In the wake of teasers for the new proton packs and jumpsuits that will be used in the forthcoming Ghostbusters reboot, director Paul Feig recently tweeted out pictures of the new Ecto-1 under the hash tag #whattheygonnadrive. 

The new car appears to be a 1989 Cadillac->ke18 Brougham, which stands in stark, squared-off contrast to the sleek and be-finned 1959 Cadillac ambulance used in the original. However, many of the same classic GB traits are still present, including the red and white color scheme, custom New York license plate, side ladder and roof-mounted equipment.

All told, the new Ecto-1 is, in this humble fan’s opinion, a bit subdued compared to the first. Granted, both are essentially broken down wrecks brought back to life to kick some slime, but I wouldn’t mind seeing an oversized, unlicensed nuclear accelerator capable of laying down a proton stream with enough intensity to take down Stay Puft-sized ectoplasmic entities springing from the rear hatch. You know, just in case.

The new comedy will star Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon and Melissa McCarthy, and is expected to hit theaters July 22, 2016.

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Why it matters

Understandably, some folks are up in arms over the new Ecto-1. That’s to be expected, considering this reboot challenges the expectations held by legions of ravenous fans.

Now, I grew up with the Ghostbusters. I had the jumpsuit, I had the proton pack, and I had the original Ecto-1. I can’t count how many Ghostbuster-themed birthday parties I had. In fact, I’m pretty sure I still have all four Ghostbuster action figures kicking around in a box somewhere. I watched the cartoon religiously. I can quote the entire original movie from start to finish if properly motivated (“Back off man, I’m a scientist”).

This new Ecto-1, like the new movie, is different. But c’mon, folks – give Feig a break. The man is clearly cognizant of the Ghostbusters canon, and I doubt he’s trying to wreck your childhood.

You can be damn sure I’ll be in theaters when the movie is released next year (I’ll be the guy with the P.K.E meter in hand). Will it hold a candle to the original? Definitely not. But who cares? This is entertainment. And besides, whatever your opinion happens to be, you just know they already have your money. So try to enjoy yourself – I know I will.