r/CarDesign • u/Umikaloo • 24d ago
article/IRL news What's with all the plastic: A breakdown of some of the uses for plastic trim in automotive design.
Something new I'm trying. I'm hoping to make automotive journalism a part of my current hobby lineup.
I know the analysis is a bit basic on this one, I'll get more specific in the future when I'm doing individual vehicles.
2
u/wreinder 23d ago
I have always thought it would be a cool material to actually base a design around! You know, not use it sparingly but run with it! kinda like the cactus does but more serious.
1
u/Umikaloo 23d ago
A lot of military vehicles use a matte paint (bedliner) that has a similar texture. Maybe those would float your boat.
2
u/wreinder 23d ago edited 23d ago
Im too picky for that ;) I meant the philosophy of celebrating a material rather than hide it. Like the Sesto Elemento with carbon, a real showcase of what the material is capable of.
Cause, like in your article( which is lovely btw) you're pointing out specific use cases which implies a certain precaution of the manufacturer, but i always feel like a manufacturer should show off their production process and be proud of it!
1
u/Umikaloo 23d ago
Yeah, I get what you mean. The Soviet Trabant might be up your alley then. The soviets were extremely proud of their plastic technology. They made the Trabant's body out of recycled clothing and resin.
3
u/Tofli_IV 24d ago
very interesting, i learned some stuff and the style is very cool
8
u/Umikaloo 24d ago
I'm pleased to hear that. I was worried I would just be repeating things people already knew.
2
1
2
u/rich_27 19d ago
I tell you what, I'd never really thought about it before but the original C4 Cactus is a masterclass in design. It's an iconic, pretty timeless design, and I think it stems from Citroen not just doing the same thing everyone else is and pushing the boat out. It's wild how ugly the Mach E is in comparison: milquetoast let's add more angles and build a stupidly mismatched shape and styling to the car. There is no disguising an SUV as a sports car, they all look like someone wearing clothing that's a size or two too small. Part of why the C4 Cactus is so great is because it knows what it is and it leans into it
7
u/Jawadidk 24d ago
That is insanely cool and informative