Auto journalists love to talk shop about car design.
Specifically, we dissect each car part, trying to figure out where it came from. From the Nissan Maxima’s tail lights (various German brands) to the Honda Accord sedan’s greenhouse (Chrysler Sebring imitation?), we second-guess endlessly the designers’ reasons, both good and ill.
Hyundai vehicle had been categories with Toyota and Honda, ala safe and a little bland. Nothing wrong with a car aimed at the masses. We perked up a bit, though, upon seeing the Genesis for the first time. “European luxury” now entered our descriptions of Hyundai, with “Mercedes” to be even more specific.
It was that German brand that popped into my head as Hyundai debuted the all-new, 2011 Sonata at last year’s Los Angeles Auto Show. Same again at last week’s press junket.
Called “Fluidic Sculpture”, Hyundai’s new design philosophy aims to create the illusion of constant motion, a similar aim by Mazda and can easily been seen on the Mercedes-Benz CLS, both journalist and car enthusiasts favorites. This feeling was enhanced by the single ribbon of chrome running from the headlights to where the C-pillar connects to the chassis. A single crease from front side doors, up the beltline, and finally to rear lid adds to the vision of motion.
The all-new Sonata looked wide and low to the ground despite later measurements. And only the Chrysler 300 and Ford Fusion have more chrome on their front fascia than the Hyundai Sonata.
Personal opinion and impression? The Sonata has definitely moved away from the mainstream segment look and struck out on its own to challenge the luxury segment leaders like Lexus and, again, Mercedes-Benz.
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