Lots of people are noticing that with its latest makeover, the Beetle's sheet metal has stretched out a few of its cutesy curves to adopt a silhouette that's unmistakably more assertive.
Of course, the Beetle isn't the first car to move in this direction. Over the past few years, there've been a few models that have traded in their organic lines for something more hard-edged and aggressive.
The four cars listed below run the gamut from a sports car that's become a cult classic to a sedan that's come to define the luxury-car segment. The one thing they have in common is that they all underwent transformations that took them into less gentle territory.
1: Acura TL
For model year 2009, the TL received one of the most controversial redesigns in automotive history. The outgoing TL featured sheet metal that was harmonious but unmemorable, and about as threatening as your neighbor's fat, neutered housecat. For the current generation, Acura decided to turn up the volume and blow out the speakers, transforming the bland sedan into something far more, uh, striking -- with its aggressive facets and menacing beak, the TL now looks like something that you wouldn't want to encounter on a lonely freeway. This is love-it-or-hate-it styling (I'm not too crazy about it myself), but in an era in which the safe choice seems to be the only choice for many manufacturers, Acura deserves credit for having the gonads to go speeding in a completely different direction.
2: Mercedes-Benz E-Class
You have to give Mercedes props for trying something new. A top seller in its class, the E-Class was anything but broke back in 2010, but Mercedes decided to fix it anyway. The sedan's dignified curves were out, and in their place came a motif that is far more forceful and distinctive. Some have questioned whether the sedan's new angles and edges cross the line of good taste, but buyers haven't been fazed -- the E-Class continues to be the most popular choice in its segment.
3: Mazda Miata
There was a time when the frisky little Miata had a milder silhouette, but that changed when Mazda launched the current generation. This most recent Miata is sleeker, with a more somber face -- that giddy, bug-eyed smile has been replaced with an expression that's far more conniving and diabolical. Overall, the current Miata looks less cuddly and more purposeful -- it's a look that's perhaps more in step with the driving experience that the car offers.
4: Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle -- redesigned for 2012 -- was one of the most talked-about models at the most recent New York Auto Show; that's what happens when you stretch, broaden and otherwise transform an iconic silhouette. The latest Beetle is 3.3 inches wider and six inches longer than its predecessor, and rides about a half an inch closer to the ground. Obviously, the car's playful spirit is still reflected, but there's a toughness there now that wasn't previously evident.
Which cars would you add to this list?
05forenza says:
03:29 AM, 05/ 8/11
Kia Optima
Hyundai Elantra
I'm having an issue thinking of others.
jaeger1 says:
03:34 AM, 05/ 8/11
The TL went from one of the better looking sedans on the market to one of the worst.
moorewr says:
07:33 AM, 05/ 8/11
The slogan that comes to mind for Acura's bravery is "dare to be stupid."
Other modern examples - Hyundai Sonata, Mazda 3, any of the recent Volvos.
altimadude05 says:
08:04 AM, 05/ 8/11
Jaguar S-type to XF
Volvo V-40 (rebadged Mistubishi) to V-50 (Focus)
Chevy Malibu
VW Passat (especially the CC version)
Honda Pilot
standingwave says:
12:02 PM, 05/ 8/11
I really hate it when a car company suddenly starts slapping sharp creases down the flank of a car to make it aggressive. Typically a hideous line that inclines from the front fender till it reaches the tail lights. (cough cough Sonata, Taurus, most of Mercedes line up)
I think all of Infiniti’s line up has shown that you don’t need to resort to angular lines and heavy use of a ruler to make a car aggressive.
The Miata will break away from its chick car status a little easier if they didn’t give it that laughing gas grille. As for the Beetle most people I know consider every VW a "chick car" since the demise of the Scirocco here in the states. I hope popping the bubble that was the New Beetles greenhouse helps them change this label, but reintroducing the sirocco would probably help a lot more.
inlinesix says:
12:33 PM, 05/ 8/11
"I think all of Infiniti’s line up has shown that you don’t need to resort to angular lines and heavy use of a ruler to make a car aggressive."
So..... you're not in the market for a Cadillac then? :)
standingwave says:
02:38 PM, 05/ 8/11
@inlinesix
If the culmination of a decade of art and science has directed them towards green lighting the XTS as their new flagship then I think I’ll give them another 10 years to perfect it. let me know when the Cien hits the pavement. Whoever designed that was very skilled in the art of origami.
inlinesix says:
04:25 PM, 05/ 8/11
@standingwave
Speaking of origami, there is also the CTS-V, STS, DTS, the "Urban Luxury Concept" and the SRX.
http://www.cadillac.com/concept-cars/
standingwave says:
05:08 PM, 05/ 8/11
Lol I had almost forgotten about the Urvan golf cart. it looks like someone put the CTS in a trash compactor.
