There are whispers that if there is a low cost, austere RWD platform created for Solstice....that a Chevy BelAir spin off could be possible.

How this changes our perceptions of BelAir is...that this platform would be car based and not truck based, (as in the Detroit concept), making the the necessity for truck hardpoints during design unecessary in such a "new BelAir". Say goodbye to a dorky and frumpy "old BelAir".

This could be a cool entry level RWD...if any of this happens, even with I4 or I5 power.

......whatya guys know?
......whatya guys think?

 

I don't really care about the BelAir becoming reality. I think no matter what it would turn out to be some group would feel slighted and end up unhappy with it. This marquie is so far in the past that it's probably best to just leave it there and let the fond memories stay fond.

Other than that, the real question is, would YOU buy one? I wouldn't.

 

If you mean the concept BelAir that we have already seen.......not only would I not buy one...I wouldn't even take it for free.

But if you are talking about a nicely styled, good handling, very affordable, entry level, RWD Chevy (even with I4 power).....maybe.

Of course ...I'm not the demographic that such a car would target....and I'm not sure that "BelAir" would be the perfect name either.

 

I think Bel Air means "Fresh Prince" to more youngin's today than it does "car".



------------------
Jason

<A HREF="http://camaroz28.cardomain.com/id/munche" TARGET=_blank>1997 A4 Z28 "Mongoose"
</A>

<A HREF="http://www.iz-us.com/images/cars/cougar/" TARGET=_blank>New Project: 1969 Mercury Cougar 351W
</A>

 

Agreed.
And any cache that the the BelAir name had with older enthusiasts was probably expended with that pathetic showcar.

 

Here's my problem with the Bel-Air, and even to a certain extent, the new GTO. GM seems to be so intent on drawing on inspiration from the past and charging us up with memories of their great automotive history that they are pushing the name on so-so cars instead of building a car worthy of the name. Now before I get all jumped on by the "new" GTO guys, I think the Monaro looks like it's going to be an outstanding car, styling aside...To me it's just really tacky to expect the Bel-Air nameplate on a frumpy show car to really grab buyers. That said, the Bel-Air name is much better left in the past. It has been gone for so long, you're only risking the degredation of memories of the real BA from the 50's.

------------------
Mark

94 Z28, Red, A4, 3:23
Lone Mods--LPE CAI, !Lapeer Dragway.

Best time: 14.658 @ 95.1
with SES light on and Driver off! (First and only time at track)

The F-body will NEVER die.

 

True, the BelAir name does come from waaay in the past.

And I agree with you that it was completely squandered last winter.

.....on the other hand....If the Bel Air concept had been a large, gorgeous, RWD coupe or convertible...which payed homage to Chevy's glorious past...and showed the way to Chevy's future.....

I think we'd be all over the name and the car right now!

 

I guess I fall on the "other" side of the fence on this one......but in reality I think it's the same comment I had about the GTO.....I think they're close on both counts.....it's just that both concepts need tweaking. Lutz already had them tweak the Belair...needs a little more.

The GTO needs hood scoops...pure and simple.....just a little more heritage styling cues...I understand there wasn't an open checkbook for this project and I also know Lutz hates tacked on styling, but EVERY GTO had hood scoops! (enough complaining, I think it's gonna' be a great car and kudos to GM for even trying to apease us enthusiasts).

The Belair is also close needs the grille to interupt the front "bumper" (lower it) ala the 55-57's and I think a couple of hood "bullets" ala the 57+ cars and along with one of the greatest retro interiors I've seen in a while, I think it's great. Sure it's not the long, low and lean Belairs of the 60's, but it sure as heck looks like a 55 to me.

 

The styling wasn't what truly bothered me. I also was impressed by the idea of a new body on frame design. What kills me is the idea of an I4 or I5 powering a car that is crying for a V8...ESPECIALLY if it carries the BA name...

------------------
Jason E
'97 30th Anniversary Z28
White with orange stripes, white leather
M6, T-tops, 48k miles...bone stock except for a killer Xtant/Eclipse/Boston Acoustics system

'02 Grand Am GT Coupe
-Black, loaded, 3k miles, hey, at least it has Ram Air!!

The end of the road has finally come...1967-2002

Remember #3...

 

I can't blame General Motors for making the Bel Air the absolute antithesis of everything that the F-body was. If the success of the Mustang came down to more conventional styling and a traditional, if less useful, rear seat, why not try a different approach?

Much like the Avalanche and the SSR, Chevrolet's continued and prominent posting of the Bel Air webpage makes me suspect that the thing is a go.

While I never really liked the 1955-1957 Chevrolets all that much, I think that taller, more commodious styling is making a comeback. The success or failure of the Bel Air isn't tied to the sentiments of F-body enthusiast, and there were all too few of us in the final years of the Camaro/Firebird, but of the wider public.

If GM can produce something resembling the Bel Air showcar for a reasonable price, I think that it will be a sales hit. I just hope that the rumored Nomad derivative sees the light of day!

 

See, I don't think all of us are looking at every GM concept from an "F-body" point of view. I'm not looking for anything to replace F-body except another F-body. GM research says that people liked the BA concept. I honestly didn't see it from people at NAIAS. I overheard some comments ranging from "ehhh" as in not too impressed to "it's ok I guess." I honestly did not see anyone clammering over it, saying "oooo I have to have one" or whatever, like at the GT40 display.

------------------
Mark

94 Z28, Red, A4, 3:23
Lone Mods--LPE CAI, !Lapeer Dragway.

Best time: 14.658 @ 95.1
with SES light on and Driver off! (First and only time at track)

The F-body will NEVER die.

 

See Jason, I sort of took the flip side. A V8 would have been nice..but I found the alternative powertrain and off the shelf truck mechanicals interesting in this application.

The styling is what really bothered me. I think that I must have stared at it for almost an hour, trying to like it....but without success. During that time I also saw dozens (if not hundreds) of people see it. Honestly, I really didn't get the impression that anyone really loved it, (my honest asessment,I could be wrong though).

Well, whatever . What I really want is a great Camaro....and if this car ends up slotting below a Camaro (in cost, sophistication and performance)....to a more non-discriminating buyer (a la Sebring convertible buyer)...then so be it.

 

Keep in mind that most all of BelAir's history has been as a cheap, lowest cost, rental/fleet/police car.

BelAir was the entry level car under Impala, then Impala AND Caprice, then briefly under Impala, Caprice, AND Caprice Classic, so let's not wax too poetic about the BelAir name.

That being said, I'll wait till I see it in person at LAIAS this winter, then I'll for my opinion. The upgraded car (as opposed to the one in the press releases) was a big improvement, so I'm saving final judgement.

 

Guion, I'll be very interested to hear your "in the flesh" impressions.

 

GM continues to promote the Bel Air.

See latest story: http:/media.gm.com

[This message has been edited by Z284ever (edited September 05, 2002).]