The rear end design trend of lately

"Hans Kuiper" (hanschepuve) 05/27/2015 at 21:51 • Filed to: Design, Rear End, Grille, Trend

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Am I the only one that is really, I mean REALLY bored of some of the recent car designs?, mostly at the rear end, where things have got really average.

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I know there are car design trends and cues that become popular and establish a style that becomes prevalent in an era, sort of like the pop up lamps, fins and chrome, black plastic bumpers two tone cars, smooth lines and curves from the 90s; those things are cool, but I always think that car designers must try to not fall in those trends, or at least not that much, if not you could end up being de de-facto example of a trend, leading to not aging very well...like the beanie taurus.

In my opinion, when you can definitely tell a trend is going, its time to move on, when the wow factor is gone, it starts to become boring and people will look for something “new”.

Sort of like how every new car has a big black mouth front and center.

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Something that has struck me is how recently rear ends have become so look alike between different cars (especially in the sedan segment), to me its time to move on from that design style.

Bonus points if you can name them all

I’m not saying that older cars had better or greater designs, i’m saying that its time to move on from this trend and start searching for the new “thing”.

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The Experiment

Taking the design cues and overlaying all of the cars I’ve shown, here’s a quick mediocre attempt to create something the average rear end of the 2009+ sedan.

A : Taillights have same-ish proportion or principle, they start from the inside of the rear end and extend up to the rear fenders, sometimes touching shoulder lines and give the sensation that they continue to the sides of the car, they start sort of narrow and get bigger? Taller? as they go out towards the fenders, Usually they are a little bit tilted with the outer part of the Taillight pointing upwards.

B :There’s a defined line which form the part where the license plate goes in, this line almost always follow the same line as the begining of the taillight or follow down the design of the rear mustache/molding.

C :The top part of the trunk (in sedans) protrudes a little bit and is higher relative to the rest of the trunk and shoulder line, looking like a spoiler, i’m not against this design part, its just that sometimes a clean line looks more elegant, sometimes a softer rounded line or maybe a more angular one.

D : The part where said molding or difference in depth is, usually goes down if there’s a molding present or just keeps the same line from the top of the tail lights, now I know that part is maybe more due to function as its a nice spot for grabbing the trunk, but im sure its not the only way to do it.

E: Fake Diffuser, there’s this shape or body molding that is more often than not painted in black and its there just to resemble an air diffuser, which isn’t bad per se, but just as fake air entrances in the front bumper, gets tiring when its the norm and not the exception, what happened to clean rear bumpers? body moldings, bumper corner lights and other elements to make it different.

F : “Wide” fenders, as cars get bigger this trend has become really common to give the car a more muscular look, its not bad its just that what about clean side lines and making the car looking slimmer rather than bigger, or maybe instead of trying the wide arches look how about some boxed wide body fenders a la EVO IX or Skyline R34, maybe something like a Lancia Delta(the turbo AWD one).

So yeah, Whats your opinion? what should be the next move in making sedan booties sexy again? Show some sexy rear ends bellow.

Oh and sorry for any mistake or bad composition, english isn’t my native language.

TheHondaBro > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:01

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NSX booty. (NSFW!)

Twism > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:01

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How do we get back ends sexy again?

Fins:

they are also incredibly dangerous in an accident, but hey.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:02

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I think the auto industry wants all the boring people to be confused in the sameness.

MLGCarGuy > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:03

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McLaren would like a word with you. No, it’s not a sedan, but I’d like to remind everyone how fabulous this car is.

As for naming the cars:

1. 2011 Lexus CT200h

2. 2014 Hyundai Elantra

3. 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

4. 2015 Audi A3 1.8T

5. 2014 Lexus IS

6. Nissan Qashqai

7. 2014 Mazda 6 i Grand Touring

8. 2011 Hyundai Sonata

9. 2014 Mazda 3 i Touring

10. 2014 Kia Optima LX

11. 2014 Kia Forte EX

12. 2014 Infiniti Q50

I believe car rear ends need more lines or possibly be wider to look good.

