Variance

Nissan to Revive the SX/Silvia? Call it the Silvia or the 240SX or the 200SX (read up on the various names of the 200SX and where they were sold in the world here), but Nissan's now demised budget rear-wheel drive platform has been sorely missed in its homeland of Japan, in our own North America and elsewhere around the world. Word has it, however, that Nissan is considering a new rear-wheel drive coupe that would take up the 200SX cause of rear-wheel drive fun for the huddled masses. The Foria Concept (shown above) that debuted at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show is the front running candidate to become a new 200SX, considering the good reaction it garnered at that year's show. Autoblog

My mistake. Considering what DetroitNut has stated above I guess they didn't want the Vue steeping on the Outlook's toes? Though, I'm not sure that could be the case since they are dissimilar enough, IMO.

The V6 in the VUE is a 3.5 and a Honda engine. The 3.6 in the NOS (great nickname, huh?) is a GM mill.

Spied: 2008 Dodge Dakota From the looks of this latest spy photo, the 2008 Dodge Dakota will get a revamped grille and a new set of headlights by late next year. Expect to see the base 3.7-liter six replaced by Chrysler's new 4.0-liter V6 too, while the V8s get bumps in horsepower. A much needed interior upgrade should be part of the package as well. Edmunds Straightline

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 GMC Acadia We learned a few facts that surprised us while driving the all-new 2007 GMC Acadia. First, GMC is The General's second best-selling division behind Chevrolet. In fact, GMC's sales are up more than 80 percent since 1991, and it's had record sales in 11 of the last 13 years. The division has also found great success in its "Denali" branding, with those premium versions making up nearly half of all sales for every model line that offers them. GM representatives expect similar success from the upcoming Sierra Denali line. So why would a division with this much success at selling pure "trucks" want to dip its tow ratings in the crossover pool? Because CUVs (crossover-utility vehicles) represent the fastest-growing segment in the automotive market, with crossover sales officially passing SUV sales this year. GM's new Lambda unibody platform, which underpins not only the GMC Acadia but also the new Saturn Outlook and the upcoming Buick Enclave, is meant to capture buyers seeking refuge from minivans, station wagons and truck-based SUVs. And while it has crossover brethren riding on the same platform, GMC wants the Acadia to uphold the brand's "truck" image. Edmunds

DCX to Suspend Production of Several Models Jan. DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group will suspend production of some models in January to help reduce bloated inventories, several dealers said Wednesday. Affected models include some minivans, the Dodge Ram pickup, Jeep Commander and Liberty SUVs, the Dodge Magnum station wagon and the Chrysler PT Cruiser. To further pare its vehicle stockpile, Chrysler will build only 1,000 units each next month of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, midsize Dodge Dakota pickup, Chrysler 300 sedan and Aspen SUV next month. The cuts will idle all or part of production at several plants, including the Jefferson North Jeep plant in Detroit and the Dodge pickup factory in Warren. The Detroit News

GTP maybe?

How's about calming down?

