Retro design seems to be the name of the game in automobile design ever since Chrysler introduced the PT Cruiser. Since then, many distinct models from almost all of the major manufacturers have followed suit. The VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Chevy HHR, Toyota FJ Cruiser, and Porsche Boxter are all examples of past designs being returned and renovated – not only for the driver nostalgic for the old styles, but also for consumers who want a vehicle that expresses their own personality better than the rather generic modern designs. The idea is to bring back the old, classic lines, except update the vehicles with modern materials, streamlined aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, modern audio systems, and put together with today’s more precise specs and higher-quality manufacturing capabilities.
In bringing back many of the classic styles, the manufacturers have often taken liberties with the original design and target audience. For example, even though the new Dodge Charger can sport a 6.1 liter V8 Hemi with surprising power and acceleration, it has been converted to a four-door sedan in order to appeal to the family patriarch; one who can probably afford the higher price tag, but a nostalgia buff who probably has kids, too.
The new VW Beetle certainly looks like the original generation of Bugs from afar, a design which never changed significantly since its inception in 1938. It has exactly the same recognizable shape, albeit streamlined and made with present-day materials. The most notable difference is the abandonment of the air-cooled rear engine – thank goodness – but many design elements were carried forward to give the nostalgic new Beetle owners what they wanted: the sloping headlamps and large, round taillights; the running boards; and especially the rounded top that provides surprisingly ample headroom for such a small car.
The modern Ford Mustang is most likely the most popular of the retro designs. The blended, timeless Mustang lines used in today’s version are recognizable, and every driving demographic can be seen cruising or commuting with these sports cars. Internally, the new Mustangs follow the old design of the Mustang closely, with the layout and look of the interior instantly bringing one back to the experience of driving the original. Fortunately for the modern-day owners, the performance of today’s Mustangs is greatly improved, with smoothness and fine-tuned engine that was missing in the original models.
The latest retro automobile to hit the showrooms is the 2010 Chevy Camaro coupe. The new design is very attractive, but it does not follow the traditional lines of the old Camaro as closely as some of the other retro models. Looking at the new Camaro, the old lines are definitely recognizable, but it is almost as if one is experiencing déjà vu. The new version with its larger wheels, lower roofline (a modern look that helps aerodynamics and fuel economy), small “shark-fin” radio antenna, and large trunk region (reminiscent of a Cadillac sport coupe), the new Camaro almost looks like a caricature of the classic Camaro from the late 1960′s. And just like the Mustang comes in many flavors, from the basic all the way to the high-performance, tricked out Shelby, the new Camaro comes with different engine configurations to appease the fuel-conscious all the way to the driver desiring a much faster, more powerful car. The new, retro Camaro should certainly be a very popular model and will help GM return as the leader of American automobile design, especially with the young, single demographic.
The Geez is a car aficionado; he enjoys cross-country driving vacations, tuning his cars, replacing bellhousings or a Chevy transmission, or playing with his speed analyzer.
