I realize America has Panoz (which is a body and suspension built around a Ford Cobra engine & drivetrain), and we assemble the BMW Z3 down south. But why, with all of our technology and car manufacturers, do we only have the Corvette and Viper to compete with the world? Chryslers German half doesn't count and Fords English part as well. Look at what Germany, Italy, and England make and their legendary histories.

 

I dunno... it's surely because American car builders have a more "hot-rod" orientation tham Europian or Asian car builders and surely, people are more interested in imports than "hot-rods", like the F-150 lightning, Viper, Vette and Mustang... Just my 2 cents.

 

Stuck up designers and directors who simply want to keep all designs to a uniform standard?

 

Give it a year or two. Roadsters are definitly in a period of ascension.

 

Umm...not to laughingly consider it powerful when stock...but the Prowler is nonetheless a classic retro-rod in my book.

 

I guess it is the same thing that keep the American car company's building big V8's and the like with relatively low HP, and suspension that would be better in a baby's pram....

"That is what has worked so far so why change?"

A pretty backward looking approach but very common the world over in many industries...

 

"Umm...not to laughingly consider it powerful when stock...but the Prowler is nonetheless a classic retro-rod in my book."

It may be a roadster, but will no longer be made. Plus, it is under powered.

 

Around 1956 Dwight Eisenhower, then president of the United States, signed into law the bill inacting into law the creation of the interstate highway system. As we all know, these are wide, multi-laned roads made for cruising. As you may or may not know, these highways were built for the military. For every few miles of interstate, there must be one mile of straight road, capable of doubling as a landing strip in time of war. I think these roads helped create the demand for the big Cadillacs, Lincolns, etc. This longer, lower and wider mindset in automobile design continued well into the seventies until the first major energy crisis hit. Cars downsized a bit and imports became popular until the crisis passed.

The folks who had purchased imports, and realized the superior quality they offered, continued to buy them. As gas became cheaper once again, big cars returned again in the form of SUVs and minivans. The roadster was virtually given up for dead until Mazda ventured into the market with the Miata. God bless 'em for that. May the trend continue.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lvs2k
[B]Around 1955 Dwight Eisenhower, then president of the United States, signed into law the bill inacting into law the creation of the interstate highway system.