Automotive design originated in the late 1920s in the United States. At that time, what was required from the first designers? They needed to reduce the height of the car. From this it can be understood that initially the design of cars was aimed only at increasing universality bodies, but in our time, this industry has taken a completely different beginning. In those years, people did not pay much attention to the shape and style of the car, as they were more interested in the technical component.

Cars at that time needed to drive off-road quite often, so they were attached huge wheels and low body. Car design today includes two leading features: streamline and brutalism. Streamlines are streamlined car shapes. Brutalism is sharper forms, simplified geometry. In modern times, people expect from cars not just movement, but also individuality, character .

For people, the car has become a means of self-expression, a shade of status and style. Most owners begin to remake their iron pets, making them real masterpieces. In this case, they apply for design services. In our market you can find a huge number of cars that have a unique design.

For example, Daewoo cars have their own unique design. The company was founded back in 1967. During this time the line Daewoo cars has undergone significant changes and continues to be modified.

Today, the interior, the design of the car from the inside, is very popular. Interior car styling, the interior, has undergone new fashions such as futurism. Its principles include the use of bright colors (very bright, eye-catching) and the pop art effect (this style uses an optical illusion). If designers combine light and color well, then the design of the car gives great opportunity create conditions not only outside, but also inside it, and well-crafted details complete the overall look.
The modern design of our days is the ecological design of cars, because our cars are a source of atmospheric pollution. The individuality of the interior in such a car is the “green pavilion”. It uses color gamuts: gray, white, green. Trends in modern automotive design include modesty of line and rigidity. Business liners are more and more often present at automobile workshops than colored cars, buses. Newfangled trends are high-tech and minimalism, brought to us by the 21st century. And we all know perfectly well that car design keeps pace with the times.

Cars have long been a regular occurrence in our lives. Owning a car, at least in Russia, is a sign of belonging to the "middle class". And the better the better more expensive car, and accordingly, the "class" of its owner is higher.

What's in modern machines attracts the most? Design! Who hasn't looked long and thoughtful at some red Ferrari? Or who hasn't watched the passing BMW X6?

Design - automotive beauty, is one of the main "hooks" of car manufacturers, which is well "pecked" by the buyer. Heard about the most popular car in Russian Hyundai solaris? Many have identified the reason for its success as a balance of reliability, modernity, a good price ... No! He's just handsome. And, of course, relatively inexpensive. That is why they buy this car in large quantities, mainly in major cities. For design. Neither technical characteristics nor the notorious relative reliability play a role here. Here on such a "hook" Koreans hooked Russian motorists.

Let's try to briefly trace the development of car design in the entire history of the active production of cars.

As you know, the first cars were not very beautiful. We are talking about the very first steam models on huge wheels and with a small seat for the driver-passenger. At first no one thought. It was only necessary to prove that motor vehicles are capable of independent movement. They argued for about 50 years - from about the second half of the 19th century to the first decade of the 20th century. Indeed, mass cars began to appear precisely by 1910, some earlier - by 1903-1905, some later - by the 20-30s. But it is precisely this time that should be considered as the beginning of the modern car. And automotive design too.

It is conditionally possible to divide the periods of the history of automotive design into three stages. I'll try to come up with names "from the ceiling."

First stage - " Classical". It can be defined by the following period of time: from 1910 to 1950. Approximately. That is, at that time, there was mainly one type of design in fashion. Yes, and many technical solutions were similar.

Second phase - " Progressive". It began in 1950 and ended around 1985-90.

The third stage - " Modern". As they sometimes say: "good modern car". Well, modern design started around 1985 and continues to this day.

Perhaps in a couple of years, the fourth stage in automotive design will come, which can be conditionally called “Promising” or “Future Design”.

Let us consider in more detail the representatives from each of the above-described times of automotive fashion.

The "classic" stage of automotive design well demonstrates the tastes and values ​​of the people of the early 20th century. The cars were large, with a large wheelbase (the distance between the wheels on one side of the body), had rounded shapes, smooth lines. The main feature of most cars of that time are round headlights and a massive vertical grille.

Of the interesting, it should also be mentioned that many cars were then without a roof, or with a soft folding top. This type of bodywork is now called a "convertible" and such cars are usually quite expensive and rare. But before convertibles were almost more popular than cars with a hard top. This fact can be explained by the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century the car was, first of all, a means of luxury, and not transportation. And it was driven in good weather, often in warm countries. So, it is known that he took cars with him to the Crimea and actively drove them there. The cars were placed in a special train car. Actually, trains as a means of transportation by that time were much more popular, although by and large Railway and the prototype car appeared around the same time.

They were equipped with ridiculous by modern standards engines with a capacity of 20-40 Horse power. This is despite the fact that the weight of the machines reached quite decent 2-2.5 tons. But, oddly enough, even such weak motors could accelerate the car of those times to 60 km / h! And this is almost twice as much as the speed that a horse with a rider is capable of.

