They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Here are my 'body doubles' for the day. Obviously, Pontiac knows a good thing when they see it.

Please post your observations of copycat cars (such as the G6), and the cars they imitate (in this case, the 350Z).

 

Two more...
Can you tell which one is the 1999 Accord, and which one is the new Hyundai Sonata? My Niether.

 

check these out! that's GOT to be downright copyright infringement.

 

good eye on the G6 though; never noticed that until now.

 

It would be, if Ford and Mercury weren't both part of the Ford Motor Company!

 

Here's another good one, that I already mentioned in a previous thread: 2006 Ford Explorer versus Chrysler Aspen.

Also, can you tell which one is the REAL Honda CRV, and which one is the cheap Chinese knock-off?

 

...the "new" Buick and the Ford Taurus?

 

also the g6 and the toyota solara.

 

One more.
Here is the Daihatsu Mira, versus the Rover Mini (previous generation).

 

I like the Audi-like rings on the front of the chinese thing as well...

 

While it is definitely not a copycat car, I see a big hint of Chrysler's inspiration for the Crossfire. I'm no designer, hell even my signature is a mess. But I do love cars, and sometimes experience deja vu when looking at them.

I think designers at Chrysler have been fascinated by the Bugatti Atlantic Coupe for years, particularly its extreme rearward stance, streamlined good looks, and of course the central spine running up and over the length of its body. Other cars, such as the Stingray, have played with these same themes in the past. Quite successfully, I might add, so I think there is a hint of Stingray in the Crossfire's shape as well. The art deco styling, etc is Chrysler's own, but I think the inspiration is clear. In fact, you can also see the attached two photos of the Chrysler Atlantic coupe. I consider it proof that they have been toying with Bugatti shapes for years, deciding what they did and didn't want to use in some future product.

 

I LOVE the more aggressive front grille & fender styling of that split-windshield Crossfire prototype. It's a shame that more if that didn't make it into the production version.

 

I think the rear end of the new Sonata looks identical to the rear end of the 2003-2005 Honda Accord Sedan.

 

I totally agree with you on that one! I read in a magazine somewhere that they grafted a different nose on to the Crossfire, which would later appear across the company lineup in one variation or another. The only nose that comes close is the Pacifica, IMO. But, yes, I too miss the stacked headlamps, indented grille, etc. Maybe they couldn't do the headlights that way, as they should be visible from the car's profile. And, maybe that prototype bumper would not have survived 5 mph crashes. I don't know the reason, but it's a shame that better looking front end didn't make the cut.

 

I could believe that. Upon looking at the picture again it seems that the bumper, grille, and headlight housings are all one unit. Probably very expensive to replace...