WOAH! A Dodge Magnum Wagon or a Dodge Charger Wagon!

Woah! Dodge!? Are you gonna do it again! Are you gonna set the automotive world on fire again! Yes you are! Ralph Giles are you listening? (Cups hand over ear).  Man this Dodge Charger wagon is so expletive beautiful. Lord have mercy! It is in every aspect,  a splendid integration of a wagon body and the Dodge Charger sedan. It's super sexy! It is such a delectable, sensuous, deliciousness all wrapped up in a red that rivals that of any Ferrari that I've ever seen. I always thought that Ferrari had a lock on a sexy red pain, but this Charger wagon takes the cake. This wagon is a testimonial to Dodge style and design and the possible innovation within that realm that is capable of being achieved.

The first thing that leapt to my eyesight was that gorgeous little lip, or that protrusion of the lower front fascia. It has the effect of appearing to be of aid in scooping air into the massive grille. And that in turn, adds a look of massive horsepower and speed. Right above that is beautifully buxom hood, with a nice curved arcing-ness that makes me think of the Ford Mustang. Following right above this is the perfectly-raked windshield that rips into a nice swooping roofline.

Moving on to the side of the car, which is a premium attraction here, is dashing sports car-type ground effects on the lower body panels. And then perfectly complementing that above this, is a long, swift, and giant two-pronged crease into the metal. The upper prong of the crease melts into a gently almost invisible but thick hip over the rear wheels ("see ma hips big hips on ya" - Missy Elliot hahaha). It's almost invisible because it's so gentle the way it is infused into the design. But to someone who admires sexy women , my eyes refuses to miss stuff like that! It's a nice sexy rump of a rear quarter panel. (Damn I love the way I just worded that!) Now this shaped "hip" over the rear wheels produces a beautifully almost wind swept curvature out of the rear passenger window. This inturn stops dead at a thick c-pillar. That c-pillar is raked at a most perfect angle.

Now from the c-pillar, the remainder of the body travels down in a very slight curvature and meets the rear bumper, which is also raked at an angle. Can you see how that bumper just totally beautifies the rear of this car?! OWW! I live for little things like this! The bumper is raked at an angle exactly sympathetic to the c-pillar. It's these carefully calibrated design techniques that make car designers the most unique-est people in the whole world, and members of the most esteemed fashion design clique on Earth!

Lastly, the wheels on this ride are also stellar. That spinning chrome, regardless of what the individual spokes at a still might look like (lol) is almost one half of the life of this car!

Ok, now take a look at the wonderful design analysis below. and then read the article again, referring to the picture back and forth. Do it over and over again...back and forth, back and forth, back and forth (hahaha).

-Gebre Mesquitta

Could GM Say Yes? The Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS! For 2014?

Well I found this image on an automotive Facebook page while car surfing - my daily, time consuming habit. I clicked on the image, and saved it to my desktop for further inspection. Upon my subsequent inspection of zooming in and panning around on the image, I came to the conclusion that rather than a rendering, it is a Photoshop job. And that's because I realized that it has old rims as well as left over lower body pieces from a previous Chevy Monte Carlo model. However, irregardless of whatever Photoshop job this is, I am really digging it, it is quite unique! I love the huge grille cut into the lower front fascia - very truck-ish! I have never seen it like that on any Chevy models to date. It adds anelement of ultra aggression and massive horsepower, which by extension, is also visualized due to the huge bulge in the hood. And further adding to this is the racing stripes on top that enforce a visualization of speed!

Furthermore, with this design of a new Chevrolet Monte Carlo, it seems that the artist combined the pre-2012 Dodge Charger body design with a Chevy Monte Carlo body. That was very clever! This Dodge Charger influence can be seen in the rear rump, the rear profile (including the spoiler), the roofline, as well as in the design of the greenhouse or windows area. The headlamps, with the rectangular prismic design, resembles that of the 1983-1986 model Monte Carlo - a car which was really cool looking - infact almost better looking than all the rest of the models that followed! Hate to say that GM, but that's just what it is! The rest of those Monte Carlo models were just bland, un-artistic garbage that is worthy of being riddled and pierced to pieces with bullets from a .50 caliber machine gun. I can just picture myself doing it too. You know, that gunners area on top of the army Hummve (hahaha) Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta!

Well anyway, let me give you a brief synopsis of the history of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo car. The Monte Carlo was developed by Chevy as a competitor for the Ford Thunderbird. It began its run in 1970 and continued for over 30 years later, until 2007. Below are pictures of the enitre model progression in resume-type chronological order. (Following this line-up is a highly detailed design analysis of some of the Monte Carlos).

6th Generation (production run 2006 - 2007)

Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels.

6th Generation (production run: 2000 - 2005)

Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels.

5th Generation (production run: 1995 - 1999)

Now this model is a bit interesting. Notice that this is the only Monte Carlo that doesn't have the sweeping lines on the side body panels! It looks like it veered from the pack? Right? What occurred was the then Chevy Lumina sedan was split into two models. The 4-door sedan was kept as a Chevy Lumina, and a 2-door variant or coupe was labeled as the Monte Carlo.

