On April 17, 1964, Ford unveiled the Mustang and Pony Car era began. Chevrolet had its Camaro ready by 1967 and the Dodge Challenger appeared in 1960. History is repeating itself. In 2003, Ford brought out its retro-styled Mustang. Like the 1964 Mustang, it was a huge hit.
Like four decades ago, Chevrolet could bring back the Camaro and Dodge has unveiled its Challenger concept car. Of course, these "look" like an old one, drive like a new one cars incorporate the latest technology.
The Chevrolet Camaro concept car unveiled at the 2006 NAIAS in Detroit faithfully follows the long hood and short deck styling of the first generation Camaro. Like the original, this is a rear drive car with a potent small-block V8 under the hood bulge. The aluminum, 6.0-liter LS2 producing 400-horsepower is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Modern technology includes Active Fuel Management that shuts down four cylinders to save fuel when under light load. A sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension and high-performance four-wheel disc brakes with 15-inch rotors means this Camaro will handle and stop much better than the original. Though only a show car now, the Camaro Concept will test customer reaction that might lead to an all-new version of the Camaro.
DaimlerChrysler set out to build a better 1970 Dodge Challenger with its 2006 NAIAS concept car. Built on the highly successful Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger/Dodge Magnum platform, the new Challenger features rear-wheel drive and a fully independent short/long-arm suspension. Like the original, this is a genuine two-door hardtop, but now a genuine four-passenger car with a decent back seat. Under the retro-styled hood with its diagonal air intakes is a 6.1 liter HEMI V8 that makes 425-horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is fitted.
A 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds, standing º mile time of 13 seconds and 174 mph top speed is claimed. The HEMI V8 features the Multiple Displacement System that shuts off unneeded cylinders to conserve fuel. Considering press and potential buyer raves and Daimler Chrysler's history for putting concept cars into production, this could be go.
In a bit of one-up-man-ship like in the 1960s and 1970s, Ford will be offering a 2007 Ford Shelby GT500. Carroll Shelby served as a senior adviser on the team developing what Ford describes as the highest performing Mustang, ever! To accomplish this, a supercharged, 5.4-liter, 32-valve V8 that produces 475 horsepower and 6-speed manual transmission is used. Other features include a race-tuned suspension and four-piston Brembo brakes. Cobra emblems are found both inside and outside the new GT500. Like the original both a coupe and convertible version will be available when sales start in this summer, and LeMans-style striping will be offered on the coupe, but not convertible. They were not available on the original GT500 ragtop either.
