Quote:
Originally Posted by Tengocity
Sure, if they're not cost constrained by accountants, or realities of cost effective production.
Most of the details we all criticise design wise are compromises to allow for production simplicity and cost effectiveness. No designer wants a clunky bonnet shutline, but it's not always his call.
The head of design though is about a vision and design language, the identity of the cars moving with the times, and in BMWs case leading the way. I don't see that happening and that's my issue.
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The head of design, if he's such a man should have enough influence to the engineering team to find solutions for his vision. Of course there are cost compromises involved, but for the inelegant hood line on the 3 series, you can see that it was solved by magic in the subsequent 7 and 5 and probably in the next 3 series. Design to Production involves a lot of negotiation between design/engineering/accounting/management etc and sometimes the head of design has to stand his ground, especially at such a visible part of the car.
By the way, great designers can also bring ideas to engineering, for example Paul Bracq with his 1972 Turbo design brought the idea of a plastic crumple zone for the nose and rear of the car. Idea that has become reality in all new current cars...
