I don't think you can conclusively say that just based on a commercial. When the current 7th-gen Camry debuted, sure it was flashy for a Camry, but it was certainly not controversial. If it was controversial, as I stated with the Taurus, brand loyalty and the reputation of the Camry would have dropped, leading to decreased sales. While the current 7th gen Camry was flashier than the previous 6th gen, it also has some family similarities to the 5th gen Camry. While it was flashy when it first came out, it still looked like a Camry.
This new 6th generation Sonata on the other hand looks NOTHING like the previous 5th gen model. There is zero similarity in the exterior. Likewise, this 6th gen Sonata does not look like any previous generation of Sonata either; there are zero family cues to previous Sonata generations.
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I've stated the facts, and if you don't like them, that's your problem.
If the new 6th generation Sonata does better sales-wise than the previous 5th generation, I will eat my words. If not, well then many "enthusiasts", as well as bloggers and journalists will be served a lot of crow.
Wow, there is just so much short-sightedness in "Factual's" response it's tough to know where to begin.
1) As stated already, you (Factual) simply stating something is a 'fact' doesn't necessarily make it so. If you'd like to offer up some sources for your "facts", that might help your cause.
2) You've cited the '96 Taurus as an example of how a mid-size sedan with styling that's a vast departure from the previous model will definitely fail, but...
a) The '96 Taurus retained the title of Best Selling Car in the US.
b) What other factors might have contributed to the eventual downfall of the Taurus's sales? Just off the top of my head: Greater competition from competitive products such as the Camry, Accord, Intrepid, etc. that wasn't affecting the previous generation Taurus perhaps?
c) Reaction from the general public and journalists was very mixed with many folks not liking it, whereas for the 2011 Sonata, it is generally very positive. A wildly different design that is appealing to most people should not net the same sales reaction as a wildly different design that is controversial (note: this isn't "fact" -- this is common sense).
3) You negated your own point that a new mid-size sedan that's a vast departure in styling from the previous model is destined to fail. The out-going generation of Sonata looks nothing like the previous model (which you yourself stated above). However, the outgoing model is the best selling Sonata to date, is it not?
4) You stated that it is a 'fact' that 'brand loyalty' and the 'reputation of the Camry' would have 'dropped' if the styling had been more controversial than it is. This is not a fact. This is your opinion. MY opinion (as someone who has worked in marketing for a long time and has a pretty good sense of consumer perception and the auto industry as a whole) is that neither styling nor performance are the highest priorities of the vast majority of Camry buyers. People who put more emphasis on those two elements likely look to more fashionable choices (such as a Mazda6 or VW Passat). Rather, choosing a sedan that provides good fuel economy, reliability, safety and comfort are what lead the vast majority of Camry owners to choose the car they do. Sure, styling will play a small role, but not be the end-all, be-all for most. Again, I don't know this to be fact, just the opinion and educated guess of me.
5) Add me to the camp of others here (and journalists you've referenced) that are betting on the new Sonata being a sales winner for Hyundai.
