Detroit 2008: The styling misses

I hate to be cruel -- car designers tend to weep spontaneously -- but I must say, some of the most counted-upon cars, like the Jaguar XF and Lincoln MKT, are just not rockin'. Or as they say in the movie "Titanic": Iceberg right ahead!! Here's a tour.

-- Dan Neil

Comments

[Joseph Mullins]

I agree with Mr. Neil. The Jaguar's nose is an enormous disappointment. I mistook the headlamps for those of a Hyundai. The Lincoln is absurd. The Mercedes is astonishingly disappointing.

[Hugh Jorgan]

Ugly Grill syndrome has been around for a few years. The Dodge 300, and Cadillac Escalade are examples of this Detroit illness. Jag, Benz, and Lincoln are just falling into the same trap.

[Frankin Effing]

Mr Neil must be blind. The XF grill itself may not be super memorable, but the total look and execution of the car is excellent

The XF looks good to me, and far surpasses all of the other designs in this class.