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Detroit Auto Show 2001 - Day 2 Highlights |
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The world debut of the BMW X coupe demonstrated the expanding definition of the “sports coupe”. The X coupe combines unconventional coupe styling with off-road capability. Despite being a crossover vehicle in terms of functionality, the most striking thing about the X coupe is the non-traditional coupe styling. BMW describes the new look as “the energy of tension”. This tension is presumably between contradictory expectations: a coupe that goes off-road... a coupe that runs on diesel fuel... a coupe with asymmetric body panels. This is not exactly what we’ve come to expect from BMW design. The X coupe also uses what BMW refers to as “flame surfacing”. This is meant to be a new design language, radically different from any previous BMW. High energy tension and flame surfacing work together to build emotion and function. This translates into surfaces influenced by flames, such as those from burning gas under pressure. It also gives the design team the freedom to introduce asymmetry into the ordinarily symmetrical world of automotive design. The rear hatch is the most dramatic example of this. Strangely, to enter the rear seat, you also are opening the rear storage area. Inside, the cockpit is driver oriented as one might expect from a BMW. Flame surfacing influences the design with organic and varying surfaces. From the doors to the instrument panel, surfaces flow from concave to convex and back again. The effect is boldly sculptural and challenging. |
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| Copyright © 2001 Car Design News, Inc. |
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