I dislike BMW
by Chris Raymond | Dec 21, 2014
“Legend remains victorious in spite of history.” – Sarah Bernhardt
Success in the world of the exotic car requires pantomime excess.
by Chris Raymond | Nov 30, 2014
Grand touring cars are the luxury equivalent of the supercar. Cars like the magnificent Ferrari 365 Daytona are a perfect example of the GT class. They are performance automobiles with 2+2 seating, remarkable handling, supercar speed, opulent interiors, and a colossal price tag. They are driven by the rich, the famous, and the well manicured titans of industry who own private tax shelters, and mega yachts. GT cars include the Ferrari 500 Superfast, the Lamborghini 350 and 400GT, the Maserati 3500, my own Jaguar XJ-S, and the eternally reborn – Jensen Interceptor.
The Interceptor was, and is, the quintessential British GT car of the 60’s and 70’s. It is a true “gentleman’s carriage” and was driven by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Cher, Roger Daltry, Ginger Baker, Farrah Fawcett, Princess Anne, and John Bonham (he had seven). The Interceptor had everything a person of good breeding could buy: Italian style, British class, and American muscle.
Jensen Motors was a small coachbuilder in England started by Richard and Alan Jensen. They were celebrated for producing custom bodies on cars like Morris, Singer, and Wolseley. In 1934, they created their first production car, called the “White Lady.” It was a beautiful touring car reminiscent of the Jaguar SS-100, and eventually evolved into the Jensen S-Type in 1935. It was a great first effort, though Jensen made the bulk of their money building busses and trucks.
When it came time for Jensen’s second car, they developed a bulky coupe based around Austin components, and called it the Interceptor. Made from steel, wood, and aluminum, and with an unusual wrap around plastic (Perspex) rear window, the car was an unsightly addition to the automotive world. Only 88 were made. Eventually Jensen picked up production from other makers, and built more stylish cars like the Sunbeam Tiger, The Volvo P1800 and the Austin Healy 100.
In 1966, Jensen created the next generation Interceptor, a true grand touring class car. It was designed by Carrozzeria Touring of Italy (the people who patented Superleggera construction methods), bodied by Vignale of Italy, equipped with a US Chrysler 440 engine, and finished out in West Bromwich England. The large wrap around rear window doubled as a tailgate, and the car came equipped with every luxury imaginable at the time. One year later the Jensen Interceptor FF (Ferguson Formula) arrived, and became the first production car to have four wheel drive, as well as anti lock brakes and traction control. The FF is actually 4 inches longer than the regular Interceptor, and can be identified by the dual side vents ahead of the doors on the front flanks.
The Mark I versions had beautiful Italian styled interiors, with a body design based on the Brazilian made Brasinca Uirapuru. The Uirapuru featured the same curved rear window and a squared front end. Though its styling wasn’t as refined as the Interceptor, many of the design cues were copied. Only 73 examples of the Uirapuru were ever made.
In 1969, Jensen introduced the Mark II, with revised styling and upgraded mechanics. The Mark III was introduced just two years later, and divided into G, H, and J series. The J series was the most luxurious Jensen ever built, and cost $25,000 for the convertible in 1976, three times as much as a new Corvette. The car featured a monstrous 7.2L V-8 engine and upgraded interior and mechanicals. This power and luxury forever cemented the reputation of Jensen Motors as an elite automaker.
Over the years, Jensen was plagued with financial difficulties and spent over 25 years in receivership. The company changed hands several times, and eventually was laid to rest in 1976. The Interceptor, however, refused to die. It was resurrected in 1980, 1988, 1993, 2007, 2009 and remains in a state of quasi-production today. Companies like V-Eight Limited and Jensen International Automotive will take an aging Interceptor, and breathe new life into it with a modern drive train, suspension, new paint and a bespoke leather interior – but it will cost about $148,000 dollars.
