Opinion
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So we now know some of what’s been going on inside the Tech Center and Ren Cen for more than likely many months. Half of the North American brands wearing that chrome GM badge will be sold, cut, or put in a coma. At least GM’s starting to be a little gracious now that it’s strangled most of its brands nearly to death. Honestly, step into a GM showroom right now. Name at least two vehicles from each brand that could be considered desirable from the mass public. Oh, and don’t let me forget to wish you good luck. Cadillac has much going for it just with the CTS and its upcoming variations. The Escalade is okay at best, and the DTS and STS are FWD subpar boats. The XLR is…
Last reply by daves87rs, -
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Saturn was orginally intended to be an All-American can-do brand. Remember back to the 80s when some American thought wejust couldn't build cars as well as the Japanese. So, GM developed a project brand of how to build an American Japanese car. It succeeded to the extent that it proved Americans can build great quality cars. This problably saved GM and Detriot from ruin. Bob Lutz said recently that Saturn will be an American version of Opel like England's Vauxhall or Australia's Holden. Well, Opel is VW's main German Competition. VW out prices all other non-luxury brands, including Toyota. This would likely mean Saturn's prices will sky-rocket to match those of VW. If …
Last reply by carman21, -
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Saturn was orginally intended to be an All-American can-do brand. Remember back to the 80s when some American thought wejust couldn't build cars as well as the Japanese. So, GM developed a project brand of how to build an American Japanese car. It succeeded to the extent that it proved Americans can build great quality cars. This problably saved GM and Detriot from ruin. Bob Lutz said recently that Saturn will be an American version of Opel like England's Vauxhall or Australia's Holden. Well, Opel is VW's main German Competition. VW out prices all other non-luxury brands, including Toyota. This would likely mean Saturn's prices will sky-rocket to match those of VW. If …
Last reply by MyerShift, -
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Once upon a time the GM empire conquered the world. Since the 1930s, GM had ruled its mighty global empire with iron will. An ideology of Sloanism had established undeniable order to the land. Chevrolet ws the entry brand. Pontiac was the youth oriented brand that exemplified style & sportiness. Oldsmobile was the premium brand that was for Chevrolet owners that wanted to show they have arrived. Buick was also a youth oriented brand like Pontiac however, they were pricier and more luxurious than anyother brand exept Cadillac. Finally, Cadillac was the Crown on the GM thrown. Cadillac literally defined luxury and was in a class of its own. Then, suddenly fueled by j…
Last reply by Ravenfreak13, -
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G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com In looking through GM's web site for interesting information, I came across the following story. Five Reasons Silverado V6 is The Little Engine That Can As this story states, the recently updated EcoTec3 V6 equipped Silverado is accountable for 20% of sales in North America. This is a 15% increase over last generations model. GM goes on to quote the following five reasons for this growth. 1) Purpose built for pickup use with class leading standard torque and towing. 2014 4.3L V6 EcoTec3 has 285 horsepower, 305lb-ft of torque. 2) For returning customers, comparable performance with much…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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C&G Member Article – “Grading the Revolution” By z28luvr01 Many of us remember the now infamous car-carrier ad for Chevrolet that debuted during the New Years Eve 2004 festivities. That ad represented the start of the “An American Revolution” campaign for the bowtie brand, retiring the lamented “We’ll Be There” campaign for cars and the stalwart “Like a Rock” campaign for trucks. At the heart of “An American Revolution” was the release of 10 new or significantly redesigned vehicles over the next 20 months starting January 2004. With that time just about completed, and the 10 new cars and trucks are either at dealerships now or arriving soon, now is an opportune ti…
Last reply by FAPTurbo, -
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Popping out at SEMA, Henneessey doubles down on building the quickest & fastest car in the world. Bugatti; take heed. 7.4TT V8, 1600 HP / 1300 TRQ, 2950 lbs. 0-186 in less than 10 seconds, 0-250-0 in less than 30. Top speed : 301. For reference, the previous Venom GT already eclipsed Bugatti back in 2014, having been clocked at 270.49 MPH. Bugatti is said to still be working on it's response. Now it needs an upgraded response. Perhaps they might start off by building a supercar that doesn't weigh 5000 lbs. Slated production is 24 units, at $1.6 million per for the 'base' car.
Last reply by oldshurst442, -
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I'm tired of seeing where you think the market is, why don't you show me where you want to take it?
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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Horsepower Meets Hertz -Variance September 20, 2006 No, this isn’t an article about the Shelby Mustang GT-H. Rather, it’s a look at the state of technology in vehicles today. Me, I’m a bit of a tech head. I want the latest and fastest computer. I want a big plasma screen TV. I can take pictures on my thin cell phone while talking on my Bluetooth headset. I love seeing and experiencing advances in technology because to me new technology – in most cases -- means progress and if there’s one thing I like, it is progress. (I’ll come back to my “in most cases” caveat later.) In addition to being a technology fan, I also consider myself a car enthusiast. So when there’s n…
Last reply by loki, -
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Guys, check this out. What a great read. Article by Ed Wallace. http://www.businessweek.com/autos/content/...paign_id=search
Last reply by 76ChevyTrucker, -
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here is how i would fix GM.. feel free to comment on any of my ideas!! let me first start with Chevrolet.. Chevrolet: Aveo: the 2007 redesign helps alot, but i would add a hot 3 door hatchback, also id add a "RS" model, avalible in the sedan and 3 door it would be powered by the 145 hp 2.2L ecotec.. Cobalt: add a hybrid model, offer a AWD version with a 250hp turbo 4cyl to take on the imports, change the sedans rear tailights to make them round like the coupe.. offer better interior appointments even if you have to raise the price $500.00!! drop the 2.2L ecotec from the coupes and make the 2.4L ecotec standard.. the sedan would still offer the 2.2L Malibu: a…
Last reply by buyacargetacheck, -
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SECTION 2: PLATFORMS & SUBSEQUENT MODELS *** Before anyone gets too worked up, please see the explanation behind some of these decisions in section 3. *** The way I see it, GM can operate on 9 (Maybe fewer) global architectures. Here is the GMNA line up based on the nine I would refine and re-engineer for the future. Gamma: Engineered to provide much better and a wider variety of cars here than the current Aveo. Idealistically this platform will be AWD capable. 1) Chevrolet Beat (5 door) 2) Chevrolet Groove (wagon) 3) Pontiac G4 (3 door) 4) Saturn Corsa (5 door and convertible) 5) Saab 9-1 (3 door & wagon) Delta: Basically Delta II 1) Chevrolet…
Last reply by Argen, -
