Posted by
Gary Fisher on Tuesday, December 09, 2008 8:25:13 PM
With the imminent nationalization of the American auto industry, some changes are bound to be on the horizon. With politicians instead of business people running the auto companies, it is likely that instead of responding to market forces, the market will be "cultivated" through various means familiar to all observers of the political animal. In tribute to themselves, we may be confident politicians will demand automobile designs which commemorate their brilliance, and in the tradition long applied to roads, bridges and public buildings, the names of these automobiles will reflect their patrons. General Motors being the most likely first beneficiary of this legislative largesse, it seems quite likely the familiar GM marques will be first to change.
And so, honoring the leader of the ruling Party, it seems possible the venerable Buick brand could be updated to the Baraq.
The all-new Baraq will undoubtedly be characterized by change of some sort, and in fact we can see a prototype [here], virtually bursting with such never-before-seen features as tail fins, white-sidewall tires, and oversized brightwork, truly "change we can believe in." Under the hood our politicians have mandated a revolutionary new power plant which draws its power from a windmill mounted behind the grill to power an electric motor driving the wheels, making the Baraq entirely self-powered. To ensure familiarity, the Baraq is designed to smoke occasionally, but only where it will least offend.
Production details of the all-new Baraq are still somewhat confidential. While the Baraq will bear a "Made in the US" manufacturer's plate, the actual point of origin may be Africa, Indonesia or elsewhere.
Final pricing has not been set, but is expected to go higher. Nevertheless, foreign financing has brought the Baraq where it is today, a fact much appreciated by Baraq supporters.