Chrysler News: Chrysler Design Boss Say Next Generation Vehicles Will Be Sleeker

[William Maley]

William Maley

Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

June 4, 2012

Chrysler design chief Ralph Gilles says design changes are coming for future Chrysler products. The current lineup is known for their boxy design aesthetic, but Gilles says that's not in line with the industry.

Speaking at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference, a gathering of Michigan political and business leaders, Gilles says aerodynamics are becoming an important design aspect. He uses the Audi A7 and the new Toyota Avalon as vehicles that can have the aerodynamic design usually associated with sports cars.

"The wind is starting to sculpt these vehicles," Gilles said.

Gilles said Chrysler will be abandon the boxy look and go for a sleeker look, starting with the next generation 200 and 300.

"We'll have no choice but to be some of the most wind-swept vehicles that you've ever seen."

How does Chrysler plan to accomplish this? Gilles told reporters that his design team spends between 200-300 hours in the wind tunnel, analyzing the aerodynamics during the vehicle's design stage. Chrysler has also been putting more emphasis on hiring people with experience in fluid dynamics to help further their understanding on aerodynamics.

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[David]

This will be their death. The cars he talks about are bland boring designs and I do not see a JellyBean design being desirable.

We have been down this road and everyone ended up with generic blaw cars.

[Robert Hall]

They already did the aero look in the 90s w/ the LHs and cloud cars.

[Drew Dowdell]

So... the Dodge Intrepid is coming back?

[William Maley]

This will be their death. The cars he talks about are bland boring designs and I do not see a JellyBean design being desirable.

We have been down this road and everyone ended up with generic blaw cars.

They already did the aero look in the 90s w/ the LHs and cloud cars.

I was just going to mention that. The LH cars were some of the most handsome vehicles during the nineties.

I don't think Chrysler will go down the generic blaw route. I do have some faith in the design staff to produce some beautiful and aerodynamic vehicles.

[fullmoon97]

this will be what makes Chrysler stand out. not what kills them. there are alot of people who dont like the boxy 300 and have been calling for a smooth sleek looking 300 for some time now. this MAY be the return of the intrepid but who knows. with the problems they had with the 2.7 they may not want to bring that name up again no matter how good of a car the intrepid actually was. i hope they do keep what makes them different. such as the Cross hairs with dodge.

[SAmadei]

I can see sleeker being a good thing. I like the current LX cars, but they are too thick. Compare the new Challenger to the old... the old is sleeker... without being a jelly bean.

Some slicker designs that aren't jelly beans and the availability of RWD/V8/bodystyle selection could continue to lure me to the Mopar fold, now that GM's stuff is undesirable to me anymore.

[riviera74]

I can see sleeker being a good thing. I like the current LX cars, but they are too thick. Compare the new Challenger to the old... the old is sleeker... without being a jelly bean.

Some slicker designs that aren't jelly beans and the availability of RWD/V8/bodystyle selection could continue to lure me to the Mopar fold, now that GM's stuff is undesirable to me anymore.

Seen the Camaro lately? How about the upcoming Chevy SS? GM may well have answered the bell for you.

[regfootball]

cab forward? again?

"The wind is starting to sculpt these vehicles," Gilles said.

really?

[Robert Hall]

Aero is old news.

[David]

They are going to have to really come out with a striking design to get me to buy into this new wind is sculpting the cars.

[SAmadei]

Seen the Camaro lately? How about the upcoming Chevy SS? GM may well have answered the bell for you.

The Camaro isn't sleek. Its a tank with a turret top. It is wider, longer and taller than its inspiration, the 1st gen F-body, yet its uncomfortable as hell for me. The 1st gen F-bods were much more comfortable.

The upcoming SS? I think the name is stupid and GM lied to us about the Holden Zeta coming here... I don't like the new renderings much... and I remain to be convinced it will be better ergonomically than the G8 was... a car I could drive, but not ride as a passenger in.