Fighting spirit
One can't help but wonder which picador Maranello could still have up its sleeve, in order to turn the design tide from Sant' Agata Bolognese (the toreadors from Zuffenhausen, as we all know, have counted their blessings and joined the bull protection front). Will Ferrari's more traditional approach to style be able to counter the sheer and overwhelming power of the likes of this latest raging bull from Ferruccio's stables, the marvellous Aventador?
Copper Cornucopia
1994 seems light years away. With the (then usual) one-showcar-per-year interval as rule of thumb, the 'Esprit Nouveau' of the Renault Argos blew the car design community off its socks. Straightforward industrial form language and ground breaking use of detail and materials clashed with bold graphics for attention. Be it cool Corbusier or bare Bauhaus basic; its shape clearly influenced the later iconic Audi TT. Nothing compared to this car - and probably nothing ever will.
But now again, a new spirit has arrived in Guyancourt! With a refreshingly new design philosophy and an avalanche of concept cars, a new captain has taken the helm. Four cars were present under the Swiss spotlights - two of them having their debut. These perfectly planned 'happy family cars' were truly symbolic for the re-found optimism, apparent at the show.
The Captur clearly made the biggest splash, with playful spiritual reference to American fun cars like the ground breaking Pontiac Stinger and Ford Splash. Defyingly high on its wheels, a visual horn of plenty with tons of modern materials and finishes; matt and gloss, carbon fibre and rubber, translucency and phosphorescence... The question is: what will be left of this when it comes back ...as the next Megane?
- Geert.
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