Miri Supercars at Imperial Palace Hotel

 The ever so stunning silver Ferrari F430.

 A Novitec Rosso Yellow F430

 Chrome Wrap Audi R8

The mighty Godzilla. The Nissan GTR.

Design Handbook: The value in owning a design element.

In automotive design, consistency of design over time becomes ownership. It modified the brand's DNA and become an essential element of what graphically define the car or even the entire brand. And it actually does not take decades to become part of a vehicle visual DNA. 

     Take BMW's angle eyes, these are rings of light that surround the headlight and illuminates like parking when the main lamps are off. The design element first appear on the 2001 facelifted BMW E39 5 Series sedan. The feature was then added to other BMW products as they were refresh. In the next couple of years, BMW has evolve the technology from halogen with fiber optics lights to cold florecent and then light emitting diode. Over the same period, the light has also change in form from circles to a shape the same as a television tube in the early 1960s. Nowadays, you cannot imagine seeing a new BMW without those little illuminating loops.

      Next, when the current generation Nissan GTR first made its debut at the 2007 Tokyo Auto-show, many were impressed and relief that Nissan still retain the original 4 round rear tail lights design found the older Skyline GT-R that proceeded it. Historically, Skyline GTRs has always had those 4 round tail lights since 1969 with the first generation. Now of course they were the same size, bigger size on the side, had square plastic covers and had different details for a different generations. Non the less, that design still remain to this day and every time you see the 4 rounded tail lamp you will know that it's a Nissan GTR or Skyline GT-R.
      And there you have it, an example of two features that had become part of a design DNA. There are many other manufactures that adopt this self design DNA. Mazda for example has recently made all their new line up of cars with the design DNA they call "Kodo language (soul of motion)" while Hyundai on the other hand have there "Fluidic sculpture design". Kia also feature their signature new grill design quote "tiger nose" and LED daytime running light to all their new cars. The fact is that, most manufacture now really turn there attention towards design to distinguish themselves from others
     And there you have it, an example of two features that had become part of a design DNA. There are many other manufactures that adopt this self design DNA. Mazda for example has recently made all their new line up of cars with the design DNA they call "Kodo language (soul of motion)" while Hyundai on the other hand have there "Fluidic sculpture design". Kia also feature their signature new grill design quote "tiger nose" and LED daytime running light to all their new cars. The fact is that, most manufacture now really turn there attention towards design to distinguish themselves from others.

BMW 3 Series with the "angle eyes" lights.

Nissan GTR with the 4 round tail lights.

Mazda 6 sedan and estate with "Kodo design" language.

Hyundai Elantra with "Fluidic sculpture" design.

Kia Optima with "tiger nose" grill and LED daytime running light.

Never get tired of old Mercedes-Benz. The W140 500SEL. A trip to a local car shop.

     Expensive to run for some. Maintenance is high due to the age of this car. Fuel consumption is the main concern due to the increasing fuel prices. But when maintained properly, it runs like a well-oiled machine. This is the flagship car for the Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class. This is the 500SEL, which is an older model compared to the newer, rebadged S500. This is the W140 model. The S-Class is known for its comfortable ride and the car of choice for the wealthy. This particular model has a 5.0L V8 engine with 480NM of torque. With a big and heavy body like an S-Class, you need all the power you can have. Even with such heavy body, it still manage to get from 0-60mph in around 6.7 seconds. Back in the 90's this car have quite the impressive technologies and  gadgets to amaze you. 

     

     Some more pictures of the 500SEL luxurious interior. Mercedes-Benz never fails to make the best interiors with lasting design, luxury and quality that will last for years to come.

The Ducati 1199 Panigale S Tricolore

     The Ducati 1199 Panigale S Tricolore. A good looking, head turning bike design by Ducati to superbike fanatics worldwide. This beast is powered by a twin-cylinder engine, which is the most powerful one by the way, to produce a power output of 195HP@10750RPM. The best part of it I think is the single swing arm design which is made popular by Ducati itself. The 1199 is equipped with full TFT instrumental panel , Brembo braking system, Engine Mrake Control (EBC), various riding modes, Ducati Quick Shift (DQS), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Anti-Lock Bracking System (ABS), and LED Lights for better illumination during the day and night.