Image via jeremyclarkson1/Instagram
At a recent event in the UK, automotive legend Jeremy Clarkson told a chuckling audience how much he loathes most modern cars. It’s hardly surprising considering things he’s said in the recent past, but it’s just another reminder that the man who’s driven more cars than you likely have has some strong opinions about the direction vehicle design is headed.
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The chief complaint Clarkson has about modern rides is how heavy they’ve become. He’s not wrong, considering vehicles these days come with a ridiculous amount of safety equipment to meet government regulation standards, plus all kinds of technologies.
He referenced a road he drove to get to the event, saying his classic car is a blast to drive on it. However, according to Clarkson, modern vehicles are an utter bore.
Another big thing contributing to weight gain in modern rides is the hybrid or all-electric powertrains. After all, batteries are heavy, so they absolutely contribute to bloat in vehicles these days.
Clarkson also complained about the uninspired exterior design of cars these days. He, like us and many others, has trouble distinguishing models from different manufacturers because they all look the same.
It’s true. If you’re honest with yourself, removing all badging from cars made in the last four years you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between a Chevy, Honda, and Nissan. Back in the day each brand had a distinct look, but that’s pretty much gone.
Again, a lot of that can be blamed on heavy government regulation. Safety and fuel economy standards don’t leave a lot of wiggle room for stylistic flair in modern rides. After all, they have to incorporate certain designs to protect pedestrians, plus pass the same crash tests.
And to slip through the air with less resistance, it’s obvious automakers are cribbing off each other’s aerodynamics studies as they’re all pressed to do more with less.
Ultimately, this translates into a worse experience for drivers, which is why Clarkson says at least 80 percent of new cars these days are just awful. We can’t disagree.
Image via jeremyclarkson1/Instagram
