As much as I hate seeing the word “emotional” used to describe every new run-of-the-mill crossover or SUV, there’s also no getting around the fact that our love for cars and ownership is an emotional response, oftentimes rooted very much in the car’s aesthetics.
I tend to favor grand-touring coupes more than any other style. Aston Martins, Jaguars and that BMW 8 Series Concept. These cars are a little larger than the petite, sporty coupes, which I think makes them a bigger easel for attractive shapes and lines. Their features are more easily seen and exaggerated because there’s just more space to do so.
I also find that simple is always better. Clean, straight lines, circles or minimal details usually age extraordinarily well. The new Bentley Continental GT will probably still look great in 20 years.
And as much as I do like Lexus’ spindle grille, I can already tell that it’s going to age terribly. There’s no way it can’t. So much of the design encompasses what is modern and high-tech now that it can’t possibly hold up against changing tastes and trends.
Yes, a car’s looks absolutely affects the way I feel about it.
What about you? What makes a car beautiful in your eyes?