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SECTION 3: DIVISIONAL BREAKDOWN: This section is meant to kind of segment the vehicles on a size and status basis and breakdown why specific vehicles are on specific platforms. Chevrolet: is the volume division and as a result needs to remain relatively neutral in its offerings, for the most part. By that I mean, user friendly and value based, not boring and de-contented. The meat of the line up needs to be attractive basic transportation for anyone. 1) Beat & Groove: Basic transportation with no extravagance. No performance models, those belong at Pontiac. 2) Cruze, HHR & Orlando: Cruze and Orlando need to be best quality and value in the class. HHR; sam…
Last reply by dwightlooi, -
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SECTION 4: THE SALES CHANNELS This section is meant to provide an illustration of the stair step effect, size and price relationship of each channel. It’s simple brainstorming and nothing technical. So don’t harass me too much if it’s way off. Chevrolet channel: Chevrolet 1) Beat & Groove 2) Cruze, HHR & Orlando 3) Malibu & Camaro 4) Corvette, Impala & Volt (Up here because of price and status) Chevy Trucks 1) Colorado & El Camino 2) Equinox 3) Traverse 4) Silverado & Silverado HD 5) Suburban Pontiac, Buick & GMC Channel: Pontiac & Buick 1) G4 2) G5 & Vibe 3) G6, GTO & Delta Buick 4) Lacrosse, …
Last reply by smk4565, -
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SECTION 5: PERFORMANCE & SPECIALTY MODELS: Gone are the days of slapping a performance logo on a product simply because you made improvements to the product that bring it UP TO PAR with the class (Equinox Sport, G6 GXP, Lucerne Super, etc.) Each division, except Chevrolet, will have a more focused line up of ‘specialty models’ This will elevate the desire to own the products and give the divisions more individual identity to market. As for Chevrolet, well, they are the volume division so they’ll get more specialty vehicles than any other division to simply cover the market and better establish their branding (Just in case the divisional structure implodes some day…
Last reply by Aura XR, -
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How I would structure General Motors North America. (Broken down into 5 sections) DISCLAIMER: I decided to sit down the other day and try to come up with a pretty cohesive plan for the future of GM given the market and their tough financial situation. My plan is probably a little on the heavy side and might need better focus. But keep in mind; although I put A LOT of thought into it, I didn’t directly research anything. So feel free to post whatever you want about the plan; criticisms, acclaims, adjustments, anything. But just remember, I’m an amateur and it’s a work in progress. SECTION 1: COMPANY & DIVISIONAL GOALS AND NOTES. General Motors: Times are tough r…
Last reply by Argen, -
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Last reply by NINETY EIGHT REGENCY, -
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Will 2006 be the year of the 355? Two trucks need to outpace one in 2006 A Tama Article The difference may only be less than 5700 units, but the pressure for sales will continue to mount on GM in 2006. Chevy Colorado - 128,359 GMC Canyon - 34,845 Toyota Tacoma - 168,831 Despite having twice the models, twice the dealer network and the hugely successful employee pricing program, sluggish year-end sales put GM behind Toyota in the 2005 midsize truck market. A total loss? Probably not. GM managed to climb from the number three spot with the 355 twins to outsell the Ford Ranger for the first time, and locked up a solid second place in terms of sales. But GM can no lon…
Last reply by ponchoman49, -
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Hyperautoenthusia -Variance January 25, 2005 The 2005+ Pontiac GTO. The 2002+ Infiniti Q45. The 2006+ BMW M6. The 1996 Chevy Impala SS. The 2007 Saturn Sky. The 1997 Kia Sephia. What do you suppose all of these cars have in common? They are all cars that I’d like to own one day. (Ok, not the Kia. That was just a sick joke.) There are many more cars I’d like to have, too. I have what is known as “hyperautoenthusia” (HA). Those infected ail from a distinct love of various automobiles and the desire to own them all. Symptoms include perusing automobile forums, car manufacturer web sites, eBay Motors and the like all day; taking note of the make and model of every car y…
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
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It all started out on a day when my suspension was making a funny clunking noise at low speeds, about two weeks ago. I've talked some other G6 owners, and it was actually a bulletin, so I took her in. I brought the TSB number along with me, just to speed things up and help them out. First off, the guy didn't really pay too much concern, and started dissing me off with like "yeah we have those things already", and wasn't really letting me express my concern. Then it's the standard routine, looking up if there's other work to be done. Turns out that there's a huge list, ranging from brake maintenance and annual service. However, these were actually done, when I was in Water…
Last reply by ToniCipriani, -
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It all started out on a day when my suspension was making a funny clunking noise at low speeds, about two weeks ago. I've talked some other G6 owners, and it was actually a bulletin, so I took her in. I brought the TSB number along with me, just to speed things up and help them out. First off, the guy didn't really pay too much concern, and started dissing me off with like "yeah we have those things already", and wasn't really letting me express my concern. Then it's the standard routine, looking up if there's other work to be done. Turns out that there's a huge list, ranging from brake maintenance and annual service. However, these were actually done, when I was in Water…
Last reply by ToniCipriani, -
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It's time to roll back the clocks, and one of Cher's most famous songs, "If I Could Turn Back Time" debuted in 1989. That same year, automakers introduced at least 51 new models to the public. Each week for the next four weeks, we'll take a look at some of those cars, and you vote for which car would make you wish you could turn back time. The categories will be Family Car, Sports Car, Luxury Car, and Exotic. 1989 was a good year for people who liked sports cars as many fun new options hit the market. Mitsubishi Eclipse / Eagle Talon / Plymouth Laser – This trio from Mitsubishi was a product of the Diamond-Star Motors partnership with Chrylser. While …
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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If we really want to save the US auto industry then we got to do something bold. 1) Detroit has no independent market share above 1% in any East Asian market and as such we should kick out the Japanese and Koreans from the US and keep the Chinese and Malaysians out of our market. 2) Restrict all Foreign automakers to a 20% combined cap in market share. 3) Restrict all Foreign automobiles to be sold under $30,000 and above $150,000. 4) Restrict all sales of Foreign automobiles to those built in the US. 5) Work to force out the Asians throughout the Americas and all of Europe. What will result from this radical departure in US policy? -US Automakers are gi…
Last reply by Robert Hall, -
