I had a chance to walk the floor of the New England International Auto Show yesterday (full transparency: I went as a guest of General Motors). I hadn’t been to the NEIAS since it moved from the Bayside Expo Center to the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, so this was an interesting change from what I was used to.
I haven’t owned a car for 2-1/2 years, and I’ve always been a proponent of smaller cars. But I’m finding myself more interested in a number of Crossovers — vehicles “built on a car platform but borrowing features from a traditional Sport Utility Vehicle.” (Wikipedia). I appreciate that manufacturers are beginning to give these vehicles more car-like design and (in some cases) improved fuel economy, while having the cargo capacity of larger SUVs.
It’s with this increased level of interest that I present my Top 7 Crossover Designs for 2010:
Subaru Outback
With it’s most recent redesign, the Subaru Outback becomes an altogether separate vehicle from the Legacy sedan and wagon. The Outback retains the look of a tall wagon, but with more rugged accents, like that chunky lower fascia and the thick plastic roof rack. Subaru seems to also be following the trend of pulling the headlights up the hood, which gives the Outback a more aggressive stance than earlier versions.
Toyota Venza
Do you remember the Camry Wagon? There was such a thing, up until is was discontinued in 1996. The Toyota Venza is the spiritual predecessor of that wagon, what with no hints of truckishness you see in the RAV4 and Highlander. I like the Venza’s clean lines and kind of angry robo-Camry front end.
Ford Flex
If you’re looking for a modern surf-wagon, the Ford Flex is it. The Flex is a long, low ride, and the three horizontal indents along the sides only accentuate that. That bold-yet-simple front grill contrasts sharply with that of the Venza. To me, it speaks to Ford’s recommitment to product design and development.
Audi Q5
If one brand represents class, to me it’s Audi. The Audi Q5’s clean lines, subtle accent crease along the side, and black-and-chrome front grille are all signs of a kind of understated style that speaks volumes compared to its competitors.
BMW 5501 GT
The BMW 550i GT is based (and named) after the 550i sedan, but with more legroom (same as a 7-series) and headroom (same as the X5). The shape of the 5501 GT is oddly-coupelike and has a rear trunk that opens like a regular trunk or a hatchback. It’s a striking design, as with most BMWs, but it’s one that feels like it doesn’t fit well into any one category, like the X3, X5 and (to an extent) the X6 do.
Lincoln MKT
Built on the same platform as the Flex but with an entirely different outlook, the Lincoln MKT is all about urban luxury. Like the Flex, the MKT rides low to the ground, and that big overbite grill harkens back to Lincolns of yore, like this 1940 Lincoln Convertible. A single belt line runs from the driving lights in the lower front facia, then high up along the side of the MKT, then ending at the wrap-around tail lamps. It’s a modern design that reflects – and respects – Lincolns of the past, without garishly copying their look.
Cadillac SRX
At the other end of American luxury crossovers is the Cadillac SRX. Cadillac has adopted an angular, modern design with a much more athletic shape. It was a design — and attitude — that started in the CTS sedan, and has spread through the rest of the line. Like Lincoln, it’s a sign of their rebirth, but Cadillac is going about it in a different way, by looking ever forward.
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on Sunday, December 6th, 2009 at 11:18 pm and is filed under auto design.
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