By the way, in response to high demand in aristocratic circles, car engines were rapidly improved. And before. First World War there were instances of cars with engines with a capacity of about 60 horsepower. Such power allowed cars to accelerate up to 100 km / h, which is very decent for the 1910s!

If we return to the design, then, again, the forms were rounded. Even so, something between square and round. These cars did not need aerodynamics, so the front was flat and high. Smooth contours of the wings, hood. Tall, long and narrow cars.

The second stage of design development began after. Second World War. He called it "progressive" because, compared with the previous types of cars, the new type had a number of changes.

The most striking example of cars of the second design stage are Cadillac cars of the 50s of the 20th century. Such huge spaceships on wheels with wings on the back. hallmark cars of this stage had a huge hood with a large overhang in the front and the same huge trunk also with a huge overhang in the back. Compared to the "classic" cars, "progressive cars" were much wider, lower, but at least not inferior to the previous class.

Smooth contours seem to have intensified. There were peculiar "wings" at the back - the fashion of the 50s. In general, the machines of this stage became, as it were, more solid. If the first had a pronounced hood, pronounced wings on the sides, that is, the car clearly consisted of separate parts, then the Cadillacs of the 50s began to resemble a single box, where the wings merge with the hood into a whole. And in general, the forms have become more rectangular. And the further, the less “round” remained and the more “square” became.

At this time, the engines increased in power (from 40 to 100 hp), which allowed the cars to keep 80 km / h as normal speed and accelerate up to 150 km / h. Another feature of the cars of this time is very soft suspension. So "Cadillacs" literally floated over the road and therefore they were compared with yachts.

Also prominent representatives of this design class are soviet cars: VAZ "classic", "Volga" and representative "Zila".

The third "modern" stage began sometime in the mid-80s. From this point on, cars become predominantly front-wheel drive

Due to the fact that the car by the end of the 20th century became a thing of general consumption and ceased to be a luxury item, cars are drastically reduced in size. Car classes began to be clearly traced: from subcompact, (class A) to executive class(E class from Mercedes).

Compared to the "progressive" design, modern car design has become more concise. All parts of the body smoothly flowed into one another. Some sharp lines are in the past. The hood of cars of the most popular classes (middle and business class) remained quite large, but the trunk has drastically decreased in size. Massive bumpers also appeared, which, again, merged with the overall appearance of the car into one.

Motors at this stage reached values ​​unprecedented for previous times: 70-90 horsepower became the norm, but at the same time, engines developing 200 or more “horses” appeared. Accordingly, the dynamic performance of the machines has sharply improved. They began to accelerate sharply and the speed of 120 km / h turned from maximum into cruising. "Maximum speed" on other models has grown right up to 200 km / h. For this reason, modern cars began to pay attention to aerodynamics. The body began to have a smooth shape without a pronounced "flat" front end. Of course, there were classes where the flat front remained in service - for example, but the general trend is obvious.

What can be said about the design of future cars? It is worth noting the trend appearance the most prestigious cars eventually appear in more accessible classes. So the huge rounded limousines of the 30s turned into the super popular Volkswagen Beetle and others like it. Massive cars, such as the Fiat 124 (VAZ 2101) and others, gradually began to look like huge Cadillacs. Etc.

What cars are the most prestigious these days? Sports! Those same "Ferrari" and "Lamborghini". It is very likely that this is the look of the cars of the future. Similar look: perfect aerodynamics, almost invisible hood, powerful rear end, big wheels... Probably 300 horsepower engines will also become the norm.

While distinguishing three classes of development in automotive design, you should not consider them fixed. These are just common features. Within each class, changes occurred over time. So in the first class, the cars gradually rounded off, decreased, and modern outlines appeared. So comparing the cars of 1910 with the cars of the 1940s, you will understand the difference. But this is generally one stage. Round and large. Next, the "space" age. Cars wide and largely round are gradually becoming more and more square (compare VAZ 2101 and VAZ 2107). Well, the modern stage: from concise bodies with a minimum of bends, with simple lines, we moved on to sophisticated lines in various parts of the car (VAZ 21099 and Lada Vesta). The general principles remained the same: a relatively long hood, a relatively short trunk (for sedans) and front-wheel drive.

At the dawn of the automotive industry, there were no rules and restrictions regarding the safety of passengers and others. And many details for cars were created by craftsmen manually. Number of cars which were issued was much less than in our time. main material for the manufacture of cars metal. All these factors greatly influenced the variety of car designs of the past and their extraordinary appearance.

Until the mid-1920s in car design the forms of horse-drawn carriages were guessed. Machines that were produced from mid-20s to mid-30s, were made in the Art Deco style. Automotive design echoed the main associations about the car - dynamics, power and speed.

Duesenberg Model J 1933

Art Deco was replaced by Streamline Moderne. It was characterized by streamlined shapes superimposed on impressive size auto.

