Vellum Venom Vignette: Does This Icon Make Me Look Fat?

by Sajeev Mehta

Published: September 21st, 2012

Here’s the thing about going retro: like movie sequels, the original is usually far, far superior. But unlike sequels, we operate a vehicle outside of the lens of historical significance. Most of us need an automotive appliance to do our jobs. If you need a new ride, how do you roll? In a modern take of a classic, complete with CUV-sized dimensions and proportioning, that’s how!

One of the few exceptions (outside of rich people price points) is the Scion FR-S, which is the subject of my next Vellum Venom. So consider this a tease: enjoy the “bulk” of owning retro in our current age of fat CUVs, insane Energy Drinks, Hot Yoga and Gluten-free diets!

Rarely does someone park a retro monster side-by-side with the original, but these scale models help. Auto manufacturers are wise to not make it this obvious in PR photography.

But thank goodness the blogosphere does the job instead.

Is there a buffet at The Vanishing Point?

I donno, does the legendary Camry have functional A/C?

Maybe I was wrong about PR photos…especially when the new model looks even larger when they put it in the foreground. HERTZ SO GOOD.

And on a more personal note, don’t park your personal 2011 Ford Ranger next to the two on the right. Oy vey!

And lastly, this one from TTAC’s sinistermisterman.

Sajeev Mehta

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2 of 55 comments

Panzerfaust on Sep 22, 2012

I've always been of the opinion that the retro versions of once popular cars are the automotive embodiment of the baby boomer (of which I am one) i.e., trying to be what we were 30-40 years ago, only bigger heavier rounder and with microprocessors. If you really want to see something shocking, park a 1969 Chevy C-10 next to a 2012 Silverado, you'll think the C-10 is delivering the ladder to get into the Silverado.

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Oldyak on Sep 23, 2012

thanks for the SHO pics... A forgotten survivor!!

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Jan Smith Now investors should be really concerned. Unless he wanted to show a glimpse of the Model 2, he has existing cars to build upon for autonomous technologies. He even admitted all Tesla vehicles are capable of the next gen tech. Don’t spend money if you don’t have to. Now, the Robovan’s design is a page out of “I, Robot” except with seats. I wished Elon would have provided better explanation of its applications (airport and big venue shuttles). How about UberXL or XXL? Maybe a 7-8 seater with storage for suitcases. This would complement the robotaxi and can be rolled out simultaneously. Those robots are straight out of the movie “I, Robot”. I don’t think everyday people can afford those. And for people who can afford them, they can hire humans to do the same jobs. And, those humans go home at night. Can you imagine trying to sleep knowing there is a Robot in the house that Elon can shut on and off?? What if Robots become sentient…….
Jan Smith Now investors should be really concerned. Unless he wanted to show a glimpse of the Model 2, he has existing cars to build upon for autonomous technologies. He even admitted all Tesla vehicles are capable of the next gen tech. Don’t spend money if you don’t have to. Now, the Robovan’s design is a page out of “I, Robot” except with seats. I wished Elon would have provided better explanation of its applications (airport and big venue shuttles). How about UberXL or XXL? Maybe a 7-8 seater with storage for suitcases. This would complement the robotaxi and can be rolled out simultaneously. Those robots are straight out of the movie “I, Robot”. I don’t think everyday people can afford those. And for people who can afford them, they can hire humans to do the same jobs. And, those humans go home at night. Can you imagine trying to sleep knowing there is a Robot in the house that Elon can shut on and off?? What if Robots become sentient…….
SCE to AUX Of course not. They might field some Level 3 test mule with a human "observer", but there will not be a fleet of Level 5 robotaxis running around unmonitored.
Kjhkjlhkjhkljh kljhjkhjklhkjh Nope. After a few accidents states will do the same thing they have done to Cruze ETC and ban them long enough that that losses and bad PR will offset any possible meager gains and they will be ''converted'' to fleet vehicles that no-one wants.
Noe65816932 Too bad he is leaving , he did a “bang up job “ . He will be missed .