The Detroit motor show has some interesting concept cars on display, but I thought the Toyota sports concept showed some confusion in what they're trying to achieve.

At first sight, it's the answer to the hat-on-backwards fraternity's dream - low shovel nose, exaggerated scoops etc. But would they buy it? From what I've observed, this mob like to bolt on their own bits of plastic. Would they buy something where there's nowhere to glue stuff on?

 

I wouldn't get too excited Labby. Based on past form the chances of the cardigans at Toyota building and selling something that looks like that are pretty slim.

 

I'm not at all excited. To me it has a Japanese cartoon look, and follows the same styling trend as the last Celica. I really wish that someone in Japan (aside from Mazda with the RX-8) would come up with a sports coupe that I would describe as "elegant". You know, something that oozes good taste, style and just shouts class.

 

That is a contradiction in terms.

The Japanese don't seem to do classy well. They do bland, ugly, weird or cartoon. Even the RX8, which I love obviously, has its detractors for being too busy and "designed by committee".

Mind you, at least they're not just copying everything else these days.

 

Certainly the Toyota concept looks nothing like the RX-8. However, are you talking about an unmodded RX-8, or one that has been modded? In the latter instance, there will be a convergence in appearance with other cars.

 

Me no like .Plus how do you get in the thing ?
It seems the rear part of the door is sort 'o sealed??

 

I guess what I see in this and some other Japanese sports concepts is the idea of formalizing the skirts and air dams seen in "salon" cars into mainstream design. Derived originally from body modifications made to racing sedan cars, this device has become the favourite way for salon enthusiasts to create an "original" look. The danger is, that because of its popularity, cars of different makes can all start to look alike.

It comes down to personal preference of course, but mine is for cars that look like they barely touch the road instead of being glued to it. I like a car to look elegant rather than mean. Starting with the original RX-7, Mazda have had a pretty good record in this respect. It is also no accident that the original MX-5 is in the New York Museum of Modern Art, along with other design icons of the 20th century.

The truth is that car manufacturers design cars for the people they think will buy them. If they see what they regard as their target market glueing bits on their cars, then why not design a car which has that look straight up? Perhaps the flaw in that thinking is that if it's done already, what does the buyer have to play with? I understand that GM are introducing a small car in the USA along the lines of the Mitsubishi Lancer. In its raw state the car is nothing much, but it has been deliberately designed to attract customizers, and a full range of body kits and accessories will be available at the point of sale. This is the "would you like fries with that" sales philosophy.

 

This kind of thing is being pursued by industrial designers in several product categories. Witness mobile phones with interchangeable casings and mix 'n match furniture designs. Even the MP3 player revolution caters to the person who wants custom playlists rather than having to chop and change between CD's.

Individualism is something of a cult these days and marketers are desperate to satisfy that perceived need, so the kind of car GM is building may become more common than you might think. The Mini also fulfills this kind of consumer desire. I recently read some Mini-manager's boast that the possible permutations when ordering a Mini are some ridiculously high number.

I also seem to remember reading about a concept car where various 'snap-on' panels were made of high-grade plastic that could be removed and swapped for different colours, designs, etc. Cheaper to repair following parking speed type accidents too.

 

From what I remember from when my wife bought her Mini, most of the possible bits you can buy are confined to internals such as bright chrome accents, and paint jobs and decals on the outside. I don't think they sell body bits other than a barely visible spoiler. I think the Mini is pretty much a statement in its own right.

 

Yes, I agree that the Mini's options are largely exterior appearance cosmetics and interior changes rather than bodykits - it was more the general concept of offering the consumer more indivdual choice so they can personalise their purchase that I was getting at.

As for being a statement in its own right, I assume you mean the basic shape speaks for itself, which I agree with. However, it's rare to see two Mini's that are identical in every way in the details.