Citroen XM Forum

turbo_imp wrote:Looks like the XM is now cool

It's always been cool but great to see it being appreciated

There's nothing really like it. One of it's very defining characteristics, that lovely sharp nose, would never be permitted these days.

I find most of today's blunt pug-nosed cars quite ugly...

This is great news! The younger generation are discovering XM's. great thing is they are in blissful ignorance at both the greatness of them, and how they can drive you mad!!

It never fails to put a smile on my face when someone takes notice of the car.
Only the other day, mine has been 'papped' and is on flicker.

I'm with you on the new snub nosed cars Jim.....what is it about aerodynamics that's changed? Considering everyone is striving for better fuel economy......

I do love the attention the XM gets...not for my sake...but just because someone else appreciates its striking design.

I believe the XM is very good aerodynamically and even better perhaps than the Xantia...

Today all cars must have pug-noses to make them pedestrian-friendly as they're less likely to suffer serious injury than if hit by an older car with a sharp nose..

I don't think best fuel economy aerodynamics goes well with pedestrian safety. or maybe it is which might explain why all modern cars look so boringly alike.. Or is it that computer design just has no style - just function?

I don't think the blunt front is a requirement, but space under the bonnet to allow deformation is, so bonnet lines have risen.

robert_e_smart wrote:Cool, I'm trying to get my head round why a 1 year old Range Rover needs the "Vince" treatment!?

Detailing is the latest Brinksmanship for people with new (usually on lease) cars. Even brand new cars get done because the owner can then brag about it.

I believe the bluff fronts of cars are a legislative requirement. As Jim has said it's to do with pedestrian impact. But you're quite right Will, there needs to be a certain amount of space between the engine hard points and bonnet.

But there are different solutions, C6 and Jag XK pyrotechnic bonnets, which pop up when you hit someone. god forbid!

Dieselman wrote:

robert_e_smart wrote:Cool, I'm trying to get my head round why a 1 year old Range Rover needs the "Vince" treatment!?

Detailing is the latest Brinksmanship for people with new (usually on lease) cars. Even brand new cars get done because the owner can then brag about it.

Whatever the reason its ok by me...its a nice little earner at the moment It feels wrong having money to spend....ive been broke for what seems like years now...im not complaining by any means

I can feel a set of chrome side strips coming on though soon

Back to sharp or blunt noses, I don't think there is any legislation. Take a look at cars such as the VW Scirroco, or any high power super car.

The Lotus Evora is a new model with a pointy front.

It still retains a vertical line from the bonnet edge to the , in the Evoras case, the lower lip spoiler. But don't forget the Lotus is mid mounted so less hard points at the front, so a possible lower bonnet line.

On new cars, look at them dead on side view, there should be an invisible vertical line from leading edge of bonnet to the lower edge of the bumper spoiler. I'm sure it is legislation, as I read it in Autocar some time ago, about Designers having to adapt to new requirements as is headlight height and the space between hard points under the bonnet. Designers have had to clearly adapt, and it has been a challenge to create decent styling with these quite tight parameters.

I'm not sure about low production cars, wether they are some how exempt. But even on the lowest of noses, such as a Ferrari 458, there should be that vertical front.