So I went to the California Auto show or whatever they'd like to call it yesterday. It was pretty much a parade of the 2003 model cars. Ford didn't even have their SVTs there that I could find.

But, GM had all of their recent show cars out and about. Nothing new, but I figured I'd throw some new pics and opinions about the other cars.

http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...lAir_front.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...elAir_rear.jpg

First we have the BelAir. I thought it was much more attractive than in the concept shots. My dad still finds it dull, however, and I think he's probably the target market.

http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal..._SSR_front.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...y_SSR_side.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...y_SSR_rear.jpg
http://www.iz-

Right across from the BelAir, we had the SSR. This thing looks even stupider in person than in the pics. The front end to me looks like a smoothed out version of the old bug. The whole thing is just bleh! The car that's bad at everything is also ugly.

http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...side_front.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...stice_Back.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal..._side_rear.jpg

Over around Pontiac, there were actually some exciting cars. The Solstice looks badass. I think in production form, when they tone down the looks a little bit, it'll be an awesome car. I hope this one makes the cut.

http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...Force_Rear.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...Force_Side.jpg
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...orce_front.jpg

The G-Force is really nice looking. The rear is pretty much lifted from the current GP, but the rest looks a lot smoother and nicer. I think a Pontiac lineup with the Solstice, G-Force, and GTO would be a nice range of cars. They match each other well, but each have their own flare.

http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...ky_Concept.jpg

Rounding out the GM side, the Saturn Sky. Nice looking car, and it had a big crowd around it (The only other GM car with a real crowd around it was the 'Vette. BMW had big crowds around all of their cars.) I was behind the display trying to get a pic, so there you can see the enthralled masses.

My personal favorite car of the show was here:
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cal...sfire_Side.jpg

Best I know this thing is coming out, and it's a damned fine looking automobile.

So there are my GM pics from the Cali auto show.

Here are the rest of the noteworthy cars, if you want a look:
http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/Cali_Show_2002/

 

God that SSR has got to be the ugliest excuse for a car I've ever seen. I hope it sells like trash. But then again I know there will be a bunch of morons who have way too much money and go and buy one because they think they will be cool. But in all reality they will really be stupid and dumb. Shame on Gm for making the SSR, god help us.

 

Thanks for the pictures.

I need to correct you on one thing though. The SSR is actually based on the Chevrolet 3100 Advanced Cab Series pick-up trucks from 1948-53. The nose, side and rear profile scream a hot rodded version of the original trucks. While it may look like a bug to you, there is a distinct reason for the retro styling.

I guess personal tastes can differ, because I happen to think the SSR is a gorgeous car! If it wasn't for the weak drivetrain and high price tag, I wouldn't hesitate to buy it when it comes out. Instead, I may have to settle on an SS Silverado.

 

That is the best angle I've ever seen of that car. It sort of changes my original view of it.

Jeff

 

Great pictures. I'll see them at the LA auto show this winter.

Your remarks on the Belair seem to be the norm. Everyone who see it in person say it looks alot better than it does in pictures. Since the CTS is the same way, I'm looking forward to checking it out.

 

I know the SSR is supposed to look like the old Chevy pickups, in fact, that was the comment my dad made when he saw it as well.

But to me, the front looks like a smoothed out version of the old bug. Proportion wise it doesn't feel like a truck, so taking that old truck styling and rounding/smoothing it more leaves a smooth VW BUG looking front imo. :-D

While I did like the Bel Air better in person than in pics, it still didn't get the blood flowing like I'd hope from a totally new GM car.

 

What the company needs, is NEW designers. NOW.

 

None of you may remember this but, a while back there was a post about a car that someone saw out on the street that was all covered up. It looked like they were testing it, trying to be undercover. We couldnt figure out what it was. It looked like a GM car, about the size of the malibu. The mirrors on that car look VERY similar to the G-force. Im thinking maybe this was the same car. Oh well, just thought I would mention that.

 

talk about looking like the new bug, and talk about taking what's handed to you.. that thing looks like a new Bug, an Audi TT and a shark all got in on a 3-some and bore that hideous beast. Watch it do well among blind people, flop, and get discontinued.

I don't see what's wrong with the SSR. I think it'll do quite well especially given the projected sales goals. A few minor things to tackle, the biggest being to lose the K-mart wheels or at least make them body-colored. Why doesn't anyone do this anymore?

GT

 

Bel Air and Solstice still look like **** to me. Maybe that'll change when I see them at the Cleveland Auto Show. SSR looked OK in person last year, nothing I'd consider buying though.

 

Alright maybe it isn't time to lose faith in the SSR yet. I read where it's going to have an all-aluminum 5.3 V8 with 290 hp. Knowing the alluminum V8 weighs about 100 lbs less than the steel version, if the car/truck is light enough, the power should be ok.

Does anyone happen to know the projected curb weight of this thing?

 

Someone posted a while back that SSR would weigh about 4600 pounds. I just can't see how it would be that heavy though...is the Trailblazer platform really that portly?

 

Nor can I. I'm sure folks assume the retractable hardtop and motors/mechanisms that drive it will add to the crub weight. 4600 lbs, just doesn't sound realistic.

 

Joshs99BlackBeauty
the car in question if it is the one..that everyone thought was a Holden..was in fact just the new Saturn comming out..people thought it had Olds badges on it?? right??
if so..I made a convincing argumentthat it was the next Saturn that was due out sometime this year..

 

Caps...yep thats the car. So it was just a new Saturn? Thats cool