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Hello all, First, I am still alive. I have been battling health issues since around the 4th of July and the doctors just NOW decided to draw blood which kinda frustrates me. Hopefully I will start feeling better once they figure out what is wrong with me. Now to all the mods out there, what is to follow please move if you deem it appropriate for GM to see because I am very upset right now. I have been a NASCAR fan since 1993. I was immediately drawn to the number 3 Goodwrench Chevrolet that Dale Earnhardt drove because of the sponsor, the number and the color of the car. I was an Earnhardt fan after that and I still proudly display a Goodwrench/Earnhardt licence pla…
Last reply by knightfan26917, -
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Thought this needed to be written after the Nissan-Renault deal possibility arose. Here is what I could gather. Renault Say Ray-no or Reh-no. Originally introduced to the US as Ren-alt, but this is not really the right pronunciation. Notable: Debuting a solo manufacturer F1 team in 2002, they took 4th their first and second years. A move up to third in 2004 readied everyone for their takeover of first place from Ferrari in 2005. They are currently leading the 2006 standings with 121 points to Ferrari's 87. Patented the first turbocharger back in 1899. Current Lineup: Twingo, city car: Clio, supermini: Mégane, small family car: Laguna, large family car: …
Last reply by HarleyEarl, -
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G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Instrument Clusters, What is the Future? July 9th the latest in OLED Instrument Clusters was released by Visteon Corporation. This allows a whole new design to what dashes can be by reducing weight, size and increasing design options. This is just the start of where they believe we will see auto design move over the next 10 years. OLED New Auto Instrument Cluster Visteon Corporation is also one of many cutting edge companies with autonomous driving solutions. They also offer infotainment systems, connected audio, connectivity and telematics of auto performan…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Is driver chivalry dead? -VarianceJ30 November 16, 2005 I often find myself vexed at human nature. Most people on their own are courteous enough (or at least they don’t act like asses) to other people. Sometimes people will hold a door open for you, they’ll tell you the time if you ask, and they may even give you a little change if you need it. However, put them behind the wheel of a car and 9 times out of 10, everyone becomes an adversary. Nowadays, it seems more and more people are acting like they and they alone own the road. I seriously question how some of these people keep their licenses (or even obtain them in the first place). Here are some of th…
Last reply by mustang84, -
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In 2007 the auto media was projecting that GM might fall from being the worlds largest auto company in production terms. In 2009, the final numbers proved that Toyota Motor Corporation had surpassed GM as the worlds largest auto company by production numbers. Also Toyota was growing in sales of their Hybrid line under the Prius moniker. Fast forward to 2021, battery electric auto's are all the rage by auto companies. Toyota production of auto's in Japan has 50% of them exported to other countries such as the Prius Hybrid and TRD Trucks. The CEO of Toyota has stated that the country is a "export-reliant country" and by shifting Japan as well as other cou…
Last reply by trinacriabob, -
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Auto enthusiast have since the dawn of the car had a desire to go faster and in this, the 2 door, 2 person auto was the focus of go fast compared to the 4 door, 4 or 5 person sedan and especially in comparison to CUVs, SUVs and Trucks. Yet in the last few decades we have seen performance Trucks and SUVs / CUVs that have gotten close to what some call Muscle Cars. Even some specialty sedans like the Chevrolet SS of recent decades has also introduced performance fun to the family. Tesla burst onto the scene in the early 2000's and had a Roadster that blew people away that could afford such a novelty with it's gut pounding acceleration. Later came the T…
Last reply by balthazar, -
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Is the Chrysler Group in an Identity Krise? -Variance August 5, 2006 In 1998, Daimler-Benz merged with the Chrysler Corporation to form the company we know today as Daimler-Chrysler. Some would say this wasn’t so much a merger as it was a takeover. Either way, after a shaky start, the Chrysler half of DCX has made some solid strides in terms of product, most notably when it comes to RWD machines: 300C, Magnum, Charger and all of the great SRT versions (not to mention the upcoming return of the Challenger). However, what I’m concerned with here is the Chrysler Group itself. In other words, what the company sees itself (or at least, what it wants to portray itself) as…
Last reply by rosserman, -
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Is Wagon the New SUV? By Bimmer325 Contrary to popular belief, the majority of SUV’s rarely venture beyond regional highways or even the local Home Depot. While SUV owners adore the style and space their vehicles possess, off-road prowess is normally of little concern. Until now, inefficient fuel-economy and even the sheer lack of maneuverability that these vehicles present have had little effect on style-conscious consumers. However, the current trend toward rising gas-prices and a social-stigma that grows further against the SUV each day now threaten to limit the once mass-appeal of SUVs. At the same, more suitable options are emerging both from a segment that…
Last reply by thegriffon, -
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Since the launch of the XT4 with the rather anemic (if more refined) LSY engine, many (including myself) had questioned why GM does not offer the Tripower 310 bhp / 348 lb-ft (L3B) 2.7T 4-cylinder in the XT4 (at least) as an option. To a lesser extent some have also questioned why the LSY is putting out a mere 237bhp / 258 lb-ft whereas the outgoing LTG engine is good for 265~272 bhp / 295 lb-ft. Is it just so that it can have 258 lb-ft arrive @ 1,500 rpm? Now, we have the answer... It's the 9-speed Automatics. Adopting the 9-speed automatics is deemed a priority for refinement and fuel economy. The new GM-Ford 9TXX transmissions, jointly developed with Ford pro…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Since the launch of the XT4 with the rather anemic (if more refined) LSY engine, many (including myself) had questioned why GM does not offer the Tripower 310 bhp / 348 lb-ft (L3B) 2.7T 4-cylinder in the XT4 (at least) as an option. To a lesser extent some have also questioned why the LSY is putting out a mere 237bhp / 258 lb-ft whereas the outgoing LTG engine is good for 265~272 bhp / 295 lb-ft. Is it just so that it can have 258 lb-ft arrive @ 1,500 rpm? Now, we have the answer... It's the 9-speed Automatics. Adopting the 9-speed automatics is deemed a priority for refinement and fuel economy. The new GM-Ford 9TXX transmissions, jointly developed with Ford pro…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Since the launch of the XT4 with the rather anemic (if more refined) LSY engine, many (including myself) had questioned why GM does not offer the Tripower 310 bhp / 348 lb-ft (L3B) 2.7T 4-cylinder in the XT4 (at least) as an option. To a lesser extent some have also questioned why the LSY is putting out a mere 237bhp / 258 lb-ft whereas the outgoing LTG engine is good for 265~272 bhp / 295 lb-ft. Is it just so that it can have 258 lb-ft arrive @ 1,500 rpm? Now, we have the answer... It's the 9-speed Automatics. Adopting the 9-speed automatics is deemed a priority for refinement and fuel economy. The new GM-Ford 9TXX transmissions, jointly developed with Ford pro…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Last reply by Justin Bimmer, -
Just Who Is The #1 Automaker In The World?
