Ford Escort Concept

[VehiGAZ]

Another retro-redesign?

I'm starting to really wonder what all this American retro-design means, from a societal point of view. I think it's pretty clear to everyone that it's happening (not just in cars, but in fashion, film, and music to name just a few), but the question remains - what does it mean?

Are designers out of fresh ideas?

Are we afraid of the future?

It's not just mass nostalgia (looking back at and trying to revive and relive "happier times"), is it?

Is it a reflection of the Me-generation's failure to mature? Have they influenced all of society so much, including the subsequent generations, that one of our defining values is the pursuit of the modern equivalents of the toys we couldn't have when we were kids? (That would certainly put my recent Porsche 928 purchase into perspective!!)

Sorry, I know I should have put this into a new thread. I've done everything to hijack this thread except for yelling "I am taking this forum to Cuba!!"

[WyrreJ]

I don't think it means anything. Trends in fashion always go in circles, and auto styling is just another kind of fashion.

[Chopper]

If it goes like the original, who cares what it looks like. The Capri face can be forgiven.

[VehiGAZ]

I'm not sure about that, WyrreJ. When is the last time (prior to the last 5-10 years) that any new car was designed to look like an old car? And if you can think of one, can you name 10 others of the same period (like you can today)?

[Chopper]

Cars, planes, trains, electronics, none have ever moved in reverse. On the retro cars...only the outter sixteenth of an inch or so is retro. It is fashion.

[VehiGAZ]

Granted - the mechanicals have only improved over time (the 70's gas crunch era notwithstanding). I'm definitely talking about the "fashion" of retro. It seems so pervasive these days - more so than ever before.

[kobie]

what does it mean?

I think it means that the industry is acknowledging that they just don't/ can't build them like they used to- and that the older designs are better and more intriguing.

I want my next vehicle to look more like this, and less like this.

[VehiGAZ]

I want my next vehicle to look more like this,

Oooooo... that's hot! Me likey-likey!

[Chopper]

The BMW MM misses the mark with me. You'd like the old Bertone, Alpha (based) B.A.T. cars. Google 'em up. Only Americans do retro...and boy, do they. Theres about ten designs out there, or in the pipeline.I can't think of anyone else. Mini is more an evolution of the old design, than a retro effort.911s, Morgans? It ain't retro, if it never changed. That hideous Nissan aside, I prefer new. The comming MB Gullwing, Audi R8, 599GT, even the Veyron...cars I'd trade my soul for. The MM...not so much.