Photo: Theophilus Chin
The internet is really keen to show you that if you work hard over a longer period, you can make something amazing that guarantees you 15 seconds of fame. That's why you have people taking a selfie every day, showing the progression of their baby bump or drawing the same portrait every year.
There's also a car equivalent now, but I'm not sure you'll be able to see the improvements. Theophilus Chin has been obsessing over the idea of a Mercedes subcompact for many years. And ever since the B-Class came out five years ago, he has been trying to imagine a rival for the MINI Cooper.
Back in 2011, he proposed something that would be based on the Renault Clio, but his AA-Class looked like the B-Class with a shorter wheelbase and two fewer doors. Not his best work, the project was followed up by the Vision Mini in 2013. This time, he created an A-Class with pug-like stubby features.
By that time Autocar magazine was reporting that Mercedes was considering building a rival for the Audi A1 and MINI's hardtop. But later on, this was dismissed. We still think that the Germans are missing out. It's not about the size of the car, but how close you can come to a premium feel. Which is why the ultra-expensive Audi S1 is doing relatively well.
By 2015, Theophilus had graduated to the O-Class, looking like a shrunken version of the GLA, with silver skid plates and a rugged body kit. We liked that one the least, but this sort of thing is usually down to personal preference.
Finally, we have his latest work, nicknamed the Z-Class. This time around, the GLC has served as the source material, but he got rid of the offroader look by adding an "AMG line" type of bumper. All the major design elements are exaggerated, especially the grille.
But the smaller the car is, the more exaggerated its proportions are. Just compare the Audi Q2 with the Q7, and you'll see what I mean.
Back in 2011, he proposed something that would be based on the Renault Clio, but his AA-Class looked like the B-Class with a shorter wheelbase and two fewer doors. Not his best work, the project was followed up by the Vision Mini in 2013. This time, he created an A-Class with pug-like stubby features.
By that time Autocar magazine was reporting that Mercedes was considering building a rival for the Audi A1 and MINI's hardtop. But later on, this was dismissed. We still think that the Germans are missing out. It's not about the size of the car, but how close you can come to a premium feel. Which is why the ultra-expensive Audi S1 is doing relatively well.
By 2015, Theophilus had graduated to the O-Class, looking like a shrunken version of the GLA, with silver skid plates and a rugged body kit. We liked that one the least, but this sort of thing is usually down to personal preference.
Finally, we have his latest work, nicknamed the Z-Class. This time around, the GLC has served as the source material, but he got rid of the offroader look by adding an "AMG line" type of bumper. All the major design elements are exaggerated, especially the grille.
But the smaller the car is, the more exaggerated its proportions are. Just compare the Audi Q2 with the Q7, and you'll see what I mean.
Google News