Comments on: Forbes Ranks MINI #1 in Design http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/ MotoringFile | MINI news, reviews and opinion. MINI Cooper, Cooper S, Clubman, Countryman Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:14:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: LTZMTOR http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34978 LTZMTOR Sat, 15 Apr 2006 14:41:55 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34978 <p>I saw a Fiat Cinquecento last week. Now there is a mini car.</p> I saw a Fiat Cinquecento last week. Now there is a mini car.

]]> By: Damon http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34963 Damon Fri, 14 Apr 2006 21:31:09 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34963 <p>It will be fun to have the OPEL name back in the states. I miss all the quirky European brands from the 60's-70's.</p> It will be fun to have the OPEL name back in the states. I miss all the quirky European brands from the 60′s-70′s.

]]> By: SpeedyV http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34961 SpeedyV Fri, 14 Apr 2006 20:17:37 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34961 <p>The Saturn Sky/Opel GT traces its design to the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept (created at GM's Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England).</p> <p>And as Gabe said, Saturn will essentially become the Opel brand in the United States. Read more about the new relationship between Opel and Saturn at www.saturnfans.com.</p> The Saturn Sky/Opel GT traces its design to the Vauxhall VX Lightning concept (created at GM’s Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England).

And as Gabe said, Saturn will essentially become the Opel brand in the United States. Read more about the new relationship between Opel and Saturn at http://www.saturnfans.com.

]]> By: LTZMTOR http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34951 LTZMTOR Fri, 14 Apr 2006 17:01:51 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34951 <p>I couldn't agree more, Gabe. Still wonder where the designs originated.</p> <p>It's been nice having discussions about obviously divergent opinions and it not getting personal.</p> <p>Oh Yeah.......:>)</p> I couldn’t agree more, Gabe. Still wonder where the designs originated.

It’s been nice having discussions about obviously divergent opinions and it not getting personal.

Oh Yeah…….:>)

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34947 Gabe Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:36:29 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34947 <p>Yes - pretty much all new Saturns will be rebadged Opels now. This was announced at the Detroit autoshow. I personally think it's a good move considering how much better recent Opels have been as compared to recent Saturns.</p> Yes – pretty much all new Saturns will be rebadged Opels now. This was announced at the Detroit autoshow. I personally think it’s a good move considering how much better recent Opels have been as compared to recent Saturns.

]]> By: LTZMTOR http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34942 LTZMTOR Fri, 14 Apr 2006 16:21:37 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34942 <p>blalor.....So the Prevue and the Sky are re-badged Opels? I had no idea as I had just seen some pics from the NY Auto show. I went to the Opel site and found the GT but nothing like the PreVue. I wonder where it was designed?</p> <p>Damon.... I also am a designer and find the 300 offensive to my aesthetics.</p> <p>Some folk like liver and some don't. That's what is so great about what we do for a living....... diversity. My chioce.... Mercedes Mclaren.</p> <p>Oh Yeah.... :>)</p> blalor…..So the Prevue and the Sky are re-badged Opels? I had no idea as I had just seen some pics from the NY Auto show. I went to the Opel site and found the GT but nothing like the PreVue. I wonder where it was designed?

Damon…. I also am a designer and find the 300 offensive to my aesthetics.

Some folk like liver and some don’t. That’s what is so great about what we do for a living……. diversity. My chioce…. Mercedes Mclaren.

Oh Yeah…. :>)

]]> By: Damon http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34941 Damon Fri, 14 Apr 2006 15:53:06 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34941 <p>I guess that is why they get designers to make these lists. I have to agree (and I'm a designer) with the list. The 300 is a great car and would be my 2nd choice after the MINI. Except for the Land Rover which is a little too high on the list I think it is a pretty good rating. The car that I think actually eclipses the MINI and I would have voted #1 is the new Mercedes CLS. THAT is sex on wheels and one of the most beautiful cars to come off an assembly line.</p> I guess that is why they get designers to make these lists. I have to agree (and I’m a designer) with the list. The 300 is a great car and would be my 2nd choice after the MINI. Except for the Land Rover which is a little too high on the list I think it is a pretty good rating. The car that I think actually eclipses the MINI and I would have voted #1 is the new Mercedes CLS. THAT is sex on wheels and one of the most beautiful cars to come off an assembly line.

