Kids in today's design schools are all taught by the same talentless professors cranking out the same tired designs to please their mediocre mentors for a passing grade. Where are we going to get tomorrow's Harley Earls, Bill Mitchells, and Virgil Exners?
I agree. I'm an old guy, but I think wheels are supposed to have depth. That's one reason I never liked the Buick wheel covers that were a knock-off of the Buick chrome road wheel...they had no depth!
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Either you are for bailouts and "socialism" or against it, the money being spent is almost irrelevant. The money our bozos in DC spends really isn't ours either...we are consumers first, not really citizens .
You're not supposed to wax a brand new car, are you?
I can't imagine the drag being a huge factor...I bet it is just looks. Those Kia wheels ape an Audi design from nearly a decade ago, which makes sense given the designer.
I like wheels with some lip and offset, myself. Flat wheels are boring, sometimes look like hubcaps, and I bet the faces are more prone to damage.
I like a wheel with some depth, too. I love the Rally 2's that are on my '76 LeMans and '67 Catalina. I also once had an '82 Cutlass Supreme coupe that had Olds Rally wheels. They were sharp looking, and color coordinated to match the body of the car.
I just prefer to see a tire stick out a bit, and the wheel inset. It gives the car a more stable, surefooted stance IMO.
My folks had a new Nova, and two Monte Carlos, that had Chevy's factory Rally Wheels. They were an inexpensive upgrade (they were $56 for as long as I can remember), and added pizzazz.
Down at the end of our street is an '86-88 Monte Carlo LS that has those checkerboard aluminum wheels. I always loved them and it seems you hardly saw them, even though they became an option in '81.
I liked Olds' Super Stock wheels too...pretty sure you could choose between 'argent' or body-colored centers too.
The Pontiac Rally II's were sharp, I agree. Nothing ever looked better on a Pontiac IMO than the eight-lug wheels, which of course were only for drum brakes.
Andre, did you know they built Bonneville Brougham convertibles from I believe '66-70? They had no Brougham ID outside but did inside, and had leather upholstery way upmarket from the regular Bonneville convertible. I could really like owning one of those.
Also, I'm cross-posting here, but you could get leather in Bonneville convertibles throughout the '60's, but not in the 'lesser' bodystyles (and in non-Brougham Bonneville convertibles up through '66).
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
The Cruze continues to sell! It's not a surprise that it's slapping sales of the Cobalt the year before, but over 58% better sales is HUGE considering they lowered fleet sales from last year (in which I'm sure the Cobalt was literally being dumped into).
Equinox is 56% over last years sales, still gaining sales almost two years into it's current model cycle, virtually unheard of for GM as soon as 5 years ago.
Chevy cars outsold trucks, SUVs, and crossovers over the past three months? First time in 20 years? I guess gas prices are having a bigger effect that I originally thought...
Congratulations to GM. Thank goodness the lady exec (don't remember her name) who pushed for more premium interior in the Cruze got her way. The beancounters fought it but she ended up winning. And the result is a smaller GM car that actually stands out instead of being cheap inside. And look! - the US customers are willing to pay more for a nice interior experience.
Personally, even though I didn't buy a Cruze as it seemed too small for our family car, I'm happy to hear this, as the Cruze is built down the road from us in an area where unemployment is high. This is sweet news for our area.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Kids in today's design schools are all taught by the same talentless professors cranking out the same tired designs to please their mediocre mentors for a passing grade...
Amen brother. It started with the open-wheel, 1 / 2-seater phase (which thankfully only lasted 1.5 semesters) then went from the box to the sharp edges through the jelly bean to now the bland box with sharp creases.
Where are we going to get tomorrow's Harley Earls, Bill Mitchells, and Virgil Exners?
Amen again...I would also add Larry Shinoda and good engineers & leaders like Ed Cole, John DeLoren (pre-cocaine), Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, and a decent marketing guy like Wangers...
I like those checkerboard wheels too. They just scream "80s". I remember when I was in school in the late 90s, there was a loaded 86-88 model with those wheels, and flush headlights, in the parking lot of the building where I lived. It was pretty mint...I wonder whatever happened to it.
My friend with the old Montes upgraded the wheels on his 83 (it had wire caps) and I wanted him to find a set of the checkerboard style, but he ended up getting a set that look like SS wheels, but are actually from a ~81 Z28.
The real problem is that instead of hiring real artists, they hire students from only the same dozen or so design schools. It's safer and acceptable. ie - no matter if you are the next Leonardo, if you don't have the right degree from the right institution, not one auto manufacturer will bother to to look twice at your application.
And , well, they get what they deserve in a way. Fantastic engineering covered in soulless crap and mediocrity.
I don't find a picture of wheels like that. Anyone got one? I don't recall those and I know they weren't before my time! grin.
