Comments on: Mitsubishi to close California design studio

By: Wheelnut

Wheelnut — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:30:33 +0000

I wouldn’t be surprised if Toyota combine the Aurion and the Camry uneder one name… most likeyl Camry as its more well known in Australia. and offer it with the option aof a 4 cylinder or a V6 – like the original Camry.

Not only that but Holden are expected to offer the upcoming Commoodre with a 4cyl option – like the original

Back on Topic: one car Mitsubishi should “please consider” importing from the USA is the Eclips Sports Coupe as a possible rival to the 370Z and the like

By: Lukaas

Lukaas — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:19:18 +0000

Aurion is actually well styled.
If you compare it to past Toyota “sedans” its a signficant improvement and “very” sporty looking.
(Lead designer was Aussie) and it is very Aussie looking.

The Camry.. yes unfortunately is US inspired.
Its still an improvement over past camrys but you can definitely tell it has strong U.S styling kews.

I agree that Toyota should simple seperate the Aurion and Camry altogether so the Aurion can become more “australianized” but it wont happen especially now with the crisis and profit saving protocols.

The Camry isnt that big anyways, its slightly longer than the Mazda 6 and Accord. If anything the Aurion is smaller than Commodore and Falcon.

By: Captain Mainwaring

Captain Mainwaring — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:59:03 +0000

Cadman, the problem with Camry/Aurion is that they’re the same size. Toyota lacks a medium car (Accord Euro/Mazda6 size) with the sporty feel that these cars have. The choice between something like this and a larger six-cylinder car would give them a much bigger market spread than having a boring, bigger than necessary car as their four cylinder entry.

By: Cadman

Cadman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:34:55 +0000

Capt, exactly my point. And they inflict pain along with it. The Australian version of the V6 (badged as Aurion) is much better without even changing any metal. Personally I think that Toyota missed the boat by trying to make the V6 something different, rather than just do the Aus version accross the Camry range

By: Captain Mainwaring

Captain Mainwaring — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:22:23 +0000

But Cadman, Camry has been the top selling car in America for at least a decade, so in Toyota’s case the US design centre works. The problem is that they inflict the products from it on our part of the world.

By: Cadman

Cadman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:10:59 +0000

Captain,
I wish Toyota would close their US design(?) studio. Kluger and Camry to name just 2 of the awful products from there.

By: Captain Mainwaring

Captain Mainwaring — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 07:07:53 +0000

Closure not surprising. Having an American design studio didn’t exactly result in them selling many cars in America.

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:37:09 +0000

Why this does not look “great”, the facelift Galant pictured (the 380 was basically the same car) could have done the 380 some extra sales.