Intrepidation

SO much for annalists thinking that Chysler Group was starting to loose its momentum. Considering that not only are the Charger and 300 at record monthly sales, and the PT Cruiser is even up (bet you annalists didn't see that coming) they'll be doing even better as the Caliber becomes more widely available. I'm surprised that the COmmander is selling well, I heard it wasn't, I guess it's doing better now. If they keep these sales up, they'll be in great shape when the Nitro, Avenger/Sebring and minvans are launched. They'll only get stronger at this rate. Keep it up Chrysler Group!

First off, the Avenger is the sibling to the Sebring, it doesn't use the LX platform. Second, I think DCX did a fine job at seperating the LX cars. The 300 and 300 wagon aren't sold in teh states, giving dodge the wagon as the Magum, with it's own front end, so it's totally unique in this market, and the only thing the Charger has in common with them (besides the interior) is the windshield. You can tell they're related, but not the same. Plus each has it's own driving characteristic. That's certainly better than slapping a Pontiac grill on an Equinox and calling it a Torrent.

3 March 2006

By Robert Farago

It’s official: bankruptcy is good for GM. In their recent ass-covering exercise for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), The Ford Motor Company listed "adverse effects from the bankruptcy or insolvency of a major competitor" as a significant risk to its financial future. Translation: if GM goes bankrupt, The General will slough off its excessive labor costs and become… wait for it… competitive. So competitive, in fact, that Ford reckons GM’s products would gain an important price advantage. Well how about that?

Obviously, there’s more to it than that. Ford’s SEC filing also alerts investors that GM’s Chapter 11 could destroy The Blue Oval’s supply chain. Both automakers share a large number of mission critical parts suppliers; if GM’s submersion sucks vital parts makers into bankruptcy-- which it most assuredly would-- Ford will lose access to the bits and pieces it needs to build Fords. In fact, it’s hard to see how Ford could survive a GM bankruptcy. Or why it would want to. The automotive community is slowly (and quietly) beginning to conclude that bankruptcy is both the only thing and the BEST thing that can happen to GM, and, by extension, Ford.

To review: GM can’t build competitive vehicles at a profit. It’s got too many models, brands and dealers. Too much bureaucracy, waste and inefficiency. Its labor costs are too high, its capital investment is too low and its supply chain is about to snap. And GM can’t change a thing. The United Auto Workers (UAW)’s contract prevents any wage or benefits cuts, and precludes any alteration to their Byzantine working practices. Legal obligations also stop GM from trimming its distended dealer network or euthanizing fatally wounded brands. To survive, GM needs to lower its costs and revamp its business. And it can’t do that without Chapter 11.

Oh, OK, it could, if everyone pulled together: investors, management, unions, dealers, suppliers and customers. But they won’t. It’s not in their nature. And even if it was, GM CEO Rabid Rick Wagoner is singularly incapable of tackling this monumental leadership assignment. And even if Rabid Rick could unify all the negatively charged particles in the GM universe, it’s too late. The General doesn’t have enough cash to weather the turbulence between business-as-usual and the end result of a lengthy, radical, difficult and dangerous overhaul. Nobody’s going to give them the extra money-- at least until The General declares bankruptcy. As Ford publicly acknowledged, only bankruptcy can give GM the wiggle room it needs to implement necessary changes to the way it designs, builds, markets and sells its products.

So be it. As I said at the beginning of this odious odyssey, GM will emerge from this multi-decade debacle a smaller, leaner and better automaker or, preferably, automakers. And that’s why Ford’s worried. Of course, they’re not the only ones. The prospect of revolutionary change is making everyone involved apprehensive, frightened, angry, defensive, aggressive, desperate and, well, crazy. We’re already seeing some strange behavior emerge from GM World: a public pledge to end to discounts followed by a “March madness” incentive campaign, exciting new cars announced and cancelled and re-announced; a Board Member and Car Czar squabbling over a moribund Swedish car brand, etc. It’s the End of Days, Detroit style.

