Former McLaren Design Boss CRITIQUES The NEW ARTURA!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks for watching! It was certainly an interesting experience to publicly analyse this evolution of a design language that I was a part of creating. Hopefully I was unbiased enough to give a sincere account of the new Artura and that some of my suggestions are actually improvements! What do you think of McLaren's new design? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions!

[@verhu010]

C8 Corvette deep dive some time, please!

[@gen1c8rs88]

Good points Frank👍

[@carswapnetwork5584]

Nice video sir 🙏🏻

[@gen1c8rs88]

From a powertrain perspective I wish the electric motor maximum output(94hp) lasted for 30 seconds instead of 15 seconds😣😔🤔

[@Ankur3108]

Thank u Frank for ur much appreciated opinions. Your words of wisdom. It always helps me a lot.

[@mpb6118]

I would love to see Mr Stephenson make a render on how he would’ve improved the car!

[@joshuathomas512]

Should get a sketch monkey collab for that

[@bushnorth472]

McLaren : Write that down write that down!

[@THEJPR]

I 100% agree with the headlight part. And love how you included the edit of your idea.

[@iFuff]

Also love the taillights following the body shape 🥰

[@ForzaMonkey]

@@iFuff I kinda liked it, but in his little edit, they seemed too flat near the top of the lights, I feel like they should have curved a little more, like the P1 and 570S.

[@neil4056]

Artura surely looks good but P1 is my personal favorite to this day, P1's look just flow like water.

[@THESLlCK]

plus, it's an actual design, not pieced together

[@AllThingsCubey]

Yeah P1's lines will look good in 50 years. Artura won't.

[@paddymuppy]

P1 looks like a Panther.

[@KCJbomberFTW]

@@AllThingsCubey P1 will. Make these look like knockoffs

[@michal8351]

765lt / 720s also gotta be up there, but yh the p1 is a great looking car

[@ii7317]

"Those are precisely the kind of people we have to eliminate from the gene pool" - that should be written in gold. Totally agree on the mirrors, air intakes and especially the tail lights.

[@The.Fake.Adam.Lulich]

it should be a T-Shirt

[@markm0000]

I almost want to get a Ferrari 360 just to get rid of the rear cover so the engine is exposed. Those dual tail lights floating in mid air would make the car look much more modern.

[@jhovjhov]

nah

[@shravanav993]

"those are the people we have to eliminate from the gene pool " That's some real gold right there

[@shravanav993]

@@kalmansandor5930 That's a solid question

[@podfuk]

​@@kalmansandor5930 They will learn it quick, after just one touch, do not worry ;)

[@MuitoDaora]

@@kalmansandor5930 The ones that do it will be eliminate. Simple ;)

[@Jamie_kemp]

I laughed for a good few seconds about that one

[@felixk3990]

Does anybody know the source of that interview? I would love to watch it in full length

[@George_Daza]

I never thought of sticking my hand in the exhaust pipe of a McLaren before, but now I kinda want to.

[@Petrospect]

rcr voice ***you start with your thumb...then it gets FUN***

[@THESLlCK]

@@Petrospect wow another RCR viewer, how incredibly quirky and unique of you, would you like to show us thissss joke's very original humor

[@jondonnelly3]

With so many fake exhausts today, that is one way to verify! Give a good fisting!

[@aabidamn]

Another contender for gene pool elimination, along with Mat Watson.

[@marioribeiro137]

best comment :D :D

[@SethFowler]

I love these design reviews!

[@khrhee5]

hey sneakersnob what you doin here

[@t.3465]

Wow, that’s a nice surprise

[@AC-op4dg]

@@khrhee5 really? Grow up maybe?

[@coalburn7916]

i love how he stopped himself from using sensual for a moment, shrugged, and was just "How else can you say it?"

[@CutterboyBK]

and then proceeds to fantasize about sticking his hand in the air intake

[@aitezazkhan2103]

Agree on the badge comment. Just a red chevron or whatever that shape is would look so much better, especially on the back against that sea of black mesh.

[@hw4075]

2:00 The cars are in the wrong order 675 LT and 570S

[@Pertev777]

Thank god someone noticed that, because that felt a bit awkward

[@andytaylor2321]

I have a 570 and I gave it a second look, like that doesn’t look like my car.