4th Generation (production run: 1983 - 1986)

Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels, albeit a bit more subtle

4th Generation (production run:1984 -1988)

Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels

3rd Generation (production run: 1979)

(Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels, and it is outlined)

3rd Generation (production run: 1978 - 1980)

(Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels, albeit a bit more subtle. They're almost disguised by the reflections on the surface).

2nd Generation (Production run: 1977)

(Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels, they are more pronounced, in addition to being highlighted by an outline).

2nd Generation (production run: 1976)

(Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels, and they are a bit more pronounced, as they bulge alot).

2nd Generation (production run 1975)

 (Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels,  are a bit more pronounced -bulgin - here too).

2nd Generation (production run 1975)

(Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels,  are a bit more pronounced - bulging - here too).

2nd Generation: (production run: 1972)

 (Notice how the sweeping lines on the side body panels are more dashing)!

1st Generation (1973 - 1977)

(Notice the sweeping lines on the side body panels,  are a bit more pronounced -bulgin - here too).

1st Generation (production run: 1970 - 1972)

 (Notice the sweeping lines in succeeding models are pronounced in comparison to this one).



Now let me go over a few of the Monte Carlo models which appeal to me and those which don't and why.

This model isn't too bad....but still a loser anyway!

This model is a loser period!

Look at this picture, it is just so ugly...well no fugly! It looks like "a fish outta water"!


The other two Monte Carlos that I like are the very first 1st generation version (1970), and the 3rd generation 1983 -1988 version. That 1970 version looks dashing I like how the entire body looks like it is an  animation of the sweeping sculpted effects on the sides. It looks lit just wants to take off. I can just hear the engine go "rag-a-ragga rag-a-ragga rag-a-ragga into floored-pedal oblivion!

The 1983-1986 model has that fast, dashing look to it as well. That aspect is gained primarily from the forward slant of the rear profile. It appears ready to tear off the pavement. When I was a kid, every weekend, especially on a Sunday, I used to see that car tearing down the street in front of my house at withering speed!

Another Monte Carlo that I liked alot was the 95 production run. I remember first seeing it as a kid, as I was paging through a National Geographic magazine. The thing that I liked about this car was its overall swift aesthetic - this is achieved without a rear lean-forward profile). Everything looks like it is rushing towards the front headlamps. If you observe closely, that longitudinal line right below the door handles, is a principal player in this achievement. Infact, wait a minute, it is all about this, because if I visually subtract it with my eyes, the car appears less swift! Another thing that I liked about the car was the wheel arches. They werent the usual circular design, but rather kind of squarish - kind of SUV-ish. And in addition, they didn't hug the tires, there's a little bit of space between it and the tire itself. That design lends to a cruising-at-high-speed look.

Now back to the future! Well, at least an attempt to get there!

Reference site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Monte_Carlo

- Gebre Mesquitta

2012 Dodge Charger (Riding Shotgun)

Well just as I reported in my previous blog about never having been in the Dodge Challenger, well neither have I ever been in a Dodge Charger, my absolute favorite American car! I was so thrilled when I got to test-ride in one for media day at the 2012 Chicago International Autoshow!

 

       Now "lean back" for a lil bit of off-topic entertainment. As the helper opened the door to the car, I saw it was a female driver again (I rode with one previously for the Dodge Challenger); she was like OMG-sexy! As I got into the car her lips looked straight at me, and then they moved to a smile, and then that transpired to a voice that was hmmm...very breathy, fun, date-night-ish, bedroom-like, tantalizing. I'm always attracted to females with a sexy voice, always! Well let me just say this....I kinda wanted to just stay in that car,(hahaha) and I would love to have slipped her my number too. 

       Ok, now attention folks! Sit straight up (lol). The interior of this Dodge Charger says "recognize me, it looks amazing. I believe that Dodge seems to know or has figured out exactly what their interior design problem is and is working hard on it, or has finally fixed it! The first thing that I like about the Charger's interior is the center console. I absolutely love the large screen display, and the surrounding air vents. It's so beautifully laid out. I enjoy the bountiful left-to-right hand movement that it affords the driver. In addition, the large screen also provides 0-60 mph time and qurter mile readouts - racing inspiration that is truly loveable - though I wonder how many drivers will be abusing this by topping the speed limit just to see the readouts!

       This particular Dodge Charger was of the RT variety and held a propulsion system that inhales  5.7 liters of air, and puts out 370 hp! With this version, there is also a take from the world of Formula 1 racing - slap-shift gear changing. In addition, there is also a moon roof  to enjoy that nice breeze as you enjoy the your fabulous Dodge Charger on the road. The cabin of the car is also highly soundproof insulated. When the windows are up, you can hardly hear what's going on in the outside world. The only world you would be engaged in is that of the Dodge Charger. To include the ride, the beautiful driver girl did a performance ride, lining up the car with a target ahead, and then floooring the gas pedal! It was a little slice of heaven as I got sucked into my seat and this girl went for a high-speed ride ;)

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We aren't going to get into a critique of the Dodge Charger styling here, because we have done so previously. So you can check out our previous critique of the Dodge Charger at the following link: http://seranitafaristreetteam.blogspot.com/2010/12/2011-dodge-charger-vs-previous-dodge.html

- Gebre Mesquitta

"Out in the Streets..." (Jamal's Dodge Charger)!!