The Jensen Interceptor is a classic GT automobile, one that reeked of style, performance and luxury. It has always been one of my favorite cars, and I consider it an icon. In Britain, It is to the 1970’s as Twiggy is to the 1960’s. Like the Ferrari 365 Daytona, it has a style and look all its own. Though Jensen Motors has come and gone, and come and gone several more times over the years, the Interceptor is still with us, and like Bruce Willis in “Die Hard,” it refuses to die.
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond
Photos courtesy of Jensen International, Wikipedia, Greatescapecars.uk, Onlycarsandcars.blogspot
by Chris Raymond | Aug 17, 2014
Mazda recently announced another automotive milestone for everyone’s favorite little roadster. The “Best selling two-seat sports car in the world” is again the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The announcement stated that “Total production of Mazda Motor Corporation’s MX-5 sports car (known as the Mazda Roadster in Japan) reached 900,000 units on February 4, 2011. This significant milestone was achieved 21 years and 10 months after mass production of the first-generation MX-5 commenced in April 1989. The MX-5 was initially certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s “Best selling two-seat sports car” when production reached 531,890 units in May 2000. Guinness updated the record when production passed 700,000 and, later, 800,000 units. Currently, Mazda is reapplying to Guinness World Records to have the record updated to 900,000 units”.
Mazda took the title from the MGB (1962-1980) when production surpassed 514,853 units. Second place on the list is held by the Porsche 911 series (1963 – Present) which has sold over 700,000 units.
But, before anyone could pop the champagne bottles, cries of foul rose from the automotive blogosphere. It seems that the Chevrolet Corvette hit the same milestone years ago, and sales now are estimated at 1.5 million copies. Gearheads and forum harpies can’t figure out why the Vette is not the world record holder, and they are ripping up the internet with complaints. I looked for an answer, but only found the assumptions that the Corvette is classified as a luxury sports vehicle, or the award is rigged.
Either way, the Miata is a great little car. I bought one about a year ago, and am constantly reminded of my old MGB when I am behind the wheel. The Miata feels and looks like a modern car. It has plenty of power for its size, and sports a modern, well equipped interior. The mechanicals are excellent, with a proper rear wheel drive setup that you can let out easily in the corners. Styling has improved from the “marital aid” look, to a more muscular stance, with a beefier rear end. New models even offer a steel retractable hardtop. From the outside, it is a typical subcompact.
It’s when you are driving the car that its shows it’s personality. Handling is quick and precise. Power is instantly available (though limited) and comes with a nice throaty exhaust note. With the top down it transports you to the days when Spitfires ruled the skies, and Triumphs ruled the roads. Driving this car is an absolute blast.
It does have its downside, however. The Miata is the size of a toaster, and is limited as a daily driver for anyone with friends. For example, having a child and a wife forces you into a “Sophie’s Choice” situation. One of them has to go. If you have a flat, there is no spare tire…but there is a kit in the trunk that allows you to repair it using a rubber tree and some glue. On long trips, the car shrinks until it becomes the size of a baby’s shoe, causing you to gasp for air like a Louisiana fish. Passengers over 5’ 10” can fit in the car, as long as they can place their feet on their shoulders. Finally, even with the roof up, the noise on the highway will be more than your stereo (or ears) can handle.
Aside from all that, the Miata is cheap, fun, and very stylish. For the money, nothing else comes close. Back when it was introduced in 1989, it was hailed as the ultimate retro-car, bringing back a sense of open top motoring from the 1960’s. It still has that feel. During the 22 years it’s been with us, it has gone through two complete redesigns, spawned the Spec Miata racing series, and gained legions of dedicated (though short) fans across the world. Not bad for a typical subcompact.
Photos courtesy of motortrend.com, ictmotorsports.com and netcarshow.com
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond
by Chris Raymond | May 27, 2014
The dramatic and futuristic Citroen SM was a revolutionary car and its recent anniversary is a significant milestone.
France has always had a history of producing strange, quirky little cars that were loved by its people. More than a few times, those cars changed the auto industry. Citroen cars like the Traction Avante, the 2CV, and the Citroen DS changed the way cars were made. When the DS was unveiled in 1955 it was like a spaceship. 743 cars were sold in the first 15 minutes and 12,000 by the end of the first day.