[@raywan5205]

@@andytaylor2321 how is the reliability of your 570s? I’m looking to buy one

[@KamisatoElias]

@@andytaylor2321 Crazy seeing someone in the comments say they casually own one of these, then someone saying they're looking to buy one. Somewhat inspirational I suppose, guess I could afford one of I try hard enough

[@kiwidan2271]

This guy - "the name really doesn't hit me right here" Also this guy - designed a car called MP4-12C

[@kurtwagner350]

My guess would be the marketing team had more say over that than him

[@costaskl6589]

MP4-12C is a cool name tho

[@najimlatif1383]

You got me 🤣

[@FacuGonz3]

MP4 12C sounds like a cool car, that actually was and still is.

[@designspecialist656]

THIS GUY...... has earned the right to say ANYTHING he wants about any car and you should consider it gospel ;)

[@henriklarsson5867]

As someone who dreamt of being a car designer as a kid, but ended up doing other things (aphantasia is a bitch 😄), I really enjoy the insights into car design I get from these videos. As a Swede, I would love a critique on any or all of Koenigsegg

[@henriklarsson5867]

...’s current lineup. Couldn’t edit prematurely posted comment

[@mysoreakshay]

agreed! would love a take on the Gemera

[@youssefghobrial47]

I think best performance and innovation but no design especially the headlights

[@richardmortimer8147]

Not a huge fan of the Koenigsegg range, except the Gemera. That is fantastic! Would be interesting to see if Frank thought he could improve it.

[@MrHaun]

Agreed. The door mirrors would be much better in black or carbon fiber. Also, is this the first McLaren with an actual door handle? (not hidden behind the door aero structure)

[@xcalium9346]

There's a carbon option, if you go on the builder on their website you'll find it

[@emadmahmood3268]

yes it comes with a door handle, guessed they realized they didn't need to hover their hand under the door like they were making a spell or something lmao

[@PliskinHK]

it's strange how visible they made it

[@kevinburke6743]

Makes it easy for casual car thieves to try the doors! Where they would have just walked on by. If they get in, all your stuff is gone!

[@AllThingsCubey]

Always adored the P1's styling. Now I know who to thank for that beauty.

[@lameeon1919]

Same

[@pedaknezevic1912]

Mirrors from 650s and P1 tail lights. It would not be "different" enough for a press release but it would look perfect.

[@360trev]

I just kept nodding in agreement with literally every suggestion he made. Particularly felt strongly that I would have loved to see the P1 style rear led lights and slight softening of the side intakes he made suggestions for and elimination of the fussy details on wing vents for example.. Epic designer one of my favourite bar none.. 👍 Thanks for sharing Frank 🔥🙏

[@iFuff]

I love the shape. It feels powerful. I agree 100% with Mr. Stephenson. Ultimately very clean shape and not too much decoration. It looks purposeful. Very soft iteration on an already beautiful car.

[@AutomotiveCNC]

6:40 - That area improves the performance of the car, because it reduces the drag (the air stream is being redirected far from the wheel spokes) and helps to stabilize the air stream, which typically gets turbulent at the moment it reaches the rotating tyres that try to push the coming air stream against the road, thus create lift and drag.

[@baconeggsandwich4588]

quite amazing to hear a veteran car designer's suggestions how to improve designs I thought were already solid. Very educational

[@julianadams2206]

Great video. I think that the Artura is a wonderful expression of McLarens evolving design language with a boldness that really puts the current designs from Maranello in the shade. Paired with a completely next generation power train it really deserves to succeed against its mainly Italian rivals.

[@nismobeach]

Excellent critique of the Artura. Your design of the 675LT was breathtaking. I had the pleasure of seeing it first hand, and hope to own one in the future. 👍✌

[@mattd2227]

Hey, great video Frank. Might I suggest a potential “how to...” series in which you guide us through the processes of designing and sketching a car from scratch. I’ve always been a car person but after finding this gem of a channel, I (like many others I’m sure) have become increasingly inspired to put our thoughts and personal designs in our head on paper, and create a hobby or even potentially a career out of it. What a better way to do that than learning from one of the greats himself. Keep up the great content!