Here's a Monte Carlo that has those "checkerboard" wheels. I knew someone back in late 80's who had a 1984 Chevy pickup, which he got after totaling a '78 or so LeMans coupe which lost a battle with a tree. The truck had to go in the shop for servicing or something-or-other, and he had a Monte with those wheels for a couple days. It was either a rental or loaner.
I didn't really like it at the time, as I thought those wheels were odd, and I was having trouble getting accustomed to that '86-88 LS front-end, with those composite headlights. I think it looks good now, but at the time, I preferred the regular quad lights.
I don't know if I like the composite lights on that car, old sides with a modern front, kind of odd. Maybe they should have smoothed it out but kept quad lights, like an 86 Celebrity.
I too love those wheels on the LeMans. Sometimes, though, the center cap would rattle. You had to take it off and adjust those tines or whatever you call them. I had a '73 Cougar XR7 that I put on some Keystone Classics on. Man, those wheels made that car look really nice. Nicer than the hubcaps that came stock!
Have you had any damage with pothole or RR tracks?
Potholes should be avoided, but RR tracks and normal potholes pose no risk to your low profile tires and wheels as long as you are a prudent owner/driver and have your tires properly inflated + or - 5 psi. If you drive around with 15 psi then you got problems.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
Japan's earthquake has impacted the Toyota and Honda sales; but cannot be blamed as the only reason for the poor showing. Nissan's +11% increase proves it.
:P It's apparent some people are unhappy that the home team is doing well.
I'll never in my life comprehend this.
They ceased being the home team when they comitted larceny, grand theft, fraud, treachery, traitors, and treason to the Consumers of the United States of America.
They sold TEMPORARY vehicles and called them cars. They were like BIC razors, good for about 1 or 2 uses, and disposable. If they called them disposable cars, I wouldn't be mad or complaining now.
The Big 3 should be hanged for Treason and the fraudulent traitors they are, in Texas, where they KNOW HOW TO MAKE A REAL truck, the Tundra! (And I believe they still allow hangings :P
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
It's apparent some people are unhappy that the home team is doing well.
Heh, let 'em.
As much as they bragged when the imports led the categories, they're gonna whine and [non-permissible content removed] as much when the "home teams" are doing as well (or better) than their favorites.
Again, let them. It just means that the "home teams" are doing things right, and their line of thinking about them is as current as a cassette player.
That's true that we funded their rebuilding, but that's what the U.S.A. does. I'm sure someone will bring it up, so I'll bring it up first, that GM and Ford did business in Germany before the war, but our declaration of war on Germany made it illegal for an American company to have any control over a German subsidiary. Of course, the American carmakers did not do business with Japan. One thing is for certain, and that is no German or Japanese automaker did anything to contribute to the American war effort, and it's recent enough to me (being that there are thousands still alive on all sides who contributed) to not just write it off mentally. But then, there was a lot of military in my family (I wouldn't have lasted 'til lunchtime the first day), and I'm a twentieth-century U.S. history buff.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
The issues with the old Big 3 are recent enough in my memory to pass on any of their offerings at the moment. I had my share in the past.
Let me know when they achieve the 35 mpg in the Malibu, Impala, Taurus, Charger, 300 and still deliver close to 300/300 power. Then I'll get excited.
Please everyone, don't start with the impossible arguments.
I'll bet the Corvette would get close to 40 if they added tech available today to offer extreme efficient engine management. One poster who owned a C-6 posted he continually got in the mid-high 20's on the highway. Now add mild-hybrid tech and shut-off at stops and let's see what we get?
My wife and I were talking last week that after our girls are through college in ten years, and assuming no other financial problems, we'll probably buy a basic new Corvette, in a non-popular color, and do the Route 66 thing. New Corvette, old guy driver, I know is such a stereotype but I think the current Corvette is attractive after they didn't do anything for me for about twenty years. Hopefully I'll still like them in ten. Touring the Bowling Green plant added to the interest at my end.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
Sounds like a good plan. I am sure that your interest will improve as the new C-7 is to offer a smaller V-8 with a tad more power but a much improved interior. You will probably be in the market around the next 1 or 2 gen time frame.
They will add seats similar to BMW/Audi in the C-7 and an optional split-window ('63 Sting Ray). If they match the Sport Seats in the 3'er, I will be sold! Best seats I've experienced to date.
New Corvette, old guy driver, I know is such a stereotype but I think the current Corvette is attractive after they didn't do anything for me for about twenty years.
Just make sure you don't camp out in the left lane and leave your turn signal on! :P
I know I'm in the minority, but I think the split window, then and now, is a dumb idea. Besides being way cheaper, the '64 to me looks better with the single-piece rear window.
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
>we'll probably buy a basic new Corvette, in a non-popular color, and do the Route 66 thing.
I rode in a Corvette in my youth and found it to be very rough even on an interstate highway. That quelched my interest in one.