]]> By: blalor http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34927 blalor Fri, 14 Apr 2006 03:40:57 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34927 <blockquote>Here’s a “Atta Boy” for US cars, and I never thought I see or say this but the new Saturn Prevue and Sky, from what I can see look decent. The Prevue does look a lot like the FX45 though.</blockquote> <p>Funny should say that, as Saturn's latest designs are re-badged (European) Opels... :-)</p> Here’s a “Atta Boy” for US cars, and I never thought I see or say this but the new Saturn Prevue and Sky, from what I can see look decent. The Prevue does look a lot like the FX45 though.

Funny should say that, as Saturn’s latest designs are re-badged (European) Opels… :-)

]]> By: LTZMTOR http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34912 LTZMTOR Thu, 13 Apr 2006 21:54:40 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34912 <p>Here's a "Atta Boy" for US cars, and I never thought I see or say this but the new Saturn Prevue and Sky, from what I can see look decent. The Prevue does look a lot like the FX45 though.</p> Here’s a “Atta Boy” for US cars, and I never thought I see or say this but the new Saturn Prevue and Sky, from what I can see look decent. The Prevue does look a lot like the FX45 though.

]]> By: LTZMTOR http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34908 LTZMTOR Thu, 13 Apr 2006 20:06:28 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34908 <p>Everyone has a BMW? The things I seem to be missing. Let me check out my window.... nope not a Bimmer in sight, lotsa Toyotas though.</p> <p>Personally, I would love to give the "Home Team" some credit but for what? A muddled Mustang, a horrid Charger, a brick of a 300, a Viper design change that has a white bread appeal, maybe the new Chevy Malibu or Impala? These should be great US icons but "I Think" they stink.</p> <p>Not saying all imports are great, BTW, as most are as bad. But I'm an american and have been hoping for a long time our cars would get better. The US firms seem to be putting out better stuff in Europe with the companies they own over than here. Why?</p> <p>To me the 300 is Lounge Lizard, Land Yacht stuff... maybe Chip Fosse could get it right. I will, as you did, give them credit for trying.</p> <p>I would love a Prowler.</p> Everyone has a BMW? The things I seem to be missing. Let me check out my window…. nope not a Bimmer in sight, lotsa Toyotas though.

Personally, I would love to give the “Home Team” some credit but for what? A muddled Mustang, a horrid Charger, a brick of a 300, a Viper design change that has a white bread appeal, maybe the new Chevy Malibu or Impala? These should be great US icons but “I Think” they stink.

Not saying all imports are great, BTW, as most are as bad. But I’m an american and have been hoping for a long time our cars would get better. The US firms seem to be putting out better stuff in Europe with the companies they own over than here. Why?

To me the 300 is Lounge Lizard, Land Yacht stuff… maybe Chip Fosse could get it right. I will, as you did, give them credit for trying.

I would love a Prowler.

]]> By: MarkS http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34907 MarkS Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:45:47 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34907 <p>The Prius? It looks like a shrunken Aztek. A rather strange list but I'm still glad the MINI is on it (along with the other two deserving cars: the Continental GT and the Vanquish).</p> The Prius? It looks like a shrunken Aztek. A rather strange list but I’m still glad the MINI is on it (along with the other two deserving cars: the Continental GT and the Vanquish).