[@thegphd5155]

This car is beautiful in my opinion. Mclaren has been stepping it up so hard in recent years.

[@11bornrich]

They have no problems with making good looking cars that perform well, the issue is they make too many.

[@thegphd5155]

@@11bornrich true there is no exclusivity with mclaren like with ferrari etc. however if you love cars for what they are you have to appreciate mclaren.

[@11bornrich]

@@thegphd5155 Yeah but at those price points, money matters and you don't want to take huge losses in a matter of months. I remember looking at a McLaren (I wasn't looking to buy it or anything) but I bought an SV Autobiography and within 6 months, that McLaren had dropped more than my Range Rover & RR drop in price like crazy. That shouldn't be happening with supercars but it happens when you churn out so many of them and they haven't got the demand like a Ferrari.

[@Michael-dj6pd]

I really appreciate you not holding back too much in your critique, knowing that you've been a big part in their design department.

[@oliverizen9264]

I love watching Frank critique. It’s very inspiring and educational

[@richardike2342]

Frank, I am so glad you like the Mclaren Artura, because I was very impressed by it. I was not sure of what you were going to say about it. So I was hoping you didn't give it the Axe. Even though I also had a problem with the name (I think they should have stayed with the alpha-numeric format), one of the things I liked best about the Artura is that it got right what it seems Ferrari 488 messed-up. Both the Artura and the Ferrari 488 have the same kind of side intake Door cutout designs. But the Door handle of the Ferrari 488 sits so low, it makes the Door look like it's saggy & melting. However, the Artura has its Door handle at the top, making the Door look stern & solid. I think your idea of using vertical bars instead of a mesh in a Super Car's rear is absolutely genius. I have always admired when Mercedes & BMW use vertical Bars in their Grilles. But I never thought of it in the rear. Above all, based upon your critique of the Artura, I now salute you as a true Car design grand master. Much respect to you.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Richard! Slight correction...not bars instead of mesh...blades...thin ones with a slender tear drop shaped aero section. 👍

[@richardike2342]

@@FrankStephensondesign Thanks Frank. Would you by any chance have any example of these blades in mind, or it has never been done before? Your opinion is always valuable.

[@richardike2342]

@@FrankStephensondesign Frank, I see what you are saying. The rear vent of the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa & Convertible have vertical chrome bars (not blades as you mentioned though) and it looks very elegant. By the way, forgive me for being pesky, but it is simply an honor to be able to get even the smallest nuggets of wisdom from such a giant of the Car Design industry like you. In addition, I told some commercial airline pilots about you, and a little bit of the stories I heard you tell in some of your interviews. They were so impressed that they thought I should have been a Professor teaching in a University. That made me realize that it will be a good idea if you would consider writing your Biography. The Cars you have designed have brought joy to billions of people around the world. I think knowing the stories behind their beloved vehicles will give them a better appreciation for the Cars sitting in their Garages or driveways.

[@matsuri626]

I actually like the rear mesh. It has a 3D surface that keeps it interesting and the way the cell edges change from the top to the bottom of the mesh is pretty cool. It also matches the mesh at the top of the engine, which keeps everything neat and cohesive.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Sure César but what is the purpose of using mesh there?

[@jhovjhov]

@@FrankStephensondesign it allows to see through the engine.

[@RfactorFilms]

Haha, mesh + Frank = no-go zone! Love the review

[@rayanayash]

I feel like a lot of the adjustments, vertical grill aside, can be done aftermarket.. I guess its time to start the Frank stephenson visual tuning company

[@Emira_75]

Love the new intro!

[@zaheerkader7426]

Always look forward to your videos

[@AJpro88]

wasn't too sure about what i thought of the new design but thanks for highlighting the cool features!

[@ma3dart]

Great review! @ 2:25 the uneven panel gaps on the hood is killing me.

[@ianreadman]

Great, honest review as always from The Godfather of design! I've just seen the car in the flesh for the first time today and pictures and video do not do it justice. The lines are beautiful and the attention to detail and build quality are way better than previous Mclaren's (I own a 675LT). And that concave rear window...wow, it is eye candy of the highest level. In short, I'm pleased I ordered mine early and can't wait until it arrives in September!!!

