All of this rumor and speculation depresses me. It would be cool to see GM return with some great Pony and Muscle cars. Chrysler is obviously getting into the game (Way late), and I wouldn't be surprised if as bpmurr says - the japanese guys get in on it to (in their own way). Competition is great.

Yet all of this makes me remember the Cleveland Auto show that I attented in March (not but a few months ago). GM had some cool stuff looming around. My favorite, of which, was the Buick Velitte. That was the premiere car on the ZETA platform. Guess what... they killed the car even though the public clammored for it. It would have been a great build.

Instead they killed the whole program. Now they are scrambling. There isn't enough time to pull together the Zeta platform in time to compete with the runaway mustang success. They have already said that they will have to modify an existing chassis in order to compete in time for the challenger launch.

The next chissling of the GTO has been promised to be a retro-throwback to the old school. That will help substantially if they pull it off.

I have some great articles to back this stuff up, although none of it is at my fingertips. If you all want me to do some digging, I'll find it for you.

GM and Chrysler had better hurry up and get into the game. New versions of the Nova, Chavelle, GTO, and Camaro would be awesome if:

1) They were available with powerhouse V8 RWD platforms
2) Smaller V8 or peppy V6 models were standard
3) Prices are sub 30k on all base models of these cars
4) SS Derivatives with 400 (+/-) HP and suped suspension for world class handling.

It wouldn't hurt to offer something similar in style to the Nova or Chavelle that is 4 door with the same arrangements.

Could you imagine if they executed that plan? GM would skyrocket back to the top. Ford could very easilly do the same thing with many of their old name plates. Bring back the Fairlane/Thunderbolt, Galaxy, Cougar, and Torrino. Those name plates could EASILLY pull off the same format that I called out for the GM lineup.

It's Notgonnahappen.com (as Peter Delorenzo of Autextremist says). These automakers couldn't buy a clue. Instead, they'll just lean on the successes of a few hot products not realizing that if they cross-pollinated the same themes that make those cars successful with the rest of the brand, they would have a hit lineup and the sales to show for it.

But who am I... just some middle-class faceless voice in the crowd.

 

StangerX,

I really think Ford should bring out a Cougar XR7 based on the Mustang platform that is more luxury performance oriented like the G35. The car should start around $30k and be V8 only. It would help bring a different type of buyer into the mix as well as help Mercury.

 

Yep. Definately. And they need to return to the aspects of the Cougar that MADE it the upscale version. The Cougar needs to be the mustang's sister car again. I was always a fan of the garage door head lamp covers. The Cougars just looked so BOSS! And with sequential turns?! AWESOME!