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Old 08-18-2013, 11:25 AM   #179
silverds
2015 SS 6M
 
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Drives: 2015 SS 6M
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Charlotte, NC
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc View Post
Yes these were/are great points that really help focus what people see as a muscle car versus a sports car. After thinking about it I believe people see a muscle car as a straight-line accelerator; hence why so many talk about what it can do in the 1/4 mile. A sports car is upgraded from just power, to power and handling so it can handle the curves which is why they tend to have curvy, sleeker shapes to reflect their design purpose of handling curves.

Times have changed though and now the pony/muscle car class is evolving towards sports car territory and that's where there's clashing expectations among those who still want a 427 big block muscle car, and those who want a powerful all-round road car. I've been doing sports car gt designs mostly and it seems they don't have enough "muscle" look.
I think the greatest appeal of both the classic and modern "muscle car" is that they do not appear competitive against the more aerodynamically styled sports cars. They are not the sleekest, lightest or most aerodynamically efficient vehicles. Either from stoplight to stoplight, on the 1/4 or on the road course, you want the guy in the sports car with jet plane aerodynamics to be befuddled as to how you beat him. He bought a Ferrari, so what? You bought an engine, suspension and brake package that defies the common understanding of physics for half the price or less.

The fact that a 2012 ZL1 puts down almost equal stats as a 2012 Corvette Grandsport, is what I'm talking about. The common person does not believe a Camaro and a Corvette are in the same league. When they line up at the start of any type of race, most bets would be for the car that looks faster. At least until the Green light or flag drops.

Now I'm not saying putting an LS9 into a Volkswagen Beetle wouldn't shock everyone but you still want to look a little cool in your car.

I believe it is the powerful image of the 5th Gen that reinvigorated the Camaro. It seems to me it was the "bubbly" flowing aerodynamics that killed the Camaro's appeal and sales from 1993 - 2002. At least, no Camaro since the first gen has appealed to me until the 5th Gen. Tap into that main design difference and you may find the formula that actually works for Camaro. The Camaro shouldn't look like it's trying to compete at Le Mans. It should look like a great car to drive all week and then shock everyone at your local Club Race. Also remember that, as the platform gets smaller, the passengers dont. A smaller platform will still need to look like it seats 4 with some measure of comfort. If the greenhouse is too short, it begins to look like it wants to be a Corvette.


This holden HSV Coupe concept contains some styling cues that I hope might illustrate (but not necessarily exemplify) what I'm trying to describe. I already mentioned the largish fascia with headlight lenses that face the wind and large air-sucking holes. The forward lean with every line sloping downwards toward the front. The line that curves around the front fender flair and then extends back until it outlines the rear deck. The lines from the vents that also extend back until they either join the rear wheel flair or fade into the rear. The rear end angled upward and a large diffuser that looks like the car is showing you its balls as it passes. The whole car looks like it's pushing wind out of it's way rather than slipping gracefully through it. "It shouldn't appear to be as fast and agile as it is."




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Last edited by silverds; 08-18-2013 at 04:15 PM.
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