Chrysler design done with the 'edge,' going organic

Posted Sep 2nd 2008 9:32AM by Jonathon Ramsey
Filed under: Chrysler, LLC., Dodge, Lifestyle

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Trevor Creed resigned from the position of Chrysler's head of design, and as of today is succeeded by Ralph Gilles, the man who designed the 300C. Since every change at the top comes with a "new sheriff in town" speech -- or at least one-liner -- this is what Gilles had to say: "It's definitely time for a new aesthetic at Chrysler. ... We're done with the 'edge' look."

Gilles says he wants the Pentastar's cars to look more "organic." This being art, however, that could really mean anything. For concrete examples and practical considerations he mentioned the Dodge Zeo and Chrysler Ecovoyager, and said that he wants to design "sexy" cars that will appeal around the world. Intriguing statements from the gent known for a car that epitomizes the American muscle sedan, but we are all in favor, and we say "aye." The only question is how soon will they start the redesign, and what will organic look like?

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

 

I hope that is supposed to be with one of the electric or hybrid models because all I can say about that one is "ick!" The Dodge Zeo is a good looking car though if you ask me, but that one just looks wrong. I don't know why Chrysler seems like they keep wanting to make all their models look alike especially when a styling theme is obviously not working.

 

Well, you know they never make the actual cars like the concepts. They just form ideas from them.

 

True; however, some of the designs they have come out with lately make me nervous. I guess it isn't over till its over, but this design just looks wrong to me.

 

Organic design? Wasnt that the look in the late 80s and early 90s? It wasnt a good look then, and it certainly isnt now. Going bold and edgy is what put ChryCo on the map in the first place and set the trends for whats out there now. Why go back to the same old look that all the followers left behind to emulate us in the first place?

 

...And btw, that thing looks a bit like a tadpole to me. Or maybe like that wind-up swimming froggy toy I had as a toddler...

 

Honestly, I think we ARE in the designs styles of the late 80s early 90s. I want to see a return to more aerodynamic/sporty styling; however, I don't want to be driving around in eggs and bubbles either.

 

like the prius?

 

I'm not a big fan of the ecovoyager but the zeo concept was supposedly designed with an organic look and it's pretty sweet:



Keep in mind Gilles was design head on the new Ram and that turned out awesome

 

Yes, or anything that resembles that disturbing creation of Dr. Frankstein.

The Zeo doesn't look bad, I just would like them to finish the car (it only looks half finished to me with the abrupt ending). One thing that Chrysler has had trouble with is they put in a decent effort on the front, but they just suddenly end the car or the rear doors just look wrong with that attempted muscle look. If you want to make it look like a muscle coupe, then make a muscle coupe. Make a sedan look like a sedan (and make sure that it looks good in the process to someone besides a bunch of "Yes men").