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Ralph Gilles Becomes Chrysler's Chief Designer

Posted August 20 2008 01:38 PM by Evan McCausland 
Filed under: Car News, Evan McCausland, Chrysler

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There's a new design chief in Auburn Hills.  And after no more than a week on the job, Ralph Gilles is already talking about how he'll shake up Chrysler's styling trends.

Gilles, most recently lead designer of Chrysler's advanced interiors group, was chosen this week to succeed Trevor Creed, who is retiring as vice-president of design.  Gilles, who's been responsible for products like the 300C and the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram, now has reigns over future Chrysler designs - and although styling is subjective, we're ecstatic to hear future vehicles may not be so...well, boxy.

"It's definitely time for a new aesthetic at Chrysler," Gilles told Automotive News.  "We're done with the 'Edge' look."

Instead, Gilles says he wants upcoming Chryslers to "be sexy again."  We're not sure how sexy a Sebring could be without transmogrifying into a Viper, but there is some chance the 'Cab-Forward' ethos - led by Gilles' mentor, Tom Gale - could return.

Certainly, we will look for improved cabins in the near future.  Gilles continues to place emphasis on attractive (if not upscale) interiors, something that's exhibited by both the 2009 Ram and the revised dash panels on the 2009 Jeep Compass and Patriot.

Source: Automotive News



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