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Who Is The #1 Automaker In The World? A Simple Question With A "Simple" Answer? When I walked into work this morning I knew it was going to be a day like no other. Not because of the raging snow storm that was before us in Metro Detroit, or the fact that the Solstice was left exposed in this bitter cold weather. Never mind the competition I was involved in with a fellow coworker for a steak dinner to be paid for at my discretion. Yes, the snow storm came, the Solstice was under the heavy blanket of snow & ice and yup, I did win the competition for the steak dinner. But what lead up to the events of this day shocked me. More than I could have ever im…
Last reply by Charger4U, -
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King Carlos (and a ravenous media) may be at it again A Tama Article November 1, 2006 The following excerpt is from a BusinessWeek article that suggests a solution to Chrysler's recent woes... Chrysler is in a mess again, and there are calls for the messiah of flagging car companies to come to the rescue. Guess who? If its not Carlos Ghosn, it's not a turnaround controversy. Since the romance with GM is over, and Ford shut it down before it could even begin, Carlos would be forced to turn to the American car company with the least appealing satchel of assembly plants and bothersome union obligations, Chrysler. This would not be the first time King Carlos has trie…
Last reply by carman21, -
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For the past few years as an automotive writer, I've been keeping something quiet from a lot people. Some, including some of the members of this site know this secret. It's something that I have been slightly embarrassed by for the position that I have and know that it has kept some doors shut. I can't fully work a manual transmission. (Please put down the pitchforks and torches. Thank you.) It's not like I have never attempted to learn how to use a manual transmission before. The first time I ever drove a manual transmission in my friend Adam's 1991 Isuzu Stylus sedan. We drove around in a parking lot with me learning how to disengage the clutch and listen to the engi…
Last reply by SAmadei, -
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Tired of the Voom, Voom, Voom of a performance Borla exhaust, the wife asked for a new ride. This is my journey of what I experienced in working to buy/lease an EV in 2024. Let me first start off by saying that I am in no way a normal sized human. At 6 foot 6 inches 300 lbs with a 40 inch long legs, I am much larger and big bone than most Americans. My wife being of Korean descent is also larger than most at 5 foot 8 inches compared to the average female height of 5 foot in Korea. The USA census has the average female at 5 foot 4 inches tall and the average male at 5 foot 9 inches tall. With this knowledge of size, subcompacts, compacts are totally out of the questio…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Lesser Known Tech: The In and Out of In and Out - EGR Explained Today we begin a new series of article on lesser known technology. Many of us gear heads hear of different technologies in vehicles and have a general understanding of why they exist, but sometimes there are things that don't generate much thought because...well.. they seem to always have been there. These articles are to help you understand the background of the technology.... the "how?" and the "why?" that are more than just one or two word answers. In this, our first article, we cover EGR. Most people even vaguely interested in automobiles know what EGR means, but just in case you're not one…
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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I'm serious. We now have a way of actually directly talking to GM management thru the "TELL FRITZ" http://www.gmreinvention.com/?commentSubmitted=true LINK I wrote: Please for the love of GOD.. Get rid of the 3.0L in the Cadillac SRX, CTS, and Lacrosse. It does not improve the MPG and obviously performs worse than the 3.6L or 2.8Lt. I am willing to bet the 3.5L would do better . Unless the 3.0L has a turbo. Kill it.
Last reply by Bimmer325, -
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Lighten Up Guys November 8, 2007 Let’s say you’re an upstart car company. You’ve got all the financial, production and distribution portions of your business taken care of. You decide to make a splash in a market that seems to sell a thousand variations of what is essentially the same product. How do you stand out? You stand for fun. You put on a successful and overwhelming media blitz that says, “Hey, drive our cars, because you’ll enjoy it.” And how do you deliver on the promise of fun? Give your car a three speed automatic transmission, source a Briggs & Stratton for your powerplant, and, citing safety and structural concerns, have your project tip the scal…
Last reply by tama z71, -
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I was outside yester raking the lawn when I decided to count each brand of car on my block... Here's the numbers: Ford(includes mazdas, volvos etc) : 9 GM:12 Chrysler(includes dodge, plymouth, jeep):11 Toyota:9 Nissan:4 BMW:1
Last reply by tama z71, -
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G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Manual Trans, Woman versus Men! Are Men becoming soft? Came across this story on Autoblog. After more than 50,000+ leases reviewed at swapalease.com shows that woman more than men enjoy driving a manual trans. Sadly this seems to point to the save the manual campaign as failing as manual auto purchases are a dying breed. According to the data, leases on Manual auto's have dropped by 22%. In 2012 85.4% of Manual Trans leases were by men, 2015 that number had dropped to 81.2%. Woman on the other hand in 2012 was 14.6% of their leases were a manual transmission but in 2015 that number has rose…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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Maximum Bob A Tama Article www.cheersandgears.com April 16, 2006 General Motors Vice-President Robert Lutz gives much-needed personality to the cars and the company. Before General Motors lost itself in the corporate anonymity that is now definitional of the company, it produced some of the most memorable and legendary leaders ever to enter the car biz. DeLorean, Duntov, Engine Charlie Wilson – these were car guys who presided over a true car company. It has been almost four decades coming, but GM has found its next charismatic car guy in Bob Lutz. In his book On a Clear Day You Can See General Motors, DeLorean detailed the systemic and anonymous nature of the 14t…
Last reply by tama z71, -
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10,000 miles. 365 days. 1 Truck. 2004 GMC Canyon Z71 One-Year Update A Tama Review Accurate assessments of the GMC Canyon have been few and far between. More power! Bigger cabin! Isuzu? These and other cries of misinformation would leave the media sheep to believe that this little piss-bucket is yet another sign of GM’s inability to shake its old ways. Despite having been on the market since December of 2003, this truck has been misrepresented even by those who would defend it. The constant flow of inaccuracies about the GMT-355 twins pains me, and it pains me to the point where I feel the need to forego hour’s worth of study hall time this past week…
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I just came back from holidays in Hawaii. While there I had 3 rentals cars, this one being a V6 Mustang convertible. Over the years I have had my lisence (16.5 years), I have driven and rented many cars. I have never been so disapointed with any car I was with this piece of garbage! Hey GM! You have a real low target to aim for--a V6 Camaro can easily be better then this car. Closing my eyes I felt I was driving a 1980 Mustang. The steering was vauge and lifeless, the brakes spongy, the handling was a joke!! What other cars come with 65 series tires??? Sure some cars have 185/65 but 225/65??? Thats from the 80's!! Powertrian: It sounds like a Deer tractor---as asmat…
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My 2 cents
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My Blog
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G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com My CT6 & XT5 Personal Experience So this is my experience after spending 1hr, 30 min with both a brand new XT5 and CT6 from Doug's Cadillac in North Seattle. This is my home dealership and they have always taken care of me. We finally have gotten the new CT6 and XT5 into the Greater Seattle area. Brad my sales rep called me up thursday afternoon to inform me they had 3 of the CT6 and 3 of the XT5 that got delivered that day and would be ready for driving friday. I called my parents and wife to see if they wanted to go check them out and of course they did. So at 2pm friday afternoon, m…
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I have read stuff all across the board about GM as of late. My turn to rant, this is my first offical rant... Let the fun begin. What is GM thinking buy Chrysler? Seriously they have enough of their 'own' stuff to work on!-Why do people keep pushing the RWD DTS and Lucerne for the next redesign? Do people not understand that FWD suits the buyers of these vehicles just fine and could be pissing sales down the toilet? I hope they do Toyota manages okay with not one US badged RWD Toyota car! That should say something! Get a new platform going and get to WORK!-Why is GM so slow to putting 5/6spd. automatics in cars, I understand the production problem but no reason the Im…
