Design Details: Front Grilles Edition

"Amoore100" (amoore100) 11/19/2015 at 22:01 • Filed to: Design Details, Grilles, Saab, Volvo, New Lexus Grilles are Ugly, So are Infiniti's

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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 ;)

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100 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

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Amoore100 11/19/2015 at 22:13

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Jaguar.

Amoore100 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 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...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100 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.

TheHondaBro > Amoore100 11/19/2015 at 22:25

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The best.

Amoore100 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 11/19/2015 at 22:31

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Pics or it didn’t happen ;)

Amoore100 > TheHondaBro 11/19/2015 at 22:32

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Thanks. I think.

desertdog5051 > Amoore100 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.

Spasoje > Amoore100 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.

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > Amoore100 11/19/2015 at 22:44

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The Vector WX8. Lovely use of Supra Headlamps.

Amoore100 > Spasoje 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...

Amoore100 > desertdog5051 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!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Amoore100 11/19/2015 at 22:48

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Saab has mad some good ones. my two favorites.

Amoore100 > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) 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...

Wobbles the Mind > Amoore100 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.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Amoore100 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.

Amoore100 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 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...

Amoore100 > Wobbles the Mind 11/19/2015 at 22:57

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Meanwhile at Bentley...

Eh, close enough...

RallyWrench > Amoore100 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.

desertdog5051 > Amoore100 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…

Amoore100 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 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...

Wobbles the Mind > Amoore100 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!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Amoore100 11/19/2015 at 23:02

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Yeah they went from “Im a saab.”, to “I AM A SAAB!!!”

Amoore100 > RallyWrench 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!

Amoore100 > desertdog5051 11/19/2015 at 23:03

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Thanks! And yes, online grammar is lacking today...

Amoore100 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 11/19/2015 at 23:04

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Pity they then went to “______”

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Amoore100 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.

Amoore100 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 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...

Sam > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 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.

Sam > TheHondaBro 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.

Sam > desertdog5051 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.

desertdog5051 > Amoore100 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.

Your boy, BJR > Amoore100 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

Amoore100 > desertdog5051 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...

Amoore100 > Your boy, BJR 11/19/2015 at 23:43

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Yes. Cadillac is the king of big grilles. Opulent, garish, and very American.

holdenbacktears > TheHondaBro 11/20/2015 at 02:29

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Looks good, unless you live somewhere a front license plate is required

Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight > Amoore100 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.

Amoore100 > Gizmo - The Only Good Gremlin, but don't feed me after Midnight 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...

Amoore100 > Sam 11/20/2015 at 09:35

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BLLLLAAARGH.

Sam > Amoore100 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.

Amoore100 > Sam 11/20/2015 at 15:22

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Not too much of a fan of the IS, but the rest are ok...

Sam > Amoore100 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.

Alex B > Amoore100 11/26/2015 at 07:50

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Audi’s single frame grill is pretty recognizable..

Amoore100 > Sam 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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Ed, for the old good times > Amoore100 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.

Amoore100 > Ed, for the old good times 12/15/2015 at 19:45

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Like an Oldsmobile sucking a lemon as the saying goes...