The car chosen to replace the legendary DS was the Citroen SM. Fast and refined with excellent handling, the SM was a Grand Tourer with arguably the best ride in automotive history, thanks to its hydophneumatic self-leveling suspension. The car came with a smaller V-six version of Maserati’s long-lived quad-cam V-eight engine, front wheel drive, and several unusual features. These included six headlights, two of which swiveled with the steering, self centering and fully powered steering that got tighter as the car went faster, rain sensitive wipers, a cool selector switch on the driver’s side rail that allowed you to raise or lower the suspension, and a rubber button on the floor in lieu of a brake pedal.
Many different versions were made, including a lovely convertible called the Mylord which was designed by the great Henri Chapron of coachbuilding fame. In addition, Chapron also designed an open 4-door limousine called the SM présidentielle, which was used by French Presidents and heads of state. Many celebrities owned SM’s, including Idi Amin, The Shah of Iran, Leonid Brezhnev, John Williams, Charlie Watts, Jay Leno and Carlos Santana.
The Citroen SM was the fastest front-wheel drive car made at the time and in the 70’s it looked futuristic. When lowered, the lines of the car hid the rear wheels and tapered back to make the car look like a boat. This was a “personal” coupe in the same spirit as a 1970 Cadillac Eldorado, but the SM retains its good looks even today. It is one of my personal favorites, as are all Citroens. Quirky and strange can also be very cool.
Article Courtesy of Chris Raymond
by Chris Raymond | Feb 2, 2014
Don’t worry about the world coming to an end today.
by Chris Raymond | Jan 25, 2014
Love of Beauty is taste; the creation of beauty is art
by Chris Raymond | Feb 13, 2013
One man
by Chris Raymond | Oct 7, 2012
“There is no better designer than nature” – Alexander McQueen.
It seems that the designers at Nissan have heard this quote before, because nature has played a very large part in the new Nissan Cube. Hopefully, you have heard of the Nissan Cube, that funky little urban box with the strange asymmetrical window. If you haven’t seen it, check it out below, because I am sure you are going to feel very strongly about the design. You will either love it or hate it, and that feeling will come the instant you see the shape.
When I first spotted it on the highway, the Cube was bright silver and its shape stood out from all the boring cars around it. It looks much taller than an average car, and its shape makes it appear “still” while everything else on the road was moving. It’s a very strange design, and it is instantly recognizable even from a distance. To me, it looked like a nicely designed modern restroom from an upscale public park. The inset of the windows, and the rounded shape of the corners made me think of an adobe or concrete building. If, when I pulled alongside, I found that its surface was stucco, I wouldn’t have been surprised. Its just that strange and different from anything else on the road. The Cube’s windows have sills, like a building and their shape is not automotive at all. The front windows seems to surround the driver like a picture frame, the rear bumper which houses all of the standard lights, reminds me of a ’59 Lincoln and the nose looks like its wearing sunglasses.
Inside there are several things that grab you at once. First is plastic, it is everywhere, especially the wave dash. Once you get over the shock, you start to look around a little and notice that the theme of circles and ripples is almost everywhere. The headliner and carpet both resemble a Zen garden with the floor being the combed sand, and the headliner and speakers featuring ripples, like water in a pond after a stone was dropped in. There is an option for a 20 color interior light package that will probably be more distracting than talking on two cell phones at once (thanks guys). The dashboard has an optional shag carpeted oval that looks like fake grass in pictures and has absolutely no value whatsoever (that’s not design, its decoration) and the seats are covered in a material that has a very delicate wave pattern. Whichever committee designed this car, they took a fresh look at almost every part of the interior. The rest of the Cube is a car, which means that it does come equipped with an engine that allows you to drive slow or slower, and the ride is excellent in the city. Everything else is incidental.
