There's a little touch of Retrofuturism on the new Ford Explorer that I'm driving right now -- not a big touch, just a little badge on the right side of the rear liftgate. It's a new take on the old Ford "V8" symbol, first seen on 1932-1940 Fords. A little touch of art deco on the behemoth that is the Ford Explorer.

Retrofuturism is a term from art and design. Artist Lloyd Dunn is credited with coining the term in 1983. It refers to art and design that looks backward while looking forward at the same time. Each of the Big 3 has had an example of Retrofuturism on the showroom floor in the past few years: Ford's new Mustang and recent Thunderbird revival are great examples; GM's Chevrolet HHR and SSR are also Retrofuturist designs. Chrysler's had the most success so far with the PT Cruiser and 300. Now American car designers are just adding swatches of the past -- like the V8 symbol -- to get the flavor of Retrofuturism without all that troublesome thinking. The Japanese are starting to get into the act -- Toyota's upcoming 2007 FJ Cruiser is a total retro-mobile.

Remember, those who don't study the past are doomed to repeat it. I guess those who do study the past are also doomed to repeat it.