I went to the Cleveland auto show with my wife this Sunday (March 7th)… here are some of my thoughts after the visit:

Corvette: Looks really good. The rear end looked great, and the gray part of the rear deck spoiler didn’t stand out as much as I thought it would (good thing), but, that may be because of the color… I think may be an issue on lighter colors. The front end “blends” better in person… that helps me gets past my ‘no hidden headlamps’ issue a bit… but… I still think I would prefer concealed lights…

Mustang: Honestly, the car is growing on me… especially when you consider there is nothing in it’s price range that is going to be available for at least a few years. I am starting to like the look, retro and all… that does not mean I would like to see a retro styling theme on an established car line… I stand firm in my feelings about retro styling.

Ford GT: This one went the other way on me… I was not as excited seeing it in person… don’t get me wrong, the car will be a killer performer, and even the price is decent all things considered… It just didn’t make the visual impact on me I thought it would, ad I though, by far, this would be the Ford I would drool over (and not be able to afford). I think a lot of it has to do with the “U” shape of the front view… I don’t like the way it ‘takes to the ground…’ still very cool though.

300C: The concept was there. It looked excellent. They had a production version there too, on the floor… it looked not so good. The headlamps have been changed to rectangles with that concept car shape inside the bezel, and it looks boring and blocky. The wheels were tiny! Must have been 15”ers. Probably a base car, but they were way too small.

Solstice: A car I thought I would be under whelmed with really made an impression on me! I still doubt I would actually purchase a car like this, but it looked really nice. Thumbs up! At the $20k-ish mark, I think it will do very well for a niche car!

Cobalt: Sedan = pretty bland, Coupe = very cool! I think it will be a stellar upgrade to Cavalier, and a huge hit overall. I really liked the looks and lines of the SS coupe!

Sixteen: After seeing last years concept circuit hit, I still feel the same…. Cool idea, but this is my most disappointing application of the Arts & Sciences design theme. It’s too rounded off, and the whole car has a cartoonish Dick Tracy feel too it… but, the engine is just gargantuan!

CTS-V: A 10 of 10. Stunning. The grille and body extensions look fantastic. Also had the hottest presentation woman! A great presence and, IMO, a very serious offering vs. the AMG and //M offerings.

Hummer H3T: Too small, IMO to be a Hummer. Even the H2 has that “size” element…. This did not. Also had a cartoonish feel to it.

Ford Bronco: See Hummer H3T description.


There were a lot more there too (obviously) these were off the top of my head...

 

I'd love to see some of these concepts, but when the auto show comes to Nashville, all they have are things like the GTO, SSR, C5, and Silverado SS. So I can drive 20 miles to see them in Nashville instead of 2 miles to see them at the dealer.

 

The guy that coined the 'Just say NO to retro" phrase is warming up to the retro stang.

I know...i know... you still don't approve of the retro design strategy even if the car looks attractive.

Did you happen to see the shelby Cobra? if so, what was your opinion on it? I personally love, but have only seen the car in pics and not in person. Does it look better or worse in life?

 

I know, I know... Actually, I am almost embarrassed to say I like it, but I am warming up to the Mustang. Keep in mind I never said a retro styled car could not be good looking, just that I don't like the line of thinking and direction that it could take an established car line!


I did not see the Cobra there, I do not think it was there... not surprising to most, I am not a huge fan... if Cobra gets built Ford will have 3 sports cars... Mustang, GT, and Cobra.... and your choice of retro stlying in 3 price ranges...

 

No shame since you really aren't going against your old sentiment(although you have softened up to it a bit ).

GT and Shelby will not be sold alongside each other. From the sound of it, Ford will wait till production of GT ends to start on the Shelby Cobra. I think them offering a cheaper, and higher performance alternative is a good idea even though the Cobra doesn't come off as attractive as GT.

 

Ah. That makes more sense to me...

If I had the money, and I were to choose one to buy, it'd be GT(40) without a doubt.