GM @ NAIAS 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Press Release 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport Image Gallery DETROIT – Chevrolet announced the new 2008 Equinox Sport, a performance-oriented variant of the popular compact SUV. It has an aggressive stance and a sporting nature, thanks to a lowered suspension, bold 18-inch wheels, a powerful, 263-horsepower (196 kW) DOHC engine – backed up with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual tap up/tap down control – a tuned exhaust and unique exterior appointments. Details such as body color fascias and the elimination of the roof rack contribute to the sleek design, making the Equinox Sport an uncompromising performance vehicle. “The Equinox Sport embodies all of the value-driven performance ingredients that have made Chevrolet the brand for performance enthusiasts of all walks of life,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Better still, customers don’t have to sacrifice the versatility they expect from the Equinox – they simply get an SUV that hauls their friends and cargo with head-turning style.” The 2008 Equinox Sport is scheduled to arrive at Chevrolet dealerships in the third quarter of 2007. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available. Design details Using Chevrolet’s popular Equinox SUV as the foundation, the Equinox Sport delivers a performance-inspired appearance, with body colored front and rear fascias and a body color grille cross bar. The front and rear fascias have trapezoidal design cues; the front fascia uses silver-painted trapezoidal air inlets, while the rear fascia features dual chrome trapezoidal-shaped exhaust outlets. The Equinox Sport’s performance-oriented look is enhanced by eliminating the roof rack, although it is offered as an option. Also, 18-inch flangeless, high-polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels, mounted on P235/50R18 tires, complement an aggressive stance. Inside, the Equinox Sport has standard all-Ebony trim and appointments all its own. New seats with bolsters that enhance lateral support during quick cornering maneuvers are standard, with perforated leather-covered versions available. It also has a leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel and specific instruments, including a 140-mph speedometer. The shifter also is unique to the Equinox Sport, as it is a J-gate design that enables precise control of the six-speed transmission’s fully automatic or manual tap-up/tap-down features. Standard features also include those for which the Equinox is already known and appreciated: five-passenger seating with a Multi-Flex, split-folding rear seat, flat-folding front passenger seat , power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering, rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speaker audio system. XM Satellite Radio and remote vehicle starting also are standard. Available options include a power sunroof, Pioneer seven-speaker audio system and OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation. Performance GM’s high-feature 3.6L V-6 powers the Equinox Sport. It is a DOHC engine with variable valve timing that delivers 263 horsepower (196 kW)* and 250 lb.-ft of torque (342 Nm)* – a 42-percent power increase over the Equinox LT. The 3.6L engine is paired with a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic that provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. This powertrain combination delivers performance that would be the envy of many sports cars, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of less than seven seconds. The Equinox Sport’s underhood acumen is complemented with a performance-tuned suspension. A long, 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide, 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track give the Equinox a stable, confident road feel, while the Sport’s lowered ride height, specific shock tuning, control arms and larger, solid stabilizer bars add to its more responsive, sporting driving experience. The overall ride height is reduced by about 1 inch (25 mm). The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design with new control arms and stiffer, hydraulic bushings and slightly stiffer springs. The rear suspension features a four-link independent layout with stiffer bushings. GM’s innovative StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, front and rear disc brakes with four-channel ABS and tire pressure monitoring system all are standard on the Equinox Sport – as they are on all Equinox models for 2007. On AWD models, the automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push. It engages automatically when wheel slip is detected. <span style='font-size:8pt;line-height:100%'>Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States , Chevrolet is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. </span> *Pending SAE certification. Specifications

