Reworking the new Cobra

[BANDIT 1]

Ford is calling this vehicle "their greatest achievment". I call it just plain "ugly". I really like the modifications Buzz has done. His version is a very good looking car and still leaves the car "modern looking". I have seen now atleast 50 pictures and the TLC show on the new Cobra and I still say it is ugly.

[STG]

Although Buzz has done a commendable job in adding Much needed Cobra styling cues to the new Cobra, it remains a P.O.S.

The original possessed sensuous curves that barely covered the mechanical bits. The new car is uninspired, heavy, and looks like it might have come from several different manufacturers.

No one will be making replicas of this, so Evan will sleep soundly.

[Buzz]

Ford has an interesting new "urban" design philosophy which is based on the cutting edge of current trends in many aspects of modern life. This will influence the character of new vehicles and new versions of current models. The original basic look of the GT40 survived more or less intact in this new design environment becuase it is too important an automotive - and Ford - benchmark to be radically reinterpreted as a different vehicle. We hope the same truth about the Cobra is recognized to the extent that enough of the original look and character survives the recreation process while still meeting Ford's objectives.
Here is another side look with revised fender lines, slightly more raked windshield and original style side vents for Mr.Bruce. The clamshell hood design more or less mandated that the vent be placed either fully above or below the beltline so this central position may not be feasible unless it can somehow be fixed into the lower panel with a cutout in the clamshell fitting around it when closed. Look closely at the change to the rear fender line compared to the last rendition above it.

[stush]

Buzz,

I did not like the original design at all but you have done wonders to it and if they pick up your modifications, I want one. Outstanding job.

Stu

[clayfoushee]

Buzz, you're an absolute genius.....somebody please tell me these are going to get to Ford

[STG]

Buzz, you're only as good as what you are given to work with.

A vast improvement, but you just can't integrate the classic Cobra lines with this new Catastrophe.

It's beginning to look like a Stallion Series 1.

ATTENTION FORD: START OVER!

[TerribleTed13]

Is that a CSX5000? Who do I send my deposit to! Yellow with black stripes please! We must be at infinity or beyond!
Buzz lightyear is at the controls!!!

[STG]

[IMG][/IMG]

[TerribleTed13]

My mistake stan. But where do I sign up?

[MysteryTrain]

Buzz,

Okay, after 6 pages of replies, I have put my .02 in. Beauty and aesthetics are such individual things, you'll probably get as many differing opinions as there are CC members.

You are totally on the right track with your touch-ups. Don't like the side view as much. I may be in the minority who likes your first tweak on the orginal post better than the ones with the more traditional headlights. I agree that the rounded-headlights-Buzz version looks a bit Series one-ish. I think it was Excaliber who suggested smaller, more modern headlight style. Something kind of cartoony about the big headlight look.

Anyway, I like Ford's thought towards making this car more than just another replica. If they seriously want to build a car that will stand on its own merit, it can't copy the original too blatantly. Like it has been said over and over, too much reliance on the original's lines means that Ford just becomes the world's largest, best financed Cobra replica builder. It needs its' own identity but one born out of the original. Son of Cobra, so to speak.

Keep the revisions coming! This is pure fun!

MT

[RACERAL]

I know this link must be getting spread to all the right places.. but we need to get this car to DOUBLE VENOM SPRING FLING.
That would be cool!!!

[Buzz]

Ford has a legitimate concern that trying too hard to recapture all that the Cobra was is an impossible task and may result in a caricature more resembling a bad replica than a new Cobra design. Good point - so how far can we tweak Daisy before we end up making that mistake? The next series of pics shows the transition from Daisy to a "modern Cobra" in a series of relatively subtle changes that collectively can produce a dramatically different look. Here's the side view: changes range from a mild rework of the fender profiles all the way down to a very narrow waist with a rounder butt.

[Buzz]

Front quarter...

[Buzz]

The front radiator opening has to change, but can we live with Daisy's modern headlights?

[Excaliber]

,,,I like the smaller head lights!

Ernie

[McCobra]

Great Job on all your changes, Buzz.
Ford should hire you at an incredible salary, NOW!!!!
McCobra

[McCobra]

Or better yet, a per unit sold bonus...$1000 per unit--that otta keep the drawings coming...
Again, nice work!!!

[brentfenimore]

Buzz,

I like the mods you have made to the the concept car and although I would like to see more of the original lines in the new Cobra I have to admit that the designers at Ford as well as Shelby have a lot of other constraints to look at when designing the outside or "A" surface of a MODERN VEHICLE.

I like the renderings you have drawn but also hope that you as well as the Cobra community realize that FMVSS compliance as well as EPA COC and modern design have a lot to do with the exterior as well as interior design of vehicles in todays market place.

I like the current design of the Ford Shelby Cobra but think it needs to be refined, lets all hope we can get it from concept to production and work forwrd to make it a true Cobra in the future.

R Brent Fenimore

[Buzz]

Thanks for the feedback Brent! I am conscious of the design constraints imposed (with good reason) on modern auto design and I try in my renderings not to change some of the "hard" points of the new design ie: head/taillight height, ride height, bumpers, etc. The sidepipes are a touchy addition, but if Dodge could pull it off, let's hope Ford and Shelby can do it better! My personal preference lies in the first or second set of modifications to the body without radically altering the basic car. Your statement about getting it from concept to production gives some hope that the design is not cast in stone yet and that there may still be an opportunity for some improvements. Keeping our fingers crossed...

[A Snake]

Evolution at work and revolution soon to follow!

The last renditions come pretty darn close to fixing the "Shoebox racer" look of Daisy.

Buzz, you're a whiz with photo paint! Just being picky here, but I'd suggest that the bottom of the nose opening be flattened upward just a touch to match the curve of the top of the opening. Same for the cooler scoop. It has just a little curve in it too.

I'm probably going against the grain here, but I gotta say, with the shape of the front fenders as they are, the addition of the large louvers does give it a corvette look. I know they are both functional and a styling cue for a Cobra, but I can live without them unless they can be made smaller and placed in the fender as on a Cobra.....and yes, if that means making a notch and re-doing the existing scoop, I'd do it. If the existing scoop needs to stay, I'd opt for leaving out the louvers.

Over all Buzz, you've taken butt ugly and turned it into something I'd consider buying. As is, in original form, Daisy just looks like a rice rocket on steroids.

Ford, are you listening......? This isn't very polite or politically correct, but don't try to out Jap the Japanese.....especially with an American Icon!! You did it right when you "re-did" the GT. Now don't screw up the Cobra.

To our Portugese friend, those are outstanding drawings you've done. I'm surprised no one else has commented. I couldn't do that if I tried for the rest of my life.

Best to all,

Al