This is a problem with the whole exercise - the hot models don't always follow the same ranking. I guess you've got to base your judgment on which base car looks the best (in which case I agree with you, it definitely wouldn't be the e46 for me).
Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
- Swervin_Mervin
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Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Hmm, not sure about that. E28 and E38 are better looking for me. E38 best 7-series (JL utterly wrong on this one) and E28 best 5 for me. 3-series it would be the E46 coupe and saloon, but I think the E46 Touring<E91 Touring as I think it looks too tall and skinny.
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
E36 328i sport was a decent car - and the E36 M didn’t look any different.
I hate that most cars seem to have skinny rear arches in particular. Merc coupes and 2 series BMWs look particularly lame in cooking versions.
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Aye, one of the things I hate in general about modern cars is that loads have a lot of flat featureless metal around the c pillar and rear arches. Make's them look flabby. A flared arch or even just an interesting swage line can really tighten it up.
An absolute unit
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
X300 facelift XJR
D2 A8 facelift with xenons
pre facelift SE spec E46 coupe with amber lenses
late R129
Early R8 V8
D2 A8 facelift with xenons
pre facelift SE spec E46 coupe with amber lenses
late R129
Early R8 V8
Last edited by Nathan on Wed Jul 31, 2019 1:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Lovely cars. I really think they are a modern day W124
Interesting development program too
- Jimmy Choo
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Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
I'd say E39 Sport and E46 sport saloon
Banal Vapid Platitudes
- Jimmy Choo
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Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
How can you say that when the E31 exists?
Banal Vapid Platitudes
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
The E31 was less attractive than the Vauxhall Calibra. Never understood the love for that fat toad of a car.
Nath, do you have a history of the W204 which you can share?
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Of course not as that would ruin the mystery.
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
I say that because of bits and pieces I have read over the years. I think it was a first in using CAD simulation for prototype testing before actually making a prototype.
Interesting to me it had passive rear steer
This has some of it
https://www.speedheads.de/auto-specials ... 09393.html
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
'In the summer of 2003, the development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was constructed. The design of W204 was selected in 2003 and German design patents were first filed on 9 September 2004, showcasing a W204 fiberglass design model'
Not my words, but those the the W204 Wikipedia article.
- NotoriousREV
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- Jimmy Choo
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Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
I generally don’t love anything which is from before my time so I’ll also go for this or the Z8 but as the Z8 was a one off I will have to go for the 8 series. At Goodwood they had the 550 bhp M8 prototype with carbon fibre wheels which blew my mind that it was so advanced for its time.
How about not having a sig at all?
- Sundayjumper
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- Currently Driving: Land Rover, Peugeot 406
- integrale_evo
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Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Im pretty sure they were just carbon fibre front covers for the same 17in forged alloy wheels you could get on a normal 8 series...
Cheers, Harry
Re: Best looking iteration of long-running car models
Stunning
Unfortunately though the Countach is another where original is best in my opinion. LP400 is perfection for me.
Last edited by GG. on Wed Jul 31, 2019 2:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.