Intrepidation

The Chevrolet Caprice may be long gone from the North American market, but in the Middle East the nameplate soldiers forth. Based on the Holden Statesman, the Arabian-market Caprice receives a host of updates for the new model year, including a 6L80E six-speed automatic with Active Select driving either 240-hp 3.6-liter V6 or 6.0-liter V8 putting out 360 ponies. The Caprice is available in several trim levels, incorporating new features like electronic stability control, Bluetooth connectivity and remote start, a handy feature for cooling down the interior after it was backing under the Arabian sun. Chevy insists that "it is indisputable that the 2009 Chevrolet Caprice is indeed one of the world's best large luxury sedans". We don't know about that, but it's got to be better than the last Caprice we had on this side of the pipeline. Read more about it in the press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below to see for yourself. PRESS RELEASE Chevrolet Caprice: Standing Out With Power And Luxury All-new six speed 6L80E automatic transmission with Active Select on SS and Royale Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The Caprice has long been the cornerstone of the Chevrolet brand in the Middle East. Considering its specifications, performance, driving dynamics and value for money, it is indisputable that the 2009 Chevrolet Caprice is indeed one of the world's best large luxury sedans. Chevrolet's biggest sedan now benefits from a six speed 6L80E automatic transmission and even higher specification continues to deliver a thoroughbred driving experience that is far beyond that of its peers. The SS and Royale variants receive an all new six-speed 6L80E automatic with Active Select carrying a wide 6.0:1 ratio spread improving its launch performance and covered with Aluminium case for low noise transfer and higher torque capacity. Providing a smooth launch feel, the transmission has benefited from extensive calibration work by Chevrolet engineers to balance performance with customer expectations and model requirements. A direct input speed sensor is also there to improve shift feel and smoothness. The other trims are mated to a four speed automatic transmission. Available with a 6.0 litre V8 engine on all models, which delivers 360 hp (net) at 5,700 rpm and peak torque of 530 Nm (net) @ 4400 rpm, the Caprice is genuinely capable of high performance. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, meanwhile, is available for the LS and LTZ models, and this efficient powerplant can generate peak power of 240 hp (net) at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 330 Nm (net) at 2600 rpm. The sporting SS model receives a number of additions, including high-intensity HID headlamps, remote start to cool down the interior and footwell illumination. New chrome-plated plastic interior door handles have been added to the LTZ, SS and Royale, and all models are now available with the attractive new Switchblade Silver paint. The 2009 edition of the Caprice receives a host of standard features to maintain its place ahead of its competitors. For starters, GM's state-of-the-art electronic stability control (ESP) now comes standard on the LTZ V6 variant, while Bluetooth connection for mobile phones is featured on all models from the LTZ upwards. The 2009 Caprice is equipped with a superb suspension package, which includes linear-control independent rear suspension technology to improve handling and drive. The sports ride suspension is there to broaden the car's appeal to a wide range of drivers. A near 50:50 weight distribution between the front and the rear also contributes to the feeling of a well-balanced car; this has been attained through a lower and rearward positioning of the engine within its bay, a fuel tank located underneath the rear seat passengers – which also improves safety in the event of a rear collision – and relocated battery. And large, 16-inch anti-lock, fade-resistant brakes and wheel-and-tyre packages are central to the Caprice's fundamental dynamics. The large brakes feature lightweight, compact aluminium callipers, wide pad area and large ventilated discs to reduce stopping distances by around 5 per cent. They also increase fade resistance and offer the driver a more responsive brake pedal. The Caprice's tyres have been developed to improve handling and longitudinal grip for easy acceleration and short stopping distance. The standard tyre and wheel combinations start with 16-inch on the LS, 17-inch on the LTZ and Royale models and 18-inch on the SS. About Chevrolet: Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands and one of the fastest growing brands in the world. With fuel solutions that go from "gas-friendly to gas-free," Chevrolet has eight models that get 30 miles per gallon or more on the highway and offers three hybrid models. More than 2.5 million Chevrolets that run on E85 biofuel have been sold. Next year Chevrolet will offer the Chevy Volt, an extended range electric vehicle that will travel up to 40 miles without using any gas at all. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and provides the best value in every segment in which it competes. In the Middle East, Chevrolet has a strong heritage stretching back more than eight decades. Today Chevrolet brings the most comprehensive range of value vehicles to customers across the region, offering superlative excitement, strong personality, value for money, safety and security from a brand that has long been a trusted partner in the region. Chevrolet boasts the widest range of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the Middle East, from the cost effective entry-level Spark, Aveo, Optra and Epica models to the iconic Corvette, and the full-size Caprice and Lumina sedans. 2009 sees the launch of the Cruze and Malibu sedans, Traverse crossover and the most famous Chevrolet of them all, the Camaro. Chevrolet also offers exciting and capable SUVs from the compact Captiva and mid-size TrailBlazer, to the fullsize Tahoe and Suburban, the Avalanche and Silverado pickups, the Uplander van, as well as chassis for commercial applications. About GM General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), one of the world's largest automakers, was founded in 1908, and today manufactures cars and trucks in 34 countries. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 244,500 people in every major region of the world, and sells and services vehicles in some 140 countries. In 2008, GM sold 8.35 million cars and trucks globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Hummer, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM's largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Canada, Russia and Germany. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com. In the Middle East since the 1920s, GM's vehicle brands sold in the region are Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, HUMMER and Saab supported by a unique set of customer-focused services. GM parts and accessories are sold under the GM Parts and ACDelco brands. The regional office in Dubai covers the company's operations in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, UAE and Yemen. In 2008, GM sold 144, 485 vehicles in the Middle East, a 6% increase over 2007. For more media material about GM in the Middle East, please visit media.gm.com/gm/en/. More information about GM products can be found at www.gmarabia.com

