...And we are back! Still drawing car designs and last couple of years huge focus on drivetrains and platform engineering. Working on getting new content in here. Added Projects Tracking Spreadsheets (see tabs at top of site). Also redid the format and theme for easier navigation. More to come.

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions- 1968 1/2 Lincoln Intruder

A '69 Cougar based (long wb Mustang) Lincoln 'Executive Hot Rot Pony car";
Models:
Intruder coupe: 390 V8
Intruder "Evade" coupe: 428 CJ V8

Special features: concealed headlites and tail lites; hyper-lux interior;

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions- 1968/1969 Prototype Porsches

Models: ("aes" Advance Experimental Study)
1968 Prototype 938aes front drive flat-8 sports car.
1969 Prototype 938/12aes front drive flat-12 sports car.
1969 Prototype 938/16aes flat-16 front drive flat-16 sports car.
Overview:
938aes, 938/12aes: front drive front-mid engine flat-8 or flat-12 boxer powered sports car.
Slots above 911;
Engines:
flat-12, 4.5L, 500hp, 12 cyl. boxer, air cooled;de-tuned version of 1969 917 racing engine;
Used in: 938aes

flat-8, 3 L, 300 hp, 8cyl. boxer, air cooled;de-tuned version of 1968 908 racing engine.
Used in: 938/12aes

flat-16, 6L, 650 HP, end to end flat-8s; boxer, air-cooled;
Used in: 938/16aes

KetchKustoms- 1968 Wild 'Stang

Rebodied 1968 390 v8 Mustang, with a bit of GT40 in it.

KetchKustoms- 1959 Chevy '4 on the floor'

Stretched and rebodied 1959 full size 4 door hardtop.

KetchKustoms- 1960 Merc 'HighTide'

Stretched and rebodied 1960 Mercury Villager as a surf wagon. Paint is intentionally faded.

KetchKustoms- 2012 Camaro ZL1+1

A re-bodied 2012 ZL1, but replaces the retro '69 design with a lowered 1970 SS-RS look

2014 GMC General "Moon Raker", "Rock Crawler"

Competes with Jeep Wrangler et al.
'Moon Raker' is top dog, extreme off roader.
'Rock Crawler' is an off road package on the base version.
Front mid-engine 350 V8, moved back in chassis to allow short departure angle in front,
large 40 inch tires with rim locks, 4 wd, extreme 4x4 on the "Moon Raker";
Uses some full size truck parts, but own chassis.
All non-base versions have snorkel air cleaners and exausts, able to ford a 5ft deep stream.
General "5Star" Military version offered to US allied countries and non combatants.

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1970.5 Chevrolet Six-Shooter

1969 Corvair based mid-engine rear air-cooled boxer six cylinder sports car.
Uses last Corvair mechanicals, as that car become discontinued.
Competes with VW Karmann Ghia, Porsche 914.
Slots below Corvette as entry level sports car.
"Six Appeal" perf. and appearance package for 1971.

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1971.5 Chevrolet Nova Scorcher/ 1972 Yenko Inferno

Competes with Ford Maverick, Dodge Demon and Plymouth Duster.
Replaces Nova coupe; Nova sedan continues.
105 wb, shortened Nova platform (111" wb);
250 L6 and 307 V8

Yenko Inferno, uses GM C.O.P.O. system to deliver 350, 400 and 454 v8 engine to Yenko Chevy in PA, to stuff in Scorcher coupes.

2012 Ford Mustang MCR (mid cycle refresh)

2012 Mustang Fastback:
Base: 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four 250hp
GT: 3.7V6 305 hp Optional: 5.0L V8 412hp
Boss 302:Hi-Po 5L (302cid) 4V V8 440 hp
Mach1: Hyper-Po 5L (302cid) 4V V8 460 hp

2012 Mustang LX Hardtop Coupe (new)
(Convertibnle base with hardtop welded in place, std. susp., black or silver 'star' steel wheels,
base front and back end styling, less equip. than fastback, lighter weight. )

LX: 2.0-liter EcoBoost inline-four 250hp Optional: 3.7 V6 305hp
LX 5.0 5.0L V8 412hp