1939 Lincoln Zephyr fastback

In the 50s, cars were characterized by metaphorical body shapes. They reminded us of the beginning of the space age of humanity. In the lines of the car, design elements of aircraft and rockets were guessed.

Ford thunderbird 1965

In the mid-70s, luxury and neoclassical style came into fashion. A characteristic representative of this style is the 1973 American-made Marquis Brougham four-door sedan.

By the end of the twentieth century, the design of the engine was changed, which led to a change in the appearance of the car. eighties can be considered a revolution in the appearance of cars. Square shapes were replaced by more rounded ones. The laws of aerodynamics come to the fore when creating a design. Streamlining made it possible to significantly reduce gasoline consumption, which was especially important (at the end of the seventies, the world was covered by the second wave of the gasoline crisis).

1982 Ford Sierra and Audi 100 C3

Characteristic representatives of the new style are the 1982 Ford Sierra and the Audi 100 C3. In the 90s, the rounded shapes obtained in the 80s remained the basis of car design, which became even more subtle and smooth. This result was achieved thanks to the use of computer design technologies, which became widespread during this period.

In 1997, the Ford Ka came out. Its design pioneered the "New Edge" geometric style. This car was the pioneer of a new - "geometric" or "computer" body shape. By the end of the 90s, the maximum roundness (biodesign style) is replaced by a combination of rounded and faceted elements.

Ford Ka 1997

Thanks to the globalization of the automotive industry, flaps, massive radiator grilles, and inflated pontoon shapes have faded into the background. Rationalism came into force, which stimulated the search for new, more convenient forms. Today, automotive design is characterized by safety, sustainability, and the influence of computer technology.

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Today, after all the evolutions and the adoption of safety laws, the design of the car does not leave much room for change. There are certain trademarks, which are associated with the national origin of brands. French style is light, a little frivolous, German - restrained and proportional, Korean - bright with lively curved lines. A postclassic like the Mini or Fiat 500 stands apart.

Creating a car design: balancing the reasonable with the possible

Proportions are key in automotive exterior design. The wrong approach is too long front or rear of the machine. The wheels should be proportional to the overall size and stand out visually, since the entire volume relies on them. It works not only from a technical point of view, but also from a psychological one. The more impressive the support, the more confidence in it.

The difficulty in creating an industrial car design for mass production is that models must comply with the specified dimensions, engine dimensions, wheels, the amount of free space in the cabin. There are many restrictions, any big change can lead to the transition of the car to a different price segment. Another significant aspect that stands in the way of innovation is legislative restrictions. The height of the roof, the dimensions of the headlights and mirrors are parameters that are determined by laws and safety requirements. Designers cannot change them.

If we talk about compact mass-produced cars, then when creating and manufacturing a product, the main thing is the greatest savings while obtaining the maximum profit. First of all, it concerns the stringent requirements for the engine and aerodynamics, and this factor in turn affects the design. A small engine implies a low power of such a car, due to which the wheels are reduced. The car itself is also getting smaller.

While working, designers are constantly looking for new ways to improve the car. There is an initial vision for a better solution concept. It can be transformed while working on the machine. An important factor is the requirement to provide as much space as possible in the cabin with the small dimensions of the car. Designing the interior of a car is more difficult than designing the exterior. It is difficult to make the design of the car convenient and beautiful due to the solution of many issues related to ergonomics and practicality.

Automotive Industrial Design: Looking to the Future

1. Modular car design. People dreamed about this technology at the beginning of the twentieth century. Its meaning is that a car body can be “put on” on a universal platform-chassis. Thus, by purchasing one platform, you can acquire several cars of different formats (a sports car and a crossover, for example). In 2002 year General Motors presented the concept of such a universal platform for a car, and continue to work in this direction (Hi Wire and AUTOnomy concepts). It is expected that in the near future this technology will become a reality and will be available to a person with an average income.

2. Paint and enamel of a new generation. Nissan has been experimenting with anti-vandal paint for a long time, Murano model heals minor scratches on the body. In the future, most car brands adopt this technology.

3. Projection of data on the windshield. The technology that was developed for aviation is also relevant for cars. By 2020, it is expected that production cars will be equipped with full-color head-up (from English - head to top) systems. Ideally, it will be possible to project onto the glass not only data on the internal parameters of the car, but also navigation information about surrounding objects. Data from night vision devices will also be displayed on the windshield. All this will completely change the design of the car interior and design. dashboard cars. Now developments in this area are carried out by Harman Interactive, Tesla, Toyota and BMW.

4. Hydrophobic windows. Another achievement of the future should be hydrophobic windows that repel water and prevent fogging. One of the first vehicles to use this technology is Kia Cadenza 2014. This feature will become very common in the future.