But beyond that is the cost of insurance was high. I was just talking to an insurance adjuster yesterday about Corvettes. He mentioned his dad wanted to buy one at 70 something. I told him that if his joints and muscles will still let him get into one at that age and he wanted the ride character of one, insurance rates are low so he should have at it.
I love looking at the 60s models that were small cars. The big rear end current models are sporty but they don't remind me of Route 66 and the aura of independent touring on that show.
This is the one I would pick, style, color, convertible! It has it all for me (minus the sidepies).
I'm really not a fan of Sting Rays. My favorite 'Vette by far is a '62, which is essentially a '53 underneath with a bigger engine. I know I'm waaayyyyyy in the minority here, but I'd take a bone-stock turquoise or black '63 or '64 Avanti R2 over a same-year Sting Ray any day of the week.
I think I'd do the current 'Vette thing, mostly because I'm not a mechanic in the slightest sense of the word and especially at that point in my life, I wouldn't want to have to worry about anything happening in God-knows-where, AZ!
2024 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2LT; 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LT; 2015 Chevrolet Cruze LS
My 1989 Cadillac Brougham was built in Arlington, Texas. I guess you are right. They DO know how to build 'em in Texas! It still looks and runs excellent after 22+ years.
Another dumb idea was the three-piece backlight on 1957 Buicks and Oldsmobiles. Some wag paraphrased Plymouth's 1957 advertising slogan and said "Suddenly it's 1949!"
Comments
Mentioned previously, but I'm proud of the fact that Bill Mitchell grew up in my small (never hit 10K) hometown of Greenville, Pennsylvania.
They are wheels. The Optima looks like a cheese shredder. Similar for the next picture.
Now here are nice appearance wheels. They looks like wheels and they actually have tires on them.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
You're not supposed to wax a brand new car, are you?
I like wheels with some lip and offset, myself. Flat wheels are boring, sometimes look like hubcaps, and I bet the faces are more prone to damage.
I just prefer to see a tire stick out a bit, and the wheel inset. It gives the car a more stable, surefooted stance IMO.
Not on my watch there won't be wheels coming off lines that resemble salt flat disks.
I do like the wheels Mitsu bolted on to my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Down at the end of our street is an '86-88 Monte Carlo LS that has those checkerboard aluminum wheels. I always loved them and it seems you hardly saw them, even though they became an option in '81.
I liked Olds' Super Stock wheels too...pretty sure you could choose between 'argent' or body-colored centers too.
The Pontiac Rally II's were sharp, I agree. Nothing ever looked better on a Pontiac IMO than the eight-lug wheels, which of course were only for drum brakes.
Andre, did you know they built Bonneville Brougham convertibles from I believe '66-70? They had no Brougham ID outside but did inside, and had leather upholstery way upmarket from the regular Bonneville convertible. I could really like owning one of those.
Also, I'm cross-posting here, but you could get leather in Bonneville convertibles throughout the '60's, but not in the 'lesser' bodystyles (and in non-Brougham Bonneville convertibles up through '66).
Tires are too thin. Have you had any damage with pothole or RR tracks?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Click me!
Click me too!
Some observations:
The Cruze continues to sell! It's not a surprise that it's slapping sales of the Cobalt the year before, but over 58% better sales is HUGE considering they lowered fleet sales from last year (in which I'm sure the Cobalt was literally being dumped into).
Equinox is 56% over last years sales, still gaining sales almost two years into it's current model cycle, virtually unheard of for GM as soon as 5 years ago.
Chevy cars outsold trucks, SUVs, and crossovers over the past three months? First time in 20 years? I guess gas prices are having a bigger effect that I originally thought...
GM may be well situated to sell more SUVs and trucks now that gas is cheaper.
Congratulations to GM. Thank goodness the lady exec (don't remember her name) who pushed for more premium interior in the Cruze got her way. The beancounters fought it but she ended up winning. And the result is a smaller GM car that actually stands out instead of being cheap inside. And look! - the US customers are willing to pay more for a nice interior experience.
Amen brother. It started with the open-wheel, 1 / 2-seater phase (which thankfully only lasted 1.5 semesters) then went from the box to the sharp edges through the jelly bean to now the bland box with sharp creases.
Where are we going to get tomorrow's Harley Earls, Bill Mitchells, and Virgil Exners?
Amen again...I would also add Larry Shinoda and good engineers & leaders like Ed Cole, John DeLoren (pre-cocaine), Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, and a decent marketing guy like Wangers...
My friend with the old Montes upgraded the wheels on his 83 (it had wire caps) and I wanted him to find a set of the checkerboard style, but he ended up getting a set that look like SS wheels, but are actually from a ~81 Z28.
And , well, they get what they deserve in a way. Fantastic engineering covered in soulless crap and mediocrity.