2012.5/13 Mustang LX Hardtop Coupe
Adds:
CS (California Special) pkg.= to any LX except 'export': CS tail lites, GT front end, stripes, side scoop, spolier, et al.
LX export: LX base, with same engines, adds all lux. equip. pkgs., GT susp. CS appearance pkg., euro orange rear turn signals, rear fog lamps, HID lites, BBS lace wheels. Deletes CS side scoops and stripes.
LX export ME* code: adds Hi-Po 5L (302cid) 4V V8 440 hp (Boss engine, GT suspension, CS appearance pkg)
LX export SE** code: adds 5.4L 4v Supercharged V8 550hp (GT500 engine, Shelby GT500 suspension, CS appearance pkg)
* Mach1 equip.
**Shelby equp.

Proposed: 2012 Mustang "Shooting Brake" (new)
(Convertibnle base with hardtop welded in place, Mirrors fastback models up to GT 5.0 )

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions- Misc.

Collection of very small projects in progress:

• 1970 AMC "Boulevard" ("BLVD") large personal luxury/sport coupe; LWB concept: 122in WB, based on Ambassador. 390 engine (401 for '71); Xse sport edition avail.; Competes with Toronado, Eldorado, Lincoln Mk7 et al; SWB concept used 117 wb, competes with Grand Prix et al;
  
• 1970-1/2 Plymouth Consort ('friend') and Dodge Sparrow sub- compact 2 door hatchs; Supplants the captive imports from Japan (Mitsubishi) and England (Rootes); Uses a 2.0 litre Simca sourced (Chrysler France) inline 4cyl engine; Shortened Dart/Duster platform (was 108" wb, now 97"); Competes with Pinto, Vega, Gremlin et al.
  
• 1968 Porsche 810 Spyder; small 2 seat roadster; Entry level Porsche; 2.0L flat 6 (from 1967 base 911); Shortened 911 platform; competes with Austin Healey and Triumph (TR4A) sports cars.
• 1969 Ford Turin/Thrust 390 and 428 CJ- Small 2 seater Front engine coupe competes directly with Corvette. Accepts any Ford motor.
• 1961 Swank (Full size)- 'Elegant' , 'Exclusive' (both T-bird 390c.i.d. V8) and 'Soar' (430c.i.d. Lincoln V8 hi-perf. model, 2dr hardtop only); Replaces Edsel brand. 2 and 4 door hardtops, wagons added later. Targets Dodge and Pontiac as 'sport/luxury' brand paired with Ford (Ford/Swank and Lincoln/Mercury); Mercury moves up market to compete with Oldsmobile and Buick;
• 1962 Swank (Large compact/mid size)- 'Select' (2/4 door hardtop), 'Surf' (2 door hardtop perf. edition) and 'Beachcomber' (4 door hardtop sport wagon); Ford Fairlane based. Competes with Pontiac Tempest. 260 cid v8 (
  

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1974 Ford 'Stang

A downsized Mustang for 1974 (renamed the slang 'Stang); Based on a modified shorter Maverick platform. Bigger than what became the oft derided Mustang II, this revisionist take has the Mustang go smaller, yet keep it's roots intact. Weight is down 50-600 lbs from 1973. Shorter by 6 inches. Fastback or semifastback only, one body style. Models include 'Pony' (250cid I6), 'Grande' (250cid I6) and 'mach 1' or 'Boss 302' (302) or 'mach351' or 'Mach 2' (351 V8, limited prodution);
Engines: 250 CID I-6, 302 CID V8, 351 CID V8 (no big block motors)

• Wheelbase (LWB concepts) 104 in ; (SWB concepts) 100 inches
  
• Length 180-183 in
• Width 69 in
• Height 49 in
• Kerb weight 2800-2900 lb

Compares to:
1971 Ford Mustang:
Wheelbase 109 in
Length 189.5 in
Width 74.1 in
Height 50.1 in
Kerb weight 3560 lb

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
Wheelbase 108 in
Length 181.6 in
Width 68.2 in
Height 51.2 in