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

The Mp4-12c started all of the new cars and its still one of my favorites

[@aabidamn]

Each to their own. Mind you, Frank didn't really like the MP4-12C design.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@@aabidamn really? Thats interesting. But yeah when I see the car out at car shows n stuff, I think it is a really good looking McLaren that isn't over styled. It was also the foundation for a lot of the McLarens that succeeded it

[@aabidamn]

@@SangheiliSpecOp He mentioned it during his interview with MrJWW.

[@SangheiliSpecOp]

@@aabidamn thank you. I'll check that out

[@jedkleebaum7235]

that mesh segment with the evil mesh and franks genepool comment may be the best fs moment i have yet seen

[@BAC_Mono]

Thanks for you comments Frank, you're the only person seriously analysing design in this way on KZbin and these cars live and die by design as much as performance! The two areas of the design that I take issue with are: 1) The heavy edge treatment on the side intakes, wouldn't that be better softer to avoid distracting from the other curves nearby? 2) The roof/ B pillars. From the rear 3/4 view is seems a bit bubble like, almost as if the car has been inflated. You can get a similar sense in the Lotus Evora and the Noble M600. The original 570s has this while the 570GT with it's rear hatch glass was very different and (to me) more resolved. It seems to lack tension compared to say the Ferarri 458 in this area. What do you make of this aspect? Thanks once again

[@TheLizardKing1967]

Excellent Critique of the NEW Artura! Spot on Frank. Cheers!

[@chrismartin5870]

Historically I loved cars but haven't been following sports/supercars recently. I was working at home today, and I heard the low rumble of a performance engine being driven slowly. I stood up from my desk and looked down and out of my bedroom window. I didn't immediately recognise the car but i did register the Maclaren design motifs. The car was stunning in a charcoal grey colour, stunning enough for me to find out what it was, which brought me here. Well done engineering and design team. Top job. A beautiful car.

[@zix_zix_zix]

Thank you Franck, these were really insightful remarks made by a person with substantial experience and a trained eye.

[@reitsmaassociates]

You are a very generous critique without being a politician’s answer - another awesome video Frank

[@Demonaxis]

I really love how the cabin ends before the B-Pillar (Maybe C-Pillar? Hard to say) without another body-color piece inside of it - I want to see how they emphasize that idea in future iterations. It's a unique take on the flying buttress trend and it lends a sort of space-age look to the car.

[@alexpheasants]

Great thoughts, I agree with almost everything Frank said here. I used to have the 540 and thought it was the best looking car I'd ever seen. That was proven by the fact everywhere I went people looked and smiled at the car. Far more than Ferrari or Lamborghini. Great designer.

[@adrianfranzen4081]

Great critique! I do agree with the most points that you have mentioned. On the other hand my first impression was, that it has little bit to much of an italian character. It looks like it is trying to mimic the proportions of Ferrari and it even has a little bit of an Lamborghini. But that was just my first impression. It has grown on me quite fast and over all it is and beautiful piece of design!

[@ignacioalvarez1490]

Wow right after seeing the side photos the first thing I thought what that the fins on the front wheel vents were unnecessary, and that the crease in the side skirt right in front of the rear wheels looks weird. I also didn't like the light strips in the front of the car. I guess we have similar taste, which explains why I love many of your designs lol Great video as always

[@szabolcstornyos4976]

I love the pillars in the back, the way they join the body. The headlamps remind me of the Senna, which I don’t like very much. Other than that: great design!

[@finalpharoah1]

10:14, "But those are precisely the kind of people we have to eliminate from the gene pool" 🤣🤣🤣🤣😵

[@FastCarsFineGarbs]

Tha I you again for the insights. You not only say things but have immediate reasons! Thank you thank you thank you. “Soft to corse curvature” that sounds interesting. Would you make a video where such concepts are expanded on? This is very intriguing.

[@hadytarabay]

I have been waiting for this video

[@kevinn1158]

I think the 720s was a huge breakthrough in design for Mclaren. That air intake where the lights are, and that sweeping area along the hood, inside the mirror and inside the door to the engine is brilliant. The lower "wing" area on the outside of the door is gorgeous too. And that wing that at the rear that's basically like the whole rear of the car lifts.. As for the older designs, I find them to be kind of soft looking. Thanks for the review Frank!

