Quote:
Originally Posted by Devon K
MINI is a different brand, NOT a BMW. No-one would call a Saab a Chevrolet, even though ultimately both are owned by the same holding company. As for the Z8, I don't think most people would consider it retro - just quirky/ugly.
Obviously BWM is trying to retain some family characteristics in the 1 coupe that harken back to earlier models, but the rendering on this web page keeps the family connection as much as the actual 1 series coupe form seen in these photos does. BMW has made low slung coupes before, the 3.0 CSL had a much lower beltine than the 1 series (albeit with a high greenhouse) and of course there was the classic M1...
|
MINI is very close to being a BMW. They are engineered mainly by BMW engineers, the design was penned by the guy who did the original X5, and often times the newest two generations of MINI are referred to as BMW MINI MK1 and MKII. There is no real distinctive corporate structure either for MINI (like with Chevy and Saab). Thus, for all intensive purposes, the MINI is essentially a BMW 'retro' design.
Also, the Z8 is indeed a retro design and just about everyone would agree on that. The Z8 is based on the Z07 concept car which was designed to replicate, in a retro fashion, the popular (and very beautiful) 507 of the late 50s.
Look familiar?