Ladies and Gentlemen this is my very own Dodge Charger with the 20" deep dish rims soaked  in the candy apple red...Delicious!!!!                  

- Jamal Mcclean

2011 Dodge Charger Vs. Previous Dodge Charger

Well ok! So just like Chrysler’s remix of its hit single, the Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger also did a remix of its hit single, the previous Dodge Charger. When that Dodge Charger came out, I was stunned! It was a most beautifully designed car with splendid and thorough design execution. It is in a class all by itself, and is an icon of beautiful, competition-beating automobile design. No words can describe this car when I see it. It just exudes all kinds of mad sex appeal. It is just so witheringly sexy. It’s a sexy beast! If this was an animal, this would be the first sexiest animal ever! (laughing uncontrollably)
        Well now lets get on to critiquing the new remix of the previous Dodge Charger – the all new 2011 Dodge Charger. The first sight of recognizable difference is at the front of the car. Here the front fascia of the car has a more raked-upward look. However, there are some displeasing aspects of this new redesign. The original shape of the headlamp housing was not retained in the new design. Instead, the headlamp housing is more rectangular-ish, in contrast to the previous design in which the top of the headlamp shape had a more striking upward slant. In addition, the headlamps have been pushed in further, giving a more drawn back or relaxed look to the front end. This is in contrast to the previous design, in which the headlamps were pushed further out, and almost in line with the grille. This positioning made for a bolder in-your-face look, and in combination with the grille and headlamp housing design, aided in an aggressive, ferocious cat appearance. Furthermore, the headlamps within the housing are too big, as well as too square-ish! The headlamps take up almost all of the space in the housing. It leaves no visual breathing space, so to speak. There always needs to be a little “air” in the headlamp housing so, you can appreciate its shape design – well if there’s anything nice about it to begin with. However, there is one positive aspect about the front end design of the new Dodge Charger, and it’s also one that I had predicted. They pulled in the sides of the grille – gave it a lower inward angle. This is a good progressive design update J . All that would have been needed to accompany this is raked – up headlamps, but at the same time, still retaining most of the former headlamp shape.
        Ok, now lets move on to the side of the car. OMG! WTF! What happened here? Are you kidding me? No, holy crap, are you really kidding me? This just aint right! Say it aint so! They removed the crease that used to be on the rear shoulder! L This was a defining design aspect of the Dodge Charger. This is a famous crease! And the thing about it is that it wasn’t just any type of crease. It was a meticulous crease – like a little mixture of a Nike swoosh and a lightning bolt. It was banging! I'm going to go a little bit further, it was snatching! Whenever a Dodge Charger would pull up besides me on the street, I would stare endlessly at that striking rear shoulder panel crease. Also, another disappointment with the design of the side of the car, is the shape of the rear passenger window. The former design was more interesting, it added drama, and accented the fore mentioned crease on the rear quarter panel. Lastly, the rear end of the side of the car has a vertical profile compared to the previously slanted style. This re-design delays the look of visual movement on the car. On the previous Charger, both the front and rear end of the side profile was slanted, or leaning forward. This gave the car a look of motion. It had a leaping, or pouncing look. (When standing still, it looked like it was in transition). At present, however, the new Dodge Charger only has the front end of the side profile of the car slanted. Therefore, this has the effect of the front end of the car appearing like its moving while the rear end is at a standstill. This in combination, gives the car a stagnant profile – a look of no motion. But, however, there is one positive design aspect of the side of the car. It does have a large crease in the panel – albeit a different type. The only thing is that, it’s sort of a plane Jane indentation, and would probably be more complemented by the addition of the previous crease from the previous charger (on the rear quarter panel). I think that combination would be kickin’! It would be new, different and innovative – umm yeah, the way I came to think of Dodge after they first came out with that re-designed Dodge Charger. (lol)
        Ok, well now, lets head on to the back of the car. The redesign of the rear of the car is awesome, I must say. It’s really decent! It’s tight! It’s neat! In fact, (hahaha) the rear end is my type of what I call good-‘ol bold innovative Dodge styling!
        Now here comes the final grade. All in all, in regards to the improper front end re-design and in addition to the removal of the rear quarter panel crease, and the boring reshaping of the rear passenger window on the side, I’ll give the 2011 Dodge Charger a C. For me I am a crude street (SeraniTafari Street Team lol)critique of automobile styles. You either hot or you not. In my crude design vocabulary, good = hot, and ugly = not hot. But because I still have some love for Dodge (because of the hot stuff they have made before) and respect other lovers of Dodge, I won’t just outright say its ugly – and that would be a little bit ignorant, because there some good design additions to the car. So umm yeah J .

 

A designer must be observant..design is money! The Big Three have what it takes to be successful, and money is at stake..if you need help, holla at the SeraniTafari Street Team!

- Gebre Mesquitta