Electel Blogspot

My e-book on automobile styling argues that there hasn't been much evolution in the appearance of sedans since about 1950.  Yes, technology has improved in terms of metal stamping, autoglass forming, headlamp structure and other fields related to how cars look.  And there has been increased attention since the early 1980s regarding improved aerodynamic efficiency as a means of reducing fuel consumption.  But the dominant factor is fashion. Automobile styling fashions come, go, and occasionally return. A case regarding the return of a style is the design of the 2010-vintage Jaguar XJ model.  It took me a while to make the connection, but it finally dawned on me that the XJ can be considered a modern version of the "step-down" Hudson of the 1948-1954 model years. Let's take a look: Here are the cars in profile, the XJ above, the Hudson below.  Both designs might be called "almost-fastback," where the top gradually curves downward and meets the lower body sligh...

BMW built 328-series sports cars and successful racing cars in the late 1930s, as t his Wikipedia entry mentions.  I wrote about some of those cars along with more recent concept versions here . The original 328 was simply a model sequence number.  In the mid-1970s BMW initiated its 3, 5 and 7 Series numbers (more were added later).  The 3 Series included the number 328i starting in model year 1995, based on its six-cylinder motor's displacement.  328i's were produced from 1995 to 2000 and from 2007 to 2015. This post presents a few 1930s examples along with some of the later cars.  Nothing profound here ... I simply thought it would be an interesting juxtaposition. Gallery 1936 BMW 328 Roadster, Car Magazine image An early 328.  No bumpers, tall windshield and leather hood straps. 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia "Büegelfalte" - RM Sothebey's auction image I wonder if Bill Lyons might have used this as partial inspiration for his Jaguar XK120 design. 1948 Jag...

Jaguar has given its XF saloon and XF Sportbrake a substantial makeover that includes an enhanced exterior design for a more assertive presence, new more luxurious interiors, advanced connectivity and efficient engines with mild-hybrid capability, writes Trish Whelan . The new exterior includes a new front bumper, lower air intakes, a new wider grille, all-LED headlights, and a new rear bumper. This top end saloon also gets a new, more luxurious interior. The new cockpit design places greater focus on the driver. There’s also a new sporty centre console. Technologies include Jaguar’s latest Pivi Pro dual-sim infotainment accessed through a new 11.4 inch HD curved glass touchscreen. Software-Over-The-Air capability means the latest vehicle systems and infotainment are installed seamlessly and remotely. Petrol customers can choose between 250hp or a 300hp version of the 2.0 four-cylinder producing 365 Nm and 400 Nm respectively. The latter version is offered exclusively with AWD. The 250...