1972 Ford Maverick
Wheelbase 109.9 in
Length 186.3 in
Width 70.7 in
Height 53.1 in
Kerb weight 2747 lb

1978 Ford Mustang II Ghia
Wheelbase 96.3 in
Length 175 in
Width 70.3 in
Height 50 in
Kerb weight 2822 lb

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1967 Pontiac Sprint XP

YM Body: Mid-engine variation of Y-Body (Corvair rear-engine air-cooled);
Engine: 230 OHC 'Sprint' L-6, 300 hp 'race duty'; Water-cooled/radiator(s).
Show car concept only, for possible production or homologation (model XP-R) for 24 Hrs of Le Mans in 1969;

[NEW] 2013 Buick Invicta, Opel Adventure, Vauxhall Viscount, Chevrolet Laguna

Sub-compact CUV based on Chevrolet Aveo platform. Competes with 2011 MINI Crossman and Kia Sportage. Below are the brands and geographical sales coverage.

• Buick Invicta (China, USA)- $20k-25k base, fully optioned.
  
• Opel Adventure (Germany)- $19k-22k
• Vauxhall Viscount (UK)- $18k-21k
  
• Chevrolet Laguna (USA, Europe, Asia)- $17K-22k, LS, LT, LTZ

All use the same basic platform, engines and drivetrain, with stylist differences and configurations. All come standard with 24 inch wheels and large diameter tires, as well as a 'lift' kit look to give a more SUV/truck stance.

2015-16 Ford Mustang LX Coupe

This is a 'reincarnation' of the late 80's/early 90s LX Mustang coupes that became (and still are) cult classics). The were lighter/small coup version of the fastback, at a lower price point. The cars tore up the drag strips, and still can be seen there at times. Even today these cars are legendary.
With that in mind, this project takes the 2014-15 Mustang (shown elsewhere) and adds a LX coupe version a year later. The schema follows some of the original LX premise:
-Hi power to weight ratio.
-shortened rear overhang. 3 box design with trunk.
-Some concepts to follow the staid original, with wrap around rear window, from B pillar back.
-Shares door skins and A pillar forward from fastback.
-Roof has a chopped look, ala the 2014-2015 Lincoln MKR/Continental/Nemesis concepts.
-Engines: LX: 3.7 Ecoboost V6 turbo (360 hp); LX 5.0: 5.0L V8 (440hp);
-Three specialized race/street versions:
1. 'Drift': No spare, battery front located, rear seat removed. Weight bias towards front; 2.0L Turbo EcoBoost (250 hp).
2. 'Course': Road course version (a.k.a. the 'Boss', 5.0 L V8 HO (500 hp); near 50/50 weight distribution;
3. "Thunderbolt': named after the early 1960's Fairlane spec drag race; Not streetable; Fibreglas front end, plex windows; 5.5 LV8 700hp race engine;




http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1031285_report-four-cylinder-ecoboost-to-debut-in-ford-fusion-by-2010

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1962 Chevrolet Mako

This is a Corvair based 2 seater roadster slotted below ($3k) the Corvette ($4k) .
Utilizes a shortened Corvair chassis (108 wb. reduced to 90 in.). Aprox. 500 lbs lighter as well.
Called the Mako (maa-ko) , and Mako Shark (turbo) after the Mako Shark named show car.

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1956-1959 VW TYPE 1-4: 4 door sedan, wagon and coupe

This is the second in a series of my 'classic' designs of 'what if' this had been designed. The time is 1953, VW has the Beetle "Type 1" on sale a few years State side. They see a niche for an up market Beetle based 4 door sedan, wagon ("Station")and coupe, with more room, slightly more modern styling and trappings. While the target is the USA, other post war economies on the mend are also targeted. This predates the Type 3 (Europe 1961, USA 1966) a.k.a 'Squareback,Variant and Fastback' ;
Models:
1956 "Familie" 4 door sedan (The name 'Familie' is the German translation for Family).
1958 "Familie Station" 4 door wagon. (type 1-4s);
1959 "Couplette" 2 door hardtop coupe. (type 1-4c);