[@6000neo]

Hello Frank, I have to say you push out great content. Please keep it up!! Love the way you describe things, might steal a word or two from you 😂

[@malihalls7129]

Had a ride in an Artura on saturday...Loved it!!!

[@reecevisnaw4443]

I really like when you make the photo shops to make the small edits so we can see what you are talking about!

[@marconalbandian4321]

Id love more additions to this series, hope u make more!

[@dennator4395]

I would've loved having the taillights follow the body panels like you showed it! Great video as always! Artura is kind of a mashup of art and nature btw. :)

[@ingenere]

You surely left your mark on McLaren design...... for the good! I love the look of this car (not so much the name). I just wish it wasn't a hybrid. I want my sports and supercars to just have IC engines, thank you! It makes me love my 570 just that much more! Keep up the great work Frank.

[@Alot0fmonkeys]

Been waiting for this super hyped!

[@Obi-WanKannabis]

The 720s definitely looks better imo. Still the best looking Mclaren to date. Though the P1 comes close

[@marciliojunior4919]

For me is P1 then 720S then speedtail

[@thecompanioncube4211]

Senna: said no one ever

[@christophercatto7184]

Great review Frank :-) I liked this and your comments on the 'MESH'! I remember when we were in MPC while I was zeroing the 720S suspension routines and you dropped the same joke about why people shouldn't stick hands in the back of cars. It's a great car, saw one along the M3 and liked it even more in the metal. I prefer the front lights to those of the 296. I agree with you that a bit more wrap-around of the rear tail-lights would have given a good signature but I'm guesstimating that the BOM cost and some other details perhaps kept that off the final spec. Great car, hopefully will be one to pick up second hand when the time comes ;-)

[@brunobalestra]

I love the video series! It's truly a privilege to be able to have access to the thoughts of a designer of your stature, an individual of such high accomplishments. As a young teen I always wanted to learn from the greats and this channel provides that very opportunity. I'm grateful to have access, freely, to a mind of a level that so few usually have. Thank you for that mr. Stephenson! If I may be so bold, would you also analyze some more mundane cars, even old ones? I know the supercars are what draws everybody in but it would also be interesting to have your take on the best sellers and run of the mill cars.

[@StoicPrince1674]

Great critque. I love that you're completely honest but keep it professional. It must be hard to publicly critique your colleague's work.

[@larssonk22]

I love the design. It looks so aggressive but sensual. When I saw the recessed eyes I thought they skipped straight to the LT variant.

[@vedranpevec4483]

Amazing car and amazing content from Mr. Stephenson

[@antonstepanov488]

Excellent remarks! Subbed Would’ve subbed again for that 10 to Honda E, love how it looks very much

[@taipoxin]

Love your analysis and agree with you on all your points. Especially with the rear tail-lights. The P1 was epic and they should have kept the lights that follow the contour.

[@zrevan4262]

Oh wow! I personally requested this! Thanks a lot! 🥰🥰🥰

[@PG-20]

"But those are precisely the kind of people we have to eliminate from the gene pool" that roast was insane

[@amgnaciri5937]

I love watching this segment

[@NLBassist]

I was waiting on the mesh part and Iw asn't disappointed!

[@joela6542]

I love these design reviews, a Mclaren speedtail review would be great

[@ChrisPlow]

Frank, as always you nailed that review and are bang on with those little detail changes. I feel sure the designers thinking crap wish I’d thought of that! 😂 I have a 12C Spider in the garage and your signed P1 sketch on the wall, you are the man !👍🏎💨💨

[@davey_projects2977]

There is a town near me called "Aratula". So this car will always be a tiny town with a huge bp servo.

[@Microdomus]

Don`t MESH around with Frank! Interesting critique as always!

[@SAITHCO]

the mclaren p1 is one of the best if not the best ass in the automotive world

[@edwardchan7348]

love the mess at rear end and the brake lights make the car unique but agree on the badge comment on the bonnet

[@traffordsec4322]

Love the design suggestions to clean up the vents and wing mirrors. In addition to the rear window I think the side intakes look similar to the Dino's albeit on steroids. Fank please review the T50 soon!

