CDNLive

The 2012 Volkswagen Passat CC update is the perfect example of small changes making a big difference. The not unattractive previous model is given a visual refresh to bring it more in line with the Guigiario-centered design laterals that defines VW’s current aesthetic.

The front and rear fascias are given a minimal yet surprising treatment that allows the car to feel a fair distance from the previous model with very little real change. The emphasis on the horizontal grille and squared headlamp treatment translates the almost identical surface volume of the previous model into an entirely new animal with the minor updates. Chromed oblique faux splitters provide a graphic five-pack DRG that looks almost as if the volume was originally intended to wear those specific graphics. The rear tail lamps are also changed very quietly from the previous organic versions to much more rectilinear versions, the overall effect of which is to create a harmonized, calm tension line design aesthetic that again feels like the CC was designed with these graphics in mind, and then adapted to the language of the loveably round mk5 Golf.

There is much to be said for the original CC that simple and subtle aesthetic tweaks are able to completely refresh the engineering for the new design generation of VW’s lineup. What should be said is that there is true triumph in a design that can take almost minuscule changes to become completely current in a company’s very successful design language. The 2012 Passat CC is just as good as it ever was and now even better.

Peter Lachance

Video: Taki Karras on the Cadillac XTS exterior

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:53:26 +0000

Eric Gallina

Photo Gallery: Hyundai Azera

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:51:42 +0000

CDNTeam

Scion FR-S concept

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:50:57 +0000

Scion is also showing a variant of the Toyota FT-86/Subaru BRZ. Called the FR-S, this is the busiest design of the bunch, with horrid surfacing and a snout that looks like it could be related to an anteater.

Versions of the incredible FT-86 keep getting tweaked to suit the various brands and the design message is getting increasingly convoluted. The simplicity of the original has unfortunately given way to this tortured creation, which, like its platform brethren the Subaru BRZ, was also devoid of an interior.

We really hope Toyota will come to its senses when the production model finally hits the show floor.

Eric Gallina

Errr…. Is that the new Chevrolet Sparonic?

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:33:41 +0000

Not content with displaying the conflicting nomenclature on the Cadillac stand, GM repeated this by confusing showgoers on the Chevrolet stand as well. Though the new Chevrolet Spark was making its US debut in LA, the prominent name displayed behind the diminutive A-segment vehicle read Sonic. The Spark name was only visible by looking at the rear hatch of the car.

Eric Gallina

Photo Gallery: Volkswagen Passat CC

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:24:35 +0000

CDNTeam

Kia Kitsch?

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:15:27 +0000

This Kia Soul, personalized for golf pro Michelle Wie, came fully kitted out with a custom exterior paint scheme and interior accouterments. One of three West Coast customs vehicles on display on the Kia stand, this was in stark contrast to the cool and sophisticated GT concept created by a team led by Gregory Guillaume at the Korean automaker’s Frankfurt studio and shown in Frankfurt earlier this year.

Eric Gallina

Hyundai Azera takes ‘fluidic sculpture’ to the max

cdnlive — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 23:00:03 +0000

Hyundai’s recent dive into the waters of fluid-volume surfacing continues with the 2012 Azera sedan. Aimed squarely at buyers of the very popular German mid-sized sedans, the Azera is has a slightly longer in wheelbase and over length than the Sonata, although their similarities are going to cause some market overlap for Hyundai in the immediate future.

The exterior design surfacing can be described many ways, but the main characteristics are consistent and busy. The Azera is undeniably a Hyundai, for good or bad. The front face is more akin to melting butter than a DRG is an unmistakable extension of their current design language. While many have criticized their main rival Kia for trying to chase the German design essence, Hyundai stands apart with a unique (and occasionally frightening) style. They would get points for originality, but of course the fluid surface language owes much to BMW and the convincing nature of Chris Bangle. They may not have started the trend but where many have stopped short on fluid design they have flown past with a running leap; fluid surface is now very Hyundai.

The Azera presents an interior that, while very obviously crafted along the lines of their current design language, aims to provide a better user experience than previous models. The buttons are more solid to the touch, the parting lines closer and the user interface layout of the buttons is better than Hyundai sedans of the past but there is still a long way to go before they reach the teutonic standard. Overall however the cabin is a nice place to be, even if feels a bit like a Dalí painting.

Hyundai advances their position with the Azera but going even further down the design rabbit hole creating a unique (if not always pleasant) aesthetic and paired with increasing attention to build quality, an even more powerful competitor for the market.

Peter Lachance