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Chrysler's new design head envisions fresh aesthetic

Chrysler's new design head envisions fresh aesthetic

Nelson Ireson August 19th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author August 19th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 Chrysler's new head of design, Ralph Gilles, will officially step into his new position September 1, but already he's brimming with new ideas for the brand's future look. A more natural and fresh theme will dominate, while the 'Edge' look of the current vehicles has been declared dead. Not that Creed didn't have his fair share of hit designs, including the Dodge Viper, the Dodge Ram pickup and the PT Cruiser. But Gilles has a vision for a new direction for the company, one inspired by more organic shapes and modern themes. Gilles highlighted the Dodge Zeo hydrogen fuel-cell concept and the Chrysler ecoVoyager (pictured), both revealed at this year's NAIAS show, as hints of what will come, reports Automotive News. "It's definitely time for a new aesthetic at Chrysler," said Gilles. "We're done with the 'Edge' look." The company will also take advantage of the changeover at the top of the design branch to more closely integrate the design and engineering departments. Another key element of the Gilles design regime will be shedding the image of shoddy interiors, with a good first step being that of the new Dodge Ram, which was designed by Gilles' team in his former position within the company. In fact, Gilles thinks its the best interior Chrysler has ever done. Increasing the curb appeal of the company's vehicles is also a priority, as is making that appeal more universally approachable. The days of designing for the U.S. market with only an afterthought to the rest of the world appear to be over. Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept Dodge Zeo ConceptChrysler ecoVoyager ConceptDodge Zeo Concept
Chrysler's new design head envisions fresh aesthetic

Chrysler's new design head envisions fresh aesthetic

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Chrysler's new head of design, Ralph Gilles, will officially step into his new position September 1, but already he's brimming with new ideas for the brand's future look. A more natural and fresh theme will dominate, while the 'Edge' look of the current vehicles has been declared dead.

Not that Creed didn't have his fair share of hit designs, including the Dodge Viper, the Dodge Ram pickup and the PT Cruiser. But Gilles has a vision for a new direction for the company, one inspired by more organic shapes and modern themes. Gilles highlighted the Dodge Zeo hydrogen fuel-cell concept and the Chrysler ecoVoyager (pictured), both revealed at this year's NAIAS show, as hints of what will come, reports Automotive News.

"It's definitely time for a new aesthetic at Chrysler," said Gilles. "We're done with the 'Edge' look."

The company will also take advantage of the changeover at the top of the design branch to more closely integrate the design and engineering departments. Another key element of the Gilles design regime will be shedding the image of shoddy interiors, with a good first step being that of the new Dodge Ram, which was designed by Gilles' team in his former position within the company. In fact, Gilles thinks its the best interior Chrysler has ever done.

Increasing the curb appeal of the company's vehicles is also a priority, as is making that appeal more universally approachable. The days of designing for the U.S. market with only an afterthought to the rest of the world appear to be over.

Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept

Dodge Zeo Concept
Chrysler ecoVoyager Concept
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Dodge Zeo Concept
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Tags: Design

Posted in: Chrysler, News


Comments (7 total)

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  1. By James #1, Posted: 8/20/2008

    Good luck, Ralph, with the arduous task of having to restyle vehicles from other manufacturers. I would like to see what you can do with the Nissan Altima and Versa. (And, make no mistake, it has to be dramatically different --if not better-- to lure buyers from Nissan's showrooms. Otherwise, why bother?) I hope the beancounters don't pose too much of an obstacle when you redo the horrific interiors. The Caliber's dash, for example... my god... Fisher-Price uses better plastics.

  2. By NoNameDenton #2, Posted: 8/20/2008

    Well James, some rumors say that the Versa based Dodge will look like the Hornet concept from a few years ago, and I bet the re-badged Altima will keep some design tehemes from the Avenger, minus the extremely poor interior.

  3. By Jim #3, Posted: 8/20/2008

    Are we in for a return to cab-forward designs?

  4. By Gus #4, Posted: 8/20/2008

    That concept sure looks as CF as it gets...

  5. By Laz #5, Posted: 8/20/2008

    Is it me or does the ecoVoyager look like a CTS from the front being stretched from the rear...

  6. By Guy #6, Posted: 8/20/2008

    This is more like Johnny Cab forward design. BTW, which end is the front?

  7. By NoNameDenton #7, Posted: 8/20/2008

    Since Chrysler owns the rights to names from the defunct AMC, how about a return of the Pacer, that was the first cab forward design in America.

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