[@TRLSalt]

The McLaren Is named from the words "Art" and "Future" I thought? McLaren hasn't had the most soulful model names in my opinion, just numbers and letters. Right on point with how the tail lights shoul've been, I guess they didn't want it too much like the P1 given they're exclusivity. Would love to see a NA McLaren with a hybrid system, ditch those turbos when electric makes up for the speed!

[@l2etranger]

3:45 That’s what stands out; it could have just followed along with that wing, more tucked in, or depending on how much cooling the lens would need.

[@jonathanfay7673]

This channel is a hidden gem. Agree with almost everything except the Roma being above on the scoreboard. If I had a choice between the two it’d be the mclaren everyday of the week, it has a real presence, while the Ferrari is a tad Aston Martin. Would love to hear your thoughts on the latest BMW i4

[@rohitashrith9627]

Arturo gatti is what comes to my mind

[@Darrf]

S E N S U A L I think they should have called the car "The McLaren Sensual"

[@neoqueto]

Imagine instead of the mesh or prison cell using multiple horizontal stripes that follow the direction of the curvature of the diffuser housing and the rear body, smoothly blending between the contours like waves or something, that would've been pretty sick

[@sammyhtb]

Critique suggestions for upcoming videos: Civic type R and any Koenigsegg

[@iFuff]

I bet he doesn’t like the civic. 🤔 I kinda like it.

[@sammyhtb]

@@iFuff that's exactly why I suggested it, like the new 4 series with the bad nose. I want to know what's going through a designer's head when designing something controversial like that.

[@iFuff]

@@sammyhtb I get you. I feel some designs are just trend analysis and decorative.

[@samargupta4624]

Hey Frank, loved this video, I was wondering if you can review the new Porsche 911 to the older generations before it. Anyways always a pleasure watching!

[@drifter1234100]

What's the point. They all look exactly the same. Porsche doesn't even need a design team for the 911

[@donfraser8121]

Good choice of cigar sat on the table there Frank!

[@morcha5107]

When are you going to do the speedtail? It’s unlike anything around. I would love your take on it.

[@jayp.6166]

McLaren would not be what they are today without you Mr. Stephenson. You're techniques and design elements are still ALL OVER newly released McLarens

[@objectivethinker3225]

I disagree about the organic McLaren logo versus the squared off logo on the front of the hood. If you've ever owned one of these cars you know that you need that large squared off logo to push the frunk closed without pressing on the paint.

[@kiwidan2271]

Strongly agree with having the Mclaren Kiwi/swish for the front badge

[@rodrigomoraes7633]

So ARTURA is the mesh between ART & FUTURA (because of the hybrid system). The proportions are very well designed making the car look compact... very well executed in my opinion...

[@jassas9248]

Please review the SENNA! would be interesting to hear your thoughts on that

[@arturasstatkus8613]

Very correct observations.

[@stefanegger]

5:25 - how small this guy is inside the car. He is so tiny, it's incredible.

[@travismiller8847]

Great video! I noticed you are a cigar smoker. Is that a Bolivar? Also I grow bonsai trees, is that a real tree on your desk? I truly enjoy watching your videos because it is so nice to see a designers perspective. I love learning processes and this has opened a window into your world.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Glad you enjoy the videos Travis and congrats on your great eye for detail. Well spotted, the cigar is a Bolivar Belicosos Finos sitting on an electroplated 24 karat gold cigar rest by awesome www.son-son.com and my bonsai tree is from Lego...www.lego.com/en-gb/product/bonsai-tree-10281

[@BBQBoss]

Hi, just started watching; quick point: @ 2 mins in you have the 570s title under a 650s image and 675lt title under a 570s image. Thanks

[@matthewwoolf6857]

I love how the mclaren swoosh logo looks like the lights

[@delbroox]

It has grown on me, when it first came out I wasn't sure about it

[@pereldh5741]

Nice comments! I agree on most of it apart from the line around the side intakes, I think it’s perfect as it is and would loose tension being one single curve. I was part of the small group modelling the exterior of this back in 2018 (front/side mainly) and I remember wondering how many would pick up it’s actually carry-over 720 headlamps.. they’re well disguised in there

[@Some1SaveMyGoat]

Great content Frank! You think you could review the FRS/BRZ/86 or the Nissan Z?