I'm pretty sure I read somewhere they are from the same designer

edit: nm it was the avalanche and the element

 

Personally, I think it's the Challenger which looks dated and tired... but I guess it kind of depends on your age and what you've been accustomed to.

 

The Prius looks like an egg for function. I don't have a problem with a car designed to be functional when it is not supposed to be an enthusiast ride but rather a cutting edge efficient appliance. Its not suppposed to look awesome, its supposed to slice through the air.

Retro does nothing but scream ugly to me. I can't stand the "Butch" look of all the Chryslers, (But thank god GM shifted out of this look after going there for a couple years) and I don't like the look of cars that appear bloated and heavy.

I used to think the new Audi nose was horrible but they are really growing on me. I think most of the new Audi's are slick.

As far as other styling I have always really liked the Z4 when everyone else thought it was hideous so what do I know?

 

I think the modern automobile designs are getting more extreme than before.
Some are ugly while others are really apprealing.
I agree with the OP that the camrys are getting really ugly but I think it's a matter of personal taste.
I have a co-worker who bought the new camry fully loaded, and he couldn't be happier with his choice.
To each his own I guess.
But yeah, those Challengers are gorgeous.

Dan

 

auto sales aren't what they used to be. Companies have to differentiate...they all have unique design language that appeals to a certain group of buyers...

 

I hate the semi-truck sized grill on the VW and Audi's, Thankfully the new head of design at VW is changing all of that.

I'm kind of tossed on the blacked out middle bumper on some of the Japanese imports. It looks ok on the GTR and Evo, but tossed on the Eclipse. And it looks ugly on the redesigned MX5.

 

yup, that's what used cars are for

Classicists don't like the Bangled up Bimmers, yet, the marketplace doesn't seem to have a problem with them

If they built it and people came, well...

 

I used to be in the camp that older designs were pure and inspiring. But recently I've began to appreciate the boldness and beauty of innovative design. I'm really excited that automotive design is moving into an era that provides them with more and more individuality between brands. Whether the artistic gambles pay off or not I don't know. But it makes me feel refreshed to see "different" cars on the road.

I always appreciated unique and rare cars because they had the ability to put smiles on the masses faces when they drove by. There's nothing like a fresh breath of air.

 

You know, this morning on the way to work I was driving along with a "pre-Bangle" M3 convertible. Man was it sharp!

 

I just think you're wrong. most Bangle bimmers are beautiful, retro cars are just not my thing, but I can see why people like them. I think the "nose-beak" camry is the best looking camry yet (for what that's worth... it's a camry). The prius? Pure function. The new audis are sexy as hell.

As for the new acura nose, I'm starting to the turn the corner. It's growing on me.

I do not think that automotive design is any more extreme than it ever was, you're just used to the cars after they've been on the road for awhile. Also, I'm going to guess that you're paying more attention to the concepts than you used to (with all the auto news on the internet, it's easy to keep updated). New cars wouldn't seem very extreme if you just waited to see the production models on the streets.