-Type 1 based, suspension, engine; Called Type 1-4, denotes type1, 4 doors.
-Body is slightly wider, mates to a larger platform similar to the type 1's. platform. Benefit is more interior room;
-Seats reconfigured for some more interior room, by moving rear seat back 2 inches.
-A new 'EZ access' rear cargo door, part of the rear semi-fastback window area, lifts open for access to the cargo area behind the back seat, and in front of the engine area (4 door sedan)
-Access to the rear luggage area is also possible from inside the car, and the back folds down for better access or for large items (coupe and sedan)
-Spare tire relocated to rear, in front of engine and accessible from the 'EZ access' portal. Benefit is increased front located trunk space over the type 1.
-Front end is extended over that of the type 1 for more trunk space. Overall trunk area (front and behind back seat) is up by 50% over type 1.
-Styling by 'Ghia' is more refined than Beetle's and up to date.
-"SuperTuned" low profile 'shorty' type 1 air cooled engine- coupe and wagon (see specs below); Allows lower load fllor for trunk above (coupe) and lower load floor (wagon). New low profile air induction system repelaces the type 1 engine shroud and fan.

Comparison 1956 Type1 vs. 1956 Type 1-4:
Engine: 4-cylinder, 4-stroke rear engineCylinder arrangement 2 pairs horizontally opposed
Displacement - 72.74 cu. in. (1192 c.c.) (1300 c.c.)
Maximum S.A.E.b.h.p. - 36 at 3700 r.p.m. (46 at 3500 r.p.m / 55 at 4000 r.p.m. in ‘SuperTune’)
Cooling system - Air cooling by fan automatically controlled by thermostat (Lower silhouette fan shroud)
Transmission - 4 forward speeds, 1 reverse Controlled synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears
Chassis - Frame Tubular center section forked at rear and welded-on platform
Front axle - Independent suspension of wheels through upper and lower trailing arms; 2 transverse torsion bars protected in tubes
Rear axle - Independent suspension of wheels through swing axle shafts with trailing arms, one torsion bar on each side, mounted and protected in transverse tube
Steering - Special worm-type gear and divided tie rod; 2.4 turns of steering wheel from lock to lock
Tires 5.60 - 15, tubeless
Wheels - Disk type with drop-center rim 4 J x 15 Hydraulic foot-brake (Lockheed) operating on four wheels; mechanical hand-brake operating on rear wheels
Wheelbase - 94.5 in. (99.5 inches)
Track Front 51.4 in. , Rear 50.7 in.
OVERALL DIMENSIONS:
Length: 160.6 in. (4080 mm.) (168-175 in.)
Width: 60.6 in. (1540 mm.) (63 in.)
Height: 59.1 in. (1500 mm.) (55 in-4 door sedan))
Weight 1600 lbs (1780 lbs-4 door sedan))
PRICE $1495 US ($1950 US- 4 door sedan)

"Back2TheFuture/OuttaTime" Productions: 1964 Caddillac Charisma GT/ 1965 Pontiac Arrive'

This is the first of what will be many 'classic' remakes and concepts from the past. In other words "back to the future". The design series will be comprised of 'what ifs' from the past. What if there was a new 1961 Edsel? What if Studebaker made it to the late 60's or even 70's, what would it look like? What if Packard had survived. On it goes, there is lots of 'fodder' here for some cool concepts from the past that never were, but I will make them happen, now....

The first one is the 1964 Cadillac Charisma GT, a Corvette based GT closed coupe by Cadillac. This concept was actually suggested by a co-worker.

• Platform=1963 Corvette, frame,suspension.
• Engine=429c.i.d. (7 litre) Cadillac V8, 340hp. new for 1964, from full sized models.
• Transmission=Manual from Corvette, changed to mate to Caddy's V8,;Automatic from Cadillac.
• Design=Closed coupe grand tourer with outside trunk access (unlike Vette); Fastback design; Steel body (not fibreglass like Vette); Built in Cadillac factory;
• Competition=Aston Martin DB6; Maserati, Ferrari; (Vette is left to take care of the Jaguar XKE and Ford Shelby Cobra);

9/10/2010- Recently added was the 1965 Pontiac Arrive', a lower cost GT coupe. This uses the same platform as the Caddy and Vette, but subs the 'sprint' 230cid OHC L-6 'race duty' engine, and comes at a lower price than Vette. No V8 is offered, and this car most targets the Austin Heally, E-type Jag et al. The Vette remains to target the Ford Cobra, among others.