]]> By: Nathaniel Salzman http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34905 Nathaniel Salzman Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:26:54 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34905 <p>MINI topping this list is no big surprise to me. I completely agree that it's a design that transcends trend and will live strong for many years to come.</p> <p>I'm going to chime in with Bill Lawrence and say I really appreciate the 300C. It's not so much my style, but I really like that bit of Gotham City influence they've designed into the 300C, the Magnum, and the Charger. The high belt-lines, the big wheels, and the angular accents that aren't overdone (like the CTS and the other Caddy's). And having spent some time with the 300C (rental road trip), I was pleasantly surprised. I haven't been that impressed with an american sedan in a VERY long time. Not for me, but like Bill, I applaud Chrysler for going in a truly unique design direction that isn't simply BMW 2 years ago. Though I wish I could say the same for the Dodge truck line. That's been an evolution of ugly!</p> MINI topping this list is no big surprise to me. I completely agree that it’s a design that transcends trend and will live strong for many years to come.

I’m going to chime in with Bill Lawrence and say I really appreciate the 300C. It’s not so much my style, but I really like that bit of Gotham City influence they’ve designed into the 300C, the Magnum, and the Charger. The high belt-lines, the big wheels, and the angular accents that aren’t overdone (like the CTS and the other Caddy’s). And having spent some time with the 300C (rental road trip), I was pleasantly surprised. I haven’t been that impressed with an american sedan in a VERY long time. Not for me, but like Bill, I applaud Chrysler for going in a truly unique design direction that isn’t simply BMW 2 years ago. Though I wish I could say the same for the Dodge truck line. That’s been an evolution of ugly!

]]> By: jarrett http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34904 jarrett Thu, 13 Apr 2006 19:01:25 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34904 <p>I agree with # 1 and number #10, the rest are blaise, same old same old.</p> I agree with # 1 and number #10, the rest are blaise, same old same old.

]]> By: Bill Lawrence http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34903 Bill Lawrence Thu, 13 Apr 2006 18:45:27 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34903 <p>...err keep my MINI, not keem(whatever that means) :)</p> …err keep my MINI, not keem(whatever that means) :)

]]> By: Bill Lawrence http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34902 Bill Lawrence Thu, 13 Apr 2006 18:43:48 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34902 <p>I do credit the designers of the 300 and the CTS for departing from the Euro-wannabe school of design. If people want European sport sedans, they are going to buy one. If they want something different than the sea of metallic grey yuppie-mobiles, these cars offer a design choice that is uniquely American. I've heard the 300 is even selling well overseas. Let's give the home team some credit where it's due.</p> <p>If I were in the market for a 4 door sedan, I might even look into one of these unusual alternatives, rather than drive a 3 series like everyone else.</p> <p>Since I'm not, I'll keem my MINI.</p> I do credit the designers of the 300 and the CTS for departing from the Euro-wannabe school of design. If people want European sport sedans, they are going to buy one. If they want something different than the sea of metallic grey yuppie-mobiles, these cars offer a design choice that is uniquely American. I’ve heard the 300 is even selling well overseas. Let’s give the home team some credit where it’s due.

If I were in the market for a 4 door sedan, I might even look into one of these unusual alternatives, rather than drive a 3 series like everyone else.

Since I’m not, I’ll keem my MINI.

]]> By: Aqualung http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34898 Aqualung Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:37:19 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34898 <p>The BMW Bangle Butt is one of these styling cliches that are used by not only the originator (read: rediscoverer, or dumpster-diver), but also the slavish imitators sure to follow.</p> <p>True Rob, the new Camry has some echoes of this, along with the new Hyundais....it's definately starting to show up...</p> The BMW Bangle Butt is one of these styling cliches that are used by not only the originator (read: rediscoverer, or dumpster-diver), but also the slavish imitators sure to follow.

