America's Love for Speed-

As an American I can testify that the influence of speed is all around us. Growing up as a kid I can remember the significance placed on cars through advertisement, music and movies. More important than just owning a nice ride, was owning a fast one.
Every since automakers began making cars at the beginning of the century they’ve only been concerned with one thing- How to make them go faster.
One of the most famed times in American history was the error of the Muscle car. (1960-1970) during these days- no matter what kind of car guy you were there was a muscle car for you. For Mopar heads there was the Cuda-roadrunner- and charger… Ford guys had the Mustang, Tornio and Talladega… Chevy fellaz were having all the fun with the camaro, chevelle, and SS Novas. And we can’t forget Pontiac’s notorious street machines the GTO’s and the Firebirds.
Yeah Man… those where the days. They say the good things never die- they just get better.
Our Big Boys in Detroit tried to keep many of these cars alive through the years but ultimately the only car that lasted from its birthday in April 1964 ½ till today was the Ford Mustang. For awhile (late nineties to early 2000’s) if you wanted to purchase a new muscle car off the show room floor there was only one choice- Our American Pony the Ford Mustang.
Exciting as this car was; it had no one to play with. Good ole street rivalries between the Big 3 where fewer and fewer as Chevy had discontented the Camaro and Mopar (Dodge) was almost completely off the scene- They were making most of their money in mini-van market.
Then one day in 2005 the rumor of Chevy building a concept for a new Camaro was being passed around. The car was set to be sold in 2006 but with the automotive market struggling - GM began restructuring is business plan to produce more eco friendly cars.
The Camaro was shelved for awhile. This left car guys uncertain about the promise of the return the pony car.
At the nation auto show in 2006 it was made official- Chevy would have the car ready for the streets in 2007. Bow tie fans went crazy and patiently awaited the cars return.
The automotive market was ripe for the picking invited the release of the new camaro.
By this time Ford and Dodge had spear headed the retro muscle car look on the street with the 2005 retro body mustang the 2005 Dodge Charger. Americans were slowly regaining their muscle car fever and young drivers across the nation where being bit by the speed bug.
With the new 2007 V6 Camaro making 304hp; the fans where eager to see what the new SS V8 Camaro would bring.
The SS dyno-ed in at 426hp and just like that the Ford and Chevy rival was back with more (flame) than ever.
Now car fans were waiting on Pontiac to check in. No sooner than we had the thought; the automaker introduced the remake of the legendary Firebird.
It seems that it’s not the name but the classic look.
In 2002 Pontiac reintroduced the GTO but they did not match up to the high status of it predecessor… I can’t help but wonder if the GTO will be remodeled toward its retro body style. I’d certainly be a good thing with the market pulling for (not only speed) but the hard muscle car look.
Trucks have returned with more beef that ever and the car culture has responded by reproducing some of the most recognize cars in American history. Today were enjoying the Mustang, Camaro, Charger, Challenger, GTO and soon to be released Fire Bird.
What will be next: I sure would like to get behind the wheel of an SS Nova or 2011 SS Chevelle.
Well let’s just keep praying to the car gods in the motor city and hope they continue to answer our prayers.
Geoff Morris- signing off