I posted a few thoughts on the Camaro on the other forum, so I'll take on a few other cars here.

1. Dodge Challenger:

I like it a bit more now that I've seen it. But I also have to say it's a poster child for the term "Retro" (as much as I hate to use that term). Take your mind's eye of what a Challenger is, and this is it. The T-bird, Mini, Mustang, and Beetle are modern interpretations of a classic design, and still look very modern. The Challenger looks like the old Challenger that's been simply cleaned up. The wheels are full sized and aren't hiding inside the wheel wells, the interior has better materials, the proportions are tighter, but you can transport the car back to 1996, 1986, or 1976, and it wouldn't look odd. This could have almost been a 1975 downsized Challenger.


2. Chrysler Imperial:

I think it's ugly. But it looks no doubt luxurious. I think the "floating" headlights look hidious, not a fan of the rear end, but the profile and interior is pretty nice.


3. Buick Enclave:

This is going to be the 1st Buick in years that's going to attract buyers instead of simply relying on repeat owners. As much as the Camaro is something GM designers can be proud of, the Enclave also is something to pat them on the backs over. It has fantastic body sculptures, the attention to details is excellent, and the interior ans darn near awesome. Compared to the Buick Cenntemie (sp) concept whic this grew from, it shows how far GM design has come.


4. Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo:

It wasn't until today that I realized how much the front ends of these two look like a Honda of a few years ago.


5. Ford Edge:

Glad they didn't call it a Fairmount (as planned). It's not a bad looking ride, but I'm really begining to question the wisdom of putting the new Ford Tri-Chrome bars on everything with a Ford badge. It may look cool or funky on a Futura, but seeing it on the Edge and the Futura in close proximity sends off calls of alarm.


6. Lincoln MkX:

Another late name change (was going to be called Aviator). I like it!
The new Lincoln grille really works. the Aviator...er...MkX looks far better than anything else in Lincoln's stable, including the Zephyr (which looks pretty good itself). It's not going to take sales from Cadillac, but it's something that Cadillac doesn't offer... and probally couldn't. A simple, elegant design that's also classy but identifiably American.

7. Saturn Sky:

I'm in love.


8. Pontiac Solstice:

The GXP is awesome. Period.

On a more general note regarding the Solstice, if you ever find yourself alternately pinned to the passenger door and the center console of a automobile at 1 in the morning after a Sunday evening/ early Monday of free flowing drinks, while the world around you spins violently and repeatedly (in... say.... some hotel parking lot) because of a proud and enthusiastic owner, Solstice has not only a grab handle for the passenger on the door, it also has a very solidly mounted one on the passenger side of the console, and very supportive seats that do a better than average job keeping you in place.

Very useful when you feel like having a few dozen douhnuts early in the morning.

More on other cars later.

 

You know.....we were watching you guys. We were placing bets on how long before Josh got a lap full of Guy's puke. OH...and I think it was more like 2 in the morning my friend.

 

Kids......

GREAT meeting you Guy and seeing you again Charlie!!

 

THANK YOU! I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed. The reason why both of these cars have fallen into my category of "failed designs". Sad really, because other than the fronts, the rest of the car isn't bad (well, atleast the Impy, the MC is just weird all around).

 

Same here!

 

I've posted this a few places, and obviously am taking some flak for it but............ I think Buick Enclave is the most significant vehicle shown so far from anyone.

 

How'd the Escalade (EXT and ESV, too) look in person?

 

Does the Impala have a LS2?

 

I think the same thing.

 

Actually, the new Challenger would have been an upsized Challenger - 2 inches wider, 7 inches longer with a 4 inch longer wheelbase than a 1970 model

 

So outside of the Camaro, is there any other concepts even worth looking at?

 

I've seen the pics of the Lincoln MKS... a handsome vehicle but it just seems to lack DNA. It could be mistaken for a Lexus, Acura, Merc or even a Cadillac from some angle. I feel the designers looked carefully at other competing marques and come up with an amalgamated design. As far as I'm concerned, it's just part of the crowd.

 

I did not think they were serious about going out and doing it....then I was laying in bed and heard tires ripping accross the parking lot. Getting up Sunday morning was pure hell

 

LS4. LS1Tech has a section for that particular platform (the LS4 fwd: Imp, GP GXP, and MC) if you want to check it out: http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=108

 

You forget.... former Navy and Coast Guard. Lots of rough seas.

It's going to take stuff alot rougher than that my friend!