As GM’s fate reaches its terrifying conclusion, workers will get all the attention. The moment the axe falls, whether by a slow strike or a lightning default, the spotlight will shift to “the little guy.” Needless to say, the media will depict them as victims. They’ll highlight the most desperate cases and blame their fate on management incompetence, outsourcing, the Japanese, the Chinese, foreign trade policy, currency manipulation, oil prices, George W. Bush, the anti-GM press, anyone and anything other than the workers themselves. Never mind that a huge number of these workers performed two hours work for eight hours pay. Never mind that thousands were willing to receive full pay and benefits for doing nothing whatsoever. It will always be someone else’s fault.

Understand this: GM’s workers are no better or worse than any of the other players in this sad saga. All of them work for a company where personal responsibility doesn’t exist. Where everyone thinks they deserve to be well-paid, no matter what they or the company does, or doesn’t do. Yes, there are plenty of good people within GM. And here’s the kicker: most of them can’t wait for the company to file. They want to see an end to the waste, laziness, greed, corruption, inequality and stupidity they see around them. When GM becomes the world’s largest bankrupt, these good men and women will be satisfied, knowing that there is justice in the world. And they’ll be hopeful; that something good will replace something bad.

from The Truth About Cars

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So what does evryone think of this article? Some things make sense, some I dunno. I just came across this while looking at car reviews, heh.

Yeah it was quite the powerhouse. But even if they didn't put any of the performance upgrades, just puuting the ram air 6 package on the stock GTO would have done wonders for it. I emailed Pontiac once saying they should build it. they said something along the lines of "We're glad you like it, but we don't plan to build it, sorry." Idiots.

I know what you mean though, it keeps the essance of the stock GTO but spices p the design. BAM! Too bad it as never built.

I really do feel bad for the GTO...it definitelly deserves better than this fate. Yes, the main reason is cuz Holden is phasing out the platform, but it's like no one in the mdeia seems to care.

Do you guys remember the very first GTO commercials where it was dark and all you could see was the rear tires making a smoke show. What a teaser, I got so excited about it.

Still, styling is a bit of an issue. Without the scoops and stuff it kinda does look like a Cavalier's big brother. The interior looks great, and the LS2 is a sweet engine. If Pontiac had been smart, they would have offered the Ram Air 6 appearance package. the concept looked badass, had they put it into production it would have shut all the critics up about it's styling. I do hope the GTO gets another chance later on, it deserves it.

Look at that sexy beast!

If I recall, one of the gripes Edmunds.com had about the Equinox/Torrent SUVs was that their interiors were full of hard plastic. So even if the Nitro's interior has the hard plastic stuff, it's not any worse off than the GM twins. On top of that, we can't say exactly what the interior plastics will be like until they're in showroom and someone pokes around the interior. The GM twins I think have a bit slicker interior design (especially the Torrent with the nicer steering wheel), but I think the Nitro's looks petty good, in a rugged sort of way. Better than the design in the Durango at any rate.

Another thing to consider is that, while it's based of th Liberty platform, and it's bigger, that platform has been modified for on-road biased handling, not offroad like the Liberty. Also keep in mind that without all the heavy offroad gear the Liberty has, the Nitro should not way much more, hell it may even be lighter. Combine that with a more powerful V6 option, and the possiblity of an SRT version (check out TCC's spyshot archieves), and it should b a pretty quick SUV.

I happen to like the overall look of the Nitro (especially the black R/T), it kinda looks like a modern interpretation of that Power Wagon photo. You guys are griping about Dodge's designs being too different, but let's not forget that it's that differenciation/originality that's made them profitable while both GM and Ford are in the money hole with their mostly bland designs.

On that note, credit to Dodge for at least taking the time to make the Nitro look different inside and out from the Liberty on which it's based, unlike how GM just slapped some Pontiac badges, a new grill, and a new steering wheel on the Torrent...hardly a distinction from the Equinox. I mean damn, they could have at least put a more powerful V6 under the hood and gave it a sportier suspension option.

So this is the car that TCC had in their spyshots section. WTF? Why is it that the Chinese LaCrosse has such a nice interior, and overall better exterior design compared to the NA LaCrosse? I mean, just look at these images

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If nothing else, this is the interior that SHOULD be in the LaCrosse. As for the exterior, I like it a lot, it looks more muscular than the shapeless NA version, although I have to admit i see a little Ford Five-Hundred in the front end design XD If they put the NA Lacrosse's rear end or even the Lucerne's rear on the back of the Chinese LaCrosse, it'd be a knockout. Again, why is it we in NA get the dull, unimaginative interior, while the Chinese get something that looks like a true Luxery car interior? One more thing, why does the Chinese LaCrosse get a Nav system but not the NA LaCrosse? GM...you're so friggen' stupid...