505Turbeaux > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:04

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I was always partial to the rear of the E3. Way back in history, but I would love to see some details like this exist today

Especially that filler behind the plate

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:06

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Lexus Ct

Hyundai Elantra

Toyota Avalon

Audi A3

Lexus IS

Nissan Quashi

Mazda6

Hyundai Sonata

Mazda3

Kia Optima

Kia Forte

Infiniti Q-whatever the fuck it's called.

CB > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:08

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I think we will slowly see the distinctiveness of vehicles go away. With there being a huge priority on fuel economy and aerodynamics, individual differences will disappear as engineers more and more find optimal shapes for reducing drag coefficients.

Now, why are rear ends becoming so similar? Probably because no one cares. Maybe crash regulations or vehicle requirements. I have no idea.

webmonkees > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 05/27/2015 at 22:09

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Went after some parts at the junkyard for two 2001-midsize sedans, got lost. Even the junkers can hardly tell them apart, especially if the front’s missing.

Hans Kuiper > MLGCarGuy 05/27/2015 at 22:10

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Well, Im not sure supercars have ever been in the same bin as normal sedans, maybe in a Supercar Boring Bin, which is still awesome hehe.

About having more lines, sure that could help, but sometimes less is more, just look at dat Maserati 3200GT booty.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > webmonkees 05/27/2015 at 22:11

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Most people are not like us, they want a comfortable appliance. Some want a little more sex so they get a red appliance.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:11

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We should make them like classic Alfas. It’s curvy but not too much. I also like how there is that ridge down the side that blends into the rear bumper. It’s square, but it’s not boring.

Hans Kuiper > TheHondaBro 05/27/2015 at 22:12

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Oh my, that sure is a nice ass, somebody should grey that image just to protect our pants here.

Hans Kuiper > Twism 05/27/2015 at 22:13

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Why not a car with Fins, Pop up Headlights and a MASSIVE ornament on the hood.

Maybe add some lamborghini esque proportions.

Hans Kuiper > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 05/27/2015 at 22:14

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Bonus points for you, and everyone who guessed it right, this is Oppo after all, but im sure I am not the only who sometimes have to make a double take to differentiate one of those apart.

And about that Infiniti Q- whatever, thats another topic to discuss...those dumb alphanumerical names and propose any solution.

Berang > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:15

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I don’t know about the rest of the car, but the back is at least interesting.

Hans Kuiper > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 05/27/2015 at 22:15

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Had a good chuckle with that one, then realized how true it is.

Just look at smartphones post iPhone, im afraid cars could become like that :(

pdish > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:16

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I miss integrated tail light and bumper with the low belt line even in big cars.

Hans Kuiper > Berang 05/27/2015 at 22:17

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Actually to me, it is completely interesting, always like the front end, I know its a hate it or love it situation, but it feels different and not in a bad way.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:18

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Infiniti’s entire naming strategy leaves me confused, so I typically just try to pretend that they do not exist.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:19

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Wait until you relinquish control of the car within a major city. Mitsubishi did a study in Japan, if people give their destinations and let the computers route everyone it would lessen traffic by 65%. I can see a time with apple cars, all the same and that also means the police know your exact position at all times.

MLGCarGuy > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:19

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True though. Maybe you could sculpt the existing lines better?

Is this too plain for you still?

PushToStart > TheHondaBro 05/27/2015 at 22:21

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mmmm, love me some NSX ass

oh wait...

Hans Kuiper > pdish 05/27/2015 at 22:22

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the only recent example that could be compared is the Ferrari California, which has some really low taillights integrated into the bumper, but then almost everyone forgets which are its taillights thanks to those dumb upper corners or whatever they are. it could have been a great oportunity to do something WAY different.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:24

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You forgot the completely unnecessary reflectors

Hans Kuiper > MLGCarGuy 05/27/2015 at 22:27

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Nope, not at all, But being plain wasn’t my point, I don’t consider all those rear ends I showed to be plain, its about all of them being really similar, whent a Lexus (rear end) looks like a Mazda that looks like an Infiniti that looks like a Hyundai that looks like a KIA there’s a problem.

Im talking about trying to differentiate Car Manufacturers Design language a little bit more.

And that should apply even between models, or you’ll end up like Audi which basically makes the same design in different sizes

Hans Kuiper > PushToStart 05/27/2015 at 22:27

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that right there is design language done right.