5. A car without a driver. Google, Uber, Tesla, Apple, General Motors, Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Volvo, Nissan - all of them are engaged in the creation of cars that can move without a driver. Now there are two directions of development: for use as a taxi and for standard use. The former are characterized by small dimensions and a more futuristic design. The latter are not much different from other modern cars.

The car that was presented Google in 2014 was not equipped with a steering wheel and pedals, it designed for 2 passengers. The design of the car differs from ordinary cars in shape and size. Among the advantages of such transport, the creators name the increase in road capacity by narrowing the width of road lanes.

Google self-driving cars (two-seater and standard)

6. The era of plastic and carbon. Plastic is becoming more popular and will be used in more than just car interior design. Body panels, chassis strength elements, tires, suspension springs - all these elements will be made from plastic. For example, at The Ford GT has a carbon fiber frame and carbon fiber body panels. Bridgestone Corporation has developed new design tires (similar developments are in the giant Michelin). They are made of plastic and do not need air. Such tires are not afraid of punctures, weigh less, cost less and can last longer than ordinary tires.

7. New types of fuel. It has already been mentioned above that the internal structure of the car affects its appearance. The lighter the design of the car - the less gasoline it absorbs. At the beginning of 2016 Peugeot and Citroen presented an innovative development - a prototype of a car with an engine on compressed air Air Hybrid. The car looks neat and is extremely economical.

Industrial car design of the future: a review of the best solutions

BMW and unmanned vehicle future. Vision Next 100- the concept that was presented at the beginning of 2016. It should demonstrate how the car will change in the next hundred years. In addition to the modern appearance, its feature is the ability to work simultaneously in two modes - unmanned and standard. The design of the car according to the creators will be able to transform, adjusting to the driver. This is due to the presence of 800 movable triangular body elements outside and inside the car. Thus, the car will be able to increase and decrease the width of the wheel arch.

The Cadillac WTF concept is a nuclear-powered car. This car of the future runs on thorium. According to the creators, it is one of the safest radioactive elements. 8 grams of such a substance is enough for this car to work the entire life of the owner (service life - 100 years). The futuristic design of the car resembles a spaceship rather than just a means of transportation and echoes the work of Salvador Dali.

The body shape is similar to a snake tongue or an arrow that splits in the middle. The concept has 24 wheels, 6 on each of the 4 sides. Thanks to special approaches, the design turned out to be very flexible, using the moving elements of the body, the car will be able to transform, changing its shape. The reactor is located at the rear of the machine. V polls about the safety of such a car remain unanswered. What will happen in case of an accident, how to conduct crash tests? However, it is possible that this idea may become a reality in 50 years.

In January 2016, the concept car Lo Res was presented, which was created in the Netherlands. Its peculiarity is in appearance, which bears little resemblance to what is commonly called a car. The design of the car is abstract structure and clean shapes.

Students from the University of Einhoven in the Netherlands have developed a meter-long prototype car that runs on formic acid (which contains hydrogen). Students promise to show the finished full-size prototype in 2017. It is worth noting that Audi, Toyota, and Honda presented their cars on hydrogen fuel, but this project will be cheaper to implement.

Car Design Features: Attention to Detail

1. Audi TT digital air vents. In 2016, the ventilation ducts of cars were equipped with digital technologies. These are small LCD screens and regulators that can be used to regulate the temperature and air flow in the car.

2. The Lexus LF-SA concept is made in the style of origami. Attention is drawn to the grille, which looks like an attacking flock of piranhas.

3. Ford GT diffuser that is installed in the rear looks like a small nuclear reactor. Rear lights resemble nozzles rocket engine that work at full capacity.

4. Creators of Lincoln Continental 2016 also paid attention to the lanterns, which, in combination with chrome, look incredibly bright. The example of this car shows that you can focus on the back of the car, and it will still look cool.

5. The Nissan Sway concept is somewhat similar to the Lexus LF-SA. It can be compared to a hawk that attacks its prey. The design feature of the car is that Shiro Nakamura made the car look like a big car, while the Sway is a small car. This effect is achieved thanks to the unusual side waves on the body, which create a deceptive impression of the large dimensions of the car.

6. In the design of Nissan Maxima 2016, the V-shaped roof allows you to achieve the effect of "design-motion" when the car appears to be moving even though it is stationary. This technique is often used to create sports cars.

7. Interior design Volvo cars The XC90 has a lot of fine details. For example, a glass shift knob, which was created for Volvo by the glass company Orrefors (one of the leaders in the global glass industry).

8. Now it is difficult to imagine a car interior without an information screen. However, not all of them fit well into the interior design of the car. Fiat 500X 2016 touch screen stylized as an old TV with two handles at the bottom. This retro design looks unusual and very stylish.

9. The interior of the 2015 Jeep Renegade was handled by Klaus Busse. Thanks to him, the design car seats, rear-view mirrors, interior panels, floor mats, center consoles and even the trunk is decorated with thematic drawings. As conceived by the master, this allows you to draw attention to those places in the car that you usually don’t look at.

