McLaren P1 Designer Analyses The New Solus GT

World renowned designer and ex-chief of design at McLaren, Frank Stephenson, analyses the new Solus GT.
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Hi everyone,
This episode I'm casting a discerning eye over the new Solus GT from my old company, McLaren. The original concept for this car was one of the last projects that was beginning as I was leaving McLaren and it's extremely exciting to see the finished product after all these years.
Enjoy,
Frank.
#frankstephenson #mclaren #solusgt

[@tabishhassan8951]

I like this new format of video but can we occasionally get the old paper design videos as well, that would be awesome ❤️

[@tariqsabbah2621]

Came here to comment the same.

[@mura0]

nothing like pen and paper

[@hegeliansours1312]

Go back to your old home, boomer. Your prune juice is drying up.

[@thirtysixverts]

Those videos made design seem way more approachable and....well human I suppose.

[@pb6198]

@@hegeliansours1312 stop being silly, child

[@lionelcregut1222]

loving how the channel is getting more and more ambitious with the presentation its amazing!

[@miestermind]

@@toastrytoaster a mix. ditch the metaverse, keep the board, bring it all into a warmer atmosphere with cigars and bourbon lol

[@kristoffer3000]

Too bad it looks like it's from the PS2 era and set in a dystopian hellscape future

[@abdullahaliyuw]

You left me speechless! This is the most sincere and constructive critism about design I ever see in my life. I truely respect your level of experience in car design.

[@totaltechno7510]

As a student designer it is so great to see an expert sharing his views and experience. Thank you

[@taylo2079]

I love to hear your thoughts on the Koenigsegg CC850 and the Pagani Utopia! imo Koenigsegg nailed it and Pagani got it badly wrong.

[@phantom_stnd]

The utopia looks like something that came out in 2012

[@untitled795]

if "nailing" it is being completely un-radical, safe, dated and conservative, then yes they most definitely succeeded.

[@iLeetjeeh]

@@untitled795 it is one of the best and most beautiful examples of doing a modern hommage to an older car. They were respectful with their design by tastefully keeping integral parts of the design which made the original car so iconic, but not being boring. I think it looks absolutely stunning.

[@adamsteinhardt6393]

@@phantom_stnd agreed. Feels like a step down from the Huyara too. It’s like Pagani got left behind by the industry

[@Emilioh888]

I'm sure youll appreciate the utopia in 6 months. The spec they showed didn't do it justice. I am starting to like it more.

[@MillywiggZ]

Got to admit I do miss the old designer back garden shed and the doggos. But design moves forwards and across never back.

[@Bmontepeque11]

It's really great to see you back on KZbin! I totally with your fixes to the "Pin head" of the car! Specially the one where you make it wider!

[@larssonk22]

I love the plan view of the car, very alien but purposeful, it reminds of a Horseshoe crab. I agree about the wheel design, if they could figure a way to attach the entire quarter panel to the wheel so when you turned the steering wheel the panels turned too that would be out of this world. I'm not Adrian Newey so I have no idea if that's a good idea or a super idea 😂 Those who know, know 🧐

[@mrsoisauce9017]

It probably would be a good car, but it’s still a car built in 2022 and sold to real people. They couldn’t go so far forward that it just loses all feasibility in the real world

[@tommym8trix]

They should definitely deliver the car with aerodiscs, I think the design is slighty dates, like a very 2010 vision of the future, looks almost aquatic.. Great video tho Frank, love the new style

[@lionelcregut1222]

amazing episode Frank! thank you for making it

[@petercowling6769]

Such great production values to add to the already immaculate presentation of knowledge. Thanks!

[@Mhlanyo]

Hi Frank. Glad you're back to posting. Love your content. Can't wait for the new 2023 BMW M2 Design Analyses.

[@peersteffensen6722]

Love the idea with the covered wheels! It looks much sleeker and more futuristic. Thanks for analysing 🖤

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Cheers Peer! 👍

[@LionFace]

That was great! I would love to see more thoughts on other vision GT cars. I have noticed a number of them have influenced future design elements that have made their way into production cars from their respective brands.

[@Gaphalor]

My all time favourite must be the classy AMG Vision GT, when I saw that thing the first time my jaw dropped!

[@6000neo]

This is GREAT content, you're knocking it out of the park

[@GS-fk8dw]

This is the best analysis of a vehicle that you have ever given!

[@akshitdas2012]

Thank you so much Mr. Stephenson for such a thorough design analysis of the Solus GT. At 5:17 your enthusiasm and appreciation for the rear end were so engaging, that I suddenly felt a rush of adrenaline within myself.

