It seems that, even with as many cars that are currently in the marketplace, there’s still some familiar old names
that are missing. Here’s a wish list of cars that I’d like to see back in the marketplace; obviously, the Comments
section would be a great place to drop your suggestions for resurrection.
Chevrolet Chevelle
We think we’ve got a new Camaro on the way (some day), but what about a bit larger vehicle for those that have grown
out of the pony-car phase (or haven’t yet grown back into it)? If GM can bring a Zeta-based RWD sedan to market in
North America to compete with the 300C, I can’t think of any better name for it. It’s a better name than Caprice for a
car in this size class, (that name is best reserved for vehicles at least one city block in length), and it’d give GM a
chance to bring back a classic name without embarrassment. Extra bonus points would be given if there would be a wagon
version.
Keep reading for more…
Toyota Supra
The LF-A is on its way to the market, but there?s still a lot of room downmarket for a Supra replacement. Toyota
reliability and durability combined with forced induction proved to be a very formidable package. Maybe this time
around, Toyota could offer a high-po hybrid drivetrain like that which was rumored for the LF-A. It?d give the company
yet another chance to shake up the aftermarket (it?s my opinion that this car forced a lot of domestic guys to consider
turbocharging as a viable means of dramatically increasing performance).
Mitsubishi Starion
The Lancer Evo is an awesome car, but clearly it isn?t enough to save the company, and I?m not seeing a whole lot of
enthusiasm for the new Eclipse among speed junkies. Since RWD and pony cars are all the range, why not bring back the
Starion? Offer up a small pressurized engine of some sort, drop it in a RWD chassis, wrap it in sexy bodywork, and
offer it for $25K. That?d provide a useful alternative to a Mustang for those that just can?t wrap their heads around
the idea of driving something with a big V8 and a solid rear axle.
Honda CRX
Yes, a new version is rumored to be on the way – but we haven?t seen one yet. The CRX, to me, is the epitome of
?Honda-ness? – lightweight, efficient, entertaining, well-engineered. What I?d really like here is for Honda to offer a
lightweight hatchback in both Si and HF trim levels, mimicking the split personality of the previous CRX. Both models
were impressively focused on their respective tasks, with the Si bringing a previously unknown level of suspension
sophistication to the hot-hatch segment, and the HF showing a take-no-prisoners approach to fuel economy before
?hybrid? referred to something other than seeds.
Merkur XR4Ti
OK, I?m kidding with this one. Sort of. Frankly, if Ford would bring its
Australian-market Falcon (especially the
F6 Tornado) into the US, I?d be willing to see it sold
under just about any name – even if it meant bringing back one of the oddest marketing strategies in recent automotive
history.