[s-cars] Re: new Z4 (New Cars in General)

[William Noland]

Why is it that "difficult" (make that butt-ugly) art seems to require
much discussion and justification? "What Jacques was trying to express
here was the inhumanity of blah, blah, blah....". New car designs seem
to follow the same pattern -- "What BMW is trying to express with the
new Z4 is the inhumanity of  blah, blah, blah....". I'll reserve
judgement, until I see it in the flesh....er, metal. Of course, ugly is
in the eye of the beholder. Not too impressed with much of the BMW
styling, since the 6-Series coupe. This comes from a M-Roadster owner.
(Engine, tranny, steering -- first class; chassis -- excellent, up to
9.5/10ths street driving; looks -- hmmmm.  Really tired of people
telling me I have such a "cute" car.)

OTOH, I'm pleasantly surprised by the new A8 design.  Seems to
incorporate all the newer Audi styling cues, while still retaing some
class. Wasn't too impressed with early A4 pics, but seems looks pretty
nice, up close and personal. Wondering how the next gen A6 will look,
though -- 8/10ths A8???

Another observation -- all the new Audi designs haven't done much to
diminish the classic lines of the UrS cars. Most people on seeing and
riding in my '94 find it hard to believe that it is an 8 year old car
(and a 10+ year old design). Now, let me climb down off the soapbox......

Bill Noland
94 S4