Beauty in automotive design is inherently subjective, yet certain redesigns have managed to unite critics and enthusiasts in shared disappointment. While designers today must navigate a complex web of pedestrian safety standards, crash regulations, and fuel-efficiency targets, some models fell significantly short of their predecessors' legacies. Here are five instances where a sports car redesign failed to hit the mark.
1. BMW E60 M5
Replacing the revered E39 M5 proved to be a monumental challenge for BMW. The E60 faced heavy criticism for its departure from the clean, cohesive lines of the previous generation. Critics famously likened its aesthetics to the eccentric spectacles of Edna Everage, and the interior was seen as lacking the driver-focused, premium feel of its predecessor. Beyond the design, the E60 is often remembered for the mechanical unreliability of its complex V10 engine, making it a polarizing figure in the M-series history.
2. Porsche 996 911
For purists, the transition from the 993 to the 996 generation was a jarring break from tradition. The 996 was the first 911 to move away from air-cooled engines, which alone caused significant friction. However, the visual styling—specifically the "fried egg" headlights and the shared components with the entry-level Boxster—drew the most ire. While it remains a high-performance machine, it is widely considered the black sheep of the 911 family due to its divergence from classic brand heritage.
3. Toyota Supra A90
The return of the Supra was highly anticipated, but the A90 model faced immediate scrutiny regarding its proportions. Because the car shares its chassis architecture with the BMW Z4, critics have argued that it feels confined by the donor platform. Enthusiasts often point to its narrow stance, height, and elevated bonnet as departures from the aggressive spirit of previous Supras. Despite decent performance reviews, many feel the A90 never fully shed its "BMW DNA" to establish an identity of its own.
4. Ferrari 512M
Replacing the legendary Testarossa was an impossible task, and the 1994 512M ultimately struggled to live up to the original's iconic status. To meet evolving safety standards, Ferrari replaced the signature pop-up headlights with fixed lamps and altered the rear taillight design. While the 512M featured the most powerful version of the classic F113 engine, the stylistic changes were seen as a step back, turning what was once a futuristic "poster car" into a model that felt dated shortly after its release.
5. Ford Mustang II
Often cited as the most notorious redesign in American automotive history, the Mustang II arrived in 1974 amid the oil crisis. To adapt, Ford built the car on the subcompact Pinto platform, resulting in a dramatic loss of muscle car presence. Even the reintroduction of the V8 engine couldn't restore its former glory due to strict emissions regulations of the era. However, from a business perspective, the model was a massive success; its high sales numbers arguably saved the Mustang nameplate during a difficult decade for the industry.