[@wuzzym]

This format is really cool. Keep it up and I'd like to see what else you can do with it!

[@CGinPersian]

man I'm just learning so much thanks for sharing your knowledge and intuition 🙏🙏

[@mcash82]

I'm not an expert but I totally agree with your analysis, I always had that feeling that I saw that car somewhere and it was enlightening when you showed the anime 😄 I immediately thought "that's where I saw that car!!" Thanks Frank, your videos are to be appreciated

[@Benson_Benjo_official]

Whenever I see your video, I dedicate my time completely to focus on each and every valuable word of yours... Keep making amazing videos!!! I love this new style verry much..! Keep inspiring!!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you B&B! 👍

[@alizarde9249]

The Best Part - A-Tension to Detail, the rear lights with a slight curve turn the rear into something disproportionately cooler. YAY! 🍂🍂🍂💨

[@mush95ahd]

Getting to watch these videos from a legend such as frank for free is such a blessing.

[@ratuldeoun7228]

Love your passion and enthusiasm for automotive, Frank!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Ratul! 👍

[@gold333]

What a brilliant Format. Go Frank!!

[@jamesengland7461]

Thank you for another brilliant lesson, Frank!

[@Romansmile7]

I love this channel and the Designer behind it! You got a great video team behind you!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you H! 👍

[@nathanaelstewart159]

Great commentary. Exiting in the sense any fast looking race car is exiting, but beyond that very aesthetically flawed just as Frank points out. The rear is definitely the highlight, but even there Frank's tail light change made a world of difference.

[@benhooper1956]

Great video once again Frank, and the format is maturing nicely - worked really well on my laptop screen and could clearly see what you were drawing my focus to. As for the car? meh. Really looking forward to seeing what you cover next, any chance of some more everyday cars that are in the pipeline?

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks for the great feedback Ben! 👍

[@d96669b]

haven't watched bro for 2 months and now I come back to him going full iphone announcement style

[@JokerForLife]

I loke the fact you kept "gooder" in there and even said it again! A little touch of humor here and there fits perfect with the form factor

[@jamdc2000]

Damn! This new format is badass

[@nmarks]

When I was growing up, along our street was an old, introverted couple with the surname Solus. They very much kept themselves to themselves, never speaking to anyone in the neighbourhood. Apparently, Mr Solus owned a small failing engineering company and he and Mrs Solus went everywhere together in their Vauxhall Viva. We knew they were very poor. They never tended their garden or maintained the outside of their home. Eventually, when Mr Solus died, Mrs Solus opened up to the neighbours in the area and eventually, they managed to get a look inside their house. It was in even worse condition than feared. It was so bad, there was even an actual tree growing through the floorboards inside the living room. So incredibly sad.

[@francisleonardomatthewfan7348]

Hi Frank, I absolutly love the idea of the new format of the video! Especially haven't seen your video for a while, but here are some of my suggestions: 1 I really enjoy the original one which have a slightly faster pace transition between each topic, which carries my all the way along and feels nice and clear, the new 3D transition is great, but I think we could shorten the time of the transition to make the video more compact and sleak 2 The 3d model is not quite high-resolution! Even in 4k, the viewing experience varies during the watching experience, there is a very blur stage at the start of the video and it looks like a 360p. 3 The background of the 3d model is too dark, it is like some sort of end of world environment, a lighter or less complex structure makes viewing experience better and feel more designer 4 more 3D model could be used in exterior analyses, rather than flat screen introduction Overall the idea is good, just need some tiny touch-ups to make the new version better!!!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Francis, very helpful input, much appreciated! 💥👍

[@Uns46]

A free master class on automotive design ❤❤❤

[@HTFTG]

I agree about the canopy being proportionally too narrow, but only like the ”solution” of widening the base. Cutting away from the sides just makes it look even worse imo. Totally agree on the wheels though. Great vid.

[@vuki]

Hey frank im loving this new format!

[@prashanthp5448]

I'd love to hear your take on the design cues of the new G87 M2.

[@sh0ryualfa393]

Add the new 7 Series in there too. Such an ugly car.

[@brainfleming8756]

Wow, great to see that you are back! Cheers.

[@Marvelous0071]

I wanna design a car for this man just to see him pick it apart, I appreciate a good critic.

