vabboud

the single grill is "better" than the older design, because it added a "character" that was lacking
but the trouble with audi's is that all models are variations of single theme, and i know i've already stated it 3 times, the parallelogramish headlights surrounding a gaping grill is not a concept to be stretched overmore than a generation, beyond that, differentiation wil be virtually non existent

the gaping grill is not like the twin kidney or the mercedes grill, it is a basic design element with little margin for change, the fact that all grills, on all audis, from A3 to Q7/A8 is basically the same is a clear evidence for this, factor in the all too similar headlights, and you gte an idea

the older grill was something that could survive with minor alterations while focusing more on the overall design of the car

the grill has now risen to such a prominance that it can make or break a design, and hence a buy.

evolutionary design is not really en vogue anymore, you need clear brand recognition, and a clear differentiation of design amongs different models, and within different iterations of the same model,
people have to know a 3 is different than a 5, much like an E39 si diferent than an E60, hence an A6 should be different from an A8,
granted the new models have a clear differentiation from previous iterations, look at the B6/B7 facelift for example, and that is only a afcelift, with no mechanicals, but look ahead into the future when the A8 and its sucessor are paired up?

i don't see this as a goo longterm move, an Audi is not a rolls to sport such an ostentatious gaping grill over extended periods of time and get away with it, even bentley failed to do so. especially with the lack fo imaginative "extragrill" design across the lineup


addendum

i've just thought of something else, such a huge prominent design feature is hard to get rid off, especially if it is associated with the brand. i can't imagine a new audi without one, yet i dread to imagine what another new audi with one would look like. talk about brand sensitivity and the marketing headache when the guys at audi figure out they went as far as they can with that grill and have to drop it. how many people on the streets will get mind boggled? that is a serious issue. again the Audi is not a rolls to get away with such a thing

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Mirage77

Interesting insight there vabboud, thanks. I've always taken your comments on aesthetic to the highest regard.

Audi would indeed need to have some real creativity to follow-up with their gaping mouth design.

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