Driving In Style

2009 Chevrolet Camaro Concept

2006-01-27T20:58:00.000-08:00

Very nice. Reminiscent of the 1968 pony car from GM's bowtie division, this Camaro concept's styling is on track. Unlike the recent flop from Pontiac, Chevy has successfully tapped into its roots and unveiled a concept that will hopefully make it unscathed into production.

But will they build it? I have little faith in GM brass. There's no doubt that they have talented designers and engineers. But corporate execs seem to suck the passion from this once formidable company. I know first hand how this can happen.

2009 Dodge Challenger Concept

2006-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

Here comes Dodge's challenger to Mustang's exclusive status as America's only modern pony car (pardon the obvious double entendre). Wearing styling cues derived from the original (see below), this all-new Challenger pays homage to its legendary namesake. At the same time, this new interpretation of Mopar muscle boasts clean, lean lines, short overhangs and huge wheels that are de riguer for a modern dream ride. Can GM answer this latest shot across the bow?

2006 Suzuki Boulevard M109R

2006-01-27T19:52:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Suzuki steps out with a newly styled muscle cruiser. Take a gander at that 240 mm rear tire. That's some wide meats for a production bike. Sportin' 109 cubic inches of fuel-injected V-twin power, this bruiser has street cred to spare. Taking a cue from the VRod, Suzuki has artfully sculpted the front radiator into this ride's flowing design rather than tacking one on like a window-mounted air conditioner on a mansion. Modern muscle is becoming pretty en voque. Notice how companies are capitalizing on modern interpretation of American themes. I wish more of these companies were actually American.

Ferriari 250 GT California Spyder

2005-07-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Look familiar? This is the same model that took a nose-dive in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Thankfully, the one in the movie was a replica. Ferrari has probably put more beautiful machines on the road than any other manufacturer. For this to stand out among its siblings is really saying something. Molto Bella!!

Mustang GT

2005-07-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Yeah. I admit it. I am J-E-A-L-O-U-S. Those Ford guys get a modern rendition of an American classic. A faithful nod to an automotive icon, one that pays homage to a heritage, yet looks up-to-date. But hold the phone, I'm a Pontiac guy! And I'm green with envy! The new Pontiac GTO lacks any design cues from its legendary namesake. Although a competent performer, what GM has given me looks like a Chevy Cavalier on steroids. What a missed opportunity.

Chrysler 300C SRT8

2005-07-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Chopped-top right from the factory. This car re-defines American style, brawny yet tailored. The 300C SRT8 is a great value to boot. Where else can you get a 425HP, four-door luxury sedan for around $40K? Chrysler is on a roll. Can Ford and GM meet the challenge?

Jaguar XK120

2005-07-17T12:55:00.000-07:00

Jaguar defines "touring." This 1955 XK120 has all the classic elements that makes you want to lace up the driving gloves. I love the split windshield, wire wheels with knock-offs, scooped doors. Let your eyes follow those feline curves, sinewy but muscular. Meeeoowww!

Jeep Wranger

2005-07-17T08:08:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking. That's just a Jeep. But hold on. Admit it. Anyone driving one of these things is automatically a notch sexier. Just picture that nerdy guy from the office jumping into a Jeep with the top down, maybe even with the doors off. All of a sudden he's off to the hinterlands for adventure (or maybe just Blockbuster). When I'm commuting in my daily driver and I see people in a Jeep, I'm thinking, "Man, I wish I was going where they're going." Of course they're probably going to the work like the rest of us lemmings.

2005 Harley Davidson VRSCA V-Rod

2005-07-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

Harley's interpretation of a modern cruiser. Designed to lure some of the metric riders over to the American camp, this baby features innovative design and advanced engineering (and a very sexy set of pipes!). Get your motor runnin'. Get out on the highway.

2005 Yamaha Roadstar Midnight Warrior

2005-07-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

Like Muscle Cars? Of course. How about a Muscle Bike. Wouldn't this black beauty look perfect parked next to my GTO. It's an almost perfect blend between crotch-rocket and boulevard cruiser.

1953 Buick Skylark

2005-07-16T21:03:00.000-07:00

Best of the '50s. Perhaps no other car epitomized American style and grace like the the 1953 Skylark.

1971 Dodge Challenger from Overhaulin

2005-07-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

Yup. That's the one from Overhaulin'. Great show. Great Car. All hail Chip Foose. I love his interpretation of the classic Mopar stripe. Ain't nothin like the E-Body cars from Dodge and Plymouth. Cruisin' in a Challenger or 'Cuda defines street cred.

1967 GTO Red Convertible

2005-07-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! This is definitely one of the sweetest rides on the planet. First off, the 1967 GTO is probably my favorite year of my favorite model. See how the chrome rocker panel curves to accentuate the coke-bottle styling. Check out the how the nose comes to a point, decending from the creased headlight stack. Next, the red on white color scheme is so fresh. Upgraded wheel/tire combo completes this package. Absolutely stunning.

1964 GTO Convertible

2005-07-16T20:21:00.000-07:00

Ok. So I'll start with my own. This is a 1964 GTO manufactured in Freemont, CA, and purchased new in Los Angeles by my forward thinking parents. It originally had a 389 with a 2-speed powerglide transmission. It will soon have a built Pontiac 455 mated to a TH350. Although I have the original 14" steel wheels and optional spinner hubcaps, the car now sports 17X8 American Racing Torq Thrust II rims. Perfect for cruisin'.