The Cube looks like a sculpture from the Museum of Modern Art. Every angle of the Cube is familiar but still unrecognizable as a car. The wrap around window is great for the driver’s visibility, but bad for the people behind him, because you tend to stare at it, and then go into some hypnotic trance. If you see the Cube painted white, that window makes it look like the car is wearing a toga from behind. It’s unusual, but I have to give a lot of credit to the designers at Nissan. I have seen cube concepts at auto shows, but this is the closest interpretation of a concept I have ever seen for a production car. Love it or hate it, this is design, pure and simple.
Nissan gave their designers the freedom to do something different, something that was “outside the box” (pardon the pun) and this freedom is desperately needed throughout the auto industry. The Nissan Cube is a major leap forward for car design, not because the car is revolutionary, but because it was allowed to be revolutionary.
Originally published on www.cardesignreview.com / Photos courtesy of Nissan USA and cardomain.com
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond
by Chris Raymond | Oct 1, 2012
Car Design: The best way to start on this subject is to have some fun and start at the bottom. One thing I learned early on about cars is that the worse the car is, the more famous it will become. Take the Yugo (Please), a car that was not only voted one of the “Worst Cars Ever” but also one of the “Worst Cars of the Millennium” and finally “Worst Car in all of History”. Granted, it was the only car where you could order a tow package…in the front, and who’s factory was bombed in 1999 by NATO forces out of revenge, but the abuse of this one appalling bucket of loosely fitted bolts was amazing. Even today, 24 years after it was introduced here, more people recognize the Yugo name than they do Scion and Kia. A check of Facebook will return 244 pages and over 500 groups dedicated to the Yugo, some with over 20 thousand fans. People love to hate this car, and that fame is renewed with every Yugo joke.
The Yugo GV
What do you call a Yugo with a flat tire? Totaled. How do you double the value of a Yugo? Fill the tank with gas. What do you call a Yugo with brakes? Customized. What is the difference between a Yugo and a golf ball? You can drive a golf ball 200 yards. (Thank you, I’ll be here all week)
Look at the luxury…just like a Rolls.
The poor little Yugo was spawned in Yugoslavia by the Zastava Corporation with a design based on the Fiat 127. The Fiat version survived for 12 years and even won the “Car of the Year” in 1974, the Yugo didn’t. Imported to the United States by Malcolm Bricklin in 1986, the car was actually built on a separate line at the Yugoslavian factory by elite workers who were paid an extra 1.23 per hour, but seemed to have spent the money on liquor. Basically the car was made out of something just slightly more durable than toilet paper rolls, with an engine that produced negative horsepower and an electrical system that made Lucas (The Prince of Darkness) seem cutting edge. Time Magazine said it best: “The Yugo has the distinct feeling of something assembled at gunpoint”, and other critics said “It is hard to view on a full stomach”. On a side note, Malcolm Bricklin didn’t seem to like cars very much; he was the man who brought unspeakable horrors to the US in the form of the Fiat X1/9 and 2000 Spyder, the Bricklin SV-1 and the Subaru 360.
Ferrari? No, Its the sporty Yugo
So, back to design…why was the Yugo worse than other hateful little cars like the Trabant, the Lada or the Fiat Uno. The design concept was for a cheap four passenger car, and that’s exactly what they produced. As with most things, a combination of issues killed the Yugo, including the fall of communism, a terrible EFI replacement due to cost cutting that almost ended with a recall, a United Nations embargo of Yugoslavia, the mercy bombing of its factory, an issue with the timing belt, the fact that people considered the car disposable and neglected to do basic maintenance, and finally the unfortunate death of a person who’s Yugo was blown off a bridge during a 50mph wind.
The Yugo factory…cutting edge
On a design scope, the car was flawed but the problems were not insurmountable. The original Yugo, called the Zastava Koral was actually produced for 30 years finally ending in 2008. Remember that the car caused a media frenzy prior to its release and we Americans love to trash celebrities. I think there are a lot of similarities with the new Nano for Tata Motors. When that arrives in the US, we may revisit this discussion. For now, what do you think? Was the Yugo the worst car ever, or just a victim of the events of the day?
