Style Counsel

Getting an automotive designer to comment on other designs is not hard. Getting them to do so on the record is a different matter. At the first sign of a tape recorder or notepad, the words "But don't print that" are usually mouthed in record time.

These 'stylistas' are rarely short of opinions. And the way they can sum up a car's lines in a few words or, indeed, relate the mood and themes of a design always gets our attention.

Three cars were standouts at the recent Geneva motor show. They set tongues wagging and polarised opinions. Two of them (at least) are likely to set the tone for supercars to come for quite some time. So, we thought it appropriate to ask an impartial auto design expert to analyse the trio.

The designer agreed – on the basis of anonymity…

"With a build of only four, the Veneno has been styled as a true concept. Not unlike the creature in the movie Alien, Veneno is a 'mother' of a machine – it’s scary, fast, powerful and 'fugly'. Born to propagate DNA for potential offspring, there is no beauty in this beast.

"Strategically, its overt styling fills the hole left by the lack of forward thinking for innovation, ingenuity and technology, [all of which are] evident in the new breed of genuine supercars like the [McLaren] P1 and [Ferrari] LaFerrari.

"Dramatic proportions, aggressive lines, razor sharp edges and sheer forms deliver Veneno's aggressive personality. There is no love in the Veneno surface language, which relies heavily on faceted surfaces and bold graphic details to deliver the shock factor that will polarize audiences.

"Lamborghinis strategy to develop one-off dramatically styled aero concepts using antiquated engineering is short-term focused and simply dumb.

"Lamborghini's next hypercar needs to deliver the wow factor by talking to the future and satisfying the hunger of tech savvy automotive enthusiasts, rather than satisfying the egos of three customers who obviously have too much money!"

THE REAL THINGS
"Both the P1 and LaFerrari are progressive in all areas of vehicle design. They are engineering masterpieces that will be remembered as icons for their respective brands. They signify a paradigm shift to take risk and become socially conscious. Their engineers and designers have done an incredible job to find the balance between maintaining the heart and soul of a road ready LeMans warrior and the need to become environmentally friendly.

"The cars' F1 inspired technical solutions have been cleverly packaged within the respective architectures. Repositioning of the driver lower and forward in car, has provided their stylists with the enviable task to create a silhouette of a cab-forward, low-roof, mid-engine supercar. This is a dream job for any automotive designer.

"Although the both cars follow the rule that form follows function, styling remains a priority. Packaging engineers have collaborated with stylists to deliver a vehicle configuration that, when shrink-wrapped, provides the foundations of a powerful and athletic proportion. Sensuous forms that flow seamlessly from front to rear give the sense of smoothness and refinement whilst delivering the aero message.

"Precision detailing adds to the spirit of technology and innovation."

"[But] I'm not big on the smiling face. The plan view of the leading edge of the hood is too round, lacking direction and purpose.

"The broken plan view at the base of the front glass is a better line to carry forward to the front edge of hood and bumper. Breaking the plan view at the corners of the car would have enhanced the wheel arches, reduced the visual overhang and would have given the front end some visual strength.

"The same can be said about the headlamp shape and the aero outlets on the hood. They are too soft and doughy and inconsistent with the other shapes around the car."

The LaFerrari front-end appearance is more refined and powerful, with a larger lower air intake that stretches from wheelhouse to wheelhouse.

"Reversing the outboard vertical graphic of the front air intake provides an aggressive front-on appearance while shortening the appearance of the front overhang in both the side and rear three-quarter views.

"The F1-inspired floating aero blade, lowers the nose and delivers key visual messages about performance and aerodynamics. The form and graphics on the hood are predictable, tapering forward and pointing to the centre of the nose. The slim vertical headlamp shape enhances the proportions and graphic elements of the front-end."

ONE ON THE SIDE
"The P1 body side is a combination of sweeping lines and sophisticated surfacing that wrap over the top of the rear quarters and provide a natural break in the rear plan view graphic. Full, taut surfaces emphasise power over the rear wheels. Tail lamp graphics are pushed outboard and wrap forward in car line to emphasize width further enhancing the rear wheel haunches.

"The LaFerrari body side is powerful yet predicable. The rising belt-line along the lower edge of side glass makes the car look heavy in side, front and rear three-quarter views. The rear end is magnifico, however. It's consistent with the front-end, [overall] powerful graphics, precision detailing and balanced proportions."

"Interior surfaces have been shrink-wrapped over cleverly engineered structures to ensure maximum interior spaciousness. Large windows and narrow pillars help with visibility.

"The cockpit inspired instrument panels are biassed to [the] driver, ensuring easy reach of controls and driver information. Floating elements such as the centre displays add to perception of interior spaciousness and lightness.

"Exposing the structure and the choice of bespoke materials solidifies the perception that the P1 and LaFerrari are true products of innovation and research. They are proof that form can follow function but still retain beauty and comfort."

"[But} Both are credits to the designers and engineers that worked closely together to deliver two cars that are inspiring and awesome!"

Eyes tired? Look at an interesting infographic of our Supercar Shoot Out: Ferrari vs Lambo vs McLaren

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