True Rob, the new Camry has some echoes of this, along with the new Hyundais….it’s definately starting to show up…

]]> By: Vanwall http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34894 Vanwall Thu, 13 Apr 2006 17:18:30 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34894 <p>Fins. Fins are gonna be the next lazy stylist's easy out - no inspiration required, only excess. Watch, it'll happen. The BMW Bangle Butt is one of these styling cliches that are used by not only the originator (read: rediscoverer, or dumpster-diver), but also the slavish imitators sure to follow. Look at all these snout cars out there - with big orifices just itching to have something shoved into 'em - they suck by design. Can't wait 'til one runs into the latest excessive rear-end - that could be illegal in a Bible-Belt state. Brrrr.</p> <pre><code> BCNU, Rob in Dago </code></pre> Fins. Fins are gonna be the next lazy stylist’s easy out – no inspiration required, only excess. Watch, it’ll happen. The BMW Bangle Butt is one of these styling cliches that are used by not only the originator (read: rediscoverer, or dumpster-diver), but also the slavish imitators sure to follow. Look at all these snout cars out there – with big orifices just itching to have something shoved into ‘em – they suck by design. Can’t wait ’til one runs into the latest excessive rear-end – that could be illegal in a Bible-Belt state. Brrrr.

               BCNU,
              Rob in Dago
]]> By: Yegor H. http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34893 Yegor H. Thu, 13 Apr 2006 16:43:29 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34893 <blockquote>You might think of the 300 as bland and unremarkable NOW, but when it first came out, it was quite a revolutionary design. The high belt line, and seemingly “chopped” look of the top were very aggressive. They made...</blockquote> <p>Yes, it was... were... made... but NOT NOW.</p> <p>That's the problem. Those kind of cars have fresh look for the first several times you see them, then... they just vanish. It's like a hit-song. After-all, there are one or two angles only when the 300 looks OK, otherwise it's very disproportional and bulky. Look at the Phantom, it's huge. It's the largest in it's class. Despite its gigantic dimensions, it is very well balanced and perfectly proportional. One won't even think it's so big, unless there is an object or a person next to it.</p> <p>Why MINI? Because it was great since its birth and BMW followed correct directions giving rebirth to it. There are no overhangs (AUDI) or disproportional tires (Prius) and so on. It just feels right in its size and has many delicate touches.</p> <p>I am very glad, that BMW/MINI won't make hideous changes to the design of the new MINI, like other manufacturers would do.</p> You might think of the 300 as bland and unremarkable NOW, but when it first came out, it was quite a revolutionary design. The high belt line, and seemingly “chopped” look of the top were very aggressive. They made…

Yes, it was… were… made… but NOT NOW.

That’s the problem. Those kind of cars have fresh look for the first several times you see them, then… they just vanish. It’s like a hit-song. After-all, there are one or two angles only when the 300 looks OK, otherwise it’s very disproportional and bulky. Look at the Phantom, it’s huge. It’s the largest in it’s class. Despite its gigantic dimensions, it is very well balanced and perfectly proportional. One won’t even think it’s so big, unless there is an object or a person next to it.

Why MINI? Because it was great since its birth and BMW followed correct directions giving rebirth to it. There are no overhangs (AUDI) or disproportional tires (Prius) and so on. It just feels right in its size and has many delicate touches.

I am very glad, that BMW/MINI won’t make hideous changes to the design of the new MINI, like other manufacturers would do.

]]> By: kelly http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34892 kelly Thu, 13 Apr 2006 16:41:24 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34892 <p>were are the pinanfarina designed cars?</p> were are the pinanfarina designed cars?

]]> By: LTZMTOR http://www.motoringfile.com/2006/04/13/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/comment-page-1/#comment-34890 LTZMTOR Thu, 13 Apr 2006 16:14:26 +0000 http://motoringfile.com/2006/04/14/forbes-ranks-mini-1-in-design/#comment-34890 <p>I was in a car wash last year and got to meet Dennis Haysbert (24 / Far From Heaven) He has a Bentley Continental GT. In person it's a really beautiful car. He approached me and wanted to know how I liked the MINI. He seems like a really nice person.</p> I was in a car wash last year and got to meet Dennis Haysbert (24 / Far From Heaven) He has a Bentley Continental GT. In person it’s a really beautiful car. He approached me and wanted to know how I liked the MINI. He seems like a really nice person.

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