[In Progress] 2014-2015 Ford/Lincoln DC2x 'Mustang Lite" Platform

Update to the 5th Gen Mustang Platform (DC2), codename S197 (2005-2010):
http://mustangs.about.com/od/history/a/generation-5.htm
-Adds IRS rear suspension (required for Lincoln version, used across lineup);
-EcoBoost 4cyl, V6, Ecoboost V6 and V8 engines.
-200-300 pounds less weight than similar 2010 platform through more aluminum and composties.
Used with the following projects:
Ford Mustang http://rkardesign.blogspot.com/2007/12/far-future-ford-mustang.html
Shelby http://rkardesign.blogspot.com/2008/12/2013-15-shelby-mustang.html
Lincoln MKr/Nemesis http://rkardesign.blogspot.com/2009/02/2014-15-mercury-cougar-lincoln-mkgt.html

[In Progress] 2014-15 Lincoln Continental/Lincoln Nemesis-"by Shelby"

This is another spin-off of my 2014-15 Mustang Project. With Mustang sales down, and costs needing to be spread across more than one nameplate, it makes sense for another car like this.
-Shares everything with Mustang except roof (windshield is common) and greenhouse. Re-uses an updated 5th Gen Mustang Platform (DC2), codename S197:http://mustangs.about.com/od/history/a/generation-5.htm
-Some unique interior bits.
-An upscale GT coupe (formal roof, no fastback) for 28-30K base list.
-Lincoln MKGT if Mercury is put out to pasture, so styling to have some Lincoln elements ('the Lincoln of Mercurys').
-Some retro elements maybe like the razor split grill and taillites, but attempts to be all new.
-XR7 upscale model comparable to Mustang GT; If a Lincoln, just one well equipped model.
-'Lincoln Nemesis', a hyper perf. MKGT/MKr version, using Shelby engine and suspension (ala Mustang) and also built up at Shelby's Las Vegas Operations. Marketed as a Lincoln, yet with a 'Shelby Power' badging.
UPDATE November 2009- Lincoln MKr to now be a "4 door coupe" (see Benz CLS); Concepts had shown coupes with some 4 door versions, and the 4 door is seen as not only a niche to be filled for Lincoln, but to set it apart from competitors. 4 doors may also increase sales.

[Ongoing] 'VolksRod'- Formula Vee Home Built rodster

Background: Once a long time ago, my good friend Terry came up with the idea for a simple home built VW Beetle based roadster. He created the rough sketch shown here, and I had created some basic side drawings, nothing more.
I have now decide to create some more refined concepts.
Specs:Uses refurbished or new VW floorpans and engines, incl. those from third party suppliers (esp. CA sourced); Adds side rail/tubing for body support; Simple design fibreglass panels (home laid up, so surfaces must not be compex or diffilcult to shape) bolt/glue to tube frame

2014-15 Shelby (Mustang)

This is the companion project to the ongoing 2013-15 Mustang concept. Reuses an updated 5th Gen Mustang Platform (DC2), codename S197:http://mustangs.about.com/od/history/a/generation-5.htm.
Having just toured the Shelby Factory and Museum here in Las Vegas (pictures coming), it is clear I need to have a Shelby American corp. sourced version of the Mustang for 2013-15 (next gen).
-'Terlingua'= 3.7 v6 supercharged (unlike the 'ecoboost' turbo v6, but based on the same 3.7 litre). Similar to the current Terlingua special. 350hp; Uses the 'jackrabbit' ferrari like logo
- 'Cobra Jet' or "CJ" = v8 based. 450hp. Uses the snake with 'CJ' logo.
These car will share body parts, and will have totally unique panels foward of the 'A' pillars/doors and rear end cap. New panels will be of fiberglass; Ford will no longer have an in-house 'Shelby GT500' due to cost concerns, and instead Shelby American will take 'tuner' Mustangs in house. Partial build Mustangs will be shipped to Shelby's Las Vegas factory. The cars have a full warrantee. Ford would get a cut of a per car profit. Ford will help market and sell the car as well.