I don't find a picture of wheels like that. Anyone got one? I don't recall those and I know they weren't before my time! grin.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Here's a Monte Carlo that has those "checkerboard" wheels. I knew someone back in late 80's who had a 1984 Chevy pickup, which he got after totaling a '78 or so LeMans coupe which lost a battle with a tree. The truck had to go in the shop for servicing or something-or-other, and he had a Monte with those wheels for a couple days. It was either a rental or loaner.
I didn't really like it at the time, as I thought those wheels were odd, and I was having trouble getting accustomed to that '86-88 LS front-end, with those composite headlights. I think it looks good now, but at the time, I preferred the regular quad lights.
Mexican market SS with those wheels as standard.
I don't know if I like the composite lights on that car, old sides with a modern front, kind of odd. Maybe they should have smoothed it out but kept quad lights, like an 86 Celebrity.
I had a '73 Cougar XR7 that I put on some Keystone Classics on. Man, those wheels made that car look really nice. Nicer than the hubcaps that came stock!
http://blogs.cars.com/kickingtires/2011/07/top-10-best-selling-cars-june-2011.ht- ml
Two best-selling automobiles: first is the Cruze, then the Malibu.
Looks like May wasn't just a one-month anomaly.
When will bailout #3 for Chrysler and #2 for GM be needed? How long until the inevitable?
Potholes should be avoided, but RR tracks and normal potholes pose no risk to your low profile tires and wheels as long as you are a prudent owner/driver and have your tires properly inflated + or - 5 psi. If you drive around with 15 psi then you got problems.
GM: 215,358 +10%
Ford: 194,114 +14%
Chrysler: 120,394, +30%
Toyota: 110,937 -24%
Honda: 83,892, -21%
Nissan: 71,941, +11%
Japan's earthquake has impacted the Toyota and Honda sales; but cannot be blamed as the only reason for the poor showing. Nissan's +11% increase proves it.
It's apparent some people are unhappy that the home team is doing well.
I'll never in my life comprehend this.
The top 3 selling cars are all American! So are the top 6 selling light vehicles.
Happy 4th, America!
I'll never in my life comprehend this.
They ceased being the home team when they comitted larceny, grand theft, fraud, treachery, traitors, and treason to the Consumers of the United States of America.
They sold TEMPORARY vehicles and called them cars. They were like BIC razors, good for about 1 or 2 uses, and disposable. If they called them disposable cars, I wouldn't be mad or complaining now.
The Big 3 should be hanged for Treason and the fraudulent traitors they are, in Texas, where they KNOW HOW TO MAKE A REAL truck, the Tundra! (And I believe they still allow hangings :P
I'll be very interested to see what the numbers look like in the fall when things should be back to normal.
Those 69/70 Mustangs still look good today.
Heh, let 'em.
As much as they bragged when the imports led the categories, they're gonna whine and [non-permissible content removed] as much when the "home teams" are doing as well (or better) than their favorites.
Again, let them. It just means that the "home teams" are doing things right, and their line of thinking about them is as current as a cassette player.
I'm sure you'd say that about the Japanese and German automakers who contributed to the war effort against American G.I.'s, right?
Regarding cars, it's nice to see good cars sell. Remember how long that wasn't the case for USA auto .
Regards,
OW
Let me know when they achieve the 35 mpg in the Malibu, Impala, Taurus, Charger, 300 and still deliver close to 300/300 power. Then I'll get excited.
Please everyone, don't start with the impossible arguments.
I'll bet the Corvette would get close to 40 if they added tech available today to offer extreme efficient engine management. One poster who owned a C-6 posted he continually got in the mid-high 20's on the highway. Now add mild-hybrid tech and shut-off at stops and let's see what we get?
I will buy one someday................
Regards,
OW
They will add seats similar to BMW/Audi in the C-7 and an optional split-window ('63 Sting Ray). If they match the Sport Seats in the 3'er, I will be sold! Best seats I've experienced to date.
Regards,
OW
Just make sure you don't camp out in the left lane and leave your turn signal on! :P
I rode in a Corvette in my youth and found it to be very rough even on an interstate highway. That quelched my interest in one.
But beyond that is the cost of insurance was high. I was just talking to an insurance adjuster yesterday about Corvettes. He mentioned his dad wanted to buy one at 70 something. I told him that if his joints and muscles will still let him get into one at that age and he wanted the ride character of one, insurance rates are low so he should have at it.
I love looking at the 60s models that were small cars. The big rear end current models are sporty but they don't remind me of Route 66 and the aura of independent touring on that show.
This is the one I would pick, style, color, convertible! It has it all for me (minus the sidepies).
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
I think I'd do the current 'Vette thing, mostly because I'm not a mechanic in the slightest sense of the word and especially at that point in my life, I wouldn't want to have to worry about anything happening in God-knows-where, AZ!