[@tideloohamar3727]

Greenscreen CGI is really tough to pull off well. Unfortunately I don’t think it works well here. Please go back to the office view! It was so warm, cozy, and wholesome. Much better feel for the channel

[@blazexiytb]

You are a genius!! I think the turbo Fans from the speedtail would also fit pretty well on this to give it the floating feeling

[@stephenhare7369]

It's clear you are now having so much fun with this. Im really happy for you Frank 🙋‍♂️ #fanfromwayback

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Stephen! 👍

[@indopleaser]

Extreamly cool video stage!

[@LukaLeban-ro2sx]

I suggest you make an analysis of the design of the new Ford GT in your next video.

[@javierdelatorre9560]

Hola Curro. Me alegro de poder ver tus videos. KZbin no me notificaba nada tuyo desde hacía mucho tiempo. Un abrazo desde Cádiz.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Hola hombre y muchas gracias! No se porque el KZbin no avisa, veremos si se arregla.

[@javierdelatorre9560]

@@FrankStephensondesign ya estaba preocupàndome por si habías abandonado tu carrera de youtuber, Jejeje. Los dos videos que he visto están mucho más elaborados, pero verte sentado con papel y bolígrafo BIG, también tenía su encanto. Espero que hayas disfrutado del verano y si has estado por Málaga, mejor. Seguimos en contacto. Cuídate crack.

[@theblizzard9926]

I just want to say, you're the best, classic, timeless, a legend

[@zodiacmanan]

Loving this new look and style Frank - content is awesome as always... maybe you can do a separate series, where you do the paper sketches - it is great learning for us.....

[@alvinibhamjamil8106]

this channel is beautiful, thankyou frank!

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thank you Alvin! 👍

[@user-gl5ld9vm7i]

Frank, I am so glad you're back. And posting again

[@delbroox]

Never realised it before, but it actually looks strikingly similar to a Mini4WD from Tamiya's 90s models...Lol

[@HighSEAL]

Man... I totally agree with Frank. Every time he is on point. I wish he designed more cars

[@davemilne2484]

You are a master designer. I wish I could learn from you. But these videos are a great way to do that!

[@yuumetal2363]

Lamborghine, Ferarri, and this design becoming like a 90th Japanese anime Future GPX Cyber Formula.

[@Lowdo1549]

Really enjoyed this, Frank. First time viewer here.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Welcome aboard!

[@hueyh5637]

Love the new format, feels very personal and makes me feel like I’m with you in a blade runner Esque world.

[@thereadyroom]

Yes we shall never forget the Escos rear wing...!

[@carlexplores8709]

Not sure about the canopy analysis, but your comments on the wheels and lights were bang on!

[@kuzzbillington6392]

To summarize the warmth and joy of McLaren design; Glass, steel and chrome. Dead and cold.

[@pab3783]

Frank, don’t abandon the desk. We still like the videos in your studio.

[@Vanilla.coke1234]

1) For desirability, I always try to look at it as though its free and there's one for every person on the planet. Is it still a desirable vehicle? Is it still an inspiring and engaging design? Does it still invite you to drive it and enjoy driving it? 2) I feel like simply just treating the wheels in a similar way to the speedtail (front wheels specifically) and/or 1930's luxury sports cars (encased but louvered rear wheels). Or even just by doing what the One-77 or Valkyrie do. They're relatively antiquated in fundamentals, but they bring intrigue, and thus engagement.

[@macmaccourt]

Great review as usual. Excellent! I agree with all points covered. ******* stars

[@bakhteria]

the wipers can be replaced with high powered air jet that fluctuates speed relative to the speed of the car. It can create a wind screen to keep water off.

[@VinWeiLee27171]

wow...........can't believe you reference cyber formula, that's the anime that got me into cars

[@chrisdevane3486]

Beautiful car fabulous craftsmanship

[@QuickQuips]

TBH it feels like a half hearted T50, and that one doesn't have half as many pinhead or bloated proportions. Also wow on the production values.

[@maximiliantyrot4788]

I would personaly say that it's less of a future vision for McLaren but that it's a great testbed for technology and ideas. But great video like always Frank!

[@ToreHansen]

Congrats with the new style of the show!

[@ii7317]

At least it has no mesh panels. But you're entirely correct on the wheel covers, cockpit and the lack of the third wing especially, the last one is totally unacceptable!

[@TheFaxoy]

Very interesting analyse! And woaw 25 of those! I feel like it is a lot.

[@leanderkronos9414]

thanks for the video!

