Has Toyota's Styling Gone Too Far?

Didn't Mazda start this years ago, with their big "Car Story"smiling front grills?

I don't particularly like these big "Carp Mouth" grills that are popular not only on Toyota but a lot of vehicles. I don't know how much of it is the choice of form and how much is a nod to function. Bigger grill means more air, more circulation to the engine and entire system.

I'd also speculate that the bigger the "plastic grill" the slightly lighter the front, and maybe even cheaper to produce.

But in any case it is and has been a trend. I don't particularly like it. But? Not much I can do about it.

 

I'm an old fart now, so there are many automotive trends that I don't get like blackened rims, primer look-alike vinyl hoods, and the "always glad to see you" guppy grins and anime headlamps.

You have to admit one thing.
Last decade it was all jellybean shapes and rounded windows.
Cars today at least try to make visual statement.......


....but then again, so do truck nuts.

No thanks!

 

What about these that are inflicted on us?



I'm sure this new front end is just to try and make the Mirai not look too bad. I believe the large grill on that is required for the fuel cells.

 

now THAT's what I talkin' about ..... the venus fly trap of automotive transportation. Bring it on - for the ultimate level if rediculous-ness. Maybe once sales drop to record lows - Toyota will figure out. they started following the trend of stupid instead of considering what's more important.
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we were looking at the new camry from the rear. my wife said, 'oh, that looks nice', then we walked around to the front, and she said, 'oh!'. personally, i think ford started it, and toyota took it to the next level.

 

OTOH, I prefer Ford's grill versions (though I own two Toyota products).

When the 2015 v was introduced and we only saw pictures, I hated the front end. Once I saw one in person, not so much. It wouldn't be a deal breaker.

I saw one of my favorites in terms of styling the other day, the 2001 era Acura. Nothing extra, just smooth simple lines. And then Acura had to muck it up with their big chrome V above the grill. And Bangle did in BMW. Why do they all believe in a corporate identity design when focus group testing should tell them they are going in the wrong direction? I'm guessing corporate executive hubris. I want to put my stamp on them all and they will all like it.

 

I think the c needed a larger front feature to break up the large continuous bonnet look. What disturbed me about the v was a side on view that made the lip look fat... like kids that put modern skirting on the slightly older versions of their vehicles.

 

I wonder what might have inspired the look:

• large, oversized opening
• strings of LEDs
• headlights embedded in the LED string
• oversized bumper covers
• articulating inlet
• uses no gas or diesel
• seeks to conquer the world
• ultimate GREEN

Bob Wilson

 

Toyota's gone for what I call the Darth Vader look.
The Nissan Leaf has been criticized for looking too much like Jar Jar Binks, so Toyota went to a more macho Vader.
If mod Paradox gets yet another black Gen4 Prius, you'll see what I mean.


Nissan Leaf............Toyota

 

On the Star Wars theme, I think this must be more appropriate for the design team!

 

the more I think about it, the more I'm reminded . . . .
that what's old is eventually made new again ~


eventually the industry comes to its senses.
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It's just how cars express a smile, love it!!

 

If Toyota can give us design like Lexus RC300h

 

Yea right because you can never over-do it enough. The TV show Girls gone Wild ... You could call the FUBAR Lexus show; Grills Gone Wild. When these are finally out of style - people will point and laugh ..... like seeing someone now days wearing 1980"s parachute pants.

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Toyota concept C-HR is maybe a better way for next Toyota style. Don't you think ?

 

i hope so, can you post a pic?