazda3. Note that on Alfa-Romeo the trunk handle is hidden in contrast to.
Kia GT4 Stinger and Audi R8
What I would like to draw your attention to. The similarity of sports cars is not a vice and not a minus of a sports car manufacturer. The fact is that when designing sports cars, the emphasis is shifted to the side aerodynamic drag and overclocking technologies. Therefore, for sports car designers, there is no question of creating a unique style. But the designers of the Korean concept most likely decided to think a little about the style and design of their sports car, but did not come up with anything better how to copy some elements. The parallels are already visible.
Kia GT4 Stinger and Saab Aero-X
Another comparison of the GT4 Stinger with a similar sports car. When designing a sports car, engineers know that there is an ideal body shape. sports cars... In this case, both cars approach the ideal design. In the photo, the two cars are concepts that, unfortunately, will remain so.
Ford Kuga and Toyota RAV4
Despite the fact that both cars are different, there is still a similarity in many elements of the body. For example, D-shaped body, headlights and taillights. But the Ford crossover is distinguished by its large convex wheel arches and convex body elements on the doors.
Alfa MiTo and Mazda Hazumi
Hazumi shows. As a reminder, this concept car was shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The photo brings out all the parallels with the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Especially the body lines.
Skoda Fabia and Suzuki Swift
Two practical and compact cars have many convenient functions... But the merit of these models is not only in functionality. Both cars have a modern look. Pay attention to the middle pillars of the doors.
Nissan Qashqai and Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
The new SX4 in direct comparison with the Qashqai. Previously, these cars had little resemblance to each other. But after the release of the new Suzuki SX4, both crossovers became very similar.
Recall that previous generation The SX4 was very similar to the Fiat Sedici model.
Fiat 500L and Mini Countryman
The photo shows that both cars are from the same family of mini cars. Yes, of course, these models are also similar to other cars, especially due to the large headlights, but we nevertheless decided to include in the comparison these two models, which are very similar in style.
Infiniti Q50 and BMW 3 Series
When viewed from the side, it will be very difficult for you to quickly distinguish between the two vehicles. They are very similar appearance from the side, not only due to the body, but also due to the optics. To distinguish these cars, look at the rear of the pillar, which Infiniti has a characteristic kink in the body line.
As usual, he rummaged through a large heap of spacious Runet. I ran into this article. I am not at all an adherent of stereotypes, any stupid social research. But this article definitely has something. After all, after the acquisition, everyone individualizes their car at least for little things. Further copy-paste of the article:Dogs are believed to closely resemble their owners. This opinion is as true as that the car looks like its owner.
People often buy cars not based on their social status. This happens rather on an unconscious level, and the choice of a car depends on internal state person. Of course, this applies, first of all, to that category of lucky people who can make a choice not from what is available, but from what is desired.
So let's start with the size. If a person wants to buy a big car, then, according to psychologists, this may indicate the desire of this individual for personal expansion. In other words, a person wants to be larger than he really is or seeks to focus on his own significance.
In some cases, this is a way to compensate for any unfulfilled aspirations and desires or unfulfilled plans.
And it so happens that a person who is not constrained by a lack of funds prefers small cars. Perhaps, in this case, it speaks of his low self-esteem.Colors play an equally important role. Here we will not consider lovers of "practical" color. It is believed that if a motorist prefers one color or another, then this particular color is not enough in his life. He is all possible ways will strive to make up for this deficiency. In short, it looks like this.
If preference is given to the red color, then this characterizes a person as an instinctive nature, loving to declare itself, being in constant motion.
Orange symbolizes sexual energy and the desire for it.
Yellow has long been considered the color of the sun. The owner of a yellow car can be described as a sunny person, but at the same time inclined to command. After all, it is the sun that is the center of the universe.
Green can be called the color of warmth, calmness, cordiality. If we talk about shades of this color, then light green is considered the color of summer, and dark green or marsh speaks of unexpressed emotions and feelings.
The color blue is most often preferred by people who like or want to talk, socialize.
Blue has always been considered the color of the mind. Car enthusiasts perceive blue the world not through feelings and emotions, but through the head.
The color purple is chosen by people inclined to creativity, refined natures. They perceive the world largely through intuition.
White is the unifying color. People who choose him are endowed with all qualities and passions in equal measure. In addition, white lovers are adherents of cleanliness.Black and gray colors mostly chosen by people who do not like to protrude, preferring to remain invisible. For such people, psychology coined the term "shadow figures". At the same time, they strive to manage the situation.
Now let's talk about the form, which can also tell a lot about its owner.
Some prefer angularity, a design element that has been prevalent for decades. This suggests that the principles and beliefs formed during the period when angularity was widespread are of great importance in a person's life. These car enthusiasts are against all new trends.
Motorists choosing modern design, feel the time well, calmly part with attitudes and dogmas, easily change something in their life. This is mainly inherent in the younger generation.
A passion for tuning and bells and whistles indicates that the car owner carefully perceives all his life nuances and emphasizes his individuality.
There is a category of drivers who do not want to change anything in the appearance of the car, but they direct all their efforts to decorating the interior. This indicates a person's desire for comfort. Craving for internal or external bells and whistles can determine the psychotype of a person. So, people who direct their energy outward (extroverts) pay a lot of attention to the design of the body. Those who are focused on their own the inner world(introverts), are mainly engaged in decorating the salon, creating a space dear to the heart.
There are car enthusiasts who love to restore old cars. It can be assumed that, while restoring the apparatus, such people restore something in themselves. This is a kind of control over life: a person becomes more confident if he manages to restore something.
Let's also dwell on insignificant details that can indicate age, gender, as well as the habits of the owner. So, for example, in my youth I want to live faster, so preference is given to high-speed cars... And with age, there is a desire to live longer, you start to think about safety.
The beautiful half of humanity, choosing a car, also pay a lot of attention to safety and security. But "generalists" are preferred by business people.
Even such a detail as the gearbox can also say a lot about the owner of the car. People who want to largely control their lives will opt for the standard mechanical box... Those who love comfort and rely only on circumstances in their lives will choose an automaton.
No matter how we try to hide the features of our character, they will still make themselves felt, even when choosing a car.
Let's discuss the research of the next "British Scientists"?
