Before crossover SUVs dominated the market, sedans were the primary four-door vehicle design. Although often boxy in appearance, sedans can often boast sleeker silhouettes depending on brand or model year.
Computers allowed designers to experiment with infinite designs, leading them to streamline their designs using lightweight materials like aluminum and carbon fiber for improved efficiency.
Early Cars
At its inception, automobiles were simply motorized carriages with no regard for style or aesthetics. Over time though, as cars advanced and gained in popularity they began taking on increasingly sleek appearances.
This trend was further expanded in the 2000s with the emergence of luxury SUV models that combined utility and comfort from sedans with elevated stance and rugged styling of trucks.
The 1950s
At this point, car production was on an upswing and hardtop convertibles became increasingly popular during this decade. These vehicles combined the sporty lines of convertibles with the added security provided by steel roofs for maximum road use.
Post-World War II engineering innovation included ponton styling, which combined features like fenders, headlights and runnerboards into one seamless form to produce a stylish vehicle look that still influences vehicles today.
The 1960s
No matter your taste in cars, the 1960s witnessed some remarkable innovations in car design. One such car was the French Renault 16, which established new standards with its novel fastback shape and became a common form factor among family vehicles.
General Motors responded to Chrysler’s 1957 Forward Look by creating a longer, lower and wider model in 1959 for their Buick line up – followed soon afterwards by Ford Mustang.
The 1970s
Following the end of the muscle car era, car designers started considering fuel efficiency more carefully. European style trends and new technologies helped car designers produce more curved shapes more easily.
Designers used to work with clay or wood models, but now they could take advantage of computer programs to easily create soft curves resulting in more streamlined designs with increased fuel economy.
The 1980s
Oil crisis of the 1970s brought on by its severity saw carmakers shift towards producing more aerodynamic vehicles, creating boxy and angular designs popular during that period.
Color experimentation was also prevalent throughout the decade, with vehicles coming in vibrant yellows and earthy browns. But by the end of it all, fluid curves had made their return into car design; this trend would continue for decades after.
The 1990s
Car designs underwent dramatic transformation during the 1990s. There was an obvious departure from the traditional concepts seen during previous decades; curves and contours saw a renaissance especially among high-end sports cars like Porsche 911 or Mazda Miata.
Small windows became safety features and angled shapes helped improve aerodynamics – leading to weight reduction and fuel economy improvements, ultimately fueling the rise of SUVs.
The 2000s
In the 2000s, SUVs and crossovers saw their introduction into mainstream American culture due to increasing consumer demands for versatility and sustainability.
Manufacturers have responded to social trends with hybrid cars that are more fuel efficient and produce lower emissions, providing a future-proof solution. Crossover designs may even accommodate this shift by offering both function and style that appeals to a broad spectrum of consumers.
The 2010s
In 2010, crossover SUVs became increasingly popular. These vehicles provide drivers with families or those living in snowy regions an ideal solution, as they have ample ground clearance while using less gas than traditional gas-guzzlers.
Design trends now emphasize eco-friendliness and advanced technology in car design trends. More hybrid and electric models are emerging to reflect an increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility.
The 2011s
Modern crossovers are distinguished by sleek lines and aggressive profiles that exude sportiness, along with advanced connectivity features that appeal to tech-savvy consumers.
Fuel efficiency remains an integral aspect of crossover designs, with manufacturers favoring hybrid and electric powertrains to meet environmental regulations. This trend also mirrors wider lifestyle trends; consumers seek vehicles that combine utility and style.
The 2012s
Today, SUVs outsell sedans 2-1 at most automakers; Cadillac stands out as being an exception as they combine older SUV designs with their latest crossover offerings.
Crossovers are typically constructed on car-like platforms and feature the ride height and roominess associated with SUVs, making them more fuel-efficient than their SUV counterparts.
They also make it easier to navigate India’s speed breakers and bad roads.
