Automotive News - February 11, 2008 - (Page 18) 18 • FEBRUARY 11, 2008 The new look in crossovers: Sleek and wedgy The car-based crossover is starting to develop a signature design language that is easily seen by looking at the side profile. It’s a sloping roof and windows that taper from wide to narrow from the front to the rear. The latest vehicle to use this style is the new baby Land Rover LRX, shown last month at the Detroit auto show. Here are some vehicles already sporting that styling theme. — Richard Truett Land Rover LRX This Detroit auto show concept — a possible replacement for the departed three-door Freelander — is perhaps the most radical application of the sloping-roof theme. Toyota Matrix The Corolla-based crossover was one of the first to sport the sloping roof. The reworked 2008 version continues the tradition. Mitsubishi Outlander The redesigned crossover helped fuel a rebound in Mitsubishi’s U.S. sales last year. It is not as dramatically sloped as its competitors. Mazda CX-9 The 2008 North American Truck of the Year has heavy chrome molding around the side windows that accentuates the sloping roof design theme. Subaru Outback A freshened 2008 version of this venerable Subaru demonstrates how the wedgy treatment is used on a wagon.
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