carfreak13 says:
08:40 PM, 05/ 8/11
JAGUAR XJ
t10 says:
09:06 PM, 05/ 8/11
How about the WRX , it went from aggressive (all GD and prior gens) to Corolla-fied (the 08 WRX) back to super agressive (2011 and to some degree 2009+) with the wide body STI look.
mazdamike17 says:
09:32 PM, 05/ 8/11
I think Acura really messed up with the TL, and it shows because the 2008 model, the 5th year of that Gen, sold DOUBLE what the brand new 2009 model sold. That is probably one of the biggest flops in automotive history. To sell half the amount of a brand new generation model compared to the previous version. This also happened with the W body in GM when classis RWD vehicles (Monte Carlo, Cutlass, etc) were turned into FWD and flopped...
The other three look better with their redesigns.
Optima substantially improved and looks amazing, while the Sonota isn't aging very well imho, but it selling great thus far.
The Malibu keeps getting better and better as well, and Cruze makes a mockery out of the Cobalt.
For the most part vehicles are getting better, but it seems Honda is having a difficult time. They went from stellar designs and performance/efficiency, and have fallen towards the bottom rung of the competition. Accord isn't that great, They are ditching the Element, Pilot is just awkward looking, and the CIVIC. WOW they waited 6 years to give it a refresh. I saw the 2012 with 2011 on the lots and i swear they look nearly identical. I doubt most will even notice, and they made the interior WORSE to boot, and yea I know they have some new computer thing on the dash, but who cares when the dash is uglier then the last gen!
subarubiker says:
07:11 AM, 05/ 9/11
Definitely the doughy Kia Sportage's transformation into the angular, stylish 2011 Sportage.
ptcdawg says:
07:49 AM, 05/ 9/11
One of the 4 you mentioned look better to me. The Beetle.
ptcdawg says:
07:51 AM, 05/ 9/11
Great comments above about Acura and this fubar of a redesign.
agnh says:
08:16 AM, 05/ 9/11
I think Mercedes styling has gone down the toilet. The most recent generations, although perhaps mild, were elegant and handsome as premium vehicles.
No mention of the Bangle BMW's??? He ruined an entire generation of 5's and 7's.
mazdamike17 says:
09:26 AM, 05/ 9/11
AGNH, I think Mercedes are a toss up. Their small crossover is ugly, but they made the C-class look... luxurious. Honestly the previous generations looked like crap in my opinion, but they finally made it stand out and look great for the current Gen. the S class is okay, and E-class looks fairly decent and modern. I mean how many years can you have round head lights before it goes stale? Their model designs are subjective, but not offensive. Although the best looking lux cars are typically Audi, despite looking very similair. They created the LED head light craze that everyone is now rushing to throw onto their mid cycle refreshes, and new models.
fuel_on_fire85 says:
11:23 AM, 05/ 9/11
Mustang- starting with the mid 90's travesty and moving forward to newest generations.
All to true to the Acura comments. I was excited about the redesign and I truly felt let down when I saw the new one for the first time.
gobryngo says:
11:24 AM, 05/ 9/11
Mazda 5. It looks like Wolverine slashed at it a few times now.
joedriver8 says:
07:57 PM, 05/ 9/11
The beetle still looks rather... whimsical if not silly.
mrb5091 says:
09:02 AM, 05/10/11
mazdamike17
2008 TL Sales - 48,766
2009 TL Sales - 33,620
The 2008 sold only 40% more than the 2009, that's hardly double. It's obviously a huge drop in sales, but saying 'double' is hyperbole.
litewerk says:
07:55 PM, 05/11/11
I'm in agreement that the transformation of the Kia Optima should put it on the list. There really was nothing wrong with the previous model other than it was for most people rather anonymous.
As for the Acura TL, I guess you could say they went overboard on the edgy look. Side by side with the previous model, it looks like an unfinished design. Like something is definitely lacking. What I'd call not-ready-for-prime-time. If they offered a limited-time special of half-off a new TL, I'd say "no, thanks!"
Thus far, I find the looks of the latest M.B. E-Class as not quite right. Perhaps over time, it will grow on me.
As for the Mazda Miata, I think the looks of the car are second to the driving experience. Don't think looks are a big influence on sales. That said, the older model looks better to me than the newer one.
Now the iconic VW Beetle. Out of the gate, meaning when the first photos were relesed, the new one strikes a chord in me the previous one never did. VW got it right.
bustaz0 says:
07:47 AM, 08/26/11
The Miata, really? The thing still looks wimpy with that goofy clown's grin. Here are some cars that should have made this short list:
Kia Optima
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Elantra
Ford Explorer
Mercedes Benz CLS
Love them or hate them, they are all radical departures from their predecessors.