The backlit grille, a new distinctive automotive design element
BMW, Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen, Skoda ... These brands have one point in common: a grille that can light up on certain models, and optional.But this new way of expressing themselves for ...
07/12/2022
BMW, Rolls-Royce, Volkswagen, Skoda...These brands have one point in common: a grille that can light up on certain models, and optional.But this new way of expressing themselves for designers poses problems.
There was so far only one way to demonstrate the identity of a brand on the front of a vehicle: the work on the lines.The developments on the grille in recent years have been impressive and made possible by design tools and increasingly precise manufacturing methods.
Injected mussels, CAD (computer -assisted design) always more "easy" and powerful, greater possibilities with the work of polyethylene (plastic), and above all the appearance of LEDs for fires, manufacturers compete in imagination.Even if it means, sometimes creating discord among buyers and communities: the large BMW grid, the new logos that swarm lately, the design of the new Citroën C4, there are sharp choices that bring in bright debates.
But the simple design of a front face is no longer sufficient.The car manufacturers have found a new path to assert the brand's visual signature: the backlight.
Et la lumière futThe light signature of the lights (by day, like night) has already enabled most of the car brands to cross a course.If it was very complicated to recognize a car model in the 80s at night (most fires were rectangular), now, each car has its "look" night.And often, an aggressive look, well -gathered eyebrows, as if to assert its power, otherwise, to have the plumage that goes with.
Regard menaçant et affirmé : un désormais grand classique. Et les bandes de LED, la touche Peugeot qui montre que la lumière a aussi sa place en dehors des feux.The problem, again, is that the manufacturers start to go around in circles with the light signatures.All the front faces, with a few exceptions (Mini, Fiat...) Follow the same idea: more and more tapered and stretched fires, which "plunge" in the shape of a V towards a sometimes very imposing grid.
"Hey Mercedes, c'est pas Versailles ici"Thus, several manufacturers have found a method to stand out.The sacrosanct led, which has already transformed certain habitacles into real nightclubs. Les discothèques sont fermées ? Qu'importe, les centaines de Watts de mon installation Bang&Olufsen, Bose ou encore Focal et l'ambiance néon font l'affaire.And the LED path does not stop there: the BMW group, for example, has developed backlit calendar grids at night.
Un logo de siège qui peut s'éclairer. Pour bien vous rappeler l'auto que vous avez achetée, au cas où vous auriez oublié.Rolls-Royce had seized the subject by creating an LED grid which was far too intense at the time of the design.For fear of making other motorists blind (and being prohibited, above all, approval), English engineers had to review their copy.A backlit grid that has made its way to BMW on several models.The Munich group never ceases to enlighten everything: grid, but also logos of buckets!
The fully illuminated front side is not the prerogative of the high -end.It is possible to have a light banner connecting the two lights on the Volkswagen Golf 8.A "simple" LED addition which allows to recognize the compact between a thousand at night.At Skoda, the Enyaq electric SUV will also be entitled to an optional backlit calendre.The argument of the giant of Mlada Boleslav is easy: it is a question of paying tribute to the Czech tradition of the crystal.Enyaq will thus have the sparkle of a glass of the precious material.
Le problème du coût et les limites de la loiThe multiplication of LEDs outside the vehicle inevitably leads to the problem of regulations.Recently, it was Rolls-Royce who had to recall certain vehicles for an enlightened Spirit of Ecstasy emblem, considered non-compliant by Europe.The reason is simple: light pollution.
Many ophthalmologists have already pointed out the role of LED in the degeneration of the human eye retina.Will they be heard one day by the European Commission?As often with "innovations", there is a time when political powers wake up and try to avoid abuses (often when it is already too late), by placing laws, standards.
Then there is a second problem with the multiplication of LEDs.In the event of an accident, and even simple hanging in a parking lot, repair invoices for front shields adorned with sensors and now LED explodes.And with them, the insurance premiums following the same ascending curve.Let us not forget, either, that the lifespan of LEDs in the automobile is debated, and would, according to the ADAC, much less important than what we are sold.And when a LED on a block is faulty, the whole block must be replaced...