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=Tervuren;2019920
It would be interesting if some day someone did a "notch back" by making a hard top with the convertible lines.
You know who did that, Spyker. It looks horrible. And exactly what happens if you design one thing first and then try to modify it.
If the XK was designed as a convertible first, it would not need the additional bracing. Its a monocoque!
Its just typical Lord Ian Callum marketing, the crayon king, to assure folks the convertible was not an after thought. Which it wasnt. They were harmoniously designed.
In fact, the bigger question if it was designed as a convertible first, why have the two rear seats where the convertible mechanism should go, so that one can have sensible trunk space.
You know who did that, Spyker. It looks horrible. And exactly what happens if you design one thing first and then try to modify it.
If the XK was designed as a convertible first, it would not need the additional bracing. Its a monocoque!
Its just typical Lord Ian Callum marketing, the crayon king, to assure folks the convertible was not an after thought. Which it wasnt. They were harmoniously designed.
In fact, the bigger question if it was designed as a convertible first, why have the two rear seats where the convertible mechanism should go, so that one can have sensible trunk space.
he answered that one as well
he new XK might be more hard-core, but it's also a lot more comfortable and useable. The interior is much roomier in every dimension, though the rear seats are still only for show ("People want them so they don't feel guilty about buying a sports car," says Callum). The coupe's hatchback opening reveals a trunk big enough for a full-size Samsonite. The rear seats don't fold flat, however--there's metal behind them to tie the rear structure of the car together.
My understanding is a monocoque is stiffer but this leads to weakness in buckling or crimping, so from a safety aspect additional bracing or framework is still required.
That article includes the answer to the question about the side vent - is it functional? Yes, it is!
"5. This vent will become a Jaguar design signature. It's functional: There's a low-pressure area behind the wheel that helps draw air through."
So the XKR has two sets of functional vents - one set in the hood (bonnet) and the other set in the front fenders (wings).
I also like note #8 (for all those detractors out there!):
"8. This is a Jaguar grille. And it'll still be a Jaguar grille when all the Ford Tauruses have disappeared."
Can someone explain this to me
" 16. I don't think convertibles can ever be as handsome as coupes. "
He is right about " I wanted to do a side-opening hatchback like the original E-Type, but the access was too complicated. If it had been my car company, I would've done it. "
It would have truly made the car memorable to even pedestrians.
Also did any of you spry brothers notice the photos were of a coupe.
Last edited by Queen and Country; Jan 29, 2019 at 04:22 AM.
Can someone explain this to me
" 16. I don't think convertibles can ever be as handsome as coupes. "
...
Also did any of you spry brothers notice the photos were of a coupe.
My guess would be that he is refering to the roof flowing into the rest of the body lines. It is a matter of visual effiency that convertibles can't enjoy. Maybe that is why BMW designed the 650i with fake C pillars on their vert top. (that and so they could suck more dirt into the rear window area)
Personally, I'm in love with both body styles and would love to own both, as he suggested, but am aware that vert owners joy comes with the top down experience.
I do remember my reaction to browsing XKR's convertibles for sale on a sight that didn't separate X100 from X150 for the first time. I immediately looked up when this ugly version of the car came out and promptly set my search results to end in 2006.
Funny how a few years later and here I am with one. Maybe just the initial picture I saw didn't do to well for me.
I favor the early lights, reminds me of a Toyota Supra.
The earlier front is a bit more like a sportscar, the later front is something else.
Hollywood's "good side clos-up" is essentially what we are talking about. Few, if any, outstanding vehicles look inviting from every angle. So In my book it is a queston of the beautiful lines out numbering less striking ones.
Of all I've driven/owned my vert, with it's mods, embodies that for me!
I am terribly sorry, but this is what a beautiful and proportionate front looks like.
Its proportions so correct that its love at first sight.
Remember the song goes; 'First time I ever saw your face' ......(not the other way around)