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond
Photos courtesy of www.cardomain.com and Google Images
by Chris Raymond | Sep 18, 2012
Make a list of the best car designs in automotive history and I bet it will include the VW Beetle, the Land Rover and the Jaguar E-Type. One car that would be missing is the subject of today’s discussion, and it will be very familiar to our readers from India. The Hindustan Ambassador was introduced in 1948 before India’s independence and remains in production right up to today. The car is a dinosaur in the modern automotive world, but like the crocodile it seems to have found the perfect niche to thrive in.
Hindustan Motors Limited (HML) is one of India’s best recognized brands and has been building cars since 1942. The Ambassador is the poster child for the Indian automobile industry, and is known as the “King of Indian Roads.” Affectionately called a car, I mean the Amby; it has remained mostly unchanged for the past 62 years and was designed to be a tough and reliable car that could handle any road condition. Based on the Morris Oxford, the car is powered by engines that range from a whopping 35.5bhp to a mind numbing 71bhp and uses front disk and rear drum brakes that are completely useless. Other features include the suspension from a horse cart with real rear leaf springs, optional power steering, and consistently bad panel gaps throughout the body. A trip to the company website will also tout amazing technical innovations such as head lamps with clear glass (Painted lenses never worked well) and side indicators with escutcheon (snails) plus you can have the car painted any color you want, as long as its white or silvery white.
The interior of this little car is actually where it shines, with a back seat like a sofa and with a bench seat that can fit three people. The seats are elevated to improve visibility and the interior is spacious for such a tiny car. The trunk has the capacity to hold several bodies, making it the preferred car for Bollywood villains, though the car’s performance does makes for some extremely long chase scenes. The dashboard and fittings are not the highest quality, but options like power windows and MP3 music are offered and now the Ambassador can be ordered as a diesel or CNG Green vehicle.
Overall, the Ambassador is not a pleasant vehicle for those of us blessed with the gift of sight. However, in its niche market the car remains a best seller. One reason for this is that it meets all the design requirements that were placed on it in 1948, and since those needs haven’t changed over the years, neither has the car. The Hindustan Ambassador is a primary example of good design with regards to function, but poor design with regards to form.
Photos courtesy of rushlane.com
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond and Car Design Review.com
by Chris Raymond | May 22, 2012
The new Mulsanne is now the ultimate luxury flagship for the historic Bentley Motors, available in the US for about $285,000 dollars. Designed from a clean sheet and with a platform that is not shared by any of it siblings, it is styled somewhere between a Rolls Royce Phantom and the new Silver Ghost. The Mulsanne is the replacement for the aging Bentley Arnage which was a British icon as big as Blenheim Palace, and the new car’s proportions are staggering. With a weight of almost three tons, it’s taller, wider, longer and has more space between the wheels than the old Arnage but still performs like a Bentley.
The Mulsanne is equipped with a 6.75 liter V8 twin turbocharged engine producing 505 horses and 725 pound feet of torque, making the Mulsanne’s performance astonishing. This car is as big as Wales, but still has a top speed of 184 mph and can do 0-60 in 5.1 seconds. Nothing short of the Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe can even come close to the performance and sheer size of this machine. In addition, the car is equipped with an 8-speed Z8 transmission, sport mode and even paddle shifters, just in case Michael Schumacher is your chauffeur. With an aluminum body taking 125 hours to complete, the only thing about this car that isn’t huge will be the production figures.
Safety equipment for the car will include everything you could possibly imagine, including head and thorax airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, a vehicle immobilizer, an interior volumetric alarm system, and a magnetic trickle charger for the battery concealed in the rear license plate recess. Even the famous Flying B hood ornament is designed to drop instantly out of sight when hit. The most obvious safety feature is the new headlights, which look like the size of dinner plates and remind me of the old Lucas P-100 headlamps of the 1930’s. These Gatling gun styled monsters are surrounded by LED lights and are the main focal point for the front of the car. Of course, with a Bentley you can expect a full range of colors including 24 specially selected for this model alone. With the Bespoke option, any color or accessory imaginable can be created just for your car.
