To get the full effect of that headline, reread it, out loud, doing your best Ed Sullivan impression. If you responded by saying “Who?,” ask your parents. Or your grandparents.
This year’s Detroit auto show didn’t disappoint the crowd who loves the concept cars. These, of course, are vehicles that manufacturers may or may not put into production. Sometimes they’re exhibited to gauge public opinion on whether or not they should go to market; other times they’re merely showcases for new ideas which will turn up in future models.
Here are a few of my favorites from this year’s show:
Chevy Camero
The Chevy Camaro. You knew it was only a matter of time. Although Ford’s Mustang has been in continuous production since 1964, one of its main competitors, the Camaro, disappeared from the scene a few years ago. But while Ford redesigned its pony car last year to huge public acclaim (not to mention sales), all Chevy has to show in this model segment is the Camaro concept car. But it’s a beauty—a rear-wheel drive, 400-hp sports coupe with design themes hearkening back 35 years to the original Camaro. I can’t imagine GM not putting this car, in some form, into production.
Dodge Challenger
Speaking of Mustang competitors, Dodge has decided this would be a good time to reintroduce the Challenger, another pony car which appeared from 1970–1974. Its short life can probably be attributed to the fact that it showed up late to the pony car party. Sales of these cars suffered badly when the government started heavily regulating performance cars. The new concept is very retro, just like the new Mustang and the Camaro concept. There’s a pattern developing here, and Dodge is hoping it’s not too late for this party. Look for the Challenger to become reality in the next year or two.
Chrysler Imperial
At the other end of the DaimlerChrysler spectrum we find the Chrysler Imperial concept. This is a large, luxurious sedan based on the very popular Chrysler 300. Imperial for years was Chrysler’s answer to Cadillac and Lincoln, but for some reason it just couldn’t survive. No telling if this Imperial might ever hit the showroom floor or if it’s merely a design exercise. I could see it selling well to the same set that’s currently enamored with Cadillac Escalades driving around on thousand-dollar rims. Bling anyone?
Volvo C30
Another car with its roots in the past is the Volvo c30. Squint and you can see the classic P1800 ES in some of its lines. Volvo says this is no mere concept, but is actually pretty close to a new production model which will be introduced at the Paris Auto Show in September. It’s a four-passenger turbocharged vehicle which defies classification. Sport coupe? Sport wagon? Hard to say. But from here, it looks like a winner.
Next time: some of my favorite new production models from the Detroit show.
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