Video: Saab PhoeniX Concept
March 2, 2011 in Uncategorized
More from Saab…..
Jason Castriota talking about the PhoeniX Concept
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWOwtrC4wQM
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martinsaab said on March 2, 2011
Nice… but where are YOUR pictures of the PhoeniX, Swade?
Swade said on March 2, 2011
My camera battery is dead
I’ll be doing a full walkaround with Jason tomorrow on video. Am trying to get another camera to get photos now.
Jeff said on March 2, 2011
I don’t know what it is about autoshows killing technology but last year my camera, laptop, and phone all decided to die at the NY show. It’s possibly the most frustrating thing you’ll ever have to face. No rush Swade, there’s plenty to occupy us
Definitely waiting patiently for the full tour with Jason.
-Definitely ask him about the red lighting- will it only be on this concept we hope?
I definitely see the Sonnett reference.
-What about that extreme angle of the dashboard at 45 degrees? Great for the driver but the passenger feels…well, bored. Do they get entertainment options too? Speaking of which, entertainment options for the driver? What restrictions will there be on IQon during driving. How long until IQon is part of roadgoing Saabs? I’m guessing it debuts on the new 9-3, but will it be adaptable quickly to the existing 9-5 and 9-4x?
-Will that incredible airplane logo some of us have been advocating for since I can’t remember when become the new symbol of Saab? (I’ll miss the Griffin, but I’m ready to move on).
-How important was Spyker in the design of the rear if at all? It’s okay if it is…we won’t be upset, at least I wont be
-Can he explain in more detail or provide you videos of the liquid metal (mercury) aerodynamic testing? Is this done at the computer stage and then brought full scale?
So many questions, so little time. I’ll have more. Also, the new banner is in your inbox. Keep it up, great coverage.
saabdude said on March 2, 2011
Think I’ve seen that shape before…but much more refined in the PhoeniX…as it should be on a concept car.
http://i759.photobucket.com/albums/xx232/ths40/Hmmm_me_likey.jpg
“-Definitely ask him about the red lighting- will it only be on this concept we hope?”
As for the red lighting…not a big deal. My A5 has it and I like it…my ’08 9-5 SC Aero had green…liked it also. Both easy on the eyes.
jc7222 said on March 2, 2011
I want to like this but, I just don’t! I will keep looking at it throughout the day and maybe I’ll feel differently but, i doubt it. I hate Spyker cars; they are ugly. This reminds me more of a Spyker than a Saab. I looked up designs by this new to Saab designer and haven’t seen anything I liked. I hope the new 9-3 and future Saabs look nothing like this. I can’t think of a Saab design that I’ve like less. Man, this has me worried about Saab’s future. maybe I’m alone on this but, I’m hugely dissappointed.
OddJob said on March 2, 2011
So what did you expect?
charlie said on March 2, 2011
I hear you.
However:
1. I’m liking this better that the aero-x.
2.the liquid metal thing is interesting.
3. They should be more explicit in calling this a “Sonnet Concept”
There is some interesting stuff there. Imagine the roof racks as “wings”.
Jeff said on March 2, 2011
Not just wings, “vestigial wings.” Brings to mind an evolutionary descent from an airplane, as if this is not quite car and not quite plane. Kind of brilliant if you ask me, one of my favorite details conceptually. Production wise, as it becomes a real car, it would of course lose the wings as it has completed its transformation into roadgoing automobile.
charlie said on March 2, 2011
I see your point, and it is an interesting narrative, but what I was trying to say is turn the “wings” into a roof rack. Throw a couple bars down and you can put your bike there, which is far better than any other sports car out there.
Mixed emotions on the wheels now too. Perhaps too much of a turbine?
Talladegan said on March 2, 2011
Well put. +1
Jeff said on March 2, 2011
And speaking of the wings, when looking at it from a certain angle, It really reminds me of the Greek God Hermes. Again, this is more a concept and a singular being, whereas the production design elements buried within obviously won’t have the wings
GerritN said on March 2, 2011
Yes, the wings will (and have to) go for a production model.
Initially I thought it would be a good idea to loose the whole thing, including the impalement spikes, now I’m not so sure. The rendering without the wings, etc. that you did yesterday is too empty and too much accentuates the bubble car aspect.
