Gmx-551
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 222
right, because the design "concept" or theme can be transferred to any car, regardless of size, platform...as is shown throughout BMW, MB, Audi, etc..
BUT an exact design that was raved about and called stunning to be transferred to another platform requires complete revisions at the hardpoints of that platform. And there are many "hardpoints", things like wheel size to metal ratio make a huge difference in the appearance of design, to the height of a beltline, to the height of the front end in relation to the winshield and the angle that hits at. All of these can heavily affect a design, and the designers ability to create something great. Malibu is a great looking car on EP, but it definitely looks FWD and less sporty and more towards practical and heavy.
BUT an exact design that was raved about and called stunning to be transferred to another platform requires complete revisions at the hardpoints of that platform. And there are many "hardpoints", things like wheel size to metal ratio make a huge difference in the appearance of design, to the height of a beltline, to the height of the front end in relation to the winshield and the angle that hits at. All of these can heavily affect a design, and the designers ability to create something great. Malibu is a great looking car on EP, but it definitely looks FWD and less sporty and more towards practical and heavy.
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,705
From: Oakland, California
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
But I think the Sebring and Avenger don't work at all, whereas the Charger and 300 work quite well for what they were trying to do.
The Sebring and Avenger are just plain ugly, and I think a lot of that is due to the FWD proportions.
Sort of like the way the C-class and 3-series hatchbacks never quite worked, due to proportions being wrong.
Imagine the new Camaro with the hood shortened 6 inches and with an extra foot of front overhang ... if you have a strong stomach
The Sebring and Avenger are just plain ugly, and I think a lot of that is due to the FWD proportions.
Sort of like the way the C-class and 3-series hatchbacks never quite worked, due to proportions being wrong.
Imagine the new Camaro with the hood shortened 6 inches and with an extra foot of front overhang ... if you have a strong stomach
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 632
From: NC
right, because the design "concept" or theme can be transferred to any car, regardless of size, platform...as is shown throughout BMW, MB, Audi, etc..
BUT an exact design that was raved about and called stunning to be transferred to another platform requires complete revisions at the hardpoints of that platform. And there are many "hardpoints", things like wheel size to metal ratio make a huge difference in the appearance of design, to the height of a beltline, to the height of the front end in relation to the winshield and the angle that hits at. All of these can heavily affect a design, and the designers ability to create something great. Malibu is a great looking car on EP, but it definitely looks FWD and less sporty and more towards practical and heavy.
BUT an exact design that was raved about and called stunning to be transferred to another platform requires complete revisions at the hardpoints of that platform. And there are many "hardpoints", things like wheel size to metal ratio make a huge difference in the appearance of design, to the height of a beltline, to the height of the front end in relation to the winshield and the angle that hits at. All of these can heavily affect a design, and the designers ability to create something great. Malibu is a great looking car on EP, but it definitely looks FWD and less sporty and more towards practical and heavy.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 929
Previous to the arrival of Malibu, and in large percentage to fleet.
The expense of fielding an all new version likely won't net the same sales result with the new, larger, Malibu in the same showroom. A RWD version, on the other hand, opens a market Chevy isn't currently in and would not be parasitic on Malibu.
The expense of fielding an all new version likely won't net the same sales result with the new, larger, Malibu in the same showroom. A RWD version, on the other hand, opens a market Chevy isn't currently in and would not be parasitic on Malibu.