See how nice it could be and still keep with the original design?
Isn't that the original thing lol? Though I still like that design.
King
Yes, but notice the subtle aztec pattern of the hull plates, the self illumination on the hull, the glow in the warp nacelles. If they could have back in 1967, this is what she would have looked like. No need to create a FrankenEnterprise like JJ did.
I would argue that you think this ship looks perfect as is becuase you (as most of us here do) have a strong emotional connection to it. If you look at i objectively, the design is nice, but is far to simple to satisfy modern moviegoers. If this movie is going to the the catalyst that revitalizes the franchise, it will still need to be Star Trek, but it will also need to appeal to non-fans and bring them in. A ship that looks like it was designed in the 60's won't do that.
That's by Vektor, an admin of the Art board over on TrekBBS.com.
His stuff has been great for a long time and keeps getting better. He's very talented, and he's working with a great design there.
He's also the one who came up with the April Fool's sketch of the "leaked" new Enterprise design last year. http://trekmovie.com/2007/04/01/trek-xi-design-sketch-debunked/