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My Ideal GM by Justin Brock The following hopes, wishes, assumptions are all based upon information and speculation from some of C&Gs insider sources, as well as my own hopes for the future of General Motors. This is purely speculative and is almost entirely my opinion. From what has been told from sources here at this site, Croc and evok, there are no plans currently for a future G6. What this can possibly mean is that GM may be moving Pontiac away from directly competing with the Japanese Big 3. I'm hoping that it may possibly mean a future Pontiac division riding entirely on RWD architectures, though thats purely speculative and maybe a bit too hopeful on my …
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
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A few months ago, I posted some results of a very un-scientific survey I performed myself on about 250 cars in an upscale shopping/dining/entertainment center here in The O.C. It opened my eyes as to the real-world demand for domestic (and specifically GM) cars in this market. Being bored, and recovering from Chicken Pox, I decided to run down to John Wayne/Orange County airport and do a new survey. I counted 413 vehicles in the A1 parking lot outside terminal one of John Wayne Airport. Since these are cars parked AT the airport, I'm assuming it's a relatively high-percentage of people that live locally. For those of you not from California, John Wayne Airport is a b…
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Thanks, Mercedes-Benz. You created a car that literally no one asked for. What did they do? Well, in the early 2000s, they went to their E-Class, removed the hideous body, and replaced it with a different body. The new body looked like a coupe, but it had…four doors. With this, Mercedes-Benz created the “four-door coupe.” Let’s be honest—this vehicle, called the CLS, was beautiful. AMG created powerful versions that made the CLS even more appealing. Mercedes-Benz created a segment that nobody really asked for, but it worked. Granted, it cost more than the E-Class and was less practical. Both cars have been redesigned within the last few years, but these vehicles pose a qu…
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Notes from the Board Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting Recap By Brian Dreggors As many of you know, I was recently invited to attend the first Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting in Detroit, Michigan. From April 18-20th, myself and thirteen other people representing other Saturn enthusiast organizations were given an in-depth and comprehensive look at the Saturn Division, its heritage, and the direction it intends to follow into the future. I have to begin by saying that no one knows how to dazzle like General Motors. From the events, to the accommodations, to the entertainment, it’s clear that this corporation is well-versed in the art of making good first impression…
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While Hyundai owns a controlling interest in Kia and they share a significant amount of technology, they still operate as somewhat independent companies. For that reason, Kia needs a luxury brand to match. Genesis Proved the Playbook Works Hyundai officially launched its Genesis luxury brand in the US in 2016 with the G90, the replacement for the Hyundai Equus. Since then, Genesis has rapidly evolved into a true luxury automaker with three sedans and 3 SUVs. My recent drives in Genesis vehicles gave me the impression that Genesis is Hyundai's torpedoes to the Mercedes-Benz's Bismark. With its sumptuous ride, coddling interior, and robust engines, Genesis proves t…
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With yesterday's report that the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5/Optima may not be replaced at the end of their cycle, it has become clear that the mid-size family sedan in the U.S. has become an endangered species. The current Sonata and K5 are expected to last until at least 2025, but if they do in fact end, the number of mid-size sedans offered in the market will dwindle to 4. For perspective, that is the same number of mini-van models currently on offer. (Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica/Voyager, Kia Carnival). The remaining sedans are Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, stalwarts in this niche, the Nissan Altima, and the Subaru Legacy. The Chevrolet Malibu…
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G. David Felt Alternative Fuels & Propulsion writer www.CheersandGears.com Outrageous SUVs Since the death of Hummer and Fords original Expedition suv that tree huggers called the Exxon Valdez many have thought we finally left the crazy SUVs behind. In reality we only moved them up stream to the 1% class and the Enterprise Business that could justify spending the money on a vehicle that could go anywhere on planet earth. The SUV craze has changed into a watered down CUV craze. Most drivers never took them off road so a more road comfy awd cuv has become the 21st century craze. Yet here in the 21st century we still have hard core SUVs that are so capable, crazy…
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This section of C&G is restricted and all posts must be approved by the staff before they appear! So, when posting here, please be aware that your post will not appear until one of the staff checks in to approve recent posts. Please do not repost expecting to see your post immediately - it just makes more work for the staff member when they stop in to maintain this forum. Thanks.
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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A friend of mine has a 2016 Subaru Legacy 3.6R. It’s a very safe car, has a good interior, and a rather weak engine. Oh, it also has a CVT or continuously variable transmission. When I talked with him while he took me for a spin, he told me he doesn’t mind the CVT and it is smooth for his Lyft passengers. While being a passenger in his car, the CVT did act like a conventional transmission, although it did dip in the rev range lower than usual. Then he floored it. Drone. It stayed at 3,000 RPM for at least five minutes. It was extremely annoying, but not surprising. Let me explain how a CVT works, and how I think manufacturers need to stop using them. Nerd moment appr…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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Article from Automotive News. http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...0/1078&refsect=
Last reply by Snate, -
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Pontiac’s Focused, Niche Role The One Product that can pull it off. By Andrew Currie News has been grim as a of late from GM. All options are on the table with GM’s brands. Latest word is that at least one brand, Saturn or Saab may get the axe, in addition to the sell-off of Hummer. According to GM, Pontiac may very well become a niche, even one model brand. Supposedly it will be much more focused than it is now, with its lineup made of mostly rebadges. GM is strapped for cash; it doesn’t have the money to poor into the development of an all new vehicle for Pontiac. This would seem like a major problem, as though Pontiac would once again be placed on the backburner…
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I’m sure you have thought of it before; the car you would buy if you won the lottery. I’m also sure that you probably have a picture of it in your head right now. So tell me, how many people do you think, would now have their minds eye filled with a Hybrid vehicle, or even a true EV? How about something that is just smaller and more efficient than what you have now? Maybe a few extra hands would have been raised then, but I still would not expect even near a majority. Probably not even half. More at: MotorGnomes
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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-Variance February 16, 2007 I don’t know who I’m irritated at more: Advocacy groups that whine about automotive commercials that are meant to be entertaining because it might hurt the feelings of their little constituencies or the automakers that turn to pansies and pull the ads to avoid hurting their feelings. Here’s a message to both sides: Grow a pair. Goodbye Cruel Commercials The recent crybabies have been suicide prevention groups. Just today, Volkswagen announced that they would pull a recent new ad featuring a guy preparing to leap off of a tall building to his demise until he hears the announcement that you can get three VW’s for under $17,000. The group Sui…
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Phase Out Pontiac to save Buick and GM: Can Pontiac adjust? Or more importantly, can the public adjust to the new image of Pontiac? Pontiac has called itself the brand that drives excitement, but truthfully, it lacks any such excitement. I mean:the Grand Prix as a performance car? Come On! It is a masked vehicle most youths would never want, the stodgy, yet elegant in my opinion, Buick LaCrosse. These days the brand uses hyperbole to sell,and not in a limited amount, I mean calling a V6 a powerful engine is normal, but saying sleek styling, performance bred engines, is over the top! The main reason Pontiacs arent selling is the fact that they are no longer performance…
