Why style matters: The beauty of the sports car

There is something about the way a sports car looks that speaks to our souls. It’s every little boy's (and quite a few little girls') dream to own a sports when they grow up. Even though they can't yet drive and have no real clue what it is like being behind the wheel of a sports car that makes it so special, they still know that they want one. There is just something inherently attractive about the way a sports car looks that makes us want them.

The classic image of the sports car is of the low ride height with large tyres and an elongated bonnet. The bodywork is curvy and voluptuous with an aggressive looking grill or front end. The rear wheels should be thick and powerful and should be accentuated by flared wheel arches.

Great design examples

Of course, like with any car design, there are some really amazing examples and some not so good. The really great designs are timeless and look good whatever the era. There are certain design rules that must be followed to be a real sports car but get it right and you could have a classic on your hands.

Take a look at a Mercedes SL or SLK and you’ll see just what we mean. These two are perfect examples of how to design a sports car. They look bold and aggressive and just seem to ooze speed and acceleration, even when parked up.

However, it’s not just enough for sports cars to look good. They have to deliver too. Part of the reason sports cars look the way they do is because it promotes speed. The large rear wheel and low ride height give it grip and traction. The sleek body is designed to be aerodynamic and reduce wind resistance to allow the car to travel faster. Rear spoilers keep the back end of the car forced down onto the road for better control.

Spatial awareness

Sports cars have to be very economical with space. Because they are built for speed, they need to be light, which means there isn’t much room for luxury. This is where the real skill of design comes in. When you’re paying that much for a car, you don’t want it to be uncomfortable or unpleasant to drive. The best designers are able to keep the smaller size but also include a comfortable and ergonomic interior, complete with a few luxury features. It’s a real skill to be able to design a car like this. The very best designers, like those at Mercedes, make it look easy.

Speed, power, beauty and a little bit of luxury – it really sounds like the perfect package. That’s the real reason we love the sports car.

Tags: sports car, design

Added in Mercedes, Various News