AN: Gilles on Cherokee styling
Ralph Gilles, head of design and SRT for Chrysler, told Allpar today that the 2014 Jeep Cherokee should not be judged from photography, but from being seen in person. Of those who have seen it, he said, most started out with shock at first, which is desirable to make a product stand out and be noticed; then, Gilles said, most like it, “It grows on them.” According to Mr. Gilles, the styling is a triumph in that it goes in a completely new direction for the brand, yet is instantly recognizable as a Jeep. Having the grille extend into the hood provides the right proportions and a more aggressive stance, while it “celebrates its wind-swept nature,” looking as though it is “wind-cheating.” The extension of the grille into the hood does not hurt the aerodynamics of the Cherokee. Mr. Gilles also said that, while the 2014 Cherokee’s styling was..
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well...i have to say that I have originally hated the look....but the one pictured here... I am guessing its tungsten Metallic Paint with the black-out look definatley looks better to me. I am still not sure about it, but I dont hate it as much as I used to.
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My first thought was, "A wart grows on you too." But, I do like the front end, in spite of my intial shock. Now I have to see if that back end grows on me as well. That is just a real turn off to me so far; and I liked the vehicle prior to seeing the rear.
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It grows on you. So does athletes foot. 
What really suprises me is that they chose a vehicle to do a very controversial design that otherwise would sell very well with a conservative style or possibly sell even better with a retro/heritage look. Taking risks is one thing, but this seems to be unessarily riskys for a company that cries cash poor when it comes to hatchbacks, small pickups, etc.
What really suprises me is that they chose a vehicle to do a very controversial design that otherwise would sell very well with a conservative style or possibly sell even better with a retro/heritage look. Taking risks is one thing, but this seems to be unessarily riskys for a company that cries cash poor when it comes to hatchbacks, small pickups, etc.
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The new pictures are even uglier. It grows on me alright, just like a bad fungus. I really hate it when execs try to polish a turd. It still looks like a bad Hyundai design.
I don't disagree with him. Personally, after the shock, it does look less bad, or better depending on your stance. And in person, it probably is better.
BUT - BUT. Having to come out and say that is a blatant admission that it just ain't that great.
I like Gilles, a lot. But let's face it, this thing just isn't going to work for most people. Period.
I don't know if this is his fault. Or if this maybe looked way better on paper. Or what happened. I realize that at this point, he is doing damage control. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it also hurts his credibility.
So with all of that in mind. Mr Gilles, just please tell me the company has learned it's lesson, and that moving forward, the cars are more like what the 200 sounds like, down right attractive. So that you aren't put in a position to have to defend a vehicle in this manner.
BUT - BUT. Having to come out and say that is a blatant admission that it just ain't that great.
I like Gilles, a lot. But let's face it, this thing just isn't going to work for most people. Period.
I don't know if this is his fault. Or if this maybe looked way better on paper. Or what happened. I realize that at this point, he is doing damage control. Unfortunately, in my opinion, it also hurts his credibility.
So with all of that in mind. Mr Gilles, just please tell me the company has learned it's lesson, and that moving forward, the cars are more like what the 200 sounds like, down right attractive. So that you aren't put in a position to have to defend a vehicle in this manner.
It is gowing on me...very slowly. But as stated, not really a good thing with the Executives are telling us "it will grow on you"
I suspect that after a year or two we will see a revised front clip.
After looking over the spec's, it really is a very nice SUV.
I suspect that after a year or two we will see a revised front clip.
After looking over the spec's, it really is a very nice SUV.
1974 Plymouth Valiant - 2013 Dodge Dart - 2013 Chrysler 300C
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He was absolutely sincere when he said it, I think. There were enough points where he sort of paused ... that I think he's pretty sincere. That and of course his track record.
Also, ProMaster in person is not ugly. ProMaster in photos is ugly. So...
Also, ProMaster in person is not ugly. ProMaster in photos is ugly. So...
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Yup. Swap the styles between the two and things would make a whole lot more sense.proun91 said:
But the ProMaster is a commercial vehicle so while unattractive, that's way down on the list of comparables to a fleet manager. Fickle consumers need to be attracted by the style when they see it sitting on the lots or driving down the road. Someone else (Norm?) mentioned it in another thread that what the real shame is, is that the great interior, drivetrain and build quality are all now secondary to the controversial style. Now the competition has seen our hand and will react while execs hope the look will grow on folks.DaveAdmin said:
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