10. Mazda MX-5 Miata has a classic design and adheres to the style of the brand. The originality of this model is in the roundness and inflated wings of the car. They are complemented by classical optics and in the end it turned out not just a car, but an object of art.

11. BMW i8 2014 can be called a masterpiece of car design. This sports car is made in a futuristic style. It has dynamic shapes and clear lines. A feature of the car are LED headlights with laser technology in red and blue colors. Thanks to the combination with metal, it is impossible to take your eyes off them.

12. Nissan Gripz concept dubbed "Emotional Geometry". The appearance is characterized by extraordinary lines, colors and a combination of different structures. They fit perfectly into the overall design idea and beautifully wrap around the rear optics of the car.

13. The Ferrari 488 supercar won the prize for best design in 2016 according to the prestigious Red Dot Design Awards. The design of the car is reminiscent of the 458 Italia and has partial references to the 308 GTB. Thanks to a more advanced aerodynamic system (compared to the 458 Italia), the car body develops 50% more downforce and creates less air resistance.

Retro notes are recognizable in the design of the car. Thanks to the expressive side air intakes, it is easy to draw parallels with the 308 GTB, which was produced in the 70s and 80s. Other bright elements of the model are a large air intake, a wide front spoiler, a diffuser with active rear flaps.

The interior of the car is almost the same as previous models, but the designers have equipped it with new triangular climate control vents, new seats and an updated interface for the infotainment system.

To create a car design, contact KLONA. Thanks to our experience, professionalism and non-standard approaches, the design of your car will be unique!

Car design and its impact on sales: 10 approaches

Car design can be conditionally divided into 2 large aspects. The first is showcar design. When creating them, designers have a lot of room for creativity, and viewers are usually impressed with unconventional approaches and revolutionary ideas. For mass production, simpler and more classic options are usually chosen. People love looking at fancy futuristic cars at car dealerships, but they're not always ready to buy them. Typically, clients are guided by practicality and intuitively prefer already familiar forms. There are design trends that are key and that designers return to regularly.

1. Tumblehome. This term comes from marine engineering and means the narrowing of the hull from the top to the bottom. Now most car models adhere to this style. At the beginning of the twentieth century, this technique had not yet migrated from shipbuilding to the automotive industry. Therefore, the cars looked completely different from what they are now.

An example of non-compliance with the Tumblehome principle

2. Realistic design. Despite the progress in the development of new technologies and impressively beautiful cars with futuristic design, it is not suitable for mass production cars. Buyers are still wary of modern cars and too modern design, preferring a more familiar appearance of the car.

3. Balance of realism. When creating cars for mass production, designers try to strike a balance between tradition and innovation. New models that sell best are those that are closest to familiar shapes, but at the same time endowed with new qualities.

4. Squircle - a term that means a mathematical form - a hybrid of a circle and a square. This shape is very popular in car design. This approach is most loved by German designers.

An example of using the Squircle principle

5. Thick-to-Thin (from thick to thin). This rule is based on smooth transitions from one point to another. This includes line thinning, and transitions from dark colors to light ones.

6. Straight lines of the body are the basis of the future appearance of cars. Design depends on them by 65%. When creating it, the main task is to find a balance between rough and graceful. The designer makes every effort to do this without compromising the appearance of the car.

7. Smooth body lines. These lines create style model range each brand. Often car companies use smooth body elements in all their models, which allows you to recognize the silhouette of the brand even in poor lighting.

8. Visual madness. This approach helps automotive companies draw more attention to yourself. Brands associated with it Acura and Lexus. New models of these brands often look aggressive and shocking. Professionals argue about the effectiveness of such approaches. It is said that such a design quickly becomes obsolete, and, accordingly, large injections are needed to update it frequently.

9. Coke bottle style. The shape of the glass bottle of cola has greatly influenced the design of automobiles. If you look at such a car in profile, the lines resemble a bottle. In the center of the car, body elements (doors and fenders) are made narrower than the front and rear. This technique was first tested in 1963, when Studebaker introduced the Studebaker Avanti. They were followed by the Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Tempest and Ford Torino. Echoes of this style can still be seen in models. Dodge Charger and Dodge Avenger, Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro.

10. Gigantomania (Land Yacht). This style originated in America in the 70s and is characterized by giant body elements. Such machines consume a lot of fuel due to the large weight and aerodynamic drag. Fashion on big cars still exists and develops in parallel with the fashion for tiny economical smarts.

Lincoln is the car most associated with the Land Yacht principle.

Automotive design: controversial points

Exists design solutions, the purpose of which is not fully understood, and the benefits are illusory. Usually it concerns the interior design of the car and the technical stuffing of the car.

1. Projection on the road surface of the brand of the car when the door is opened and LED lights on the thresholds of cars. This solution is more of a bragging than a really needed feature.

