Design through the decades: 1990s

We take a walk through seven decades of the most interesting automotive designs. This week - the '90s.

Check out the other parts in this series:

Design through the decades: 1980s
Design through the decades: 1970s
Design through the decades: 1960s
Design through the decades: 1950s

Jaguar XJ220 (1992)

The XJ220 was a concept car come to life.

The 1990s were a transformative era. Computer-aided design (CAD) became mainstream, whilst the rigid, boxy design philosophies of the 80s were gradually supplanted by a return to the curves of earlier decades. 

The XJ220 was part past, part future.

The Jaguar XJ220 is perhaps one of the best examples of this change. CAD and other digital technologies helped guide the XJ220’s aerodynamically efficient long and wide shape with a low glasshouse. Meanwhile, the subtly curved wheel arches harked back to classic Jaguars of the 50s and 60s.

McLaren F1 (1993)

The first vehicle to feature carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.

Design wise, the McLaren F1 is a prime example of form following function in the pursuit of ultimate speed whilst retaining everyday comfort and usability.

The F1 is a prime example of form following function.

The first production vehicle to feature a lightweight yet strong carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) chassis, every design aspect of the McLaren F1 maximises the car’s speed and driver involvement. Other notable design aspects included a unique three-seat layout and an engine bay lined with gold foil for heat insulation.

BMW E39 5 Series (1995)

Business at the front.

Whilst clearly not as superlative as the aforementioned XJ220 and McLaren F1, the E39 5 Series is applaudable for its understated elegance borne out of its clean, handsome exterior design.

Business at the back.

A solitary bone line running along the side helps to visually elongate the car, whilst the lack of unnecessary styling accoutrements develops a refined, polished impression ideal for the 5 Series’ intended market.

Mazda NA MX-5 (1990)

Designed with thought to a lost era of british roadsters.

Although technically designed and built in 1989, the NA MX-5 went on sale outside of Japan as a 1990 model year car.

Echoing classic '60s British roadsters from MG and Lotus, the MX-5 was impressive because of its uncompromising focus on sheer driving fun.

The MX-5 lacks extraneous character lines.

The MX-5’s pure styling is a clear consequence of its designers’ clarity of thought. The hidden pop-up headlamps, compact rear-wheel-drive proportions and the absence of extraneous character lines develop a clean, simple look that complements the MX-5’s convertible body-style and gives away its driver centric focus.

Audi TT (1999)

Bold and contemporary, the TT was an avant-garde design.

Launched at the tail end of the 1990s, the TT was remarkable for its unashamedly bold and contemporary styling.

Smooth, seamless surfacing

The TT was most laudable for its smooth, seamless surfacing. Integrated front and rear bumpers, symmetrical head and taillights and a glasshouse with a semi-circular side profile combined to create an unmistakably unique, avant-garde design.

What's your favorite piece of automotive design from the 1990s? Tell us about it in the comments.