Wednesday, November 20, 2013

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.

6 comments:

  1. I think you've captured the essence of Chevrolet with your tweaks. I stillhaven't seen one of these in person but am looking forward to doing so. I'm sure one of the car mags will do a comparison of the SS, soem variation of the Charger and what else? MB E-class? BMW 5 series? It should be interesting!

    Paul, NYC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks! I bet the Taurus SHO or SVT or whatever it's called will be tested with the SS even though it's awd. I just can't believe how 1990s the front grille is on the production car. It looks like that forgettable Malibu from the '90s.

      Delete
  2. I like that you gave it Euro flavor, very nice job.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, Woody! The car does resemble a butch Audi now that you mention it!

      Delete
  3. There's already a Caprice in the US, from MY2011 on. I'd be interested to see your take on it after seeing this!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Andrew. I'm not sure which car you're referring to. Chevrolet's US lineup hasn't included a Caprice in years.

      Delete