Your Next Ride

The Couple Who Have It All
They're reliving their youth; money is no object.

News flash! Older people don't all want to drive boring sedans.

The success of several nostalgic cars-such as the New Beetle-that evoke memories of better (and younger) days is encouraging a host of followers. The new Ford Thunderbird is an example, taking a famous name and redesigning it with all the modern amenities. It features a fully independent suspension and an overhead-cam V8. Likewise, the new Mini, re-engineered by BMW, takes the theme to a far more refined level. This new version is larger, quieter, and much quicker than the bare-bones original.

Of course, with lots of space, a soft ride, and many comfort features, the mainstream full-size sedan won't just disappear. What will, though, is its old-fashioned chassis, as domestic automakers shift to modern rear-wheel-drive chassis with sophisticated, European-inspired suspensions.

And as the baby boomers near 60, technology that offsets the signs of aging is becoming more popular. Older buyers love Cadillac's night-vision system, introduced two years ago. Now, DaimlerChrysler is developing a similar system using infrared technology.

It's something these drivers will want, as new technology brings more power and sporty handling to the Sunday drive.