The interior of the Mulsanne is like sitting inside a fine Hermes Bag, which has been placed inside an old English library. Every surface is either fine selected leather or perfectly finished wood. It takes 170 hours to complete the interior of each car, and requires the sacrifice of 15 pampered cows. The hides are tested 20,000 times by real workers at Crewe rather than robots in order to accurately simulate wear and tear. Each hide is even treated with special chemicals to account for the drivers sweat and to prevent staining on areas where the hands most often touch. The selection of leather colors is staggering, and every aspect of the car can be color coordinated, from the seatbelts to the leather trimmed carpeting. In fact, Bentley changed the whole dying process for the new leather hides just to ensure its customers got the rich leather smell customary in a classic Bentley.
The wood veneer inside the new Mulsanne is exquisite and each piece has to be matched to every other piece in the car. This mirror matching process takes workers 50 hours, and the complete finishing takes five weeks per car. Inside a normal vehicle, all the little chrome bits are plastic, but in a Bentley they are highly polished metal. Even the driver’s speedometer and tachometer were redesigned to reflect the aviation style instruments of classic Bentleys, with the needle starting at the one o’clock position and traveling clockwise.
The new Mulsanne is fitted with wonderful little surprises throughout the car, like a leather lined glove box as well as a leather lined iPod compartment. It has the most powerful stereo installed in a production car, with 2,200 watts, plus a 60GB hard drive and 2 digital card readers. In the rear door, the small vent windows retract with the rear glass, and all have privacy curtains. The glass even has an acoustic glazing with an infra red reflective interlayer.
The Bentley Mulsanne is the pinnacle of luxury motoring, and its performance and opulence are astounding. It is a car that is cutting edge, but still retains the classic Bentley heritage of the past.
Photos Courtesy of Bentley Motors
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond
by Chris Raymond | Apr 5, 2012
One day last week, a Challenger appeared at my door to stake its claim as king of the garage.
by Chris Raymond | Dec 11, 2011
James Bond, Agent 007 is forever paired with Aston Martin.
by Chris Raymond | Sep 27, 2011
Adolph Hitler and Dr. Ferdinand Porsche are usually credited with the development of the Volkswagen Beetle.
by Chris Raymond | Jun 1, 2011
Every designers’ dirty little secret is that they copy other designers’ work. They see work they like, and they imitate it. Rather cheekily, they call this inspiration. — Aaron Russell
Today, the inspiration mentioned in the above quote passed me doing 85mph on the highway. I thought it was a new Mercedes CLS, but was very surprised to finally catch up and see it was a Volkswagen. To be more specific, it was the new Volkswagen CC, and it looked fantastic. The confusion is easy to make, since the car has virtually the same sweeping lines as the Mercedes. Both vehicles give the impression that the roof has been chopped slightly, and both cars have the same sweep over the tail.
Copying, or using another design as “inspiration” has been done many times before, most notably by Russian and Chinese carmakers who have made virtual replicas of American cars. Detroit has also “borrowed” design cues from other manufacturers. Look at the roofline of a 1975 Cadillac Seville and you will see the roofline of a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. Check out the shape of the Chevrolet Corvette and you will see the shape of the Opel GT. It happens all the time, and it is done to make small cars feel big, cheap cars feel expensive or boring cars feel exciting. The technique is used for distraction and for deception, whatever is needed to sell cars.
Protecting a design is big business in the automotive industry, and corporate espionage is still prevalent. This year there have been reports of Porsche executives being spied on at hotels, Ferrari dealerships being spied on by Aston Martin dealerships, and even Daewoo engineers defecting to Russia and selling stolen designs. The line between borrowing and stealing is fought over every day in the car business.
Volkswagen has borrowed from the Mercedes CLS, and produced a similar looking car for about $40,000 dollars less than the original. This could turn out to be a huge hit for VW, and give them the success that never materialized with the Phaeton. If it does, we could be looking at a future where copycat cars flood the market like fake Chinese designer handbags.
Photos courtesy of Volkswagen of America
Article courtesy of Chris Raymond
Iso Fidia
