I'm going to have to disagree. Automakers do try to make what the public wants. That is in fact why models disappear...no one buys them. In some cases automakers try to make a product that they hope will be what the public wants. In some cases the public may not even know they want it until it is built...take Chrysler and the minivan. They created a whole market segment that did not exist and is still selling well. Just because 5 or 10 thousand people on a forum or two may like retro styling, does not mean that the automotive buying public in general does. Most everyone likes a change once in a while. I agree with CH. Retro has probably run its course now and something fresh will come along that in a few years may have half the people here panting for.

 

You just admitted both are retro. They look like their ancestors, i.e. they still have the retro look. Retro can be loosely defined as a current production model bearing resemblance via directly recognizable sheet metal styling lines, to an earlier or original model from the brand's past, usually at least 25 years past.

 

I'm sorry but I have to say that VW had the minivan market first. Falling back on my love for the aircooled here

 

But they don't fall into the lines of the recent retro vehicles like the HHR and PT. The 911 and Wrangler have just went through updates and modernization over the years. They actually have a heritage and pedigree unlike our little wagon.

 

IMO Ford and Chevy have done a great job with the retors, I think their short coming with the T-Bird, SSR, Trans Am, and Camaro is 30% target 70% price. All these models target a small market and the price limits the buyers market even more. If Chevy can produce the HHR SS for around $27,000 they should fly off the showroom floors. These retor's target a wide market at a great price, if the SSR, T-Bird, and Camaro were priced accordingly with the appeal they carry, they too would have had a successful market. I think its way to soon for Chevy to be considering any changes for the HHR, its appeal is growing and I’m willing to bet by 2011 it will be making record sales.

 

Well, true I guess.

 

Those of us who would rather stand apart from the crowd can only hope retro goes away. Our cars will be even more unique and different.

If the HHR becomes another ho hum streamlined shoe box You can bet those who like this version will not be buying the next one.
Thats what I like about Chrysler (the ONLY thing) LOL They build designs that are bold and different.

Ford is the worse except for the Mustang.

 

Those really weren't "mini". In fact they were larger inside than the Ford Econoline first series and the Corvair van. The Corvair could be called mini simply because it was smaller than other vans, including VWs Type II.

 

Maybe but they weren't the big boxes that were driven in the 70's. The one thing that really bugs me about the Chrysler division is the claims they make about being first on all their stuff. Not disagreeing with all their claim, just some of them. Heck, VW even had a 4WD bug during the war.

 

I think he was talking about the Shelby GT500, not the GT.


And I can't believe nobody has mentioned the upcoming Dodge Challenger!

http://www.dodge.com/en/challenger/index.html

That is gonna be one bad mutha-trucker...