Hans Kuiper > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/27/2015 at 22:29

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OMG, they are so bland that I did not even noticed them.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:32

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Every new car has them, but why?

MLGCarGuy > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:34

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The thing is that automakers (the way I see it) think that the rear end is not the main focus of the car. After all, most press shots show the side, front, interior, etc., but rarely the rear. They focus so much time into the front that they basically forget to style the back. The 2013 GS has a really bold front end, but the sides and back are plain.

Hans Kuiper > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/27/2015 at 22:38

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No idea, and I assume those wont even light up, so whats the point? if they lit up maybe they could help in bad situations like fog, but actually I have no idea what are they for.

wunderwagen wants a longer roof > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:41

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I’m pretty in love with Dodge’s racetrack butts, though I may just be in love with Dodge. You can’t deny it doesn’t look extremely cool on the Dart and Charger, especially at night.

They also make cars that are wide on the outside and extremely spacious inside so it isn’t fake wideness (if that make sense).

Hans Kuiper > MLGCarGuy 05/27/2015 at 22:41

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Maybe, maybe not, but we see rear ends A LOT while driving, I think im not the only one that gets excited when seeing a Porsche rear end (not the cayenne tho) or a Mustang, they are so well designed that you just can’t confuse them with anything else, and I guess it should be that way with other cars, especially boring sedans.

Something like the pre facelift 2003? I can tell that car by its rear end miles away.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:42

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Just reflectors, just like the ones built into the taillights

MLGCarGuy > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:44

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The styling issue of seeing rear ends a lot is really evident, because occasionally you’ll think you’re seeing something unique or cool but it ends up being a Camry or some other bland thing.

Hans Kuiper > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/27/2015 at 22:45

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Well, one thing to add to the list of completely unnecessary design cues.

Like fake exhaust tips. I hate fake exhaust tips.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:46

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I know, right?

Hans Kuiper > wunderwagen wants a longer roof 05/27/2015 at 22:47

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Totally makes sense, count me in the dodge taillight lovers club, I mean I even like the Durango! they are way more awesome in real life too!

About the wide thing, I totally understood what you said, as most cars get bigger Im sure none of the cars I showed are that small on the inside, my point was that there should be other ways to make a car look wider, try not to take the common approach! be different and all that jazz.

Berang > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:49

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I think it’s one design that really relies on the right color or combination of colors to work. I also think the front end would be improved if they removed the chrome trim piece on the grill and maybe added some slight asymmetry by moving the badge to a corner of the grill instead of having it in the center.

Hans Kuiper > MLGCarGuy 05/27/2015 at 22:54

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well, car designers should strive for that dont you think? making people getting closer to see its just a camry, although a good looking one!

Spasoje > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:55

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The only one I don’t know is this - some kind of Kia?

Hans Kuiper > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/27/2015 at 22:56

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Somebody should do a list of all those annoying useless details. Ill start with these.

Rear Reflectors

Fake Exhaust Tips

The little “i” in any dumb alphanumerical name

Hans Kuiper > Spasoje 05/27/2015 at 22:57

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Its a Kia Optima, so bland that when you google it, youll mostly find the newer one with the (i think) same front end.

MLGCarGuy > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 22:58

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It benefits the ones with little creativity and hurts the ones who strive to be different.

Hans Kuiper > Berang 05/27/2015 at 23:02

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I think its more of a Stance situation ( stance not referring to the dumb culture of ruining car usability) but as in the position of the car body in relation to ground and wheels.

Lowered:

Lifted:

GTR Powertrain:

I must say, I really like the nissan Juke.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 23:04

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-DRL’s made from individual LEDs look like rope lightning from Wal-Mart

-Any fake vent

-PZEV badges

-random chrome strips

Hans Kuiper > MLGCarGuy 05/27/2015 at 23:06

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Completely true, but I think those designs are result of boring decisions mostly by suits and focus groups and people liking similar stuff, to me that has to have some connection with humans nature to fear the unknown, It might be why some really striking designs aren’t so popular.

Hans Kuiper > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/27/2015 at 23:11

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There’s a thing going on, I’ll save this list for future artwork.

pdish > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 23:13

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Yes! The Enzo taillights for all on top do not work on the California.