One other thing...how come during the design of both LaCrosse cars, GM didn't build them on the more modern Epislon platform? Seems like a smarter idea than sticking with the architechure they're stuck with now.

FYI I'm 19, new to the forums, and a DCX fan, but I do happen to like the newer Lucerne (and some of GM's new designs) I just can't comprehend their stupidity sometimes. XD

Considering that most of the B-segment cars have engines that make less than 150 hp, 170 hp is a good deal, especially when you consider how much less it weighss than a Civic or a Caliber. 170 hp may not seem like an assload of power, but combine resonably light wait and small size will make it pretty quick. Also take into account the possiblity that it might be a mid-level or even base engine? Most B-segment cars that make around or slighty more mower are specialty ones (like SRT). And if the SRT guys get there hands on it it'll probably make like 250 hp

As for design, this is far and away the best looking B-segment car I've seen to date, makes that hidious piece of crap xB look even more so. It's definitely the the coolest B-segment car to date. The interior looks pretty good too, there's A TON of legroom in back! The dash looks nice too, I hope that the production version gets a center stack like the concept's and not the corperate issues stereo and HVAC controls.

Dodge could score big with this thing, because not only does it make Dodge competetive in Europe in that popular segment, it makes it competetive in the states where the B-segment is just starting to heat up. It also makes for a car that'll be cheaper than the Caliber, so critics of the Caliber's 20k pricetag (for R/T models) will shut up about it. Go DCX!

I think they're both great. They would serve two different groups of people. For me, I would get the Rampage. I like the option of being able to carry people and/or stuff. For the light duty kind of things I would need a truck for, the Rampage would be perfect, and I do love the way it looks!!

I totally agree, the Rampage looks badass, I do like the Gladiator too, but I'd buy a Rampage if they made it.

I love the Challenger concept, and I happen to like the interior a lot, I hope the production version gets to keep the unique stereo head unit and not be stuck withe the corperate faceplate like all other Dodges, Jeeps and Chryslers. I wonder that, if the Challenger does get a 6-Speed manual, that other SRT LX cars will get it as an option later. I also agree that settings sales objectives at 35k is a wise move, cuz it'll look way better for demand to out do supply than vice versa, I think initially a lot more than 35,000 Challengers will sell, so that would certainly qualify it as a hit. The beauty of the LX cars is that if they need more of one car they can up production of one and cut some production from another as needed, though since all 3 of the current LX cars are selling well that could be a problem.

I for one Love the Magnum's looks (my girlfriend hates it, but too bad for her ). I see them all the time, in fact at the college I go too someone just bought a silver one. The SRT-8 is the best looking of the line, which can be said about the SRT versions of the other two cars. I just wish that interior looked nicer...but there's worse out there. I digress though

I do wonder how Chevy plans to sell the Camaro though, if they'll mainstream it, or do a smaller number like Dodge. Either way, I hope both concepts look the same when they each reach production (Although I think the Camaro's interior, especially the guages, give off too much glare, but it'll change in production version Camaros anyway).

One last thing...for the love of god please stop complaining about how many doors the Charger has!! I mean, so what if it's 4-doors, it's looks cool, especially in SRT-8 guise , and it's got the muscle to back up the looks. Wanna coupe? That's what the Challenger is for

I don't think Americans are prepared to pay high enough prices for cars like the Caliber that have Navigation. I bet they will offer it in Europe, like Mazda does with the 3. Some cars in this class are considered premium vehicles in Europe, and the people are willing to pay higher prices for stuff like navigation. Don't expect to see it in Caliber in the US though.

You have a point about people in Europe willing to pay more for compacts, supposedly this is why in America we're still stuck with the original Ford FOcus, since the new one is considered a "premium compact" and would cost a lot more than the current Focus if Ford brings it stateside. Stil, if there's demand for it, Dodge may stick it on the options list later on. Who knows.

whatever that it it's damn sexy. Oh how I hope the Avaenger gets a front end that nice.

