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Chrysler's Future Design Language: What Should It Be?

51K views 292 replies 45 participants last post by  GasAxe  
#1 · (Edited)
Chrysler's Future Design Language

What do you think Chrysler's future design language should be? Anybody feel like sharing designs they made, or aspects of other designs are certainly welcome to do so. Should the design be distinctive, smooth, luxurious, generic, etc? Should there be a corporate design across all products or should vehicles vary? What would you like to see out of Chrysler's future designs?

I designed something awhile back... Not sure it holds merit today (I'm not professional, just having fun obviously). I posted it in the quote below.

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Been working on a new concept car. It's a Chrysler product... it looks somewhat sporty and maybe luxurious. I would probably at this point call it a concept Chrysler Concorde. I also like the name Chrysler Atlantic. Still working on finalizing.

I feel the headlight's are too cliche looking at this point and seem to look a bit Audi-like while the grille isn't Chrysler-y enough. But I feel if tweaked some more I could make it seem more Chrysler like... and who knows, maybe it does look like a Chrysler! I could be overly hard on myself here. That said, I like the shape of this car.
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Hello again everyone! Been working on a Chrysler mid-size. I thought of many different names and ended up clapping the Concorde name on this. That name might be too outdated, but it just seemed to fit here. I was trying to think of original names are well going off geographic locations that fit with the "Pacific" and "Atlantic" style names. I wanted the car to be sleek and sporty, but luxurious inside. So this is a work in progress. I might slim the grille.

Any thoughts welcome and hope you enjoy.
You can see my Mopar photo and all my poorly done renders at this link (within the forum).


Now let's hear from you on what you think Chrysler's future design language should be like?
 
#2 ·
Chrysler TC2 by Maserati (sorry, couldn't resist). The first thing that came to mind was a Quattroporte with a Chrysler grille and different headlights. It's a nice looking ride, either way.
 
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#3 ·
The design should be distinctive, smooth, luxurious and aerodynamic. It should not be generic, that is what Asian cars are for.

Full width taillight should return. The grill texture should be the thin vertical bars of the waterfall grill, but no grill or chrome should be above the headlights.

LeBaron GTS/GTC should be used for inspiration. 2001 Sebrings are also useful for inspiration, as are 1993 and 1998 Concordes.

Corporate design suggests CDJR. Each brand should have its own design language.
 
#29 ·
LeBaron GTS/GTC should be used for inspiration.
^^^^^This!

I had a '86 Chrysler LeBaron GTS and loved the design. Sporty, yet practical.

We drove the heck out of it. Logged 273K miles before the head gasket blew.
 
#6 ·
I like the front end styling of the late 200 and Pacifica and would like to see more of that theme. A logical evolution of the JA 'cloud car' face.
Any 300 replacement would need to remain a large 'formal' sedan.
In my opinion, the Ferrari-style grille of the 2001 Sebrings and 1998 Concordes didn't stay around long enough.
 
#8 ·
In my opinion, the Ferrari-style grille of the 2001 Sebrings and 1998 Concordes didn't stay around long enough.
Those things seem dated to me, whereas the 300 does not. Even the OG LX 300 somehow seems timeless.
 
#7 ·
79394

I like the horizontal 3D slat style grille of this 1940's Chrysler. A modern interpretation of this grille would look upscale on a modern design.

Lincoln's winged grille was a unique idea, just executed poorly.
It looked best on the MKZ...
79395

They got the proportions right on the MKZ, not so much with the MKT, MKS, MKX, or Navigator.
 
#13 · (Edited)
My wish for Chrysler would be premium designs and unique models (shooting brake, coupe-ish CUVs, premium interiors) that aren't available in the other brands. If they allowed access to the cheaper EMP2 platform, modify it like Audi, Mazda, and now Acura does for RWD proportions. AWD, hybridization to full electric models should be what the brand is known for.
 
#21 ·
The '05 300 was different from anything out there. It knocked everyone's socks off and sold in big numbers (for a big 4-door), and gave the Chrysler brand credibility. That's what I'd like to see going forward. Not necessarily a remake of the '05, but something different, something bold and distinctive, something that would create interest and showroom traffic. IMHO, that was a big part of what was wrong with the 200 and Dart. They were totally, completely generic. It seemed they were designed to blend in, not stand out. Turn Gilles loose and let's see what happens!
 
#22 ·
Exactly, with one caveat, it has to have "Toyota" reliability. Make the "IT CAR" (whatever type of vehicle) in it's class, and make it practically bulletproof, with a best-in-class warranty, at a sellable price.
 
#24 ·
I don't think Chrysler's new design language is going to be found looking backwards.
The 300, the PT Cruiser, the cab forward cars were hits in their time but not necessarily a design I'd call timeless like Challenger or Wrangler. Could they share some cues with earlier designs?
 
#28 ·
I think Chrysler should take on a Jaguar like design theme. They look great from almost every angle and look very rich.

i think the late 200 and Pacifica front end were design duds didnt look good to me and theres just something wierd about the way the D pillar swopes upward on the mini van that never looked good to me on any vehicle.

where are the images of the cancelled 300 that was supposed to be a real stunner.
 
#30 ·
I feel that when it comes to Chrysler, this forum has regulars that try far too hard to go back to the glory days of the K-Car and 300M, and FWD platforms and stuff.

I think they could try making another attempt at the "Bentley for the middle class" like the 2005 300c was. If there's one thing we still really need right now with EVs, it's distinctive looking ones. Everyone's trying to make a pseudo Model S, or add too much tacky black plastic, or trying way too hard with the aero look.

