Blacked out C/D Pillars : Lets talk about them

[mikeavelli]

So Buick debuted a Verano Hatch in China with a blacked out D-pillar....seems this is one trend that is going to continue to grow.

What are your thoughts on this design trend so far?

 

[mikeavelli]

 

[mmcartalk]

IMO, just another styling gimmick (though it may increase the cost of production slightly). I'm not a big fan of the floating roof design or of blacked-out C-pillars, though I don't have any real problem with it as long as rear-visibility is not too adversely impacted. But I DO dislike tunnel-vision when trying to look back.

 

[IS-SV]

I like floating roof on SUVs, usually not cars, and only if well-styled.

Also tinting 2 front side windows enhances the look.

Examples: CX-3, Evoque, RX

 

[krew]

I like floating roofs but don't like the way the chrome trim is being handled -- I prefer the Jag and the Prius due to this. There's something abrupt about the other designs.

 

[Tragic Bronson]

For Toyota, lower line models were painted, while the upper grades were blacked out.

 

[CIF]

For me, it totally depends on the design and how it's implemented, as well as how it fits with the rest of the vehicle. The way it's done on the Buick, Toyota, and Lexus is subtle, while I find the way it's done on the Nissan and Jaguar is more jarring and makes you focus your attention on it.

 

[mikeavelli]

Another one... the New Chevy Bolt EV... also note the sideview mirrors have that boomerang effect like the NSX..

 

[IS-SV]

^ Good pic of Bolt electric, getting most of its press due to claim of 200 mile range.

 

[Gecko]

Stupid and I'm not a fan, personally. Jag does it especially poorly. Why black out the pillar but still run chrome through the silhouette? WTF?

XJ only looks good in darker colors because of this, IMO.

 

[IS-SV]

XJ's look best with 35% high quality tint on all 5 windows (all side and rear windows), quite effective from styling standpoint. (kind of like above pic)

Actually many of these floating roof/black C D pillar vehicles would benefit from similar tint treatment.

 

[RAL]

I like floating roofs but don't like the way the chrome trim is being handled -- I prefer the Jag and the Prius due to this. There's something abrupt about the other designs.

 

[mikeavelli]

LC 500

 

[IS-SV]

Yes LC 500. With a fastback roofline that sleek and tasteful high quality aftermarket tint on all side/rear windows (similar to as shown), sweet.

 

[mikeavelli]

I noticed it on the Toyota Alphard while in Japan. Seems to be some of them not all of them.

 

[mmcartalk]

I noticed it on the Toyota Alphard while in Japan. Seems to be some of them not all of them.

View attachment 1173

To me, that B-pillar behind the driver looks like a shark swimming backwards.

 

[mikeavelli]

Forgot about the Murai

 

[mikeavelli]

Aston Martin new DB11, seems its two tone (as an option I assume)

 

[RAL]

floating roofline ... deja vu
came across this old picture of the 1990 Cutlass Supreme SL ... I bought new 26 years ago!

 

[mmcartalk]

Minis, with all of their pillars blacked out, probably have the ultimate floating-roof effect...especially with the white or special-trim roofs.