Some time back, Ed Welburn, General Motors head of global design, said subtle design cues would be trickling down from the halo C7 Corvette Stingray to more of Chevrolet’s passenger vehicles. With the unveiling of the mildly refreshed 2016 Chevrolet Equinox, we are introduced to the start of the Stingray’s design elements finding their way to Chevrolet vehicles.
The taillamps, described as “Chevy-signature dual-element” are said to stem from the Corvette Stingray’s tail light design. Welburn specifically said the C7’s hexagonal taillamps would be one of the key elements to find their way into more Chevrolet design language. He also mentioned the aggressively styled hood as another piece to find its way onto several other bowtie models.
Chevrolet is looking to capitalize on the Corvette’s aura and infuse that DNA into more of its road going vehicles to elevate the styling. The Equinox is the first of Chevrolet vehicles to receive these cues, but Welburn says to look for the upcoming Malibu and Cruze to wear a subtle link to C7 Corvette as well.
The taillight design is slightly more jagged than the outgoing Equinox’s current taillamp look, and C7 looks are visible in between the brushed silver accents. It’s subtle, but noticeable. Though, we’re glad the Corvette’s design won’t become too watered down in the process. Little splashes of C7 are welcome design nods throughout the Chevrolet lineup, and we’re interested to see how more design nods are implemented in the coming iterations of Malibu and Cruze, as well as into the future of Chevrolet design.
Comments
I see the Impala influence more in the Cruze, Equinox and Malibu models. That makes it more of a family, and invites the customer to buy more than one model so they combine and look good in a multi-car garage.
1 large, 1 medium, 1 small. yeah – all look the same. very cute. NOT.
I see a strong influence of a 69 Impala in the top of the light.
This is a good thing if done properly as heritage [Not the same thing as Retro] can be important in brand image and management,
A good design should not only be appealing but also let you know what model and brand a car is even if there no cooperate emblems on it. Today many cars from Asia often all look alike and the smaller they get the harder to give them a cooperate look.
Several companies have done well to incorporate a family hallmark into their product line and it is about time GM did the same. Chevy for one did lose their way for a while where the cars like the Impala and Malibu has nothing to offer visually back about 10-15 years ago.
I like the 16 equinox tail lights anyone know if they will fir my 14?