Facelift (automotive)

The extensive refresh that Mercedes-Benz gave to the E-Class (2013) family is most likely the most expensive mid-life facelift in the history of the automobile.[1]

"Mid-cycle facelifts for cars are usually just cosmetic: a little nip here, a little tuck there, new lights and maybe a couple of different trim pieces to maintain interest in an aging vehicle for an extra couple of years before a full redesign."

Laurance Yap, Editor, Canadian Driver[2]

An automotive facelift (also known as mid-generational refresh, minor model change or minor model update, life cycle impulse for BMW) comprises changes to a car's styling during its production run — including, to highly variable degree, new sheetmetal, interior design elements or mechanical changes[3] — allowing a carmaker to freshen a model without complete redesign.

A facelift retains the basic styling and platform of the car,[4] with aesthetic alterations, e.g., changes to the front fascia (grille, headlights), taillights, bumpers, instrument panel and center console, and various body or interior trim accessories. Mechanical changes may or may not occur concurrently with the facelift (e.g., changes to the engine, suspension or transmission).

A facelift may also include a change to the vehicle's name; such was the case when Ford renamed their Five Hundred model to be their Ford Taurus in 2008.

Facelifts have occurred in some automobiles when halogen headlamps are switched from reflector to projector optics, but in other cases some have been stayed with reflector or projector optics till the end of production lifespan.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Alex Oagana. "Mercedes-Benz E 350 W212 Facelift Gets Reviewed by Edmund's". autoevolution.
  2. ↑ "Review: Audi A4". Canadian Driver, August 31, 2005, Laurance Yap.
  3. ↑ "Definition: Facelift". About.com, Aaron Gold.
  4. ↑ "2010 Ford Fusion Review". Edmunds.com.