2. Control lamp on the eco-mode dashboard. The eco-mode panel helps the driver save fuel. The lamp lights up when the economy mode is activated and starts flashing if the driver makes a sudden change in driving style. When you quickly press the brake or gas, the light starts flashing, thus recommending the driver to change the driving style. But most motorists say that such a signal is rather annoying and distracting. In addition, it works after the fact, and a priori cannot help.

Chris Labrooy

3. The abundance of electronic gadgets and unnecessary functions. With the development of smartphones and social networks, more and more touch screens and additional functions are placed inside cars. At the same time, they still do not work very well, and many simply distract from the main task - driving. They also help create emergencies on the roads. These features include:

• night vision technology (with screen projection);
• integration with social media;
• additional navigation and infotainment systems.

The night vision device is a very important feature, but so far it does not work as it should. In most vehicles, night vision technology projects an image onto a screen below windshield. Looking at him is uncomfortable and dangerous, as well as being distracted by social media while driving. Purchase navigation system does not justify itself, since the navigator is in any smartphone, and it works no worse.

Helps prevent mistakes KLONA- the leader of the Ukrainian market of industrial design. Contact us to design a machine for your project. Forward, towards new achievements!

It is customary to call autodesign a preliminary, sketchy stage of creating a car model of its own unique and individual art form. Automotive design is based on the given conditions of rationalism and manufacturability when creating cars. Something without which the car cannot drive, as well as meet the requirements of buyers and regulatory authorities, must be provided in one form or another in the sketch, drawings and in the metal. Space is needed for the engine, wheels and other equipment, items and devices that ensure the comfort and safety of the driver and passengers.

The flight of fantasy of designers, their vision of beauty and following fashion follows and “flows around” everything necessary, functional and rational. But this is a two-way process. The emergence of new forms, proportions, individual details gives impetus to the search for new technical solutions and materials, as well as the "rearrangement" of existing ones.

It is most profitable for any manufacturer to create and sell large-sized things. It is also beneficial for designers - nothing limits the flight of fancy. But if there is a demand for miniaturization in society, and large cars are sold in small batches, then the company will change the production vector.

Story

Despite the fact that cars began to be produced on a significant scale from the end of the 19th century, and therefore there was some design of them (at least as an imitation of a carriage or wagon), it is believed that automobile and transport design as an artistic design with a theoretical justification and as real business appeared in the North American states in the late 20s of the last century.

Ahead of all was the General Motors concern, which formed the corresponding division in 1926. A year later, the Cadillac La Salle, which struck everyone, was already released. Immediately after the end of World War II, automotive design began its triumphal march through European countries and Japan. Forty years later, all automakers, including the USSR, had design groups and departments. And in GM, more than one thousand four hundred specialists worked on this topic (in the Ford concern - 875).

Western auto design

In the first decades of the 20th century, the appearance of the car takes on the features we are used to and is no longer a copy of a horse-drawn carriage. There is a fierce struggle not only for the type of engine used (steam, electric or gasoline), but also for the type of body - “salon” or open.

Automotive design of the 20-30s of the last century was defined by the workaholic Budd - this is a "streamlined shape" (Streamline). In the 40s, the Art Deco (decorative art) style also had a strong influence. This is a mixture of neoclassicism, cubism, constructivism. The design of cars embodies the severity of forms, unusual geometric solutions and luxury finishes (rare types of bone, wood, as well as aluminum, silver, and so on).

With the advent of the Cadillac Model 62, a new “aerostyle” began in the United States (at that time, military aviation was at the peak of progress). She also dictated fashion. England has its own style - "razor blade". A little later, the “fin style” appeared in the USA, which spread throughout the world and existed even longer than in the “homeland”. It is named so because of the presence of stylized fins of various fish or keel. Fins of different positions and shapes created a catchy appearance, but were extremely impractical.

Fifteen years later, “pseudo-sporty” style comes into fashion, spawning a numerous class of pony cars (pony cars). In parallel, in the 70s, there was a struggle between "muscular" (insidious killers) and "moths". Muscle-cars are mid-range 2-door models with engines from the older class. At this time, more attention was paid to the safety of the driver and passengers. "Muscular" defeated "moths", but those constantly appearing and being an alternative to the "insidious killers", have made significant improvements in security.

The laws of aerodynamics began to dictate fashion in the next decade. The streamlined, smooth shape of cars reduces the resistance to oncoming air flow and gives significant fuel savings, which is becoming more and more relevant. In the last decade of the last century, the aerodynamic "era" continued, but the style of "biodesign" was added to it. This is an imitation of natural streamlined shapes, for example, the shape of rounded pebbles.

In the zero years of the current century, rational "computer" forms of cars became familiar - all 3 volumes clearly stand out. In parallel, there was a wave of "nostalgic" design - automotive design with a bias in the 30-50s of the last century.