Pricing: 2007 Jeep Patriot Chrysler Group today announced that the U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for its all-new 2007 Jeep® Patriot is $14,985 (including $560 destination). The Jeep Patriot is a classic-styled Jeep that delivers best-in-class capability, 30 miles per gallon (mpg) fuel economy, safety and interior flexibility. "With Patriot, Jeep continues to expand globally by offering a fun-to- drive, fuel-efficient and affordably priced Jeep vehicle designed to appeal to youthful customers and people with active lifestyles who may have always wanted a Jeep vehicle but, until now, may not have been able to afford one," said George Murphy, Senior Vice President-Global Marketing, Chrysler Group. "Patriot has all the credibility and cachet of the Jeep brand at a very affordable price." Jeep Patriot will compete in the compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment, which is expected to grow considerably in the next decade, giving the Jeep brand the opportunity to grow with it. Annual compact SUV volume in the United States for the 2005 calendar year was 368,000 units, up from 297,000 units in 2004. The compact SUV segment is expected to almost double to approximately 600,000 units by 2010 and almost triple to more than 814,000 units by 2016. The 2007 Jeep Patriot Sport and Jeep Patriot Limited models became available in U.S. dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2006 and will be available in global volume markets in both left- and right-hand drive starting in the first half of 2007. Most Capable Vehicle in its Class Jeep Patriot is available in three drive-train configurations. In addition to the standard front-wheel-drive system, Jeep Patriot also is available with Freedom Drive I and the Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package. Freedom Drive I is an available full-time, active four-wheel-drive system with Lock mode designed to give drivers year-round assurance with the ability to handle rough weather and low-traction conditions. This active four-wheel- drive system is recommended for daily use, including slick conditions that come with rain and light snow. Freedom Drive I also features a lockable center coupling, giving drivers the ability to put the Jeep Patriot in four-wheel- drive Lock mode when navigating deep snow, sand and other low-traction surfaces. The Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is an available four-wheel-drive system that makes the 2007 Jeep Patriot a Trail Rated 4x4, creating the most capable vehicle in the crowded compact SUV class. The Freedom Drive II Off- Road Package includes a second-generation continuously variable transaxle with low range (CVT2L) that engages when the off-road mode is activated, 17-inch all-terrain tires and aluminum wheels, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps and manual seat height adjuster. The available Freedom Drive II Off-Road Package is recommended for moderate off-road situations that include steep grades, occasional wheel lift and moderate rock or log climbing. All-new Jeep technology includes the CVT2L's best-in-class 19.1:1 low ratio, which is ideal for crawling over obstacles. Off-road Brake Traction Control maintains forward mobility during heavy articulation or on split- friction surfaces where one wheel loses traction. Hill-descent Control modulates brake hydraulic pressure without driver intervention, providing downhill assistance at a safe and controlled rate of speed. Three-mode ESP and off-road anti-lock brakes (ABS) also add to the Patriot's inherent off-road capability. The Trail Rated Jeep Patriot sits 1 inch higher than non-Trail Rated versions and meets Jeep off-road capability requirements for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability and ground clearance, including 9 inches of ground clearance, a 29.6-degree approach angle, a 34.2-degree departure angle and a 23.3-degree breakover angle. This version of the Patriot also has additional body sealing and high-mounted drivetrain vents to support 19-inch water fording capability. In fact, the body and chassis of the Jeep Patriot with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Group were developed and tested over numerous rugged off-road terrains to meet the requirements of the enthusiast Jeep customer. All Jeep Patriot models available in the United States include standard Brake Traction Control, driver-controlled three-mode ESP, Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation and anti-lock brakes with rough-road detection. Expanding the Lineup Jeep Patriot is the gateway to the Jeep brand globally, priced less than Jeep Compass, Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Liberty. The newest Jeep vehicle on the market is available in Jeep Patriot Sport and Jeep Patriot Limited models. Both are available in the United States with a 4x2 front-wheel drive system, a Freedom Drive I 4x4 system and a Freedom Drive II Off-road Package. The Jeep Patriot Sport has a starting U.S. MSRP of $14,985. The U.S. MSRP for the Jeep Patriot Sport with the available Freedom Drive I 4x4 system is $16,735. The U.S. MSRP for the Jeep Patriot Sport equipped with the available Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is $19,175. All prices include $560 destination. The Jeep Patriot Limited 4x2 model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,985. A Jeep Patriot Limited with the Freedom Drive I 4x4 system has a starting U.S. MSRP of $21,735. The Jeep Patriot Limited equipped with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package has a starting U.S. MSRP of $23,530. All prices include $560 destination. Jeep Patriot Sport With a starting U.S. MSRP of $14,985, the Jeep Patriot Sport is a 4x2 model that includes a standard 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a five-speed manual transaxle. Other standard equipment includes side- curtain air bags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Brake Traction Control, Electronic Roll Mitigation, anti-lock