I’m still not sure whether I like this design or not. I don’t care about the details of the old (but not too old) Saab design language, a new Saab has to emerge and if that’s done by introducing new elements then that’s fine with me. However (there always seems to be an however) for me a concept should hit a (Saab) nerve somehow. The Aero-X did that, this concept doesn’t. I think the main reason is that it is too cluttered AND has too much Viper and GTR clues, especially when you look from the side. A big part of this is coming from the high belt line and resulting too small side windows.
(disclaimer: I do like the Viper and the GTR, but I also think that their design elements have been overexposed. Any new Nissan looks like a GTR to me.)
In short; as a concept car the PhoeniX has succeeded, many design clues will end up in a production model, the PhoeniX doesn’t give me a nice Saaby feeling.
Quijote said on March 2, 2011
JC,
I have to agree with you. I see very little, if any, Saab DNA with this concept. The Aero-X concept didn’t really look like a traditional Saab either, but somehow, it shouted SAAB. This Phoenix concept looks extreme, but at the same time very generic. Could have be practically any other car manufacturer’s concept.
However, perhaps this is what SAAB was aiming for? This is a new independent SAAB, and perhaps they are looking to break away from the past and identify a new future. Let’s face it, Saab has tried to play on its past forever, and hasn’t had exactly spectacular results. As loyal as their fanbase is, it simply isn’t enough. Maybe this is an effort to reach out to the other side? I just hope Jason puts a little more SAAB DNA into future production vehicles.
WooDz said on March 2, 2011
Yes I can see this concept being very generic….
Wings, Afterburners, hugely sculpted frontage, Canopy roof.
Yeah, If I wasn’t mistaken I’d say this was the Citoen DS4.
Only except All manufacturers have been stealing SAAB’s designs for the past 10 years now. Blacked out A-pillars, Panoramic roof, not just turbo-charging but twin-scroll to. All were available in SAAB concepts but were beaten to production from every other car company including GM, who held back and never let them be the first in anything GM made them develop.
The only generic similarities the PhoeniX has is that it’s got the designers hallmarks all over it. In a pun intended manner it’s a Jason Castriota Rebadge. and yes I think SAAB needs something that screams “WE ARE SAAB AND WE ARE BACK BABY!”
Sandy said on March 2, 2011
Having again studied JC previous works (which mostly I don’t like), to me it seems this Saab concept car, the Phoenix, has more JC DNA than Saab. Still, after having seen the clip from Saab, explaining some details of the work with the Phoenix, I feel I slowly get it. This might set a new, interesting however unchartered direction for Saab and it’s design.
Not nearly what I expected, but interesting, never the less…
What impresses me even more, is under the skin – iQon, electric hybrid systems with the cool sounding “torque vectoring”, new turbo ICEs – the engineers at Saab must be having a lot of fun!
I’m in for the new 9-3!
Hans H said on March 2, 2011
This is not the new 9-3. It is not even a production car. It is a show car. It is there just to scream to the world: “Saab is not dead! Saab is more alive than you could imagine! Just look here what we can do! And while you are here, take a look at the new Saab 9-5!”.
That’s what I think.
And I kind of like the design cues hiding there in plain sight.
charlie said on March 2, 2011
Exactly.
I think the Alfa and the A3 concept may be beating them at Geneva, but it got free PR for SAAB.
Besides, let’s be honest: You can’t reveal what they new 9-3 will look like YET. Tease us and the journalists some more.
TobiasE said on March 2, 2011
I made a picture so it is easier to compare the Aero X with the Phoenix.
I think there are some similarities between the two. Especially from the side.
The Phoenix does look very modern when you put them beside each other. I kind of like it more and more.
http://www.geting.se/viewimage/image/290678-AeroxvsPhoenix.jpg
Quijote said on March 2, 2011
Thanks Tobias.
Aero-X is soooo beautiful, despite its age it is still my favorite Saab concept.
belfast_saab said on March 2, 2011
2 wheels, a door, that’s about it from what I can see. Aero-x still my fave, new one going to take a time – too fussy for my eyes, but it IS as concept, so I don’t mind, if it serves a prupose of getting Saab, eXWD and IQ-on noticed by the wider public today (and it is) then job done!
Andreas said on March 2, 2011
Nice one! Thanx. And I agree…
charlie said on March 2, 2011
You picked the best mangle for the Phoenix.
From the top, it is far more radical.
However, it
1) is a real hatch
2) has brake channels for air and is more aero
3) I could see the wings mutate into roof racks very easily, and they would be interesting. A saab is not complete w/o a roof rack.