2013-15 Ford Mustang

[ongoing project Feb. 2007-current]
2012-15 Ford "Mustang Lite" concept-
Design brief-
-Smaller, reduced size update to this iconic car, 2 generations after 2005 remake.
-keeping some retro cues while also 'pushing the envelope'.
-Utilizes advanced technical elements.
-Due to cost, the existing platform (5th Gen Mustang Platform [DC2], codename S197:http://mustangs.about.com/od/history/a/generation-5.htm) will be updated, as opposed to a new rear drive platform to be shared with other rear drive 'world cars' (US, Austrailia, etc.) , which Ford has cancelled (1/09).
[Update Jan. 2009]
1/23/2009- The poll here for a 4 door variation shows this is not a good design alternative.

1/13/2009- Ford announced it's read drive sedan program is dead, incl. for Lincoln.

Poll results here for a 4 door Mustang do not look good, but will do a few concepts anyways.

Re-attempting a '4-door Mustang' concept variation, as this may become more viable as the 'pony car' markets possibly shrinks in the future due to growing fuel and practicallity concerns.
This would give Ford a read drive sedan entry that alos takes' advantage of the '4 door coupe' rage (aka Passat CC, Benz CLS et al);
An alternative would be a coupe Mustang 'lite' for Ford, on a shortened WB, and a Lincoln 4 door 'muscle lux' sedan using the existing WB. A friend Eric Vieceli recommends suicide type doors with the rear door latch/handle hidden inside the jamb until the fron is opened. A pillarless hardtop would also suit this car. This door would also harken back to the 'Kennedy' Lincolns of the 60's;

[update Dec. 2008]
-New economic concerns require serious alterations for future viability of this niche product:
-- This next Mustang will either update the 2005/2008 platform, OR will have to spread the platform to many other offerrings to cut costs. Thier is some possibility of of a '4 door coupe' offerring (toyed with when also doing a rear drive sedan project last year) that would maybe expand the market. Danger is that this might cause a backlash from some Mustang buyers. Some concepts of this should be further attempted that minimize the extra door.
-- Car will be 70-80% the size of the 2008 model, with a strong focus on 4 cyl 'Ecoboost' turbo and V6 versions. V8's might be relagated to a limited prod. model to meet CO2 and CAFE stds.
-- As oppossed to earlier specs, car will be more conventional, so no scissor doors, and rear camera is just an option. Other advanced elements might be curtailed to cut costs.
-- Current sales are lowest in history at about 30-40k units annual. This model 5-7 years hence will take into account a similar niche type sales target.
[Latest News March 2008]
- Ford just announced late this month that in fact they approved a global rear drive platform to underpin a sedan for the US, sedan and coupes for Australia, and the next Ford Mustang. This was my original premis, and seems correct now!

-Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/2013-15%20Ford%20Mustang%20concept/
Rick;s take-
Those who know me, know I have too many 'favorite' cars (1970 camaro, early e-type jags, MGB's, DB6 aston martin, even the simply styled 83 GTI I owned, and on it goes); At the top of the list is the Mustang, the best being in my opinion, the first generation fastback. This project picks up where the coming update (2009-10) of the new retro 2005-2007 model leaves off.
So this uses a new platform and is not a simple update, but a remake yet again. This near 'clean sheet' give me alot of latitude technology wise (see specs). The down side is such an 'iconic' car is very difficult to style, keeping the retro elements while trying some new ideas. I now have new appreciation for how hard the real designers have it under such limitations for the 'next' 'stang.
Specifications and Overview-
Utilizes technologies in use on various cars now (2007) but expected to be fairly common in several years:-Scissor doors, all LED lites, rear cameras/no mirrors, sound canceling exhaust, ect.
Platfrom to be shared with Ford Rear drive sedan, Lincoln rear drive sedan, Austrailian read drive cars, and others. See my Ford Futura project.
V8's to use fuel saving technology like displacement on demand (runs on 4 cyl. unless required demand for 8). Even a hybrid might become available.
1/25/07:2008-2009, Mustang refresh to front and rear.
2010-2011. Remake, likely on updated current chassis.2015 or so. another remake, and what this project entails......a very future Mustang, that while becomes more advanced, stillharkens back to its roots.
No rear view mirrors, as rear camera used to display to Nav.Headlites are LEDS- HIDs.