four-wheel disc brakes, Sentry Key theft-deterrent system, Vinyl Tech seats, rear 60/40 fold-flat seat, Ultra Floor vinyl load floor, fold-flat load floor storage, AM/FM single-disc CD radio with an auxiliary audio input jack, outdoor temperature display, rear defroster, variable intermittent windshield wipers, 12-volt power outlet, manual windows, locks and foldaway mirrors, tilt steering wheel, dome and cargo lights, rear window defroster and a center console sliding armrest that moves forward 3 inches to accommodate shorter drivers. The armrest lid features a unique flip pocket for storing a cell phone or an MP3 player. On the exterior, the Jeep Patriot Sport features a standard body-color grille and fascias, accent-color bodyside molding, black door handles, accent- color liftgate applique, black side roof rails, 16-inch styled steel wheels and all-season tires. Optional features on Jeep Patriot Sport include a second-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT2), four-wheel-drive capability, through either Freedom Drive I or the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package (which includes CVT2L with low range, a full-size spare tire, skid plates, tow hooks, fog lamps, cabin air filtration system and manual seat height adjuster), front-seat-mounted side air bags to supplement standard side-curtain air bags, premium cloth low-back bucket seats with YES Essentials® premium seat fabric, air conditioning, engine block heater, AM/FM radio with six-disc CD player and MP3 CD play capability, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, Tire and Wheel Group (which is required with Freedom Drive II and includes 17-inch all- terrain OWL tires and aluminum wheels), Power Equipment Group, (which includes power windows with driver one-touch down feature, power fold-away mirrors, remote keyless entry and speed-sensitive power locks) and a 458-watt nine- speaker Premium Sound Group (which includes six Boston Acoustics speakers with subwoofer and amplifier and two articulating speakers packaged in the liftgate.) When the liftgate is open, the speakers can swing down from the trim panel to face rearward for tailgating and other activities. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder World Engine coupled with CVT2 also is available on front-wheel- drive Jeep Patriot Sport models. An available Special Equipment Group on the Jeep Patriot Sport model includes air conditioning, deep-tinted sunscreen glass, map and dome reading lamps, removable/rechargeable interior cargo lamp, 115-volt auxiliary power outlet and passenger assist handles, a recline features for standard 60/40 rear seats and a Power Equipment Group (which includes power windows with a driver's one-touch down feature, speed-sensitive power locks, power fold-away exterior mirrors and remote keyless entry). The U.S. MSRP for the Jeep Compass Sport 4x2 with this Special Equipment Group is $17,335. The Jeep Compass Sport 4x4 with this Special Equipment Group has a U.S. MSRP $19,085. Both prices include $560 destination. Available options with Jeep Patriot Sport models with this Special Equipment Group, beyond those available on the Jeep Patriot Sport model, include a Premium Steering Wheel Group (which includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel, steering-wheel audio controls and speed control), heated cloth seats, fog lamps, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, a Popular Equipment Group (which includes a soft tonneau cover, cross bars, automatic-dimming rear-view mirror, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, Universal Garage Door Opener, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and security alarm) and a Trailer Tow Prep Group (which includes engine oil cooler and trailer tow wiring harness). Jeep Patriot Limited With a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,985, the standard Jeep Patriot Limited is a 4x2 model that features a 172-horsepower 2.4-liter World Engine coupled with a standard five-speed manual transaxle. An optional CVT2 or an optional CVT2L also are available on the Jeep Patriot Limited. The U.S. MSRP for the Jeep Patriot Limited with the Freedom Drive I is $21,735. The U.S. MSRP for the Jeep Patriot Limited with the Freedom Drive II Off-road Package is $23,530. Both prices include $560 destination. In addition to the standard equipment on the Jeep Patriot Sport model and the Jeep Sport model with the Special Equipment Group, the Jeep Patriot Limited model features premium leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats, driver's seat manual lumbar adjuster, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, speed control, soft-tonneau cover, security alarm and roof rack with cross bars. On the exterior, the Jeep Patriot Limited model has body-color fascias with bright silver appliqués, body-color bodyside moldings, fog lamps, 17-inch aluminum wheels and all-season touring tires. Beyond the options offered on the Jeep Patriot Sport, additional options on the Limited model include a power express open/close sunroof, UConnect Hands-free Communication System, navigation system, removable ash tray and cigar lighter and a Driver Convenience Group (which includes an automatic- dimming rearview mirror, Electronic Vehicle Information Center, Universal Garage Door Opener and Tire Pressure Monitoring System). Production of the all-new 2007 Jeep Patriot will begin at the Belvidere (Ill.) Assembly Plant in the fourth quarter of 2006. Chrysler Group launched a second production shift at the Belvidere facility in March, which doubled the plant's production capacity, and began building all-new Jeep Compass models in May of this year. The addition of the second shift raised total employment at the facility from 1,650 to 2,650 employees. 2007 Jeep Patriot Pricing (All prices include $560 destination.) 4x2 Freedom Drive I 4x4 Freedom Drive II 4x4 Jeep Patriot Sport $14,985 $16,735 $19,175 Jeep Patriot Limited $19,985 $21,735 $23,530 [source: Chrysler Group]

