My Exteriors 4 (Spring 2015) project... a halo vehicle for Maserati targeting the urban professional woman, the iconoclastic fashionista. Front engine (horizontally opposed 4 cylinder), rear wheel drive, 2 seater. Organic, Voluptuous, Flowing... The Absolute Opposite of Ordinary
Maserati is a prestigious brand with a long history steeped in competition. One of its most famous racers, the Tipo 60/61 Birdcage is the namesake for my proposed road-going model. Based on demographic trends, this new car targets the wealthy, urban, female buyer.
Compact, nimble, and powerful, the 2025 Birdcage is a two-seat, front engined, rear wheel drive coupe that incorporates a space-efficient horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine.
Initial ideation... inspired by the shapes and forms found on the exterior of the Disney Concert Hall.
Further ideation, and refinement.
Ideation yielded two competing designs. Direction A, seen here emphasized a stretched proportion. (Model built using Alias, and rendered in Keyshot.)
Direction A incorporates technical front styling, and a simple horizontally oriented tail light that emphasizes the car's width.
Photoshop renders of Direction B (final design direction) show a more planted, voluptuous design.
Broad rear fenders communicate strength and agility.
The Birdcage's front end exudes a powerful, flowing, and aggressive persona.
Clay Model (side view) shows a pronouced dash-to-axile ratio which conveys power, and hints at the rear-wheel drive configuration. Partially hiding the wheel wells, "slash lines" add visual interest, and help the eye quickly move fore/aft. Fender shapes echo the historic Tipo 60/61. Triple side exhaust pipes are an aggressive twist on Maserati's trademark triple side portal styling clue.
Fastback styling exudes speed and provides ample cabin storage. Door aperture extends into the roof to aid ingress/egress. Bold tail light graphics emphasize the width of the car while placing visual weight on its corners.
Thanks to its horizontally opposed engine, the Birdcage's hood can dip down low between its front fenders, creating a crouched stance. The large grill opening expresses a powerful persona whle exuding the Maserati brand.