At the end of the day, Bentley and RR have not given up on upright grilles and tall body panels. I think they could get pretty far with design language like the Flying Spur or Bentayga or the RR Ghost. Heck, when you look at the front end of the Ghost, it kinda looks like they copied Chrysler - it even has the C -shaped DRLs lol.

That, and a kickass RWD convertible like the Dawn would be worth it.

I think people still want large, comfy cars that can scoot. It's just that with so much focus on aerodynamics and stuff, cars have gotten too confined. We have a Cadillac at home and driving that isn't as comfortable as the 300 it replaced - the windshield is way too close! I can see why people would buy an Escalade.

I think the biggest thing holding Chrysler as a brand back, is the presence of Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Like, FCA wouldn't let Chrysler sell a luxury car because Maserati is supposed to be the luxury brand. But I don't think either of those brands would be able to pull off what Chrysler still can.

The funny part is, if they didn't want to commit to EVs and a new platform just yet, they still have a hell of an engine portfolio! You could do a very minor refresh on the 300c, give it a new interior and that giant screen the ram has, and stuff the hellcat V8 under the hood and some new tech and you've got a pretty solid contender.
 
#34 ·
I feel that when it comes to Chrysler, this forum has regulars that try far too hard to go back to the glory days of the K-Car and 300M, and FWD platforms and stuff.

I think they could try making another attempt at the "Bentley for the middle class" like the 2005 300c was. If there's one thing we still really need right now with EVs, it's distinctive looking ones. Everyone's trying to make a pseudo Model S, or add too much tacky black plastic, or trying way too hard with the aero look.

At the end of the day, Bentley and RR have not given up on upright grilles and tall body panels. I think they could get pretty far with design language like the Flying Spur or Bentayga or the RR Ghost. Heck, when you look at the front end of the Ghost, it kinda looks like they copied Chrysler - it even has the C -shaped DRLs lol.

That, and a kickass RWD convertible like the Dawn would be worth it.

I think people still want large, comfy cars that can scoot. It's just that with so much focus on aerodynamics and stuff, cars have gotten too confined. We have a Cadillac at home and driving that isn't as comfortable as the 300 it replaced - the windshield is way too close! I can see why people would buy an Escalade.

I think the biggest thing holding Chrysler as a brand back, is the presence of Alfa Romeo and Maserati. Like, FCA wouldn't let Chrysler sell a luxury car because Maserati is supposed to be the luxury brand. But I don't think either of those brands would be able to pull off what Chrysler still can.

The funny part is, if they didn't want to commit to EVs and a new platform just yet, they still have a hell of an engine portfolio! You could do a very minor refresh on the 300c, give it a new interior and that giant screen the ram has, and stuff the hellcat V8 under the hood and some new tech and you've got a pretty solid contender.
You have a bunch on here who try far too hard to go back to the glory days of RWD and Chrysler as a high margin luxury brand that could compete with the Mercedes S class. It will never be accepted as such again. The RWD compact and midsize sedan at margins Chrysler can command is dead. But that isn't about design language. That's about platforms, and there are really 3 in Chrysler's future EMP1/CMP, EMP2 and Giorgio Global.

Plenty of people advocating for the return / continuance of the formal upright brick with poor aerodynamics. voiceofstl, ImperialCrown, Tony K, JeepandRams, freshforged, Lanciahf.

Plenty of people advocating for more sporting designs with good aerodynamics. Tony K, ImperialCrown, David S, Chrysfan, Doug D. I think the name 300 needs to be returned to the sporting side of the house.

As for the K platform it was offered with both formal upright design language and sporting aerodynamic language at the same time. So maybe Chrysler needs two design languages, and 3 platforms (FWD, FWD/AWD, RWD/AWD) to make all of its customers happy. It clearly needs a full lineup restored, and a move into SUVs.
 
#35 ·
Building another “aero” car like Tesla or Mustang Mach E would be a tougher marketplace than a more unique style with the “brutalist” look of the 300 that is already well known . I think there is a hidden market for a more formal car with a taller greenhouse that’s easier to get in and out of. A budget Rolls Royce looking car with the technology could be a home run.
79438
 
#37 ·
Building another “aero” car like Tesla or Mustang Mach E would be a tougher marketplace than a more unique style with the “brutalist” look of the 300 that is already well known . I think there is a hidden market for a more formal car with a taller greenhouse that’s easier to get in and out of. A budget Rolls Royce looking car with the technology could be a home run. View attachment 79438
I think 300 sales show that "brutalist" look is a fad that has come and gone years ago.


2005144,048
2006143,647
2007120,636
200862,352
200938,606
201037,116
201136,285
201278,417
201357,724
201453,382
201553,109
201653,058
201751,237
201846,593
201929,214
202016,473


As for that Rolls Royce, it looks like an updated Chrysler E class with that laid back waterfall grill. Rolls Royce of the '80s was more upright and '40s to '60s style.

 
#43 ·
I think there is certainly a place for a more 'formal' design language at Chrysler. It really is what they do well, and Stellantis has nothing in that space, car wise, to compete with Cadillac and Buick. The original 55 Engels chryslers were classic IMO, so were the 64-66 Chryslers and Imperials, 69-74 Chryslers and Imperials, the original LHS and intrepid/eagle/concord, as well as the LX's. All were more classically styled Chryslers and all sold well, HMMM? If they could stretch the L and give it a little more rear seat, move to an AWD PHEV with the 3.6, They could sell it all over the world as a "Black Car' without substantially altering the profile or the look of the car. Call the stretched version Imperial, and the standard version New Yorker. Save the 300 name for something else.