OddJob said on March 2, 2011
Interesting comparison. In this angle the cars look more alike then I first thought.
Many on SU have commented that PhoeniX doesn’t have a ‘Hockey Stick’ design. But at this angle it suddenly HAS it!
maanders said on March 2, 2011
Yes, very interesting comparison from the side views. Hmmm…..can this be another case of it looks better in the sheet metal than in a picture? Early pictures of the new 9-5 at different angles drew a lot of negative comments too. As many have said, seeing the new 9-5 in person is a whole different experience.
All concepts are essentially experiments to see how new ideas work and how customers and the press react to them. Some will be kept, others will not.
zippy said on March 2, 2011
Good point re the 9-5. Its so much more beautiful in the metal.
yuros said on March 2, 2011
This car looks a vulgar. And not in a good Lamborghini way. There’s just too much going on. It reminds me of a Civic with an ugly body-kit. This may appeal to 15year olds but not to me.
I prefer an Aero X design.
July said on March 2, 2011
VIDEO of Saab Phoenix Concept Car on Trending Videos by http://ZOCIAL.tv
B. said on March 2, 2011
Well I have to say I don’t agree with those saying there is very little SaabDNA in the new concept.
Been looking at the picture Tobias made and I even think there is more ‘classic-Saab-DNA’ in the new one then there was in the Aero-X… Especially the front of the car with the rounded-off hood, the front and rear overhangs, the overall dimensions and ‘volumes’ (as JC calls it) seem very naturally SAAB to me. Ofcourse there is a little to much bling (the wings, rear-arangement), but if you just look at the lines, the very obvious attention to aerodynamics and just the way it stands on its wheels…. To me this seems like a very nice showcase of the talent at Saab (and JC) and the passion we obviously share for the greats of the past. Very nice platform for the new Saab to evolve from. Remember, this is not going to be in the showroom, but for me this is yet an other step in the right direction.
Congrats to SAAB ! Really blew my socks off ! If I could I’d be ordering my new 93 today !
Jason Petho said on March 2, 2011
+1
PJ said on March 2, 2011
I like to see more from the interior, the chairs looks promising, make me think about -70 99/900 and another swedisch brand: POC-sports.. and theres helmets
..i just get one..
ThEgg said on March 2, 2011
After looking at it more, I see this as more of a Sonnet than a 9-# car. I don’t think that’s bad at all, though. I love this look, and the only problem I had with it was the front, which makes more sense when you compare it to a Sonnet.
Looks like they’ve used more of the ancient DNA of Saab cars than the ones released in the past 20-30 years.
Manlius said on March 2, 2011
Agree with you on all points.
RS said on March 2, 2011
I disagree. Google for the black 9-3 SS side-view and you’ll be surprised. Same thing goes for the AeroX rear (which I BTW don’t like).
AyrshireXC90 said on March 2, 2011
I think this is a design with a lot of promise. Simplify the car and add a clamshell bonnet; that would be a car to show Audi a true TT rival (and that Peugeot wannabee). Obviously not in the fully funded business plan, but one wonders if it could a possibility in the medium term. Well done Saab/Jason (although not something I would buy – I am at the age of preferring luxury rather than sportiness!!!)
PS the led(?) aeroplane logo on the rump is wonderful!
J Fan said on March 2, 2011
Well, love it or hate it, surely VM and JC knew this was going to split opinions..?
I wonder if they felt the ‘design language’ of the aero-x and new 9-5 had run its course? i.e. what could they do next? Looking at the 9-5, for example, there is very little that could be changed – and I remember thinking that about Audi ten years ago. Remember the way they all had that same crease line going down the side? But then they (VW) brought in Walter da Silva from Alfa and now he’s coming up with things like the A5 and A7 – which are, in my opinion (and others), the best looking cars in their respecitve classes. So, like Audi, perhaps it was time for Saab to find a new look.
‘Swedish simplicity’. I keep hearing this all the time. Not so much on the Saab pages, but on Volvo ones. And all it’s leading to is… nothing! Take the floating stack console on Volvo. Sure it looks ok, but it doesn’t look exciting – and I don’t think there is any scope left to make it so. The way it’s evolving, soon the Volvo dashboards will consist of a plain plank of wood with nothing on it – and this will be called ‘Swedish simplicity’ or clean design. It’s a plank of wood!!! So, if Saab want to get away from this, or give their own ‘take’ on it, I’m all for it. It’s very easy to become bland….