Last reply by GMC, -
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By Cory Wolfe As another year falls into the grasps of history, a new one lands filled with drinks, dreams, and the Detroit auto show. With all its shiny cars, crazy automotive espionage, and endless cappuccino, Cobo might just be my yearly heaven. Or is it my own personal hell, taunting me with sore feet, pushy journalists, and a severe lack of sleep? This year may just pin it towards the latter... This show sure can make someone relatively young feel frighteningly old rather quickly. Then again, a smart and well-prepared individual likely wouldn't have this problem, nor would that individual attempt to lug a 20-pound camera bag on his back for two days straight. Yea…
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Back in December 2023, my wife mentioned to me that she was getting a little tired after 15 years of the Voom Voom Voom of her SS. The sound of the Borla factory exhaust was not what she wanted to hear in a daily driver. I had originally bought this in 2008 for her when, after our kids had finished college, she wanted to fulfill her life dream of getting an advanced education. She started her college career driving our Escalade ESV to the University of Washington campus and finding that a full-size SUV was hard to park in the garages of compact parking spaces with minimal regular parking spaces. Let's put this all in perspective: the Escalade ESV has 345hp, 380 lb.-f…
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The theme of this year's Detroit Auto Show was all about performance. A number of the showings from BMW to Subaru were high performance models of varying degrees. But there were some other surprises to make their way into the show. Which ones made the honor roll and which ones need to see me after the show? Its time for a Cheers & Gears' Report Card. Acura TLX Concept: B- This was a model I was excited for because I wanted to see how Acura would combine the TL and TSX. The results as shown in this thinly-veiled concept have me worried. Most of this comes down to design as it reminds of the ILX in a bigger package. Not sure if that what's Acura had in mind with desig…
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Chrysler is once again going in the wrong direction, The primary reason I believe this is occurring is because Chrysler group is drifting without direction. Who thought of the brilliant idea to create a whole new brand called "Ram" when Chrysler is on life support? The simply fact is that Chrysler needs to consolidate into one brand simply called Chrysler. Yes, I hate to see two storied brands, Dodge and Jeep to disappear but, I do not believe in the long term survivability of any of the current four Chrysler brands. Here is my pipe-dream of what Chrysler should be. 2012 Model Year Require that all Chrysler group dealerships sell Chrysler branded vehicles. 2013 Model …
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I propose a plan to revive our Domestic Automakers home field advantage as well as give our Automakers a strategic advantage in other markets. 1) Restrict sales of foreign automakers to the sales of American automakers in that nation. Ex. If Detroit sells 1,000,000 cars in Germany, German automakers can only sell 1,000,000 vehicles in the US. Since we have the largest auto market of any of the homelands of the major automakers, we will have a major advantage in global sales. If other nations try to counter our restrictions by lowering the number of vehicles we can sell there, it will just hurt their own automakers here. This will encourage stubborn mark…
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Posted 02 August 2016 - 12:08 PM G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Rip Off or Compliment? Today MSN Auto asked and posted the following pictures on what people thought about one OEM auto company copying another OEM Auto company. This is very common in China where independent Chinese auto companies pretty much buy and clone every part in a established brand and sell it with no recourse or intellectual protection from the government for the name brands in comparison to markets like Europe and the US. 69 Mustang versus 73 Toyota Celica Bentley versus Lincoln Hummer Versus Dongfeng who still makes this Hummer rip…
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There has been a lot of discussion recently about rising gas prices and how it will affect sales of vehicles that don't get great gas mileage. Here are my thoughts on the issue: 1) We haven't seen a huge decrease in sales of big SUVS that get terrible mileage. Why is this? It has been proven, more or less, that owners of big, gas-guzzling SUVs have the income to support the cost of gas. 2) Most cars that get poor gas mileage are more expensive than cars that get good gas mileage. What does this have to do with anything? People who can afford more expensive cars can, in most cases, afford to pay more for gas, just as owners of the big SUVs can afford to pay more for g…
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http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_...247173#continue In keeping with the theme of The O.C.'s thread, I choose to place this thread here because it is not recent GM or industry news. This is another blast from the past interview with none other than one Roger (Roger and Me) B. Smith. This interview in many ways is very appropriate in its content to recent news. It is a long but good read. It just goes to show, "There is nothing new under the sun." Enjoy! General Motors Corp. chairman Roger B. Smith - State of the Industry 1988 - includes related article: Yen's Rise Boosts GM's Morale - interview Ward's Auto World, Dec, 1987 by David C. Smith GENERAL MOT…
Last reply by ZL-1, -
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In a December 29th decree, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev states that people "with disorders of sexual preference" are banned from driving in the country. Identifying as gay, transgender or transsexual is considered one of the many "'mental disorders' now barring people from driving," according to the BBC. Fetishism, exhibitionism and voyeurism are also included, as are amputees and those under 4-foot-11-inches. This move further suppresses Russia's LGBT population, forcing people to remain closeted for fear of losing mobility. The wide-ranging law was signed just before Russia's government recessed for the New Year Orthodox Christmas holiday. It is the late…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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-Variance January 15, 2007 As we all know, General Motors is in the middle of a spectacular product turnaround. At the moment, the most excitement seems to be circling around Chevy as the anticipated release of the new Camaro looms ever nearer and the “Blue Devil” Corvette will show up sometime in the future in an attempt to obtain top dog status over sports cars. On a bit of a tamer note, the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado have been reworked inside and out and so far have been garnering high praise even in the face of stiff new competition. The Silverado has been named Motor Trend’s 2007 Truck of the Year as well as the North American Truck of the Year. When talkin…
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G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com Sand into Fuel, Reality or Fiction? We have all dreamed of the ultimate dream, how to drive the auto's we love without having to pay through the nose for fuel. Especially for performance, premium fuel can really hit the wallet and many of us have been forced to decide, our dream auto, or commuter car? Lately, I have noticed many Motley Fool stories about unlimited free fuel from sand. There have been other web sites and like the Motley, they are all long speeches without getting to what this new fuel is or how to make money on them. Most people today want you to get to the point so these mo…
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Saturn Poised to Steal the Show By Bimmer325 Saturn's transition from second-thought to center-stage will soon be more apparent than ever. GM's planetary marque is a brand in transition, and the General isn't banking on any-one model to spark its turnaround. Rather, an entire fleet of compelling product is set to steal the show. The stage, it seems, will be the New York International Auto Show next month. Saturn's New Outlook Saturn's revolution commenced with the debut of the Sky, and if any vehicle could shatter perceptions of a brand, this is it. Its crisp origami design aesthetic is a mere sample of what’s to come, and those not familiar with it may be in …
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Oh Give Me a Home, Where the Saturns all Roam And the Auras and Outlooks all Play... By Brian Dreggors Establishing a brand identity today goes beyond merely styling cars a certain way. Effectively communicating your intentions for a product starts at manufacturing and ends when the vehicle is being purchased. To that end, retailers play a paramount role in the car buying experience. As the local representative for the manufacturer, they are the first to leave a good impression and also the first to leave a bad taste in one's mouth. Its often said a good dealer can sell a bad car, but not vice-versa and having good dealers is what Saturn is all about. This isn't to say …
