Retro Is Evil, Detroit Designers Say
http://www.globalauto.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=413&Itemid=2

Dipping back into the past can be a turn-off, according to a panel of leading Motor City designers – who have other ideas.

DETROIT – Retro is "an evil word in design," says Ralph Gilles, Chrysler Group vice-president of Jeep, truck, and component design, who led a panel discussion here on Tuesday with some of the top automotive designers in the country.

Instead of leaning heavily on the retro playbook, Gilles said a new tactic may be emerging at Chrysler. "Sometimes the exterior may not be the place to change," he said. "We're looking at refreshing the interiors of vehicles more often."

Gilles described himself as a "private worshipper of the [Scion] xB." "The people who do buy these are as happy as can be," he said.

"At Ford, we don't use the word 'retro,' we use 'heritage,' " said Pat Schiavone, Ford North American Car director of design. "I don't believe all designs will be heritage. Heritage will be important for American companies, but there is a place for futuristic design—not just for Boomers having a midlife crisis."

The designers shared the latest in studio slang, including words like "craptastic" and "unobtainium." Craptastic is "the quality of being fundamentally awful despite being well presented," said Kevin George, a Ford design manager. Unobtainium, they explained, is a "mythical material made up of super strength."

Golly.... they are slow to learn... Interiors People, INTERIORS! That's why I loved my VW's and That's why I love my Scions. and why I dread cheap interiored american cars.

Was this supposed to be in the xA section?

You know we have something good when a DCX vice-president "privately worships" the boxes.

They are the best thing since slice bread...boxes.

what's not to like? everyone is amazed at how roomy the interior is, and the styling is not to be beat.

Golly.... they are slow to learn... Interiors People, INTERIORS! That's why I loved my VW's and That's why I love my Scions. and why I dread cheap interiored american cars.

wait wait wait... the interiors of the scions beat that of the average american cars?

im gunna hafta disagree,,, i do love my scion alot... but i wouldent say that the interiors are very good (there nice) but compared to other cars its pretty crappy... mostly everything is cheap plastic... the seats arent that soft... its like a rental car
again... this is just my opinion

after reading imy post i sfeel is hould clarify my point... the interiors LOOK cool... but when you get down too it there pretty cheap

Golly.... they are slow to learn... Interiors People, INTERIORS! That's why I loved my VW's and That's why I love my Scions. and why I dread cheap interiored american cars.

wait wait wait... the interiors of the scions beat that of the average american cars?

im gunna hafta disagree,,, i do love my scion alot... but i wouldent say that the interiors are very good (there nice) but compared to other cars its pretty crappy... mostly everything is cheap plastic... the seats arent that soft... its like a rental car
again... this is just my opinion

after reading imy post i sfeel is hould clarify my point... the interiors LOOK cool... but when you get down too it there pretty cheap

The Echo had a cheap interior--so do most opening price point American cars. For what we paid--we should be pretty happy with our interiors.

They are the best thing since slice bread...boxes.
:clap:
That line deserves some applause. It's nice to have something creative to break up the usual posts.

The xBs may have inexpensive interiors, but the look and feel of them is very good for an econo-box. Most important, though, are the actual ergonomics and layout (except for the original head units with buttons for volume...).

I've had new (American) cars that made me want to apologize for the interiors to passengers. I don't have that feeling with the xB.

Could they be nicer? Of course! But for the price they are well done.

What amazes me is a GVP of Daimler/Chrysler being open enough to compliment our little boxes like that. :clap:

Golly.... they are slow to learn... Interiors People, INTERIORS! That's why I loved my VW's and That's why I love my Scions. and why I dread cheap interiored american cars.

wait wait wait... the interiors of the scions beat that of the average american cars?

im gunna hafta disagree,,, i do love my scion alot... but i wouldent say that the interiors are very good (there nice) but compared to other cars its pretty crappy... mostly everything is cheap plastic... the seats arent that soft... its like a rental car
again... this is just my opinion

after reading imy post i sfeel is hould clarify my point... the interiors LOOK cool... but when you get down too it there pretty cheaptrue but our interiors don't fall apart like american car's do.

I've been super happy with my xB. I just hope the rusty-door thing (we all know the thread in Aero/Exterio) doesn't change that.

I really think the Chrysler guy's comment had more to do with ergonomics and efficient use of space than with materials.

The point is that the Box is designed from the inside out. Passenger space, ingress/egress, headroom, etc. are not compromised in order to accommodate exterior styling cues that have no impact on the experience of actually driving and riding in the car.

It is this aspect of the xB's design that I most admire as well, and it's why I bought one.

RichC

I've been super happy with my xB. I just hope the rusty-door thing (we all know the thread in Aero/Exterio) doesn't change that.

I checked mine yesterday and no rust!!

I had read in a few places that the xb interior was cheap and plastic....But I don't agree with that. All econo cars seem to have plastic inside. Have you been in a ford focus?? Now thats plastic. I read the mazda 3 and 5 have "refined" interiors....but the ones I sat in had hard black plastic everywhere. I like the pebbly "plastic" inside the xb. I love the cloth in the door armrests. And for me, 5-10 165, the seats are as comfy as any i've sat in.....and what seat dosent start to hurt your butt after a lengthy drive or flight? I love the seating position and the support. I just don't think "cheap" when i'm inside my box.

I had leather installed and my seats are great! There are rattles here and there, but overall the interior is nice.

What rusty door thing? I need info!

What rusty door thing? I need info!
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=116812
In short, they've been finding rust under the door gasket on a number of boxes in Hawaii. I haven't checked the thread recenly, so this might've changed, but last I saw it seemed to only really be a problem there. But again that might've changed.

As to the original topic of this thread -- Great quote! Thanks for sharing. 8)

I got to say dug that interior is off the hook! but ya back to my point, ya sure other cars are nice and soft but thats because in a few years it will be like sitting on a bean bag full of nothing. I love :love: the rigidity of the scion it gives it a comfortable, supporting, and LASTING feel.