Signs for the Road Ahead A Look at Some Trends Coming Out of the Auto Show in Detroit By JONATHAN WELSH Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL January 11, 2006; Page D8 With the North American International Auto Show kicking off in Detroit this week, we decided to talk about some of the trends that emerged as carmakers unveiled new models and possible future designs. '60s revival: Perhaps most obvious was a revival -- at least in concept form -- of a number of memorable cars from the 1960s and 1970s. It seemed clear that after Ford redesigned its Mustang with a distinctive late-60s flavor more than a year ago, rival manufacturers sought to boost sales with new cars that hark back to a simpler automotive era before emissions regulations and computerized controls came between motorists and fast, raw driving experiences. DaimlerChrysler's Dodge division on Sunday rolled out a modern interpretation of its 1970 Challenger muscle car that was among only a handful of cars generating strong buzz at an otherwise sedate show. The car, designed on a chassis or "platform" similar to the one underpinning the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, looked strikingly similar to the 1970 model on which it was based. It was even painted in an orange that recalled the bright colors offered on Challengers 35 years ago. Chrysler says it has no plans to build the car, which is strictly a concept, or design study, aimed at gauging how interested consumers might be in such a car. However, the car on display was drivable, which typically is a sign that a carmaker is leaning toward production. Its 6.1-liter Hemi engine is the same power plant that Dodge uses in its current souped-up SRT-8 versions of the Charger sedan and Magnum station wagon. The engine generates 425 horsepower and the car seems like it would easily outperform even the quickest models from the original muscle-car era. Chevrolet unveiled a Camaro concept car that could replace the production Camaro the company discontinued three years ago. The car is reminiscent of the 1969 Camaro, but is a more modern slant on late-60s muscle-car styling compared with the Challenger. Like Dodge, Chevrolet says its show car isn't slated for production, at least not yet. Camaros old and new The third new design inspired by the horsepower battles of the 1960s was the Miura concept from exotic-car maker Lamborghini. The low-slung two-seater was based on the car of the same name unveiled in 1966. At the time, its mid-engine layout and potential speed were novelties, though in today's car market the Miura would have several competitors, from the Ferrari Enzo to the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. (See related article) More gears: Another trend seen at the show involved cramming even more gears into automatic transmissions. While four-speed automatics were considered adequate 10 years ago, five-speed versions have recently become the standard and an increasing number of models -- from BMW's luxury cars to the Ford Five Hundred sedan -- have six-speed gearboxes. Mercedes began selling vehicles with seven speeds last year, so it was really no surprise when rival Lexus introduced its new flagship sedan, the LS 460, with an eight-speed transmission. Presumably the availability of more gear ratios in a transmission results in smoother shifting and a more pleasant drive, but I think the latest models may be near a point of diminishing returns. Small-car cool: Car companies also appeared to embrace the idea that small, economical cars can be cool. Concept cars like the Ford Reflex, Mazda Kabura, Nissan Urge and Volvo C30 stand out not only because of their styling, but also because of they are aimed -- at least in part -- at individuals or couples without children. In its official description of the C30, Volvo says the car was designed for young customers who have not yet started families. Ford's Reflex, which is strictly a concept, includes a single infant safety seat behind the driver. But it looks like it was designed just to give parents a few more months to shop for a larger vehicle. .. Have a question about cars? Write to mecar (AT) wsj (DOT) com.
This may sound like heresy, since I have Ford Blue (and BMW Blue & White) blood in my veins, but that Challenger looks great! If they made a stripper version w/no power do-dads, roll-up windows and that 6.1L Hemi w/425 hp for about $30-$35K...HoooBoy!! Regards, Stan ----- Original Message ----- From: Dan Drury To: CARMEMORIES Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 1:33 PM Subject: Signs for the Road Ahead Signs for the Road Ahead A Look at Some Trends Coming Out of the Auto Show in Detroit By JONATHAN WELSH Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL January 11, 2006; Page D8 With the North American International Auto Show kicking off in Detroit this week, we decided to talk about some of the trends that emerged as carmakers unveiled new models and possible future designs. '60s revival: Perhaps most obvious was a revival -- at least in concept form -- of a number of memorable cars from the 1960s and 1970s. It seemed clear that after Ford redesigned its Mustang with a distinctive late-60s flavor more than a year ago, rival manufacturers sought to boost sales with new cars that hark back to a simpler automotive era before emissions regulations and computerized controls came between motorists and fast, raw driving experiences. DaimlerChrysler's Dodge division on Sunday rolled out a modern interpretation of its 1970 Challenger muscle car that was among only a handful of cars generating strong buzz at an otherwise sedate show. The car, designed on a chassis or "platform" similar to the one underpinning the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans, looked strikingly similar to the 1970 model on which it was based. It was even painted in an orange that recalled the bright colors offered on Challengers 35 years ago. Chrysler says it has no plans to build the car, which is strictly a concept, or design study, aimed at gauging how interested consumers might be in such a car. However, the car on display was drivable, which typically is a sign that a carmaker is leaning toward production. Its 6.1-liter Hemi engine is the same power plant that Dodge uses in its current souped-up SRT-8 versions of the Charger sedan and Magnum station wagon. The engine generates 425 horsepower and the car seems like it would easily outperform even the quickest models from the original muscle-car era. Chevrolet unveiled a Camaro concept car that could replace the production Camaro the company discontinued three years ago. The car is reminiscent of the 1969 Camaro, but is a more modern slant on late-60s muscle-car styling compared with the Challenger. Like Dodge, Chevrolet says its show car isn't slated for production, at least not yet. Camaros old and new The third new design inspired by the horsepower battles of the 1960s was the Miura concept from exotic-car maker Lamborghini. The low-slung two-seater was based on the car of the same name unveiled in 1966. At the time, its mid-engine layout and potential speed were novelties, though in today's car market the Miura would have several competitors, from the Ferrari Enzo to the Chevrolet Corvette Z06. (See related article) More gears: Another trend seen at the show involved cramming even more gears into automatic transmissions. While four-speed automatics were considered adequate 10 years ago, five-speed versions have recently become the standard and an increasing number of models -- from BMW's luxury cars to the Ford Five Hundred sedan -- have six-speed gearboxes. Mercedes began selling vehicles with seven speeds last year, so it was really no surprise when rival Lexus introduced its new flagship sedan, the LS 460, with an eight-speed transmission. Presumably the availability of more gear ratios in a transmission results in smoother shifting and a more pleasant drive, but I think the latest models may be near a point of diminishing returns. Small-car cool: Car companies also appeared to embrace the idea that small, economical cars can be cool. Concept cars like the Ford Reflex, Mazda Kabura, Nissan Urge and Volvo C30 stand out not only because of their styling, but also because of they are aimed -- at least in part -- at individuals or couples without children. In its official description of the C30, Volvo says the car was designed for young customers who have not yet started families. Ford's Reflex, which is strictly a concept, includes a single infant safety seat behind the driver. But it looks like it was designed just to give parents a few more months to shop for a larger vehicle. . Have a question about cars? Write to mecar (AT) wsj (DOT) com.