At present, there has been a gradual departure from the styles of the previous decade in the direction of complicating the outlines of the body and increasing passive safety.

Russian car design

Automotive design in the USSR appeared much later than in the West. Until the 70s of the last century, a few automakers, both officially and unofficially, worked under "Western licenses". At the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, under the “wing” of NAMI, several interesting original domestic projects(NAMI-013, "promising taxi", "Maxi"), but they were not implemented in production. The PAZ-Tourist bus also failed to get into the existing models, although twice this concept bus received prizes at international exhibitions for innovation and originality. A slightly different situation developed at the Gorky Automobile Plant, where in 1961 the design bureau was headed by B.B. Lebedev. His projects trucks, including on caterpillar tracks, managed to be implemented.

Russian automotive design has always let down production, its sluggishness and technical backwardness. The picture does not change in the current century, in the age of the global division of labor and cooperation, in almost all areas of production.

The design of the appearance of the car of the future

Design is quite difficult to predict, since it is impossible to predict all the incoming factors and, most importantly, scientific discoveries. What is important now for body design? This:

• durability;
• ergonomics;
• safety;
• minimizing production costs.

Everything can change dramatically with the introduction of such a factor as the invention of a new type of fuel and / or propulsion. And most of the vehicles, for example, "soar" up and hover in the air, as is often shown in science fiction films. Or is there something else going on. The design of the air car will immediately change, as will most of its principles.

If there are no drastic changes, then, most likely, by the end of the century, the electric motor will finally win, and there will be a final division into vehicles for super-polises (cities huge size) and everything else.

Salon design

The design of interiors can be carried out by the manufacturer of the car, as well as after its purchase at any time, although most often this happens at the stage of preparation for operation in parallel with its tuning. Leaving aside crazy ideas and radical alterations, the task of post-design is to further emphasize the style of the car (its particular feature) and / or the lifestyle of its owner. As a rule, there is enough refinement of individual details, but with bringing them almost to perfection in the Hi-End class. The inimitable texture and elegance change the feelings and, to some extent, the attitude of the driver and his passengers. And this is achieved, for example, with just inserts of reptile skin and ivory. Although not everything is so simple, and to create an appropriate atmosphere, a complex effect of many factors is needed.

Disks

Design car rims- an integral part of auto design. Not uncommon are wheels that are like the same car, but in a used condition. For example, US Nutek products cost just under $25,000 per four wheels. Savini wheels are very good for sports cars. They look modest, but elegant, forged and incredibly light. For off-road vehicles, large, one-piece aluminum Dub wheels, which are constantly receiving awards at specialized exhibitions. Vossen produced by special technologies low cast, look sophisticated (chrome finish on black base) and innovative, and cost half as much as Nutek.

armchairs

The task of car seat design is not only to give them the appropriate forms and functions for greater ergonomics and safety, but also to create an appropriate interior, including with the help of seat covers. The material for their manufacture and decoration can be used very different. As they say, for every taste, color and size of the wallet (upholstery fabric, leatherette, genuine leather). Comfort and piquancy are given by capes on seats made of natural fur. Eco-leather allows air to pass through, but prevents the penetration of water.

The design of tailoring car covers also consists in decorating the fabric from which they are sewn. Used as modern technologies, for example machine computer embroidery, and ancient ones. Even in ancient China, the technology of decorating fabrics by imposing pile on them (flocking) was used. The volume of drawings and the play of colors are achieved by using the “flock on flock” method.

Boats and automotive design

Since many automotive companies produce small-sized river and sea vessels and / or equipment for them, they also design them. Affordable and futuristic-looking boat Toyota Ponam-31 is shown in the photo.

A very original model is launched by Lexus, but it is much more expensive, and not only because of the finish (carbon, leather, wood). He is admired for his appearance luxury yacht Arrow460-Granturismo manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Aston Martin or Bugatti yachts are real works of art. And the products of Cigarette Racing (up to 160 km / h) and Marine Technology Inc (up to 300 km / h) are intended for those “obsessed” with speed, headwind and spray in the face.

Conclusion

So, we looked at the history of automotive design. Now it is at the intersection of high art and technical solutions, therefore, to implement the ideas of "geniuses", design engineers are needed who can shift the ideas of brainstorming groups and departments into a completely technical language. Painstaking and detailed study is the completion of the project.

Recently, there has been a tendency for women's thoughts, logic and vision of problems to come into auto design (by the way, it fits into the general trend of the development of society). As they say, let's see and feel what they will create. Or maybe it's for the best, as some experts talk about the "decline" and others about the end of automotive design.

Indeed, is design work the appearance of cars that look like twins, differing only in the look and layout of the headlights, as well as in other minor details? Cars are beautiful in themselves, but very similar, and therefore faceless. It's good for mass production. But I want something else, new and untested.

At one of the shows of promising samples at AZLK, the then Minister of the Automotive Industry Vladimir Polyakov, according to eyewitnesses, said: “Where did you see such a car? There are no such cars!

