I'm starting a new series where I critique the design of a featured car every week. ( or whenever I feel like it
) As an accomplished artist with a strong eye for asthetics, I feel I am pretty qualified to judge the refinement of various designs.
I will tell you the things I like about each car, and point out the the things I see as flaws if any, also I will talk about how the design could be improved upon.
So, to kick it off, I will start with the contraversial Bentley Continental GT.
-- LateNightCable
Here in this front quarter view, we see just how bulbous the GT is. I do not find this to be a very well refined design, it looks like they were shooting for sleekness and internal volume at the same time, with the final design comeing off as neither sleek, or all that voluminous. The front matrix grill, which is a major Bentley hallmark is very small and swept - not good for a Bentley, It should be much larger, and more upright, exuding a commanding presence. The ovoid headlamps follow this " submissive " theme in their windswept stance. The only saving grace of the front, is the wide open lower fascia, which lends a lower and wider effect to the car. Overall, the front could use a more lean, hard edged look, with much better use of the trademark large Bentley grill. It almost looks as if there could be more room in the engine bay than in the passenger compartment - weird.
In this side view we see that the bonnet is still very short looking. The front overhangs are not too bad, but it would be nicer if the space behind the front wheels was more extended, making the bonnet longer. The front should stand out somewhat from the rest of the car, drawing attention to the power beneith. This design as it is does not do that. In this case " integration " is not so good. The deep creases along the side add a much needed slimming effect, as does the pronounced " squared off " rear fender. The roofline looks good for the most part, but disolves into the rear deck which seems cut off. Achieveing not so much a fastback look but an " eggbutt " appearance. The rear could stand to be lightend, and sharpened up. As it is, it gives the impression that the suspension could bottom out very easely, not the impression you want out of a high speed GT.
I am really surprised at how lacking in destinctive charictor this back end is. So much more could have been done to destinguish it from anything else, but its' as if the designers had no better ideas, because it's certainly not inspired. It would have " lifted " the back visually to place the license plate on the boot lid rather than the bumper, but thats minor. The flat, plain expanse out back just stares at you though. The taillamps in particular are very bland, they could be spiced up with a contrasting color such as a clear or amber lens. The tailpipes are okay, if you're into oval, although they are a little small. Looking at them you would never know they connect to such massive power - some would like that " sleeper " look, others may not. I personally think they should be more prominant. The grey diffuser looking thing beneith the bumper is meant to slim the rear, but the bumper should really be physically smaller. The rear haunches jutting out from the rest of the car, along with the creased lip on the boot lid combine to add a dose of athletisism.
In closing, I think the designers had a problem getting VW off of their minds while designing this car. It reflects the VW way, but not the Bentley way. I don't think it's nessesary for a Bentley to look so round and windswept. It should be upright, more square, dignified, and proud to be Bentley. This car has some details that work, but they are simply in place to make it look less fat. Sitting still, this car looks like it needs a gym workout bad.