The Caprice is Back

Beginning with Chevrolet's new SS sedan, I've changed GM's latest Australian import into the new American Caprice. I really think it's a great name, one that can be used as a top-line sedan again, even this performance-based sport sedan.

At first, I just wanted to change the dated looking SS front end with a new Impala-inspired grille, but then I saw other things I wanted to change. The C pillar now has an extended window graphic behind the rear doors, similar to the Cruz (and the fabulous historic Vauxhall Carlton). There's now a small pseudo 3rd window behind the doors creating a larger appearing glass area and a straight beltline instead of the faux BMW "Hoffmeister Kink" on the production model. I finished it off with a 21st century color-shifting pearlescent version of Chevy's classic Evening Orchid and the interior would come in a variety of 1960s Blaine Jenkins-inspired fabrics and leathers and upholstery styles on the 4 standard Recaro buckets. Blaine is a retired GM car designer with a long career in interior designs for both concept cars and production vehicles. He is a Facebook Friend introduced to me online by the Palm Springs Automobilist. The first '65 Caprice sedan interior, Cadillac level fabrics and design, was Blaine's work.

I illustrated this newest Caprice with the Smoked Amethyst wheels, rocker panels, and trim of the optional two-tone Classic package. Several other period-inspired two-tones would be available, all in this color-shifting pearlescent paint technology.

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Happy Veterans Day 2013! New MKZ Continental

2015 Lincoln MKZ Continental Touring Sedan, Pucci Edition

What started out as a quick chop to add more glass to the MKZ's cool fastback roofline, ended up being a second generation dual hatchback with electrically-assisted "clap-hand" doors. To manage the rear trunk cutline better, I made this glass-roofed sedan a hatchback. moving the cutline up into the roof pillar matching the existing rear door's cutline. Using an existing division on the edge of the trunk, I've made it a cutline as well. Picking up an idea from a Lincoln concept car of several years ago, instead of opening the entire hatch, a small "drawer" at the edge of the trunk would slide open with a fob button, revealing a beautifully finished luggage drawer complete with secondary top. Once the packages were stored, the top would lower ensuring all would fit nicely as it all glides back into the trunk. I sectioned the body a few inches, an old hot rod trick, making the body sides lower and less massive, and added that flowing third window.

This Pucci edition recalls the great Marks of the '70s and '80s. It comes in a very subtle two-toned Aubergine and Smoke Pearlescent with micro-thin areas of gold dust embedded into the paint at the color breaks. The effect of the pearl and gold clear-coat layers is a magnificent color shifting of all panels making the transitions even more subtle. A 24k gold Lincoln "Star" is embedded in the rear side glass, not only evoking those classic opera window logos, but is also taxed as a piece of jewelry recalling the early 1960s Imperial Crown gold crests. It is this American/European mix of function and style that lead me to name this hatchback MKZ, the Continental Touring Sedan. It signals the rebirth of the Continental nameplate. In addition there would be a flagship sedan, The Continental Town Car, as well as a new Continental Mark coupe.

I dedicate my newest Lincoln chop to America's veterans. I chose The American Luxury Car, and a European designer to celebrate Veterans' Day. We saved Europe and have gone through Hell and high water with them. I think this union of American luxury and European fashion celebrates what our veterans fought for. My dad served for almost 23 years and I know the cost of that service. Today my heart goes out to all, as always.

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2015 Camaro Type LT—The Hatchback Returns

I would like to see the Camaro be repackaged. I'd like to see it slightly smaller, much lighter, feature better visibility, and offer more room inside and in the trunk. I've given it a sleek hatchback as well. My Type LT, an old Camaro model name, now stands for "Luggage & Touring" and would offer optional fitted luggage as well as several different luggage area treatments/hardware for various sports activities. The Camaro was a hatchback for decades, so it shouldn't be too much of a stretch for today's buyers! I've placed it along the shoreline of my town, lol.

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