I very much "get" the concept and the car.

Now, now, now. Remember, you said:

It looks completely like a retro muscle car.

It does not. It looks like a GT40

I take your point (I think) as to whether manufacturers can actually do something new or whether they can only trade on their past glories. I'd say that all of the big 3 struggle in that regard, GM especially. Honestly, I don't see where Daimler/Chrysler (at least the Chrysler part) is very far ahead of GM or Ford. OK, I'd *love* a Viper Coupe in blue with those Cobra-esque white stripes, but is it cutting edge? I'd still take the GT40 on looks. I wonder how it would feel at Le Mans after 30+ years. Not too bad, I expect!