The shape of things to come.... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Kirium · 6th February 2001, 18:03

I think the future design trend of BMW is pretty much cast in stone now...

The X4 http://www.bmwworld.com/models/concepts/x4.htm

The Z22 http://www.bmwworld.com/models/concepts/z22.htm

The Z9 http://www.bmwworld.com/models/concepts/z22.htm

the common theme seems to be radical new styling and introduction of radical technology which all but renders the driver obsolete. i for one don't like the way these cars look set to take over so many driving functions... (i'm a firm believer in a wheel 3 pedals and a manual 'box)

it looks like the present will be the best days of "true driving" whereas the future domain of "select your destination on the console, sit back and relax as the 'e-car' takes you to your destination" will be sorry days for true drivers.

(i dread to think of the future M5 where driver input is restricted to slecting a place you want to go, the holding on while the car and electronics do the rest, guiding you to your destination via satellite link-up and complex gyro's and sensors)

any opinions?

------------------
ho nuovi calzini su!!

[This message has been edited by Maranello Man (edited 06 February 2001).]

MAVERICK · 7th February 2001, 01:03

I hope not, because I will be the saddest man on earth.

MEnthusiast · 7th February 2001, 01:28

I dont think we should get too worried. Although Ive seen several articles that say this is the direction for BMW styling- these are radical designs and probably are really more concept car/ show car than production car. I think they cram in all these systems to study them. Many of them have great potential. I am hopeful that BMW will stick with their good taste in styling and good judgement in building cars that enthusiasts enjoy. If not, I just wont get rid of the BMWs I have.

ME

KRM · 7th February 2001, 01:51

For those who are interested, I took some pictures of the X Coupe concept (X4) and the Z9 from the presentation at BMW of Manhattan a couple weeks ago. It was presented by Chris Bangle, head of BMW design worldwide.

http://photos.yahoo.com/bc/kar_97?d&...l=fld7&.src=ph

[This message has been edited by KRM5 (edited 07 February 2001).]

[This message has been edited by KRM5 (edited 07 February 2001).]