Alienating the existing customers. Anyone else think this is a worry?! I do! Again look at Volvo and their new ‘naughty’ S60 and V60. I have relations who will not buy the car simply because of the advertising campaign. Then there is my father who has bought a dozen Volvo’s through the years. He liked them big and square – they were his favourite car. Now he won’t even walk into a Volvo showroom. Reading through the Volvo forums, there are many in this boat.
Whatever else about the PhoeniX, it certainly looks aggressive – and if Saab are going to adopt this design, I think I have to say fair play to them and hat’s off. Why? Because frankly, it’s ‘out there’. They are giving it a go and saying to heck with it. And sure, it might take a while to settle in – I’m not mad on it at all at all. But they had/have/will have to do something. They cannot continue on with the current sales figures. They simply can’t. So, in effect, they’ve got nothing to lose, and this design is bold and definitely not bland or sitting on the fence.
Anyway, they’re my thoughts! After many hours of ‘shock’..!
Saabheart said on March 2, 2011
Your last paragraph is 100% spot on.
+1
maanders said on March 2, 2011
I agree. I am not completely sure what I think about it yet….but I am trying not to overreact. One of the video clips here with VM has him mentioning this concept could easily morph into a type of new Sonett coupe. Looking at it that way, I am more OK with it. The original Sonett II and III were nothing like other Saabs at the time, but are no warmly considered part of Saab’s design heritage (and wasn’t the Sonett III design Italian-influenced?).
I am still interested in hearing how safety features, drivetrain, etc., fit in with all the other new high-tech aspects of this concept as those are also part of Saab DNA. But I am willing to wait and see how the new 9-3 actually develops before I jump to the conclusion that Saab has “lost its way”.
A month ago we were all trying to decide here how Saab would get the public and automotive press to pay attention again and get past the “Is Saab still alive?” issue. I don’t think we have to worry about that as much any more. I think this concept, along with the new 9-4x, 9-5 SportCombi, etc., is going to blow up all over the press. Like the concept or not, people WILL be talking about Saab again.
maanders said on March 2, 2011
….that should be “….but are now warmly considered….”
Ralph said on March 2, 2011
By the way, the Saab 96 also has -little- wings (on its C-pillars).
I grew up with that model Saab, bu still don’t know what their function is…
Ingvar said on March 2, 2011
I think you talking about air-vents.
Ralph said on March 2, 2011
Aha, a year-long uncertainty ends here at last
SasaK said on March 2, 2011
I was hoping the concept will grow on me, but I am sorry to say, that the main problem with it is, that it is TASTELESS. SAABs in my view, should never be tasteless. Leaves me worried. Colors, interior, details, curves etc just too much of everything. Just TASTELESS. I am so sorry.
michaelb said on March 2, 2011
+1
hilmar said on March 2, 2011
Wow – this concept will hit the mark ! Perhaps they will straighten it a little because of the ice-block design ? Somehow it reminds me at Jeff´s “photoshopping” some months ago.
Daniel said on March 2, 2011
Dear All,
I hate it, I like it, I hate it ……
This concept made its point. It is not question do you like it or not it is question can it make all emotions to move. I think it does.
Personally I like it but I like what it makes in community.
Regards to all. Tomorrow I am in Geneva, cant wait to see it in person
Nate 9-3 said on March 2, 2011
Be sure to tell us what you think of it in person. I am anxious to hear what you have to say.
Saabheart said on March 2, 2011
I really really like this! This is exactly what I expected from Jason Castriota. I’m not much for concept cars usually, they are just too wild, which is why I fell in love with the Aero X when I first saw it. It was the most “normal” concept car I had ever seen.
As far as what it looks like, I love the wheels, the 2+2 design, and the front is awesome. The vestigial wings are a cool touch. The back is too wild for me but it’ll be toned down before it makes its way on to a production car.
I don’t like silver cars, but the liquid metal effect is cool (polished titanium color). I think it would look cool in white. Can someone photoshop some colors?
I like where he is going. Although I expected a lot more “old Saab” touches, there really aren’t any at first glance. It doesn’t look like a Saab at all. It’s too wild for a Saab, but Saab needs to get on the map to stick around and this is the kind of car that can do it.
Also, the iQon interface looks cool from the video. It’ll be a home run for usability and a sure win over the Germans cluster.