Preview: Volvo XC60 Pics of Volvo's conceptual small crossover, the XC60 were sucked into the black hole of the Web this morning, as the company prepares to show off the prototype at the Detroit show next month. Based on the same platform as the Land Rover LR2, the baby XC90 is expected to debut in production trim for the 2009 model year. More pics at... Jalopnik

What?? Isuzu Considering New U.S. Plant Japan’s truck maker Isuzu Motors Ltd. is considering building a new assembly plant for small trucks in the United States if sales volume doubles from the current level, company officials said. Isuzu President Yoshinori Ida disclosed the possibility during a press preview of its new truck in Yokohama, just east of Tokyo, according to company spokesman Yukio Hirano. Ida told reporters Isuzu may consider building a new assembly plant if sales of its small trucks in the North American market reach around 50,000. Last year, Isuzu sold a combined 25,000 small trucks in the U.S. and Canada, Hirano said. Detroit Free Press

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 Suzuki SX4 Hatchbacks rule. And they're popping up all over the place. But the 2007 Suzuki SX4 is much more than a hatchback. Sure, it compares in size and price to the new crop of vehicles being produced by other Asian automakers but the Suzuki SX4 is the least expensive all-wheel-drive vehicle on the market. With a five-speed manual transmission its base price is just $14,999. Our Suzuki SX4 came with a four-speed automatic transmission and no options and stickered at just $15,999. We spent two weeks with this charming little hottie and found it to be, well, charming. Although it's a little light on frills, the SX4 is roomy, comfortable and cute. In fact, more than one person said our Racy Red test car looked like a candy apple on wheels. Edmunds

LaSorda Recognizes Crap Chrysler Group Ads During a meeting with Detroit-area dealers, Tom LaSorda, Chrysler group's CEO, expressed his displeasure with the current advertising route employed by the Detroit firm BBDO. He specifically singled out the ad where a stranded motorist enlists the help of a Nitro driver to jump his car. You've seen the rest, so we're not going to bore you with a description. Autoblog --- The Nitro ads are bad. Anybody see the "That's bold/stupid/whatever, That's Nitro" ads? To hell with truth in advertising; how about making sense in advertising?

Spied: MINI Cooper Convertible Here are first photos of the second-generation MINI Convertible, caught testing on the streets of Munich. Just like the hard top model, the topless MINI is similar in design to the current model. The larger dimensions of the second generation MINI enhance the concealment of the folding canvas top in the down position as well as providing slightly more room for the rear passengers. World Car Fans

V8 Acuras May Be Closer to Reality Acura is moving closer to fitting its vehicles with bigger engines, including possibly a V-8. A V-6 is the largest engine that Honda's luxury division now offers. Some company executives think that is a problem. Acura has announced that the next-generation NSX sports car, due in 2009, will be powered by a 10-cylinder engine. But Hirohide Ikeno, president of Honda R&D Americas Inc., said the company is considering V-8s, too. "That is our direction," he said last week during a reception for the opening of Honda's advanced design studio in Pasadena, Calif. Ikeno said it's important that Acura have bigger engines. He added: "I'm pushing for it." Autoweek

Spied: Dodge Avenger (non-R/T) There was a thread before about spy photos of the new Avenger. This set of photos is of a lower-end model (I think it's the base SE model). Now, I thought the R/T version actually had promise but this...not so much... World Car Fans

