Autoblog

Click above to view the Ford Kuga in hi-res

Kinetic design has been swallowing Ford of Europe's product range whole, and took a big bite at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Alongside the new Fiesta, Ford showed off the production version of the all-new Kuga crossover. Previewed by the concept unveiled at the last Frankfurt show and drawing on styling cues from the Iosis X show car, the Kuga is based on the same platform as the slicker Focus they get overseas.

Although the Kuga is admittedly one more European model that Ford won't offer in its home market, we're not short of Ford crossovers to choose from over here, so we'll let the Europeans have this one. (Just give us the Focus RS and we'll be happy.) But to see what we're missing, check out our gallery of images from the Geneva show floor by clicking on the thumbnails below. Unfortunately, although we're sure the Kuga rolled off its turntable at night after we were gone and duked it out with the Renault Koleos for market share, we couldn't prove it.

Courtesy of Ward's AutoWorld, the term 'Design Language' is rapidly taking on new meaning. The publication recently delved into the world of car designer lingo, mining minds like DaimlerChrysler designer Ralph Gilles for 'it' words.

In addition to the oft-used "craptastic," a word used to describe a horrible design but a fantastic launch and presentation, Ward's came upon the following equally appropriate and equally funny descriptors:

J.C. Whitney Look: "When something looks added on to the car, it looks out of place, it looks like an afterthought." (Ralph Gilles, DaimlerChrysler)

Puffilate: "When we sit there and review a surface and we think it's too hollow or flat, we say we have to puffilate that." (Ralph Gilles)

Unobtainium:  "A designer type of material you can shape in any way or fashion. It has virtually no cost, and it really helps us to get our designs forward. However, the engineers just despise that." (Pat Schiavone, Ford)

Looks like an RV: "Anything where I don't like the trim, or if it feels like it's not bolted on correctly, or it doesn't have the fit and finish, I say 'man that reminds me of an RV." (Pat Schiavone, Ford) 

Goiter: "An unexpected bulging of the clay that, although previously invisible, becomes visually magnetic by virtue of being pointed out by one's boss." (Kevin George, Ford)

[Source: Ward's AutoWorld] 

As Edmunds Inside Line correctly points out, Ford looks to be readying more facelifts for next year than a Los Angeles plastic surgeon. The latest to get the Norelco flat-bar grille treatment would appear to be the 2008 Five Hundred sedan, whose value and interior volumes have come in for praise, but whose milquetoast styling and underwhelming drivetrain and handling have been derided.

The Blue Oval hopes to rectify both issues by early next year, so we're eager to see how they manage.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

(Great tip, Brian!)