COLLIDING DESIGN CUES

Is it just me, or has there been a lot of designers jumping to new jobs, in different companies? Or, maybe a bit too much looking over someone's shoulder; or spending too much time at international motor shows?

Whatever. I have noticed some cars with distinct similarities in the past few months which seems just like too much coincidence.

I have written before about how in-house design studios, as well as independent studios 'recycle' ideas, old and new.

But, have a look at these five cars, and you'll see what I mean.

First up, the two premium Japanese brands, Lexus and Infiniti. Both these marques are struggling to separate themselves from their more plebian siblings at Toyota and Nissan - but take a look at these two shots of the new GS350 from Lexus and the new Q50 from Infiniti.

Is the guy who did one grille now working for 'the other company'?

Now, take a look at three station wagons - from Japan, Korea and Germany. When any of these three speed past me in the traffic I'm hard-pressed to tell which one's which.

The Mazda 6

The Hyundai i40

The Opel Insignia

See what I mean? So much for individuality!