Edmunds Long Term Verdict: Pontiac Solstice After 12 months and more than 17,000 miles, the sun has finally set on our time with our long-term 2006 Pontiac Solstice. If you've read anything we've written about the Pontiac in the last year, you won't be surprised that we're not terribly broken up about the parting of ways with this little roadster. While it provided us with lots of wonderful photographs, the sexy-looking drop top wore us down over the long haul with high levels of interior noise, a jarring ride around town and a drivetrain that provided more vibration than enjoyable performance. Bottom line: The Solstice is a bargain-priced beauty, but with a few too many rough edges. Details below. Edmunds

Mitsubishi Motors Introduces Next-Generation 2008 Lancer December 11, 2006 -- Cypress, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007. The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design. The 2008 Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track, but slightly shorter overall length than the previous model. All Lancer models are powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in Calif.) teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new Lancer is the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic® mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will be available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS. Key Specifications Wheelbase: 103.7 in Length: 180.0 in. Height: 58.7 in. Width: 69.4 in. Curb weight range: (DE w/ 5-speed) to 3,109 lbs. (GTS w/ CVT) Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 520 dealers. Image Gallery ES: GTS:

Why is Chrysler giving overtime when overstocked? Workers expect longer-than-usual winter shutdowns at Chrysler Group plants that make such oversupplied vehicles as the Dodge Ram pickup and Jeep Commander SUV, following several weeks of overtime. By the end of this week, hourly workers who build the Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee at Jefferson North in Detroit will have worked the equivalent of an extra week and a half -- at overtime pay rates -- since their last shutdown this fall, according to company production schedules. And workers at St. Louis North, who build the Dodge Ram, will have worked almost two weeks' worth of overtime in the 10 weeks since their last shutdown. Supplies of each of those models are already at levels that many experts see as ample. Large supplies have been blamed for the automaker's $1.5-billion third-quarter loss, begging the question: Why the overtime? Detroit Free Press

Tom Walsh: You know GM's back in black when... When will we know that General Motors Corp. has fully emerged from its 30-year funk? This question arises as GM Chairman Rick Wagoner, Vice Chairman Bob Lutz and other GM brass begin walking and talking with a touch of swagger now that they've run off pesky billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, who cashed out his 10% GM stake, and brushed off SuperCEO Carlos Ghosn of Renault and Nissan in his bid to lure GM into a super-synergistic-sucker's auto alliance. Things are indeed looking up for GM, but remember, this is still a company only 11 months removed from a $10.6-billion loss in 2006. So how can we tell when GM has really turned the corner to prosperity? Here are 10 telltale signs[...] Detroit Free Press

Toyota's Tundra Tactics Here's the latest on Toyota's plans to challenge Detroit's dominance of the full-size pickup market with an all-new Tundra. The last of the 2006 Tundra pickups will be built in Princeton, Ind., later this month. That will mark the end of the design that was dismissed by true truckers. The bigger 2007 version, which aims to be a more legitimate challenger to the F-150, Silverado/Sierra and Ram, is set to start shipping to dealers around Feb. 12, which coincidentally is Lincoln's birthday (the 16th president, not the American luxury brand). The biggest Tundra, the CrewMax that will be shown at the Detroit auto show in January, isn't expected at dealerships until mid-March or even April. Detroit Free Press

I've reconciled the list of NAIAS production vehicles with America Jr.'s: http://americajr.com/news/naias/2007/production-models.html

December Update Ford Registered Tough Bed (Dec. 5, 2006} Nissan M20/25/48/56: More names files related to Infiniti's executive-class sedan. An "M25" is already sold in Japan (Fuga with a 2.5L VQ V6). That and I believe the "M48" have a realistic chance of coming to fruition here. Infiniti does not currently have a 4.8L V8 but I wouldn't be the least bit suprised to learn they have one in the works. "M56" suggests that Nissan's 5.6 V8 used in the Armada, Titan and QX56 would be crammed into the M's engine bay but I don't see that being feasible. I believe "M20" was submitted to more or less cover their bases. --- Lean month, oh well. That wraps up 2006. Starting in 2007, I'm probably going to make monthly Feature Articles out of these so I can...well...actually start writing them again... I may use this thread in the future as a notifier to when I post one up. Thank you for your patronage.

Yes but it's been changed since then. BTW, the Quest uses a traditional automatic.