I am not disappointed at all. People need to give it time (it is a Saab) and see how it is received by the auto media and general public.
JH said on March 2, 2011
This car may very well fulfill its purpose as a concept car, but if it was to be produced as it is – no thank you. If Saab was to build a small-series “halo car”, I believe the Aero X would be a better starting point.
However, I remain positive and realize that with this concept Jason Castriota was allowed to go the whole hog and make it wild and crazy. I hope and believe that the 9-3 production car will get a lot more Simon Padian-influence.
Rick C said on March 2, 2011
Without being overly analytical I’d have to say that on it’s own merits,as a “concept”, I like it and I commend Jason for going out on a limb, love it or hate it! My biggest gripe is that, despite finding visual referances to various bits of SAAB dna (including the EV-1) what jumped out @ me, initially, was a ’97 Mustang with, as someone else remarked, last gen Firebird taillamps! Nice designs but, at this point, not terribly original. I also don’t see, without a lot of explanation, much of the “form follows function” organic design that has, for me, been a big part of SAAB’s appeal! The many details seem more confusing than infusing! That said, we must look to the future with proper reverance to the past and I’m anxious for SAAB’s designs to both evolve and take a more revolutionary road as time passes. This exercise will certainly generate lots of interest and serve notice that SAAB is alive and cooking, I’ll wait to judge Mr. Castriota’s work not on “video game” cars, but on more “real world” products as they emerge.
tupolev141 said on March 2, 2011
Considering dashboard lighting, these days it should not be a problem whatsoever to let the driver decide what colour he fancies for the drive. Fit red, green and blue LED’s and you can choose all the colour you like.
Marco said on March 2, 2011
I was thinking exactly the same. Green is for the traditional Saab driver and it has some pro’s like warning lights stick out better etc. But OTOH red is regarded as better color for the eyes in the night. Some regard it also warmer. Why not let the buyer decide…? Can’t be that expensive…besides: some people might even choose a car just because it has a certain interior and dashboard color…
Z! said on March 2, 2011
Sorry, I can not feel the SAAB spirit in this concept. That Saabness that made me feel something special, something personal… All of the SAABs have it, but in the Phoenix I can’t find it, no matter how hard I try… It’s all ok, if the concept has totally unbalanced proprtions, jumbled shapes (I say it as a designer), BUT it should bear the SAAB-spirit!!!
The new 9-5 has a very sophisticated, well-balanced form, like a pebble gets its form made by the river… So, it’s the hardest thing to make a shape like that!!! So, SAAB should go on that way with the new 9-3! …and please just add a little drop of SAABspirit, just a drop… Z!
Iiari said on March 2, 2011
Just to add my quick $0.02, I, on the whole, very much like and enjoy the Phoenix concept. I had hoped there would be more of an obvious narrative of design that I could see transported to production, but accept that this is going to be more of a fantasy exercise.
I had expected JC to completely break with the current design language, but this quite wasn’t where I expected him to go. I like the front quite a bit, but wish it were a bit more expressive and wish the designers could find another interpretation of the Saab 3 port grille other than using the lateral ports as “tear ducts” for the headlamps. Am I the only one who find the front almost an evolution of the ’03 9-3 aesthetic? Quite solid, though.
The wheels are outstanding…
While I agree that the detailing is lacking, I would love all Saabs to adopt a Sonnett-like tail. Saab’s design language from the B pillar back has been adrift for a long time and this would be a nice solution…
The change of the logo doesn’t worry me that much. I’ve had more than a few people confuse the blue of the Saab logo with that of a Ford logo. That said, I’d like the classic airplane logo modernized a bit more, somehow, before use.
Congrats to VM, JC, and the entire team!
Greven said on March 2, 2011
Link to a Saab movie on the PhoeniX that I have not seen here at SA.
It´s an interview with JC…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibkRWoV241c&feature=channel
maanders said on March 2, 2011
Ah ha! There we have it. JC himself saying this concept draws on the Ursaab with a nod to the Sonett for its inspiration. So, we may not all agree on how well it draws from those inspirations, but the more I look at it now, the more I can see it. There are still parts I like and do not like, but I can see the thought process better now.
sven said on March 2, 2011
Swade, you have seen pictures of the upcoming Saab 9-3 2012. Can you see a clear relationship between the 2 :, are they alot alike..? what about the back?.. I know you can talk about this…
Hada said on March 2, 2011
I like it when Castriota go bonkers with his imagination. I love the bravery and controversy.
