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Also I would argue the Mazda Miata targets this style, and I have seen a Honda car that looks quite similar to the Miata as well.
More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_dress
The Toyota GT86, Mazda MX5, and Nissan 370Z are examples of that. However, looking at how many models were discontinued (Honda S2000, Toyota Supra, Toyota Celica, Mazda RX8), maybe the market opportunity is not as big.
The Celica was not discontinued. I'm looking at a 2016 model right now, it's a clone of a Dodge Viper.
Isn't the obvious answer that it's illegal? Case in point: https://cyber.harvard.edu/IPCoop/91ferr1.html More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_dress
Earlier quoted context omitted.
This is a good answer. It boils down to what you're paying for. My dad was a suspension and steering engineer at General Motors years ago, and he impressed upon me the number of evolutions these designs go through. The current shape of a standard "middle class car" is highly optimized to give the best trade-off between aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, interior capacity, structural strength, etc. That's what a typical m…
> A Ferrari is entirely optimized to look hot and go fast, and makes a huge number of concessions to those goals. Just try using one as a daily driver and grocery hauler and you'll see why few people do that. But then there are sports cars that are meant as daily drivers, like the BMW M5. The former CTO of Intel said he owns one and uses it as such.
Isn't the obvious answer that it's illegal? Case in point: https://cyber.harvard.edu/IPCoop/91ferr1.html More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_dress
I don't think OP intended to mean exact replica, but more or less, why aren't mid-range sedans made to look more like the exotics. In other words, more corvettes, less impalas.
For example, I don't know what the next Porsche model is, but I know I'll be able to recognize it when I see it because they are so distinctive.
See what happens in places where such trademark protections don't exist: http://www.carnewschina.com/2016/11/11/zotye-sr9-porsche-mac...
The Toyota GT86, Mazda MX5, and Nissan 370Z are examples of that. However, looking at how many models were discontinued (Honda S2000, Toyota Supra, Toyota Celica, Mazda RX8), maybe the market opportunity is not as big.
I miss the S2000. I just drove one once and it was more than I wanted to pay, but it was damn fun.
There are a few intermediaries; the Jaguar X-Type is a Ford Mondeo with a Jaguar badge and some trim improvements. Personally my favourite was the Pininfarina-designed Peugeot 306 Cabriolet; it's not a Ferrari, it's an affordable sportscar that goes in at the sides and is done by the same designer.
There's also something to be said for cutting your own style rather than trying to be an imitator. People don't respect imitation. Few people want to drive a car known for being specifically for those who can't afford Ferraris.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
This is a good answer. It boils down to what you're paying for. My dad was a suspension and steering engineer at General Motors years ago, and he impressed upon me the number of evolutions these designs go through. The current shape of a standard "middle class car" is highly optimized to give the best trade-off between aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, interior capacity, structural strength, etc. That's what a typical m…
> A Ferrari is entirely optimized to look hot and go fast, and makes a huge number of concessions to those goals. Just try using one as a daily driver and grocery hauler and you'll see why few people do that. But then there are sports cars that are meant as daily drivers, like the BMW M5. The former CTO of Intel said he owns one and uses it as such.