Exterior Design Analysis: K-1 Attack
The Good. The Bad. The Verdict.
-Front Three-Quarter View. I like.
THE GOOD:
As far as "kit-cars" go, it would be unrealistic to expect the level of refinement and polish that the major OEM's have in their vehicles, you just can't compare the manpower, budget and expertise between the two. But knowing that the K-1 comes from a relatively unheard of company, it has some genuinely strong elements (and I'm not just saying that out of pity). So focussing on the good to begin with, the front end is particularly striking. One of the first things I noticed was the exposed shocks and springs. It creates some genuine visual/mechanical interest for the bonnet area. It has some neat cut-outs, and a simple mesh to fill in the excess space. Love it! It also lets the informed viewer know this is mid-engined (well that and the giant side air scoops).
-Exposed suspension and cut-outs.
Although I must say, rather hypocritically, the bonnet is scuplted beautifully, regardless of the exposed suspension elements. Their designer hasn't gone overkill with the lines and creases, and they all tie up to functional elements, as they should. The front air dam is also a strong point, albeit reminiscent of a gaping fishmouth. It is bold, clean and well proportioned.
Moving onto the headlights...I feel the lack of a "lens" can be risky, as there's a chance it may look unfinished..or stolen. But this has been executed successfully with some major manufacturers in the past, Alfa Romeo immediately springs to mind. A poor example of this is the Chevrolet Sonic. It looks undoubtedly cheap and unfinished. The K-1 headlights, however are equally as successful as the Italian styling genuises.
Alfas and K-1: YES. Sonic: Oh hell naawh (NO).
THE BAD:
Time to unleash some cynicsm...(que the ominous music).
Being a massively customisable design, tailored to each customers desires, there is plenty room for bad taste and bad decisions. Wheels, for one, have a massive impact on the car's overall appearance, and can make or break it. The customisabily of this car means any "right sized" wheel can go, ranging from Escalade Bling to Civic Rice.
Unfortunately, there's more. The rear-end of the K-1 is a particular weak point for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm an absolute sucker for centre-mounted exhaust tips, and the spoiler has been incorporated pretty successfully. But there's a major flaw...the "drilled-hole" effect. It screams 90's kit-car, and just emphaises a homebuilt look. I feel there are many alternatives that could've made the rear-end better looking, even on a budget. See my quick photoshop trickery below to see what a difference a simple colour change makes on the drilled panels...
-Hiding the "drilled" panels. Do you agree?
THE VERDICT:
Overall, I'm very positive about the K-1's design, it's striking, edgey and looks purpose-built. The front-end is certainly drool-worthy. However, the pitfalls are the detailling in the rear-end and it's extreme customisability. I feel it should limit some of the customer choices and truly create an indentity for itself. If there had to be a K-1 successor, with a modern sculpted body, refined details and a few more unique details...it would be an absolute killer!
Rating the design, I'd say the K-1 Attack deserves a solid 7/10. Do you agree, or is there some funky stuff in my coffee?
For additional reading and sketching on the K1, see the links below:
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Comments (28)
Interesting and professional insight. I don't know if anyone else writes such articles on the Drivetribe.
Thank you for the comments as always Alena, I'd like to think this is somewhat unique!
It is. At least, I haven't encountered anything similar.
Very nice analysis. Want more like this.
Thank you, more is definitely on the way.
This is excellent!
Thank you Helene! More reviews are planned for the future
It's good to have an artist's view.
Thanks John, technically "designer", but I hear you ;)
They overlap, those two fields.
Very creative take on reviews Matt! I love it! Although I'd say there must be a lot of 1's on your design scale if this one gets a 7. Cheers
Big thanks Ben, appreciate the positive feedback for attempt #1. If I understand you correctly, you're saying I'm a bit harsh rating this a 7?
Yes but that's probably the point. Any non professional would rank it a 9 or 10. With specialty or knowledge you can specifically point out faults that would otherwise go unnoticed adding value typical posts lack. Very nicely done