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Saturn’s Revolution: Why I think it’ll become GM’s hottest brand -VarianceJ30 October 14, 2005 Debuting in 1990, Saturn was made to be General Motors’ lower-end import fighter. Saturns were a unique breed in many respects. With their spaceship-like styling and space age dent-resistant polymer body panels, one would think the name “Saturn” was indicative of where they came from. GM established a plant specifically for making Saturns, Spring Hill. They had unique engine and platform shared with no other GM vehicles. Lastly, the dealership experience at Saturn differed from everyone else in that they employed a “no-haggle” policy with their cars. Basically, the p…
Last reply by Newbiewar, -
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Let me start this off by looking at the value of the three companies that are in play because of the recent game of chance that Kerkorian and Tracinda put in motion last Friday. GM – 16B USD Nissan – 50B USD Renault – 30B USD Total – 96 B USD Now let us assume there is a merge of equals, to parody the infamous 1998 Chrysler Corp and Daimler Benz deal. Let us look at the percentages that each respective company will own in a newly formed Global Motors as a result of a merger between GM, Nissan and Renault. GM Share Holder: 17% Nissan Share Holder: 52% Renault Share Holder: 32% If this deal were to actualize, the world’s largest automaker on volume will c…
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Everyone seems positve here. Im positive about some of the new stuff, Im also not too impressed with a bit of it either. Whats bothering me is, Im hearing all the dealerships around here advertising blow out sales to get rid of 06 inventory. They seem to be giving them away. O% interest again, up to $6000 off some Cadillac models, ect. So Im courious about sales. Ive seen no figures but yet everyone seems to claim all is going well. Anyone have sales comparisions through Aug. with say models two years back or more ? Im a bit sceptical. edit: this may need moving, its not an artical, I didnt know where to put it and didnt want it in the lounge
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In my previous article, I praised four-door coupes. I love how they look in exchange for lost practicality while making up for the latter with charm and class. This is fine because they’re usually based on regular coupes or sedans. Great. Unfortunately, BMW had to mess things up. They had the excellent X5 and thought to themselves with a German accent: “We need to appeal to even fewer people. What if… we make the X5 ugly and harder to see out of?” Hence, the BMW X6 was born. Excellent, thank you, BMW. It sold well and now Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Acura at one point, and even Lamborghini have SUVs with raked rooflines. There must be a reason why I like sedan to coupe to four-d…
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SPY SHOOTS BACK -An Editorial by Chris Doane (CD/BP) For the uninitiated, read the story of VetteGate here. - Flybrian It is not uncommon for the prototypes we see in spy photos to be deceiving. Some cars may be comprised of fake body panels, others may be covered in rolls of tape that appear to be inspired by a zebra. Sometimes even the entire shell of a current model car is shoehorned over a chassis that’s still in development. On Friday afternoon, word started getting around on several automotive websites that something was awry with a few current spy photos of a silver corvette purported to be the Blue Devil “super vette.” When these photos first hit the web som…
Last reply by Mr.Krinkle, -
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Start With Solstice A C&G Staff Commentary | by Louis Buccheri March 1, 2007 A recent trip to my local Pontiac dealer left me with an impression strong enough to inspire this article. The reaction that so struck me as I browsed Premium Pontiac's overcrowded lot? No brand offers a clearer snapshot of where GM has been, and more importantly, where GM is headed. I'd venture to say that the general public currently associates the arrowhead more with Avis than excitement, but before you write this off as yet another piece fixated on poking fun at the brand's recent past, consider the following. Amidst the rows of Vibes, G5s, Torrents and Grand Prixes gathering d…
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I have read all the glom and doom in the press, and I think it's time for a different perspective. I admit that Ford, and gm do have some problem right now, but I think there's reason for hope. For Gm Fans, the new full size SUVs seem to be getting great press, and I think they will do well. I think GM is Very smart in offering its first hybrid in a full size SUV. I mean more people still but full size SUVs than Prisuses. The second ray of hope for gm is their lambda crossovers. If they build the Enclave as is styling wise, this will help turn around Buick. They appear to be good complents to the Tahoe, Yukon, and Escalade. The biggest star for gm could be Satu…
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Some might say a steering wheel is the #1 interface a driver has with a vehicle. Those 'some' would be, of course, correct. Used to just steering and honk, now more & more controls are moving to it. Sure; airbags and crash standards are forcing ever-increasing homogenization in steering wheel design, but there's got to be room for something FRESH. There was a HELLA lot more creativity in the past, maybe a look back would do designers good. Some interesting wheels :: 1966 Toronado Deluxe with tilt/telescopic ~ 1961 Imperial ~ 1956 DeSoto with optional self-winding hub clock ~ 1956 Lincoln ~ …
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Nothing could have prepared Quick Quack Car Wash employees for the moment when a 94 year-old man suddenly careened through their Sacramento, California business last Friday. Security cameras captured the carnage as the elderly driver's white Oldsmobile sedan barrelled through the automated wash lane at speeds of up to 40 mph, risking the lives of employees and damaging equipment. After narrowly missing a Honda Civic, the driver's wash from hell abruptly ended after slamming into a car wash vacuum, the Oldsmobile curiously landing arrow-straight in an immediate parking space after impact. The driver of the Oldsmobile accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes, …
Last reply by Sharpner46, -
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Tariff Tuesday is the day where we cover how President Trump's tariffs, if fully enacted, will impact the auto industry, increase costs, and limit consumer choice. We started this series on April 15, Tax Day for those in the United States, because Trump's tariffs amount to one of the largest single increases in taxes on the American People. The tariffs which, if fully implemented, will raise $1.4 trillion in revenue, an increase per household of $1,900 to $7,600 per year. Last week we discussed Buick's Tough Spot - Killing it in China, Killed in the U.S. and one of our readers brought up an excellent point: Big Trouble in Little Crossovers The little cros…
Last reply by A Horse With No Name, -
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Last week, April 15th, Tax Day for those of us in the U.S., we started a new series called Tariff Tuesday. President Trump's tariffs amount to one of the largest single increases in taxes on the American People in history. The tariffs which, if fully implemented, will raise $1.4 trillion in revenue, an increase per household of $1,900 to $7,600 per year. Trump's tariff policies change daily, sometimes hourly, so as always, this information is correct for at least 15 minutes after publication. Each week we document the effects the tariff have or could have on the U.S. automotive industry. Last week we made the case that under Trump's tariff policies, affordable sports cars…
Last reply by ccap41, -
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Tariff Tuesday is the day where we cover how President Trump’s tariffs, if fully enacted, will impact the auto industry, increase costs, and limit consumer choice. We started this series on April 15, Tax Day for those in the United States, because Trump’s tariffs amount to one of the largest single increases in taxes on the American People. The tariffs which, if fully implemented, will raise $1.4 trillion in revenue, and increase costs per household between $1,900 to $7,600 per year. Manufacturers are shuffling their decks Since the Trump tariffs have gone into place, automobile manufacturers have been rushing to shift production to avoid tariffs and reciprocal…
Last reply by G. David Felt, -
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We picked April 15th because President Trump’s tariffs amount to one of the largest single increases in taxes on the American People in history. The tariffs which, if fully implemented, will raise $1.4 trillion in revenue, an increase per household of $1,900 to $7,600 per year. Trump's tariff policies change daily, sometimes hourly, so as always, this information is correct for at least 15 minutes after publication. Each Tuesday we will cover how these tariffs will impact the auto industry in specific ways and review the tariff news from the past week. Prediction: Affordable Sports Cars are Dead Sports cars, coupes, and convertibles, are already suffering …
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This is weird. I can create a new topic in here, but can't add a comment to the EV-curious thread.
