AMERICAN MUSCLE CARS: The Next War Begins 2007

[allhemi]

Originally Posted by ND RAM

Don't worry about me voting for a liberal! I'm a redneck from NC, i.e. conservtive.

I'm with you!!

[sniper226]

That picture and story brings back memories of the revived Mercury Cougar.

[HEMEEE]

This same story was presented in the Bangkok Post... even Thailand is talking about the Challenger!

Here are the photos they printed in their copy, not sure if these have been posted here before, but worth another look...


The Camaro, has the lines of the best looking Camaro of them all _ the 1969 version _ plus splashes of the Corvette and the Raptor fighter plane. It looks modern overall yet unmistakably retro in its lines.The Challenger on the other hand looks every bit retro and who can blame the designers when an original 1970 sample was brought into their design studio for inspiration _ that's more like carbon-tracing. It does have one very modern component: the black stripes on the bonnet aren't paint but exposed carbon material of the bonnet.

Both ponies have four-wheel independent suspension with struts up front and multi-link rear _ the Mustang have live axle. These concept cars have 14-inch brake discs all around. Camaro, has 21-inch wheels up front and 22-inch rear wheels, while the Challenger has 20/21 wearing huge rubbers sizes from 255 to 305mm _ all are likely to be smaller in real production. Challenger's rear end is one big neon light panel _ if in Bangkok, the City may want to tax it.

Camaro's all-aluminum small block 6.0L V8 LS-2, has 400hp but with frugality of a compact sedan _ 13kpl _ at highway cruising speed thanks to high-tech engine management that shuts off fuel to four-cylinders. Drive is by Tremec (formerly BorgWarner) T-56 Six-speed manual transmission _ same unit as in the Corvette Z06, the Viper and the Aston Martin Vanquish. Challenger's 6.1L V8 'Hemi' produces 425hp and also coupled to a six-speed gearbox. It has a claimed 0-96kph at 4.5sec and standing quarter-mile in 13sec. Both have, at least on paper, capabilities to beat the current 300hp Mustang GT but no match for the awesome 475hp Ford Shelby GT500 due out this summer.

The Camaro's clean looking cockpit, top left, sport two large gauges and orange trim reminiscent of the first-generation Camaros.The Challenger's four-dials-in-a-row mimics the feel of looking down into the engine cylinders with the (cylinder) head off. Authentically Challenger style is the pistol grip shaped gear knob. Both cars have that classic three-spoke steering wheel design _ wonder if the production cars can keep these designs and yet cater for mandatory airbags in those relatively small hubs.

Both ponies retain the hardtop body style with frameless doors and no B-pillars. Both interior designs have very good chance of making it into production, albeit less solid metal bits.

[ND RAM]

Originally Posted by HEMEEE

This same story was presented in the Bangkok Post... even Thailand is talking about the Challenger!

Here are the photos they printed in their copy, not sure if these have been posted here before, but worth another look...


The Camaro, has the lines of the best looking Camaro of them all _ the 1969 version _ plus splashes of the Corvette and the Raptor fighter plane. It looks modern overall yet unmistakably retro in its lines.The Challenger on the other hand looks every bit retro and who can blame the designers when an original 1970 sample was brought into their design studio for inspiration _ that's more like carbon-tracing. It does have one very modern component: the black stripes on the bonnet aren't paint but exposed carbon material of the bonnet.

I'm sorry but the new Camaro looks like they tried to make it an exotic to me. That ain't the path that it should be goin down.

$.02

[WildBillTX]

Originally Posted by sniper226

That picture and story brings back memories of the revived Mercury Cougar.

What year are you referring too - those big Cougars based on the Torino? The Coug hasnt been a real ponycar since 1973..

I heard a rumor Ford is thinking about bringing back the Cougar again, this time on the Mustang chassis since the 'Stang is so hot and Mercury's been so cold. They dont even have a 2-Door anymore.

All I gotta say the more ponycars back in showrooms the better! Competition is always good for everyone.

[sniper226]

Originally Posted by WildBillTX

What year are you referring too - those big Cougars based on the Torino? The Coug hasnt been a real ponycar since 1973..

I am referring to the 2000+ year model little POS's that they decided to put the Cougar name on.

[wirewilly]

If this is the start of "The Muscle CARWARS", my wallet is loaded and ready to fire. I am prepared to unload approx. 45,000 rounds if that is what it takes!! The cry was heard,"DON'T FIRE UNTIL YOU SEE THE WHITE SMOKE IN THEIR WHEELWELLS"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!