Return of American Muscle?

[OurP5]

Okay, okay. I know this board is for Mazdas but I was just curious. I love cars. Foreign, Domestic, doesn't matter. There is one aspect of just about every car on the market that someone likes. (I think) Whether it is design, creature comforts, entertainment packages, or value, etc, etc.

I am really glad to see the return of the Ford GT40 and the rumor that GM will reintroduce the GTO.

The Ford Thunderbird has proven that the resurgence of classic cars is still a money maker for domestic car manufactuers. (Read paying $10-$15K over MSRP for a Thunderbird.)

Wouldanyone consider purchasing one of these vehicles?

If so why?

Like I said. I have never owned domestic. Always an import. Just curious to what people's reactions are to these new offerings from GM and Ford.

 

[norman]

Well let's see...

I saw a bit on Car and Driver TV about the GT40...they reported that Ford would not be producing it due to high cost...they said about $100k for the public to buy this car. They probably could lower the price but then the insurance cost comes into play...a 2-seat V8 car. Remember the Honda CRX HF? 60 mpg, low price (about 8k in 1986), seemed to be their economy car and the insurance companies said it was a sports car due to only 2 seats.

GTO...what platform are they talking about? If it would be a possible replacement for the Firebird...definitely. This would make sense as I recall reading somewhere the Camaro will return in a few years (like the Thunderbird) but the Firebird was not. I'll look forward to hearing more about this.

I heard $5 - $10k over the sticker if the T-Bird. Nice looking car, a girl that works in the same building has one. I refuse to pay sticker, let alone over sticker for a car (no I did not pay sticker for my MP3).

I would buy (and will be shortly) another American sports car. I like them for the HP and Torque that you can't get out of the imports...without serious $$$ that is. And yes for $525 for springs and sub frame connectors, a new Mustang can handle as good as or better than most of the imports. I know that most of you will disagree with me but that is ok. I have done it.

Anyways, that is not what you asked...Yes I would consider one...if the price was right.

 

[sundevilMP5]

i wish ford would make up their mind...first they're going to release the gt40...now they're not...what's it going to be...

i would take a gt40 anyday...the original gt40 back in the 70s can still kick most cars today...they had one on display here once it was pretty sweet up close...

in all honesty the only domestic i really want is a corvette z06...because it's a beautiful car...and it's a great performer for half the price of other cars in it's class...of course it's no ferrari but the sound of the american v8s is priceless...

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

Well, the "GTO" can be seen in this months edition of Motor Trend. It is not the same as the concept that was rolled out on the Detroit Auto Show floor a few years ago. That concept was bad a$$!!!

it is simply a Pontiac grand am that is really just an options package (IMO) from a guy in Australia. it is going to be imported and while most have V6s, the "big boy" has a V8. It looks basically the same as the Grand Am (pleh), but is RWD. it's aaaight, but not desirable in my book.

if I had to choose an american car (new) I would get a Z06, not just because of the HP, but more because of the handling. GM really out did themselves here. The Z06s are beating our beloved 3rd gen RX-7 on many racing circuits. But the 3rd gen RX-7 has remained dominant since its introduction in 93, so Mazda has been doing well to maintain that record.

Please, no Supra vs RX-7 flames...

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

woops! duplicated post...

 

[sundevilMP5]

can't disagree there...love both cars...wish i could own one of each...i konw people with both a 93 rx7 r1 and a brand new corvette z06....*drool*...trying to decide which sounds cooler...the rx7 has that oh so cool BOV hiss but the corvette just screams at wot...hmmmmmm...

 

[Sir Nuke]

I would own one in a heart beat IF it was the right car....basically ANY car that is PRE-1940......after that....just a chosen few classics. the 55-57 chevy and ford crown vic, the 55-57 t-birds, the early mustang....and just about any TRUE fractory hotrod from 1960 to 1970. of course.....NOW, all of these cars are high dollar...and collector cars.....

I too like the new t-bird...but not for the money they are getting for them....

 

[roswel]

muscle cars

i agree some domestic cars are just too awesome to ignore.

the gt40 new or old is an amazing vehicle. as far as i am aware it is going into limited production for 2003, this was the last update as of 5/28/02 at the ford website. so unless anything has changed in the last week and a half we will see it soon.

as for the new GTO i think it's pretty cool. it's no groundbreaker in styling but then again not too many domestics are for that matter. i certainly don't think it has anything in common with a grand am.

here is a pic judge for yourself

holden manaro aka GTO

as for the vette, it's not bad but it's kinda bland. i can't understand why north american cars are always so huge with massive noses. it drives me nuts (pardon the pun). however over in the ford camp things look exciting. with the f-bodies out of production in 2003 ford now has complete domination of the market. i think pretty soon the svt cobra will compete directly with the vette. and with the styling going retro ( just like everything else these days) who knows. here is a drawing of the 2004 mustang. old school is new school.

this 'stang is sick

 

[Antoine]

Okay....I DO NOT LIKE FORD...except for that hot rod Merc concept...not sure what the name was...but it was just beautiful....the Lincoln LS V8 is a nice car...don't think I care for any other of their products (within the ford line up...not referring to any of the other brands they own).

I look forward to what GM is offering...especially with Bob on the team.

The Z06 is the best American sports car in my opinion.

And yes...please try not to start a flame war...were all mature right?

 

[OurP5]

Okay....I DO NOT LIKE FORD...except for that hot rod Merc concept...not sure what the name was

Antoine. Are you alking about the Supercharged Mercury Marauder?

Saw a commercial for that last night on the tube. Nice ride and good power.

Marauder Specs

 

[low_psi]

aren't those only coming in black and only being sold to law enforcement for the first year or something. i swear i read it somewhere. really.....

 

[Antoine]

I believe it was called the 49' Ford Concept?

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

yesss!! the ford forty-nine was gorgeous..I have a mag with it somewhere. A prime example that they need to get back to the basics of old time luxury!!

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

"The Forty-Nine concept's hyper-smooth appearance is achieved by an all-glass upper body structure with totally concealed pillars and windshield wipers. "

 

[Mazdaspeedgirl]

oops..I guess the pic would help...yesss that is a glass roof!!

 

[Perdition]

GTO

The GTO is actually a Holden Monaro (Aussie GM subsid.) with some added bits. 5.7L LS1 V8 and a six speed. Available late next annum.