I have no problem at all with the side wings, but it seems to me that Castriota could do better in terms of not putting a Christmas light in the rear end.
Cheers for SAAB Still Alive And Brave !
Tomas TL1000R said on March 2, 2011
First impression, ugly back in daylight and it´s to many angels. If it is an Sonett kind of car I can take it. Second thought, Castriota had a extremly difficult jobb to doing something better then the Aero X so he overdone it a little bit, cant blame him for that. Sorry to say that the GM Saab concept were cleaner and moore Saab to me. I can understand that JC taking the design even further but this is not Saab, it´s something els.
I say exactly how a feel after first impression and that is often the best and most honest real thought. I will look over and over again and maybee I change my mind…we will see!
PS It´s a concept and the front is interesting aswell as the door opning angel, a modern Sonett but hopefully nothing other than that. Keep the absence of spots and wrinkles and keep it clean please!
Hada said on March 2, 2011
True Saying Sir.
It’s a Dutch SAAB as opposed to a Swedish SAAB.
Cheers.
Sebbe said on March 2, 2011
“our aeronautical roots”? really?
The Italian has been in Saab for like the past 5 seconds and he suddenly is part of the company’s soul?
Well, he has some nerves!
“oneness”? Is that even a word?
maanders said on March 2, 2011
I think you are being a little harsh. He is the head of Saab design now so he is speaking in terms of Saab’s heritage. Wasn’t part of what we did not like about GM’s stewardship of Saab is they did not appreciate or understand Saab’s heritage?
He stated in the video that the Ursaab was all about aerodynamic shape and function, coming from the early Saab engineers’ experience with aircraft design. Whether you like this concept or not, there is definitely Ursaab influence in it.
turbin said on March 2, 2011
To be fair Sebbe his family had Saabs for years and his first and second cars were Saabs. He is also a New Yorker for what it’s worth. He is also a core member of the Saab team. What else do you want??
Talladegan said on March 2, 2011
First look I was unconvinced on the ‘Saabness’ of it.
The more I look the more I begin to ‘get it’ and like it.
This has always been the same for me with all my own Saabs.
Perhaps that is part of the secret?
Tomas TL1000R said on March 2, 2011
What is the key here? It is an bold design study all can agree on that, but if you mix this concept with Aero X/NG9-5 it could work. For example, ease up the back of the car and get rid of the carbon and get back to the 9-5 light it´s another rear. The side of the car has gills and that belongs only in an supercar, not in an “ordinary” 9-3. Mix the front with NG9-5 so it similar to current (new Saab 9-5 front). Don´t use the horrible hubcap-like rims, pick something from the past.
Frankly this scares me, cos I really really like Saab and can´t handle little to many details in this study is to far from what i expected. I admit that and stand for it. Castriota, you have just scared the shit out of me but I hope you just take it a little bit easier with the new 9-3 and it´s nothing wrong with the word “less is more”. Now you have had your future Saab DNA examina and keep up the Saab spirit, I still have faith in your work for the new 9-3.
Bottom line. That car can only be an Sonett for the future and not much can be used in an “standard Saab”. It´s not practical and to far from skandinavian design. And I dont think It would be wise to leave Saabs really good looking design language as we have at the moment. but feel free to take it one or two step forward not leave it.
Charles said on March 2, 2011
+1
Nate 9-3 said on March 2, 2011
I am beginning to wonder if this car had a dual purpose; that of creating a WOW statement (check) and gauging how far the SAAB faithful will go with the radical design language. Recall when VM first started talking about the 92. It was more gimmicky at first and the theoretical car has become more traditional over time. I think that if you water this down a bit you can make one heck of a NG 9-3, and I am willing to bet that is what is going to happen.
Hada said on March 2, 2011
Final Thought:
I think of this as a Sexy Swedish. Done. Love it, props to Jason Castriota for making an unprecedented car.
Cheers
Thylmuc said on March 2, 2011
Liquid metal, surface entertainment (BMW), crystalline (Renault), arts and science (Cadillac), call it what you want, in the end it is about a trend towards technically superfluous surface shapes. These are very much against scandinavian design traditions. The Phoenix also has some US muscle car elements to it (as all Castriota designs have?). Overall, imho a very American design. I wonder if the US readers on this site tend to like it more than the Europeans. In the end, I believe that BMW americanised their design too, in order to sell more cars in the US.