Hey
I had a thought and I'm just going to put it out there: There are a host of coachbuilders and auto design and manufacture firms (fiveaxis comes to mind) that create one-off versions of current vehicles with varying levels of success IMHO. We've all thought or heard it commented that many wished the e60 was more of a evolutionary design upgrade and not such a revolutionary 'banglized' design.
Well, I was just thinking that we're got to have a couple of artistically talented individuals on the board or maybe "friends of friends" that might think it would be neat to pen a 'more worthy' successor to the E39 that maintains the spirit, general proportions and design aesthetic or the original but still moves the design forward in terms of a modern take on the signature details (i.e. front end, lights, grill, fogs, lower fascia, side rockers, rear lights, bumper, diffuser, tailpipes etc.,)
Consider it a design challenge, if you will. Any takers or are we a bit out of our depth here?
Thanks,
agent0
__________________ 2002 M5 Carbon Black/Caramel Delimited, H&R Springs, V1 Hardwired, Black/Gray ///M badges and roundels
XM radio, DICE iPod, BMW.Bluetooth JL Audio speakers/subwoofer/amps 6000k lowbeam HID upgrade
Umnitza 8000k HID foglights
other than that stocker than stock...
I actually really like the e39 M5 chassis, though. It looks very European , unlike the new ones
Maybe I'd add some sharper lines, make it more contemporary. But other than that, my small gripes have nothing to do with the look (like mirrors folding up instead of down, that sort of thing)
This would be a fun exercise indeed. (I'm not among the software wonks who could pull it off though..)
It is hard to build upon such an attractive appearance, but I'm sure there are some subtleties that could refresh the appearance to make the car seem 'new' without departing too drastically from the beloved lines. 500hp with Nagashima styling might be hard to resist...
Not much needed to do but stretch the length and width to the dimensions of an e60, allow room for V10 but work on torque at lower levels equal to the S62.
Behind the Matte Black Kidneys: Active Autowerke Cold Air Intake, Super Sprint Exhaust & X-Pipe from ModBargins, Dinan SSK, Dinan Software, Dinan Lightweight Flywheel.
Modifying and Improving Creature Comforts & Driver Aides: Valentine 1 with Jaric Designs Stealth One, Defi VSD X Heads Up Display, TEC Cup holder, Polk Audio Tweeters, MB Quart Mids, Twin JL Audio 10w3v2's with center port through skipass, Alpine PDX4.100 and PDX 1.600. DVD player with Video Module, Rear Backup Camera and dual 7" head rest monitors along with Intravee for iPod via 2point5 specdoc. Stoptech Big Brake Kit, centric Posi-Quiet Semi-Metallic Brake Pads from Zeckhausen Racing and TC Design Rear Sway Bar Brackets.
Working towards Pure Aesthetics: Hella Euro Clear Headlights with Upgraded 6000K D2S HID Low Beams protected with Lamin-X Headlight & Foglight Protective Film ALL from üm•nitza, Predator ICE Angel Eyes w/K2 LED Mods, 6000K HID Fog Light kit rolling on Ground Control Coil Overs on a set of Cargraphic 19x9 & 19x10 3 piece forged wheels wrapped in 255.35.19 & 285.30.19 Michelin PS2.
When you turn your car on, does it return the favor? -
As far as this design challenge a good result would be that any boardmember with good pshop skills could start with a front view or 3/4 front view of the E39 and integrate design elements from other BMW's current or proposed concepts and we could end up with a updated, contemporary update for the E39 without sacrificing the general lines of the car.
So c'mon photoshopers, prototype rendering types and even you, the crayon and paper contingent....show us what you've got. Let's come up with a great update to a great car!
a0
__________________ 2002 M5 Carbon Black/Caramel Delimited, H&R Springs, V1 Hardwired, Black/Gray ///M badges and roundels
XM radio, DICE iPod, BMW.Bluetooth JL Audio speakers/subwoofer/amps 6000k lowbeam HID upgrade
Umnitza 8000k HID foglights
other than that stocker than stock...
Lighter....faster....more expensive....and did I say...faster?
You'll see those wheels on a Honda Civic hatchback in about four months after the car is released.
__________________
-James
- '02 BMW ///M5 - Le Mans Blue
- Factory options: Chromeline trim, Comfort seats, BMW Active Seat, M-Audio w/DSP, Electric rear sunshade, Fold-down seats w/ integrated ski bag
- Aftermarket: Angel iBright V3.0, VSM w/ PS2 and Keyhole Reverse Camera, DICE iPod kit, Carbon Fiber Interior Trim (with Nussbaum shifter and e-brake for some contrast), Shadowline exterior door trim, Satin Black Kidney Grilles
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