1/27/07:The few concepts so far are mostly too 'current' or '2010' , and need to be further out styling wise for the future.
Models: 4.0 (v6), 4.0GT (GT but with a V6), 5.0GT (v8)
All have IRS, and 6 speed trans (auto or man.).
Platform shared with world-wide Ford global family, incl. Austrailian Falcon and such.
WB=106 (down from 107)Length reduced due to much less rear overhang.

2012-13 Chevrolet/Pontiac small rear drive 2dr. fastback coupe/wagon

"Chevrolet Nomad" and/or "Pontiac Safari"
Public naming poll results:

(Chevrolet Stiletto was another used but never voted on)

Design Brief-
-derived from news 12/6/2007 that Chevy, not Pontiac(?) gets a small rear drive car. Update in 2009 is that only Caddy is getting this initially.
-Uses GM's coming "Alpha" small rear drive platform.
-$sub 20k starting price.
-4 cyl and small v6 power; turbo optional.
-slots above Cobalt, below Malibu;
-was to be a coupe and sedan, now just a fastback coup/wagon that revisits the original Nomad. [update Dec. 2008] Current condtions of the market and GM in particular, put this car in question. Nevertheless, this on again/off again 'Alpha' platform may still have some viability for later in the decade. If not 2012, perhaps a bit later. Pontiac is rumored to become a niche market provider only, so perhaps they would still get a version that is unique to Chevy's. News now is Caddilac may get a version so it compete with other rear drive small lux sedans in Europe. The current FWD BLS is doing badly.
Renderings-
http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b346/jackdogg890/2012%20Chevrolet%20small%20rear%20drive%20%20coupe_wagon/

Rick's take-
This small rear drive 'alpha' platform (so smaller than the 'sigma' used with Cadillac CTS, and also the Zeta used by the new G8 Pontiac and coming Camaro) from GM has been rumored for some time in 2007. It was to go to Pontiac, but of recent late 2007, word is in fact they do not get it, Chevy does. Now this makes no sense to this 'experienced closet' automotive product planner, but I tried to see what this might look like anyways. In doing so it became apparent this 2 and 4 door small rear drive car would have a hard time fitting into the lineup (as I first thought), without scavenging sales from Colbalt and the new Malibu even. So now my path has swung more towards a 'niche' product that brings to life the concept Chevy Nomad shown at auto shows a year ago. That was 'kappa' based (Soltice/Sky sports car based);
Mine provides real 5 place seating (plus with extra 2 jump seats) in a 2door coupe/sportwagon mode like the original 1955-57 Nomad, but much smaller. 'Some' retro elements will be there, but without overpowering the overall design.
Being a 'niche' product like the HHR, means less sales, and so this platform has to be shared across many makes, as planned by GM. Recent federal CO2 and CAFE fuel standards could kill this platform outright.
Specifications-
-2.4 ecotech inline 4 cyl. base engine
-2.8 v6 (once used in CTS from Cadillac) and turbo (via SAAB) optional.
-rear drive, Alpha platform (being developed for several GM brands).
UPDATE 12/24/2007:
While drawing a coupe variant, I also drew a sport wagon type, that 'suspiciosly' is coming off as a new wave 'Nomad' (a 2 dr. sportwagon sold 1955-57, and also was a concept on the Soltice sports car platform more recently);
As a coupe and perhaps sedan will in fact scavenge sales from other models in the line up (example, a high end v6 coupe could take sales from a base Camaro), I have decide to only offer the 2 door fastback coupe/sportwagon, and call it Nomad or BelAir.