SVT F-150: PEELING OFF THE "RAPTOR" . . . WRAPPER

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SVT's big debut of its B-I-G off-road F-150 is at SEMA 2008.

At least SEMA is a break from the dismal sales news.

Whether the SVT Raptor will gain enough "traction" in slippery showroom floors is still an open question.



RETURN OF THE "HEAVY CHEVY"?

As the First Musclecar Era was dying, GM turned out a spate of poser "super"cars. Mylar Specials. Toothless tape-stripe tigers.

The "Rally Nova" and the Chevelle-based "Heavy Chevy" provided flamboyant musclecar flash without any real muscle backing it up.

If SEMA 2008 is any indicator, GM may be back at it again. Chevy's "Black concept" Camaro sports all of the "Darth Vader" looks, but packs a secretary-friendly V6.

As Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards soar toward 35 m.p.g. (or much higher if Obama wins), look for more such "sizzle-without-steak" appearance packages.