The hyperbole is killing me!
August 15, 2006 1:50 PM Subscribe
Every car is advertised as "all new" each year. What exactly does this mean, if anything? Is it a completely empty phrase, or does "all new" have some technical meaning in the context of car advertising?
"All new" generally means they have redesigned the car completely, as opposed to the usual incremental changes from year to year. "Every car" is certainly not advertised as "all new" each year.
posted by kindall at 2:16 PM on August 15, 2006
posted by kindall at 2:16 PM on August 15, 2006
Response by poster: That's what I'm wondering about, kindall. For example, the Toyota Camry most certainly is advertised as "all new" each and every year. What does "redesigned completely" mean? What's being redesigned? I can't tell the 2006 from the 2005 from the 2004 at all.
posted by dmd at 2:21 PM on August 15, 2006
posted by dmd at 2:21 PM on August 15, 2006
Well, the 2007 Camry is all-new. I've not noticed it being advertised as all-new in other years.
"Redesigned completely" just means they didn't start with the previous year's model when making the new model. Usually it'll be a new platform and body, and in some cases a different engine and/or other mechanicals as well.
posted by kindall at 2:30 PM on August 15, 2006
"Redesigned completely" just means they didn't start with the previous year's model when making the new model. Usually it'll be a new platform and body, and in some cases a different engine and/or other mechanicals as well.
posted by kindall at 2:30 PM on August 15, 2006
dmd: I think you're remembering wrong.
The 2007 camry is "all-new" in that it's totally restyled, and has a hybrid version and other such major changes.
I doubt the 2006 was advertised as "all-new", unless there was some overzealous local dealer making their own ads.
posted by Tacos Are Pretty Great at 2:31 PM on August 15, 2006
The 2007 camry is "all-new" in that it's totally restyled, and has a hybrid version and other such major changes.
I doubt the 2006 was advertised as "all-new", unless there was some overzealous local dealer making their own ads.
posted by Tacos Are Pretty Great at 2:31 PM on August 15, 2006
It could be all new every year, but by a strange coincidence, the new design looks just like the old one. But that's neither here nor there.
posted by blue_beetle at 4:02 PM on August 15, 2006
posted by blue_beetle at 4:02 PM on August 15, 2006
I can only truly talk to Hondas, but I'm pretty sure it holds mostly true for other manufactures:
In general, each model gets a major update every 3-5 years, and minor incremental updates every year. For the Accord, there is even a "Special Edition" trim level (usually only EX/LX/standard are available) released the last year before a generation change. Although the most distinctive marker of a generation change is a body/interior styling update, more important functional features (chassis dimensions, engines offered, etc) also undergo revisions at this time; it is very rare to see major functional changes mid-generation. Auto magazines and enthusiasts will very often refer to a certain model as an nth generation insert-model-name-here.
For instance, I drive a first generation Acura Legend; which means it looks like that ghetto looking brown one in the wikipedia article rather than the much more svelte white one. Note also the difference in engine options between the G1 and G2 (first and second generation). In this case, calling the 1991 Legend "all new" would be an accepted use of the term, while calling the 1990 all-new would get the "wtf no" response from car enthusiasts that you see here.
posted by kaytwo at 5:06 PM on August 15, 2006
In general, each model gets a major update every 3-5 years, and minor incremental updates every year. For the Accord, there is even a "Special Edition" trim level (usually only EX/LX/standard are available) released the last year before a generation change. Although the most distinctive marker of a generation change is a body/interior styling update, more important functional features (chassis dimensions, engines offered, etc) also undergo revisions at this time; it is very rare to see major functional changes mid-generation. Auto magazines and enthusiasts will very often refer to a certain model as an nth generation insert-model-name-here.
For instance, I drive a first generation Acura Legend; which means it looks like that ghetto looking brown one in the wikipedia article rather than the much more svelte white one. Note also the difference in engine options between the G1 and G2 (first and second generation). In this case, calling the 1991 Legend "all new" would be an accepted use of the term, while calling the 1990 all-new would get the "wtf no" response from car enthusiasts that you see here.
posted by kaytwo at 5:06 PM on August 15, 2006
Often the redesigns aren't all that apparent unless you already own one or have been following the car from year to year. But it may be sufficient to label it as "all new."
For example, the Acura RSX was recently "redesigned" for 2006 though the specs are nearly identical. Acura did make some minor changes to the exterior styling and curves of the car and a more noticeable change to the rear lights. I can spot a current model RSX from a mile away but that's only because I own an older model. For someone who doesn't see them on a normal basis, it would appear as if nothing had been changed, yet Acura was going around proclaiming it as "all new."
posted by junesix at 11:24 PM on August 15, 2006
For example, the Acura RSX was recently "redesigned" for 2006 though the specs are nearly identical. Acura did make some minor changes to the exterior styling and curves of the car and a more noticeable change to the rear lights. I can spot a current model RSX from a mile away but that's only because I own an older model. For someone who doesn't see them on a normal basis, it would appear as if nothing had been changed, yet Acura was going around proclaiming it as "all new."
posted by junesix at 11:24 PM on August 15, 2006
Nth-ing the "they don't say all-new every year" sentiment. You might think they do, but they really only do it when they redesign the car. Although my favourite "all new" was when Daimler-Chrysler scrapped the Neon name in Canada. They made VERY mild changes to the external and internal styling, and then called it "The all new Chrysler SX 2.0! It's not a Neon, we swear! Please buy it!" :)
posted by antifuse at 2:40 AM on August 16, 2006
posted by antifuse at 2:40 AM on August 16, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
"The all new 2006 Mitusbishi Eclipse..." doesn't look like the 2005 or 1999 Eclipse. At all. It's all new.
It's a blanket term being used to describe a new model year, but a bit hyperbolic when the vehicle hasn't substantially changed. They just want you to look at what they've added or changed from year to year.
posted by disillusioned at 2:01 PM on August 15, 2006