Ash Thorp is mostly known for his work as a graphic designer and illustrator. Most recently, he was a vehicle illustrator for the major motion picture “The Batman.” That’s right, he crafted the latest Batmobile. Now, he’s turned his attention to this humble Datsun 240Z and the result is a near-perfect balance of form and function.
Thorp is quick to point out his partner on this project, Carlos Pecino, part of Make Haste Corp, an automotive design firm. The two worked together on this project simultaneously and brought the car to the SEMA Show earlier this year. At the event, automotive photographer Larry Chen interviewed Thorp about the car.
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In his own words, this car is about “what a Z can be.” To that end, this car features many original design cues that have a lot more exaggeration to them. Take for instance the small crease in the door. It’s faint in the original 240Z but here it’s bigger and it, along with the extended beltline makes for a wider rear fender without breaking up the design language at the door opening.
Other details also hint at the original car. The lines at the front of each fender pay homage to now vacant headlights. The open grille area at the nose provides the right silhouette while also diving into a new negative space. In fact, negative space is a major part of the design. On the rear of each fender the negative space allows for placement of wing-mirror-view cameras.
That blending of form and function is a key component too. The rear diffuser and grille provide functional cooling while keeping with the visual cues. It’s a very cohesive design that looks good and can actually run and drive too. This car houses a Tesla Model S motor on the rear axle that makes “about 400 horsepower.” (299 kW). That isn’t bad for a car that its creators believe weighs less than 2,500 pounds (1,133 kg).
This isn’t Thorp’s only automotive work featured here on Carscoops either. Back in 2020, he was behind Ken Block’s HooniFox concept. That car also blended past design cues with modern and futuristic ones.