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This new Subaru Forester crossover SUV differs most from its predecessor in being larger and, specifically, taller. The previous two designs, which shared much under the skin, were somewhere between a tall estate and an SUV. Now the new Forester will never be confused as anything other than an SUV estate - just like a Toyota RAV4 or BMW X3.
The Forester adopts the latest Subaru facial identity that we have seen on the Impreza launched last year, and also shares almost all of its sibling's interior. The rationale for this for a small brand with low production volumes is clear, but the interior is the car's weakest link being old fashioned, not very attractive and having low perceived quality. In the Forester it also lacks any sturdy SUV flavor - the same size Mercedes GLK also debuting at Detroit perhaps being the best example of having an SUV-style interior.
The exterior design is quite conservative and has a few odd details such as the pinched ridge around the wheel arches and the way the tailgate crease does not align with the rear bumper crease. For a rugged SUV design there are also some very thin, and therefore weak looking, surfaces just above bumpers - particularly at the front.
With its conservative design, poor exterior resolution and unappealing interior, the new Forester is probably the most disappointing new design at Detroit. But whilst there are many areas where its design could be better, it is not a polarizing design like the Subaru Tribeca SUV launched here three years ago. Its new-found SUV orientation combined with a not so design discerning target customer mean that the new Forester could well be a success.
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Subaru Tribeca
Dodge is aiming its crosshair grille straight at Ford's F-150 with the recent unveiling of the new Ram pickup. Featuring a breadth of aerodynamic enhancements and a new coil rear suspension to boost comfort, the new design is an evolutionary take on the previous generation full-size pickup.
Speaking with Ralph Gilles, Vice President of Design at Chrysler, CDN learned that the proportions of the vehicle have all been changed for a sportier aesthetic. "We had to decide whether to go evolutionary in an iconic way or to go completely different. In the past we've dabbled with the Powerwagon aesthetic, with the Rampage type of look, and we've had some even more extravagant designs; but a lot of them gave up the iconic nature of the truck. The rig thing is still working so we decided to do it one more time but in a much sportier way."
Viewed in profile, the design tweaks have had their desired effect. The DLO has been shortened and the body made thicker by pulling the sills down, thereby covering the frame. This gives the truck a dynamic presence and improves quality perception. At the front, the definitive Ram grille has been downsized rather than made bigger and it leans slightly forward. "There's more emotion to it," said Gilles. These subtle aesthetic changes are also entirely functional, boosting aerodynamic efficiency.
The interior of the truck was devised by taking into account the aspect that make it a truck interior - functionality and ruggedness - but also moves upmarket with wider seats, a chunky steering wheel and improved comfort. The doors, center console and IP upper are soft materials, further enhancing the quality feel.
The most notable feature of the next-generation Ram can be found in the bed, where designers and engineers collaborated to integrate the 'RamBox'. "People are using these as family haulers now," said Gilles "and if you have a crew cab and you put your whole family in there, there's nowhere to put your stuff anymore." This innovative storage solution allows for dry, lockable (and drainable) storage along each side of the pickup bed, running the length of the bed in the space over each wheel well.
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Ford F-150 - Detroit 2008
The Genesis is based on a new rear-wheel-drive platform previewed at the New York Auto Show last year. As the first Hyundai entrant into the US luxury car market the firm has high hopes for this car.
In its domestic market, the Korean carmaker has had a large rear-wheel-drive V8-powered offering for years (known as the Equus), but this is the first time that they have developed a premium car for more demanding export markets as well.
The Genesis is the same size and will compete with the Infiniti M, Pontiac G8 and Lexus GS. It is an undeniably handsome and well-resolved design, but is also very conservative and slightly derivative with some of the flavor of a Lexus LS mixed with an Infiniti M, and a post E60 3-series rear trunk.
Interior styling is dominated by a retro-style organic flowing center IP, combining well with the exterior graphical detail aspects. It has a higher level of perceived quality than any Hyundai before and is very well-equipped, but overall it is very generic.
The large sedan market in the US is one of the most conservative in the world, so perhaps this conservative new entry from Hyundai makes sense. Together with the forthcoming and more distinctive Genesis coupe, Hyundai will be entering the premium sector with a very competitive pair of designs.
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Hyundai Concept Genesis - New York 2007
Genesis Coupe concept - LA 2007
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