[@stanschloesser6725]

Good stuff Frank. Your opinion certainly adds value. I hear your voice when I look at any car today. Lol

[@someoneyoudontknow4920]

This quality is so damn good, keep it up

[@rubelnewell1461]

I kind of liked the idea of covering the wheels, I agree it might be a bit of a headache. But it does look very futuristic, while at the same time giving a nod to the race cars of old (Jaguar XJR-12)

[@SpeedPhysics]

new format of presenter over touch sensitive screen is much more welcoming. think the solus gt' single wiper is done that way more for technical reasons because there is a support just behind it like a halo on a single seater racing car so the wiper would be out of the drivers sight

[@robertegge3524]

Excellent analysis

[@timalger9488]

I’d camouflage the fender struts with a fancy mesh inlay that was set back slightly, the wheels I’d cover like the longtail but intergrate air scoops to feed air into the brakes, the canopy I would have integrated 1 maclaren opening door and a false door with faux cut lines the other side depending on which country you live in. The sides of the car are to bulky and need to be slenderer toward the rear.

[@nitinbhugun2181]

This reminds me of the citroen GT of a few years ago. Same concept with Gran Turismo asking a car company to make a real life car. To me the Citroen GT still meets the desirability criteria and has futuristic looking wheels and the back and represents the brand in my mind as a futuristic citroen.

[@NitrogenUA]

Knowing you had personal involvement with the brand and still gave the car fair criticism it deserves shows integrity and commands respect. Well done! 👏

[@Maedetto]

Pleeeease review the design of the new Ferrari Purosangue!! In general would be good your point of view on the new FUV,SUV from different makers such as Lamborghini, Aston, Bentley, Rolls, etc since you designed the BMW X5!

[@Devin.Kurant]

It's intriguing to watch these futuristic halo cars morph into reality as they make their way into production. With Aston Martin's Valkyrie & Valhalla disrupting the market exposing the inner chassis into their design language, I feel automakers will incorporate better drag coefficient low slung designs, even change seating arrangement to *prone* as an experimental gesture.

[@orenweis9916]

Thanks Frank. Great video.

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Oren! 👍

[@griptopia]

FS goes VR...! love love love it

[@clintsweet8007]

The tail lights would look good on the trailing edge of the vertical wing supports. I know Cadillac does this, but it would also look great on this design.

[@signorpippistrello]

Great review as expected! But scrolling through the comments……Well, moving forward yes of course. Had this been the first FS video I had ever watched I would have probably left after two minutes.

[@N7Sound]

Always a pleasure hearing you talking about design and solutions. Wasn't this one designed by Alex and the team?

[@LexTNeville]

LMP1 with some next gen aero. However, seeing one of these drive past me in Hampstead would be flabbergasting.

[@veyronel]

Please please please review the rest of other Grand Turismo specials? Like the Mazda Furai, Citroen GT etc... Those concepts, although decades ago but are still modern as they are

[@BrandonSL500]

This is a great looking car from every angle. All his suggestions are only looking only at the visual aspect and not the actual engineering that goes into it which is the other 99%...

[@Harpreet06]

You got to critique the new M2

[@hamishcraven748]

In the case of moving on from the wheels in the side view. A similar design the speedtail wheel covers would have been a step in the right diretion

[@mura0]

The wheels look like something I'd get in the shop around the corner.

[@bradhollohan1636]

If I were designing this car. When you mentioned the rear view about the taillights. I would have made the taillights go along with the flowing design that is throughout the car. That would have the “ human Touch” and would flow with this design.

[@mahoganywood6468]

For single-seater track car shape, my favorite right now would be the McMurtry Spéirling.

[@ettorebugatti6846]

I’ve been waiting for you dr. Freeman, “There was a time they cared nothing for design ... When their only experience of cars was a box”

[@nickygons]

The AR video format is interesting, but my biggest complaint is the content seems fuzzy and not in 4K. Almost looks upsampled from HD. I don't have this issue with other 4K YT content.

[@StayHardened]

Wow… the new production style is REALLY blowing me away 😮

[@FrankStephensondesign]

Thanks Rodolfo. Each new episode will hopefully show a higher level than the previous one. 😉

[@loyisokhumalo1803]

Please talk 2 series, M2 and bmw overall right now. And how some models are ok yet others like XM are questionable

[@iLeetjeeh]

It looks like a 2008 dodge charger. Horrible looking car.

[@tabishhassan8951]

I absolutely agree with your opinion on the car. The first time I saw it I just wasn't interested in it at all, but couldn't tell why, and now you have given words to my thought. Thanks for great work ❤️❤️

[@alexdag692]

was waiting for this .....