@AuthiCooper1300 I just feel like the Fumia Ypsilon was an unfortunate styling "dead-end" if you will, taking very few cues from the resolutely angular I.D.E.A. cars that defined the brand through '90s. If the Fumia Lybra had come to light it would validate the swoopy lines of the Ypsilon which are more coherent and attractive on the larger car anyway, IMO. I especially like Fumia's concave rear end on his Lybra where the production car would end up with a flat panel and generic 2000s 'Euro' taillights:
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I know I know, but it just so happened that there were three 'Italian' compacts at that time and I find the magic number of comparison to be three; if you have two it's too bipartisan, and four starts getting confusing. Besides, I figured the acquired taste of the Ypsilon's looks would sway some towards choosing the others, and at the end of the day it's all just a theoretical poll meant to spark conversation.
I guess when I muse on Fiat's success I am also implying their long term future success. I would argue that for as well as it's sold up to now, the Trepiuno has kind of pigeonholed Fiat into being a purveyor of 'retro' style and the brand is having trouble selling cars outside of the 500 segment. That could entirely be down to brand mismanagement as Fiat are wont to do, but the retro trends can only be contrived so far. I really am amazed Mini has managed to make it 3 generations just restyling the same idea of a '50s compact; in 50 years, will it even be able to be considered 'retro' anymore?
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Agreed on Stephenson, his stuff is generally excellent and it's crazy realizing how many relevant (semi)modern cars you see these days were done by him.