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In response to this on autoextremist.com http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/345 The "Anti-Detroit Go-To Guy" Talks Back First, to really understand this post you must read a short paragraph at autoextremist.com. Just follow the link and read the second paragraph (hint: it starts out saying "Edmunds.com"). Now, the various points Peter DeLorenzo is attempting to make really boil down to this: A. He thinks Edmunds should have picked more domestics for the 2007 Most Wanted winnners B. He thinks the list of winners is a clear reflection of my personal "anti-Detroit" bias Let's examine these points, shall we? 1. On the question of how we pick our winners, the process is a…
Last reply by 79VetteZ06, -
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- Editor-in-Chief
- 6 replies
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In response to this on autoextremist.com http://blogs.edmunds.com/karl/345 The "Anti-Detroit Go-To Guy" Talks Back First, to really understand this post you must read a short paragraph at autoextremist.com. Just follow the link and read the second paragraph (hint: it starts out saying "Edmunds.com"). Now, the various points Peter DeLorenzo is attempting to make really boil down to this: A. He thinks Edmunds should have picked more domestics for the 2007 Most Wanted winnners B. He thinks the list of winners is a clear reflection of my personal "anti-Detroit" bias Let's examine these points, shall we? 1. On the question of how we pick our winners, the process is a…
Last reply by aaaantoine, -
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The Auto Enthusiast Appeal -Variance June 6, 2006 Automotive enthusiasts and enthusiasm have and has existed probably for as long as cars have been around. There have been many automotive clubs, websites and magazines. You can read books and/or watch movies (such as Cars, a pic of which is above) or television programs featuring cars and driving. Of course, if automotive enthusiasm is nothing new, why am I bothering to write anything about this? It’s like writing about the new phenomenon of bathing or eating. Well, to some, those may be new things but I digress… The point is I think car enthusiasm is at its strongest level ever. All you have to do is look around… C…
Last reply by knightfan26917, -
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First let me explain myself. I have been gone for the past two weeks on a trip to Oregon and Northern Cali. We saw the coast and the Redwoods. I am still getting my photos from the trip onto the pc total of 2,500 photos! Its me keep in mind. I will be posting some of the rentals I saw mostly GM but there were a few things that stuck out... Some lucky bastards got to rent Impala SS's thats right a 303hp rental car, for the price of renting a regular LS model. To the company it is still an Impala lol. I also saw just one rental Grand Prix GXP. But for my tally. Will start off with GM stuff. These are bar coded rentals, not people that own or lease "there" own car. …
Last reply by gm4life, -
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So I was looking over Chevy's website a while ago, especially the page about the Trailblazer SS. Now I think that everybody realizes that the Trailblazer SS is about the best SS you can get currently, with RWD and the Corvette V-8 and such. Over base price, the TB SS costs an extra $6275, plus tax. For what it gives you, it is an incredible deal, making it (in my opinion) a true SS. However, the other SS's don't fare so well. For a Malibu SS, which upgrades you from an 144 hp ecotec to a 240 hp 3.9L V-6, it costs $6255, or basically the same amount as the TB SS. Wouldn't it just be a lot easier to put in the Solstice GXP's turbo for the same amount that it is in t…
Last reply by Sixty8panther, -
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The Death of the Saturn Auto Company (Alas, we hardly knew ye) The upcoming Chicago Auto Show is touting a full lineup of Saturn’s best and brightest, an all-new lineup in less than two years, full of Euro flavored promise as the brand moves upscale to do battle with competition both foreign and domestic. But at what cost? The concept of affordability and innovation has all but left this young division of General Motors, to be replaced by high content in a slick package, the only remnant being the hope of bringing import buyers into the GM fold. This is by no means a condemnation of Saturn, only a reflection of what the company has left behind. When the Saturn cor…
Last reply by Mr.Krinkle, -
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The GM Heritage Center A photographic tour of GM's most historic collection By Brian Dreggors Most people know about this place; if not, its the Holy Land to GM enthusiasts. While Ford and Chrysler proudly display their historic cars and trucks in huge, brightly-lit museums open daily for all to enjoy, GM keeps its most prized treasures in a rectangular building hidden away on the ground of the GM Technical Center, off-limits to the general public. Why? Who knows. But it sure adds allure and makes visitors seem like honored guests, which in a way, we were. Not only did we get to enjoy the grace and beauty of 100+ years of American motorcar, but we had a wonderful cater…
Last reply by Camino LS6, -
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The Great GM Drama A Tama Editorial/Fictionalization July 19, 2006 Well, it has been quite the eventful few weeks around here, hasn't it? What with the recent attempts by Japan Inc. to plant their flag in GM before each other, and the requisite media sheepery that follows, I thought I would do my part and offer my own view of the Great GM Drama, in typical smartass style. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Letter, from Nissan-Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn to General Motors CEO Richard Wagoner. June 30, 2006 Dear Richard, Hello! I was just on my way back to Japan after single-handedly rescuing the entire third grade of a burning el…
Last reply by Drew Dowdell, -
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The Land of the Rising Sun Readies New Auto's. Autonews has been running a series on Japan Future Product and even built the following timeline. As the five year product pipeline based on Autonews compilation of rumors and facts they have come up with these nine that are to be their exciting products to look forward too. Do you agree or do you think there is something missing? #9 2017 Nissan Maxima #8 2016 Toyota Prius (Spy shots courtesy Autoblog) #7 2017 Honda Ridgeline #6 2015 Honda HR-V #5 2016 Lexus GS-F (Spy shots courtesy MotorAuthority) #4 2015 Lexus RC #3 2017 Honda Civic #2 2018 Toyota Supra #1 201…
Last reply by smk4565,