I posted in another thread about how I think the interior isn't production-spec yet, and that, for example, the steering wheel is not the final product, since it lacks details like metallic trim (like what you find on the 300). I think the design looks great, but I think the guages should be more special and not look like what you find in a Caliber, maybe put crome rings on the pods too. I bet you that the gray will be an option, but they'll be other color options ( i think black with aluminum trim would look pretty sweet, maybe with real wood this time too). Anyway I think the overall design is much more creative than the current Sebring, and that maybe the final production version's materials will look a bit nicer.

On another note, I think Chrysler has done a great job differentiating it's newer products. Even though you can see the family resemblance, the 300/Magnum/Charger look different enough so that they don't look like clones (like how GM likes do do when it badge engineers).

I think the rampage looks great. EVen if they don't build it, let's hope that friend end winds up on the refreshed Dakota or Durango, cuz those front ends suck. I think they should consider building the Rampage though, it looks awesome, it'd be able to compete with both the Ridgeline and to a lesser extent the Avalanche. I thinnk if they do build it, they'd offer AWD as an option or something, perhaps a ystem that splits the power under cornering/acceleration and for towing. It has a lot of good ideas and it's wrapped in a good looking package. I say go for it, and put that ugly-as-sin Ridgeline back in it's place. By the way, for peopel who think the Rampage is wussy cuz the concept was FWD, let's not forget that the Ridline is no man's truck itself. It's ugly, it's based off the Pilot, and it only has a V6. The Rampage would be a good alternative to say, a Dakota or something, like a crossover alternative.

I took the Challenger survey, heck I even sent them an email telling them how awesome it is, they said thanks lol I just took the Rampage survey, since the engine options look realistic, and that they're doing a survey at all shows that Dodge has some interest in building the truck. Personally, I think the styling is great, the front end looks killer, as so the overall proportions. I think incorperating Stow `n Go is a clever move too. There's a market out for teh Rampage, since it can compete both with the Avalanche and the Ridgeline. It's got a midgate system like the Avalanche and Unibody contruction like the Ridgeline, but unlike teh Ridgle, it's not butt-ugly and it's got better engine options.

I think Dodge did a great job styling the Caliber, it looks much more aggressive than most other cars in the segment. The interior design looks alright, way better than a Neon anyway. The SRT-4 looks sweet, should be a blast to drive too. Two things I wonder about the Caliber though: 1.Iis any of the interior besides the seats soft to touch? I can't really tell from pictures, but everything from the dash to the armrests looks like they're made of hard plastic. Wish they weren't if they really are. 2. Since the stereo head unit is identical to what's in the Magnum/Charger, wouldn't it be wise to offer the Nav system in it? I mean, Honda is doing it already with the Civic, if Dodge jumps in now with a Nav, they'll be the only domestic compact with the option. Seems like a smart idea to me; if/when I get a new car a Nav system would be nice.

Maybe the early prototype was using the Caliber's wheel as a stopgap until a finalized wheel design was finished. If you look at the newer wheel design, it doesn't look done either, as there's no detail work on it (like how the 300's spokes have metallic inserts), plus the color of the wheel doesn't quite match the steering column.

Oh, by the way I'm new to the forums

In response to what Petra said before about the Sebring using the same steering wheel as the Caliber...I'm not sure if that's necessarily true. Look at these two spyshots from TCC's site. The first one is an older photo, whereas the second one is more recent.

If you look at the first one, the Sebring does indeed have the same steering wheel as the Caliber, but the newer one more closely resembles the 300's (though it looks smaller and thicker). Also note the the newer photo's guage cluster is a little different, it looks better than the older one's. Anyway, I really like how the interior looks so far, it's a lot more creative than the 300's, I hope the offer it in more colors than gray though (like black and tan or something). It's lightyears better than the ugly interior of the current Sebring. Also I hope the Dodge interior is as creative and differentiated (m oreso than the Charger/Magnum's). As for the exterior, I like how the Crossfire's design cues seem to be incorperated into it. Gotta wait for the final verdict until the camo comes off, but so far so good.