The designers have deciphered the minister's idea: it is necessary to make cars according to foreign models, and not look for untrodden paths. In the USSR, as a rule, this is exactly what they did. But not always.

To make a fairy tale come true

It's no secret that all our cars, created before the Great Patriotic War, were copied to one degree or another from Western ones. Or rather, almost everything. In 1938, a young ZIS artist (the term “designer” appeared about thirty years later) Valentin Rostkov painted a very unusual and even avant-garde two-door roadster, which is commonly called the ZIS-Sport. The appearance of the car - in particular, the line of massive wings - followed the then American fashion, but in solving the front end with built-in headlights and an aerodynamic radiator grill, Rostkov not only did not copy anything, but even outstripped global trends.

It is not difficult to verify this, it is enough to compare with thoroughbred sports models those years. That's just the creation of Rostkov was not intended for mass production, and it is not a fact that then our industry would have mastered such a body.

This is a very important touch to the portrait of Soviet design. After all, artistic design, as this craft was once called, also implies technological development - bringing a product from a sketch to a commercial sample. Of course, it is impossible without a flight of fancy, but we are still talking about commodity cars, and not about exhibition concept cars.

As for fantasy, one of the first to dare to fly it in our country was an artist, engineer and famous popularizer of the car. In the 1930s, he, like many foreign engineers and stylists, became interested in the rear-engine layout, inspired by the avant-garde Czech Tatra. It was Dolmatovsky's authority that influenced the fact that for two decades the creation of cars of all classes with a rear engine has become one of the main directions for our designers.

Futuristic sketches resulted in the same avant-garde, but already running, really very advanced for 1951. (Something similar - the Fiat Multipla minivan - was put into production by the Italians only in 1956, but it did not gain much commercial success.)

It's one thing to admire unusual cars and quite another to buy and operate them. And to put on the conveyor in the USSR something similar to the conceptual NAMI-013 was completely unthinkable. It is hard to imagine a person who would voluntarily move from Pobeda or ZIM to such an unusual, and even structurally dubious, car.

Artists, of course, were eager to create, that's why they are artists. But from the leadership of the industry, as a rule, came the installation: to copy Western models. And there was a certain reason for this, since foreign designers had much more experience not only in creating new models, but also in bringing them to the series.

However, we must pay tribute to ours: they did not just copy, but deftly reworked foreign style, adapting it to our conditions, including production capabilities, and creating machines, albeit not the most advanced, but quite appropriate to the times. The most striking examples are and. And here are the ZIS products of the 1950s - a frank copying of American designs.

But the artists are not to blame! It was on such machines that those wanted to ride. It is hard to imagine that the leaders of the USSR would have preferred an avant-garde minivan, drawn, say, by the talented artist Eduard Molchanov: a somewhat strange combination of a wagon body and huge windows with whimsical curves, characteristic of the American style of the turn of the 1950s and 1960s. But something similar appeared in metal.

Ticket to life

The heyday of Soviet design fell on the era of the Khrushchev economic councils and the relative independence of industrial enterprises. Under the Moscow City Economic Council, a Special Art Design Bureau (SKHKB) was created, which worked on orders from MZMA, ZIL, and the Serpukhov Motorcycle Plant. There was a romantic upsurge in the factories themselves, as well as in US.

Two characteristic works of the early 1960s, brought to a small, but a series, are the Moscow and Ukrainian Start. It is very interesting to compare them, because the machines, at first glance, have a lot in common, but there are also very significant, and in fact - fundamental differences.

Both cars had car layout. Both did not escape the influence of American style (many European companies were also subject to it in those years): extensive radiator grilles, visors over four headlights.

But there are also differences. ZIL-118 Yunost, which was worked on by a group led by one of the best Soviet designers Eric Szabo, in the process of fine-tuning to a prototype became much calmer in lines and decor than in the first sketches. But the Start made a strange impression. Original? Yes! Remember? Certainly! But the artists turned out to be painfully eclectic this minibus, endowed with pretentious features of American "cruisers". After all, design implies a combination of beauty and rationality, while Start has a speaker, like passenger car, trunk with defiant "keels". It would be nice if the engine was at the back, like in NAMI-013, but it was traditionally located for such cars - between the front seats. Habitual - more rational, more spacious, more harmonious than the Start.

In general, Moscow Youth is a professional and original work, and Start is the work of amateur romantics. There is no special originality in it, but there is a sharp eclecticism - a bizarre combination of several styles that creates, I repeat, a memorable, but disharmonious image.

Another important sign of the professionalism of the creators of Yunost is the ability to modernize the machine without a radical alteration of the platform, which was done in 1970. But it's hard to imagine how Youth could be modernized just a couple of years after its birth, when American "aerospace" breaks went out of fashion.

Modernized Youth ZIL‑119 19