I'd love to see the fleet numbers on the Pontiacs. Why anyone would choose a G6 over a Malibu is beyond me. In fact why anyone would choose anything in Pontiac's besides the G8 and Solstice when GM's other bands have better versions (besides that Toyota) is a mystery.

Wait for the Fiesta or buy a Fit. After all, if you buy a Vibe you're essentially buying a Toyota anyway, might as well get a better car.

Although I haven't seen many G8s, the LXs are very popular in my area.

Yesterday we had fun with the banners for April Fool's. However that was a precursor to grander things. Introducing the new banners and logo for the site! We wanted it to be a surprise for everyone as we continue to make improvements around the site. Feel free to check them all out. A C&G Classic 2 skin will be added featuring the old logo for those who are feeling nostalgic. Take a look and we hope you enjoy them! - Dodgefan

REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive Autoblog is reporting that GM's superb RWD Zeta architecture may yet live on, however it will be downsized to increase efficiency. This is of course, great news for RWD fans, but it would also make sense to actually utilize one of the best platforms they have and spent millions of dollars to develope. Could GM actually do something so logical? We'll have to wait and see. http://www.cheersandgears.com/index.php?sh...c=29524&hl=

*caresses key remote in heated, power leather seats*

Fit wait for the Fiesta

Because that is easy, effective, and makes logical sense. You know GM doesn't work that way.

That's both funny and sad.

As far as your sig goes. Certainly should try for something more positive. After all, being pessimistic all the time doesn't do anyone any good (I'm just saying in general, not directed at you). So find something you like and have a sig made of it.

You may just get your wish after all.

That's what friends are for!

No it doesn't come off as an April Fool's joke. If you've read Autoblog throughout the day they've been posting actual news. Plus, there is always a giveaway to a fake...something is always amiss. This doesn't come off that way.

General Motors may be lacking the cash to develop any new rear-drive platforms, but reports out of Australia suggest that the existing Zeta platform that underpins such models as the Holden Commodore and new Chevrolet Camaro will carry on for at least another decade. GM's Australian subsidiary only finished development of the current Zeta platform a few years ago, and it's not about to flush that down the toilet. However the next Commodore, currently sold in the North American market as the Pontiac G8, is likely to downsize for the next generation, anticipated to debut in 2013 and carry on through 2020. Along with the reduced size and heft, the General could use smaller, more efficient, though still powerful engines, employing direct injection and/or turbocharging like the Cadillac and Saab variants of the V6 already used by Holden. As we've discovered with vehicles like the Pontiac G8, GTO and the new Camaro, what's good for the Australian market is, in General Motor's eyes, good for North America, so fans of rear-drive American muscle have some hope to hold onto yet, mate. Autoblog

K guys, I'm giving a verbal warning: keep the mud slinging out, save it for the Politics section.

I completely agree!

Yes.

So has anyone followed the ump yet?

I can dig it!

173k However it spent it's life being serviced at a Chrysler dealership, and they said no major engine work or transmission work was done. Also there's that 215,000 Shadow, and we;eve had that since it was blow 100k However, if you buy a 90's minivan you will need like 5 new transmissions every 6 miles.

Mine outlasted the 195.000 engine, so there.

Mopar or No Car Chrysler LLC to buy out General Motors It seems inevitable that GM is spiraling down the drain, and the automotive landscape as we know it is about t change. Where does that leave a GM enthusiast website? Simple: since Chrysler LLC is in much better shape, and has actually been making record profits, it has been announced that Chrysler will buy out GM. Sources familiar with the matter (but who wish to remain anonymous) have confirmed through unwritten material that Chrysler will buy out GM, kill Opel, Buick, Vauxhall, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Buick, and Saturn. They will leave Cadillac as the luxury brand, and Chrysler will slot where Buick does now. Pontiac will be combined with Dodge, and no one gives a crap about Hummer. With this breaking development that has been undoubtedly confirmed by unnamed sources, we have decided to change our website name to reflect the new company: Cheers and Mopars. We will be affiliating with new site Cheers and Rondels, so depending on the skin you have chosen you will see a different name and banner. And thus begins Chrysler plan for world domination (and controlling the food supply). Follow the Jump for full details on this breaking news. News Brief on the buyout of GM by Chrysler

Anytime someone want s performance car, or something RWD.

OH T3H NOES!!!! How will we turn left without it?!