In light of all that, I'll be astonished if we don't see production versions of Curve and Nomad by 2005, as 2006 models, with the Saab arriving about the same time, following the debut of a concept version at a forthcoming auto show.
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| I'll be astonished if we don't see production versions of Curve and Nomad by 2005. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
This is absolutely fine with me, especially since the Nomad speaks directly to some powerful part of my psyche, much more than the Solstice or Curve do. I think it may have something to do with an unrequited passion for the best-looking two-door wagon of all time -- the MGB GT of the 1960s.
But being generous, I would not begrudge other people who might prefer the Solstice or the Curve or the 9-1 or whatever they're called.
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| "These vehicles have global appeal that translate well in any language." (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Solstice and its siblings were all designed from a global perspective, using design studios in England and Sweden, with assembly help from Italy's Pininfarina.
As a result, says Anne Asensio, the French native who is now GM's executive director for advanced vehicle design, ''These vehicles have global appeal that translate well in any language. From the shape of the bodywork to the colors and interior materials, they each represent contemporary design.''
It was media and public reaction to the style of the Solstice concept car at the 2002 Detroit auto show that convinced GM to build the roadster even when a compact rear-drive platform to house it did not exist.