In the picture above, you see the new BMW 3 series coupe in the clay stage of production. This is the first step after the designers have agreed on a basic design on paper. A computer cuts the basic shape out of a block of clay, and then the designers go in with their hands and some tools and mold and shape the car like sculptors. BMW is one of the few companies that still uses clay models on every single one of their cars both inside and out. I think it shows tremendously in the way in which the shapes flow from the front to the back. I have always seen cars as art. I have loved cars since I was in the 7th grade and my love has only grown more intense. I enjoy riding in my car and truly see the craftsmanship in every corner. The stitching on the leather, the way the volume control turns and feels. I can't speak for every car company, but at BMW those and thousands of other things are at the core of the design stages.
Sounds: The sound of everything in the car has been measured thousands of times and the final sound is in the end extremely intentional. I want to list just a few of the noises that are "created and tuned" - ignition, door locks, horn, windshield wipers, door closing, seat belt chime, acceleration, exhaust, etc.
Feel: door handle, leather, volume control, steering wheel buttons, turn signal indicator, armrest, shifter.
Smell: Any material that will be present in the interior is smelled by "noses" similar to those at a perfumery.
This only touches on the many details that go into making a BMW and many other cars, but I wanted to make a quick list, so that the next time you step into yours or a friends car, you will recognize the craftsmanship behind every detail and realize that it was intentional and not an afterthought.
Behind every car on the road is a team of people.
-There I said it
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