My (second) biggest issue with the R sets

While the R sets are better then the XPTs in some areas my second biggest gripe with them is how much worse they look compared to an XPT. The XPT much like the Tangaras of the same era still look modern and fast regardless of the actual age. The R sets with flat fronts and prominent couplers which are reminiscent of Xplorers and Endeavours (which the R set seem better suited to replace) than the smooth, streamlined and sleek XPTs.

In my mind the XPT replacement should have followed the trail of the XPT-E concept (last image) and been a new train with modern amenities and systems but with the timeless styling of the forever great looking XPTs.

TLDR: The XPT looks great and like it’s travelling at 160 even while stationary while the R sets look like they’ve already gone through a brick wall.