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What is it that makes European cars look European? I've been trying to figure it out but I've got nothing. What styling cues are European?
What is European Styling?
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Well, in the last 5 years, Japanese and American cars have been going towards 'Euro' style.
However, I think a BMW 3er is a good example. Aggressive headlights, nice wheels, clean lines (even Bangled ones), a VERY stong presence (they are not tinny, unsubstatial cars, they look BIG), etc. Or, they look SERIOUS. Or, they do not look cheap (painted bumpers, nice trim pieces, etc.)
If you look at some of the new stuff coming out of Detroit, however, they have picked up some of those que's, as well as cars like the new Lexus GS (is looks BIG, and is fairly clean)
This is all IMO from my semi-critical eye.
However, I think a BMW 3er is a good example. Aggressive headlights, nice wheels, clean lines (even Bangled ones), a VERY stong presence (they are not tinny, unsubstatial cars, they look BIG), etc. Or, they look SERIOUS. Or, they do not look cheap (painted bumpers, nice trim pieces, etc.)
If you look at some of the new stuff coming out of Detroit, however, they have picked up some of those que's, as well as cars like the new Lexus GS (is looks BIG, and is fairly clean)
This is all IMO from my semi-critical eye.
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Yea thats pretty much it in my eyes too, smooth lines but with road presence. Look at a TVR Cerbera for a good example.
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Hmmm... the lil' while I was in Europe in May my brother gave me some pointers abour European tuning... this was mainly in Germany and Switzerland.
1.- If a car looks fast it's because it is; most europeans, unlike americans, give a damn about looks they are more into functionality.
2.- If a car sounds fast it's because it's fast. European emissions and environmental controls are tighter than in the U.S. so people think it twice before putting a fart can exhaust with no use. A car with a coffee can exhaust tip usually means the car has a turbo and that not only the tip is 3" in diameter but the whole exhaust is.
3.- Sleepers rules: VERY little stickers, you will only see 1 out of 10 cars with sticker on doors, and if they have stickers it's because they DO HAVE those parts installed. Also vinyls are RARE. Wings? Not unless they are TUV aproved.
4.- Trully tuned cars usually keep a VERY LOW profile, so you won't see a serious racer with a 4 color paint job or 6 layer vinyl job on the car, nor will you see funny body work.
5.- Disco lights, neons and LED's belong in a club or a computer case, not a car.
IMHO euro style is one of the most cleanes and classiest tuning styles. It's the best way to show off while actually not showing off, if you know what I mean.
In stock cars it gives the car prescense without having to add loads of bondo, paint, vinyl, stickers and lights.
1.- If a car looks fast it's because it is; most europeans, unlike americans, give a damn about looks they are more into functionality.
2.- If a car sounds fast it's because it's fast. European emissions and environmental controls are tighter than in the U.S. so people think it twice before putting a fart can exhaust with no use. A car with a coffee can exhaust tip usually means the car has a turbo and that not only the tip is 3" in diameter but the whole exhaust is.
3.- Sleepers rules: VERY little stickers, you will only see 1 out of 10 cars with sticker on doors, and if they have stickers it's because they DO HAVE those parts installed. Also vinyls are RARE. Wings? Not unless they are TUV aproved.
4.- Trully tuned cars usually keep a VERY LOW profile, so you won't see a serious racer with a 4 color paint job or 6 layer vinyl job on the car, nor will you see funny body work.
5.- Disco lights, neons and LED's belong in a club or a computer case, not a car.
IMHO euro style is one of the most cleanes and classiest tuning styles. It's the best way to show off while actually not showing off, if you know what I mean.
In stock cars it gives the car prescense without having to add loads of bondo, paint, vinyl, stickers and lights.
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Ford Escort Cosworth is another good example of European tuning. We do get people with fart can exhausts etc, but theyre usually on Vauxhall Corsas etc.
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So who do you guys think start most of the trends, Europe, Japan or, hehe, American manufactureres (mind you, the 300C from Chrysler and the Crossfire are not your run of the mill american cars, but thats more to do with the daimler end of things)?? Projector headlights for instance, as fas as I know, began in Europe on Mercedes/Bimmers. RWD has never left the spirit of European cars, but we are only starting to see a revival in N American passenger cars, and generally only found in Japanese "supercars", ok, Cressida's of their day being an exception. So I'm wondering who thinks who is "groundbreaking"
There's European styling, and then there's European tuning.
My understanding is that European tuning emphasizes torque over HP. Note that Volkswagen's aren't that powerful, but still manage to pull strong. You also see more inline sixes (efficient torque configuration), and the occasional five cylinder engine. Turbo diesels are more popular, as is all wheel drive.
- John
My understanding is that European tuning emphasizes torque over HP. Note that Volkswagen's aren't that powerful, but still manage to pull strong. You also see more inline sixes (efficient torque configuration), and the occasional five cylinder engine. Turbo diesels are more popular, as is all wheel drive.
- John
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