Hans Kuiper > CB 05/27/2015 at 23:14

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Regulations and norms have lots to do with that, but then its not a complete excuse, we have rear ends as cool as the new Mustang, or the Dodge rally taillights. Those I like a lot

For Sweden > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 23:23

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This is good Oppo

Hans Kuiper > For Sweden 05/27/2015 at 23:25

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*starts to giggle*

*o*

For Sweden > Hans Kuiper 05/27/2015 at 23:27

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Germans don’t giggle Hans

Hans Kuiper > For Sweden 05/27/2015 at 23:32

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Sadly im not german, Im half dutch.

I guess its my other half the one that giggles.

Twism > Hans Kuiper 05/28/2015 at 00:17

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If it’s a brown manual diesel wagon, I’m in.

Seriously though, adding just a slight angle into the rear fenders and/or the taillights does a fantastic job of sprucing up the back end of a car.

The 300C comes to mind:

Bytemite > Hans Kuiper 05/28/2015 at 00:25

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The Lexus IS looks different.

It is instantly recognizable actually. The sharp point flows all the way down the side to the front of the car in one curve. It looks great and unique in person.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Hans Kuiper 05/28/2015 at 01:20

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I noticed this a few days ago.

current ford Focus.

Current Kia Rio

Honestly I kinda like the looks of the Kia better. at least from the front.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Hans Kuiper 05/28/2015 at 01:23

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Killing Sedan and making everthing a liftback.

yeah now that, is sexy. Who wants a tiny little trunk anyway?

Fresh-Outta-Nissans > Hans Kuiper 05/28/2015 at 03:33

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Aw crap, all the Koreans look alike.

Hans Kuiper > Twism 05/28/2015 at 08:44

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Totally agree, in comparison with the previous gen 300C this one looks better, but if you look at that, it only shares two or three design cues from all the cars I submitted, the spoiler esque trunk and the black diffuser. I think it perfectly proves my point

Hans Kuiper > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 05/28/2015 at 08:47

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I did not forgot about the focus, its just that I like symmetrical stuff and 12 was a round number when dividing squares, lol.

Is it a Focus that looks like a Rio or a Rio that looks like a Focus?

Most people would guess its the korean one copying the more “established” brand, but as I think about it, it might be just a result of both trying to use the same design cues of lately and actually nobody copying nobody.

Thats my guess tho.

Hans Kuiper > Bytemite 05/28/2015 at 08:52

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Sure it looks great but not completely different, I had the oportunity to be at the 2013 NYIAS and saw it in person, it is good looking, but lately when I see a rear end with such proportions and design cues its a let down, I mean can’t they come up with something different?

Especially with the lexus that has such an aggressive headlight design.

rbcs > MLGCarGuy 05/29/2015 at 14:50

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SCG003 .

Admiral Asskicker > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:50

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I hate the lack of exhaust cutouts+turndown pipe to make it look more like an EV.

JaqcuesCampbell > TheHondaBro 05/29/2015 at 14:50

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oops disgusting pantsmess cleanup time.

TheCrudMan > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:50

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Ashamed to admit how many of those I could identify.

Viperfan1 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:53

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Preach.

gallahad > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:54

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It’s one of the great ironies of car design that the profile most closely correlated to sexiness (the side) is one of the least-seen views of the car.

HiMyNameIsJayAgain > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:54

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So who was first?

They all look derivative of the 2008+ Subaru WRX hatchback (then again, I’m biased).

Ltd783 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:55

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I consider myself quite the car ID nerd, and this damned Forte sedan makes me go “Focus...wait Fusion...wait, what?” nearly everytime I see one.

ghost650 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 05/29/2015 at 14:57

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reverberocket is nipping the apex..and gently blowing in it's ear. > Twism 05/29/2015 at 14:58

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Fin-ish...?

Kyree S. Williams > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:58

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You’ve mentioned several things I’ve myself noticed. It is interesting to see this new trend wherein the license plate area isn’t a hard recess, but rather a soft negative-area in the decklid or bumper between each tail-lamp. It also tends to be longer in order to accommodate the longer Euro-style number plates.

