Originally Posted by ARCOgraphite
NO real bumpers, overdone headlights, high beltlines, aerodynamic priorities .... and a lot of "
borrowing"
My Jetta Looks like a Chrysler 200 looks like a Ford Fusion way, WAY too much to be random ....
Down to smaller detail too, like door handles in the crease of the formed body side swoop,
I think FORD leads, and others follow ( read: COPY ).
Which is Which?
The reason they look like that and each other is because when you ask three computers to design the most aerodynamic shape for a sedan (to improve fuel economy) and give it generally the same constraints for interior volume and space for mechanicals plus all the safety mandates, what you get are three very similar looking answers. It's not random, it's mathematically designed efficiency, caused by the CAFE 54mpg mandate.
High beltline: Side impact safety standards mandate this. You simply can't get around it.
"No real bumpers" - sorry, that garbage they were putting on cars in the 60s that was chrome plated tin wasn't real bumpers either, and even if they were pedestrian impact standards outlaw them on new cars.