Automobile design has always toed the line between form, function and the importance of making the bean counters happy.  In modern times even the most affordable economy cars are incredibly angular and look to have been drawn up by an eight year old boy. It’s hard to say whether or not the excessive styling really serves a true purpose aerodynamically or if they are simply giving the people what they want. Some of it is quite cool, and some is just overly tongue-in-cheek and borderline offensive.

One need look no further than the Audi RS6 Avant. Surprisingly enough, this car is very controversial among enthusiast but perhaps less so among the average car buyer. While the concept is great, in the words of Liam Gallagher; “not for me, mate”.

As time goes on, car design might be one of the few discernible factors within the industry before long. However, the commonality of over styling has Radwood era enthusiasts looking at even the most dull cars from days gone by much differently.

Less is not always more but it is human nature to lust after something that is harder to attain, or is simply no longer available. 

Elsewhere, the new Alpine LMDH effort might be my favorite one yet. I recently caught some footage of it testing for it’s debut 2024 season and it strikes me to be as beautiful as the Ferrari and Vanwall while sounding great too. The best sounding modern prototype hands down.

For this week’s driving tune we turn to Torche and their brilliant tune called Kicking. This is just a banger, plain and simple. A good one have on deck for a highway onramp, or on your way to work where then it can act like an extra shot of espresso.

Finally, I was recently criticized for hating everything, especially cars. While that isn’t entirely true that critique was followed up with the question of “which modern cars do you actually like”. I gave it some thought and here’s a short list of what I would consider buying if I had no other choice than to drive something brand new, from 2023.

-Hyundai Kona – easily the best car on the market for the money. Looks like a French Bulldog and presents itself as a useful, WELL STYLED modern crossover.

-Ford EcoSport – less is more. The antiflex is in.

-Ferrari 296 – probably the only modern “supercar” I can get behind. In my mind it carries Dino lineage having ushered a V6 back into the fold. Beautiful little thing too.

VW ID Buzz – while I ache for a slow sub 2 liter petrol version of this to come available, I would still have it any way I can get it. The more base model the better.

-Ford Ranger (any trim)