Meanwhile, here’s another subtle trend I’ve noticed (and I’ve mentioned this before): what’s with automakers having spoilers on their SUVs and crossovers that have black trailing pieces that extend the length of the rear window? Is it a style thing or does it help with aerodynamics?

Some examples:

2015 BMW X5

2013 Nissan Pathfinder

2013 Mazda CX-5

kounga999 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:58

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I can’t be the only one thinking the new Ford GT’s rear end RUINS the car.

RalphieDC > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 14:58

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To be fair it was the Taurus design language that everyone copied.

Iwaswonderofwonders > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/29/2015 at 14:58

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Auto manufactures are trying to put JC Whitney out of business. Bastards.

Fenderaddict2 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:00

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The P1, Mustang, 911, and Aston Martin are kings of rear end design, as was Mazda in the 90’s. All else, suck

Megamullin > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:00

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Great article! Cadillac is going in a different direction, but everybody is ridiculing them for it. My favorite was the wagon. CTS, though all CTSs look very distinctive compared to other cars.

Rear ends have been very controversial, so I can’t blame designers for playing it safe. Remember what happened when someone tried a different back end on a 7?

Iwaswonderofwonders > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:00

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what should be the next move in making sedan booties sexy again?

RW53104 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:01

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The Ford Taurus... Such a big hit int he car market for so long, yet no model ever ages well. Not having been old enough when the OG Taurus came out, I’ve never been able to understand what made it so revolutionary in design- it’s just ugly to me.

You’re definitely onto something here with these rear ends, though. I think I would add the Impala to your list as well.

RalphieDC > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:01

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Not fair, this could be any Audi, they all look alike, you need more angles to know them!

Hydroguy > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:01

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Another item for the evidence file in the case of the superiority of hatchbacks v. sedans. In the case of the Focus, the taillight even helps integrate the fuel filler door almost invisibly into the right rear quarter panel.

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:01

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I’d love to see a new style - something more straightforward and hard hitting. Something like this perhaps? (Please excuse the post-it sketch!)

JayBe_III > MLGCarGuy 05/29/2015 at 15:01

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This happens to me way too often. Always makes me question my car knowledge.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:02

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I think you guys just like to complain. You trash some of the designs Mini or Fiat comes out with, then trash the mainstream vehicle designs. {shrug}

Captain Intenso > MLGCarGuy 05/29/2015 at 15:03

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It looks like the owner parked too close to an open flame.

wrxkwndo > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:03

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That last one looks like Barney Gumble after a few Duffs.

iatethepeach > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:05

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You’re one ugly mother ‘ucker.

funkymunkies101 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:07

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I think you forgot a few cars...

Mailbox Cancer > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:07

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this grosses me out every time.

like, every. single. time.

gooby pls.

RalphieDC > Twism 05/29/2015 at 15:07

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To that I’ll add:

BrianMadigan > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:09

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Where have all the boat-tails and spare tire humps gone? Lincoln should revisit some of their earlier designs, like the Zephyr V12 (110bhp flathead V12!!).

Buick can just go take a left and then another left and then fuck itself.

RalphieDC > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 05/29/2015 at 15:09

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I call them “the one that used to be the G”, “the one that used to be the M”, etc...

Jerk Dently > Berang 05/29/2015 at 15:09

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What I don’t like about the Juke is that rear styling and front styling get interrupted by the conventional 4 door middle. I think it would look much better as a 2 door . From what everyone says, the rear seat is practically useless anyway.

Crossed > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 05/29/2015 at 15:11

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Side reflectors near the front and a set near the back are mandatory by law in NA, that’s why so many tail lights and headlights wrap around the side. They all feature that yellow amber reflector.

Ran across this info trying to relocate by center brake light to a lower position. Only a small number of people do it different with a separate detached reflector. Dodge, Subie, probably some super cars.

User1312 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:16

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Different isn’t always good. Even this isn’t far off from the norm. Good thing we’re more interested in what’s under the skin..

zissou80 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:16

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Let’s give this a shot:

Lexus

zissou80 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:16

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Hyundai

OLDSLANG > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:16

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I kinda blame Iron Man. Ever since the first movie came out, almost every car has looked like an angry robot.

zissou80 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:16

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Toyota

zissou80 > Hans Kuiper 05/29/2015 at 15:16

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Audi