![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:01 • Filed to: Design Details, Grilles, Saab, Volvo, New Lexus Grilles are Ugly, So are Infiniti's | ![]() | ![]() |
This may or may not be my last post for a week or so as tomorrow we leave for a ten day trip in Arizona, so prior to that, let’s analyze some Design Details!
Since last week we covered tail lights and the week prior was head lights, this week is going to be another design element that has a strong influence on the overall appearance of the car: the front grille. Originally meant to channel air into the radiator, grilles have become more of fashion statements recently, with many manufacturers introducing corporate grilles that are forced onto all a manner of different models. The question though is, who does it best?
Is it Volvo’s giant rectangle which has forever had the diagonal strip and arrow logo adorning its front?
Or Saab’s traditional three piece trapezoid which (in my opinion) was always subtler and classier than the BMW kidneys?
So what do you think Oppo?
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Hint: If you’re having trouble, look at the article tags ;)
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:09 |
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You can’t talk about front grilles without mentioning the kidneys. (Heh, just noticed you did)
Probably one of the most iconic grille treatments out there
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:13 |
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Jaguar.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:13 |
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Wow, beautiful evolution there... I must say, I think my favorite would be the second or third...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:18 |
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My favorite would be the third... Because pre-refresh E36 kidneys. Though I like my slightly more rounded post-refresh ones better.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:25 |
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The best.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:31 |
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Pics or it didn’t happen ;)
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:32 |
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Thanks. I think.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:33 |
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Tough call. Of the two presented, I would take the Vulva.
Given free rein, I would take Aston Martin.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:36 |
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Volvo! Looks great on anything they put it on, it’s classy, and very recognizable no matter what ‘background’ (i.e. mesh, waterfall, etc.) they put on it.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:44 |
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The Vector WX8. Lovely use of Supra Headlamps.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:44 |
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Very true! Even old, upside down, or nonexistent, you can always tell it’s a Volvo by the grille...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:45 |
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Free reign of course. I try to offer two examples followed by an open ended question, but I usually encourage pictures if you’re gonna make a suggestion....then do whatever you want!
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:48 |
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Saab has mad some good ones. my two favorites.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:51 |
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Shoot, I screwed that up...question was meant to say grilles, edited now... Head lights was two weeks ago, and the copy and paste method apparently failed...still, parts bin engineering is always interesting on supercars, like the Invicta that used Passat tails...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:53 |
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I heard the designers are not allowed to do anything with this grill besides change proportions.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:54 |
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Although it looked horrible on the B9 Tribeca, I love the Hawk Eye Impreza’s winged grille.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:55 |
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Yes! I always thought the post facelift 9-3s in particular had more attractive grilles than the pre facelift examples...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:57 |
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Meanwhile at Bentley...
Eh, close enough...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:58 |
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I can't do pics easily on mobile, but Aston Martin has to be mentioned here.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 22:59 |
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My bad. Here ya go. 2015 DB9 GT. Have fun in AZ.
And to split some hairs:
https://getedited.wordpress.com/2010/08/18/rei…
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:01 |
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Yes. So much yes. Everyone always hates on wing grille Imprezas although I personally think they’re the best looking of the second generation...also, am I the only one who doesn’t hate the Tribeca?
IMO the pre facelift third gen Impreza was worse...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:01 |
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The Bentayga is proof that the four eyes is the most important aspect of the front end design. Even if there arent any lights, by God we are going to have four circles on this front end!
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:02 |
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Yeah they went from “Im a saab.”, to “I AM A SAAB!!!”
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:03 |
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Ah, if you’re on mobile, you get a pass! Kinja mobile is awful enough as it is and pictures are just icing on the cake...in that case, I’ll get an Aston here for you!
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:03 |
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Thanks! And yes, online grammar is lacking today...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:04 |
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Pity they then went to “______”
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:05 |
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Yeah the third gen Impreza was so bland. If I ever buy an Impreza it will be a bug eye, or hawk eye.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:12 |
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For me definitely Hawkeye or facelift third gen (which was less nasty). New one is ok too...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:18 |
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E34 large kidneys are best kidneys. On a pre-95, they signify a V8 under the hood.
Though mine is a 95. But it does have a V8.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:19 |
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I would be willing to say that the Lexus design language will probably end up being the most iconic design of the 2010-20s.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:21 |
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I honestly think the 2015 is a step back. The grille is way too small for the face. It's like they didn't scale it up enough.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:30 |
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Some, like rein, reign are difficult. I am a bit of a grammatical nerd. Even though I make some common mistakes myself.
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:31 |
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Cadillac’s Egg Crate is pretty well done. Classy and timeless, it’s never dated looking and always distinctly Cadillac.
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
Present day
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:36 |
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Yeah, whenever I type up an article I’m always killing myself over if it’s “its” or “it’s” and so on...
![]() 11/19/2015 at 23:43 |
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Yes. Cadillac is the king of big grilles. Opulent, garish, and very American.
![]() 11/20/2015 at 02:29 |
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Looks good, unless you live somewhere a front license plate is required
![]() 11/20/2015 at 04:15 |
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When Cadillac first came out with their “V” Series performance line, only the “V” Series had that grille: it was distinctive and quickly and easily recognizable.
Unknowingly, this sparked a major resurgence of chrome mesh grilles by the aftermarket world. And to get in on the aftermarket frenzy, within 2 years, Cadillac broke their own rules (mesh grilles only on “V” Series).
Then in 2009, they lost their way entirely - replacing the steel mesh with a plastic look-alike.
Not long after that Cadillac followed the trends again and blacked out the grill.
Last year was the last straw for me when they changed the emblem to a fat squat shield and no wreath.
What a shame. The original chrome mesh was so elegant and meant something. I sill say, “If it doesn’t meet the V Series criteria it shouldn’t wear the V grille or badge.
![]() 11/20/2015 at 09:33 |
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Never even thought about that...that’s really interesting! While the original V Series was really pretty and elegant, I don’t hate the more racing appearance of the new; instead it’s kind of an evolution, though it is kind of annoying that it’s now plastic...
![]() 11/20/2015 at 09:35 |
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BLLLLAAARGH.
![]() 11/20/2015 at 10:27 |
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The RX’s are atrocious, I will give you that. The rest of the lineup isn’t terrible.
![]() 11/20/2015 at 15:22 |
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Not too much of a fan of the IS, but the rest are ok...
![]() 11/20/2015 at 15:24 |
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The IS has a little too much done to the face. The LS is very good looking though. Mostly because of the bar across the middle, I think.
![]() 11/26/2015 at 07:50 |
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Audi’s single frame grill is pretty recognizable..
![]() 12/07/2015 at 21:07 |
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Same went for the ES and GS IMO before they refreshed them. Now they just have the gawping maw that the IS has...
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![]() 12/15/2015 at 06:59 |
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The question though is, who does it best?
I don´t know but this is a serious candidate for worst one.
![]() 12/15/2015 at 19:45 |
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Like an Oldsmobile sucking a lemon as the saying goes...