Derek77

What the hell?! I posted this yesterday morning and got 3 replies all day. It gets reposted at close to midnight and it's the hottest thing since sliced bread. I don't get it.

Okay. I can understand that. Thanks for the clarification.

Saturn Vue Green Line Gets Lowest Hybrid Suv Price, Best Suv Highway Fuel Economy Rating New hybrid MSRP starts at $22,995; receives official EPA highway rating of 32 mpg Detroit -- Saturn announced today that the new 2007 Vue Green Line hybrid SUV will carry a starting price of $22,995 (including destination charge), making it the lowest-priced hybrid SUV on the market. In addition to its value price, Vue Green Line will carry an EPA fuel economy rating of 27 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway – the best highway fuel economy of any SUV currently available. That equates a to 20 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to a non-hybrid Vue, depending on driving conditions. “The Vue Green Line proves you can go green without going broke,” said Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak. “With a starting sticker price almost $4,000 less than any competing hybrid SUV, it makes true hybrid fuel savings available to more people than ever before.” The Vue Green Line will be produced in Spring Hill, Tenn., and will begin arriving in Saturn retail facilities later this summer. The Vue’s hybrid system combines sophisticated controls with a precise electric motor/generator mated to the engine. The system delivers fuel economy gains by providing electric power assist during acceleration, through early fuel cut-off during deceleration with torque smoothing and by shutting the engine off at idle. The system also captures electrical energy through regenerative braking. The vehicle’s 2.4 liter hybrid powertrain provides approximately 170 horsepower – 27 more horsepower than the 2.2 liter engine that powers the conventional Vue. The Vue Green Line’s acceleration is comparable or better than similarly equipped non-hybrid SUVs. In addition to its hybrid powertrain, the Vue Green Line also features several standard equipment upgrades, including antilock brakes with traction control, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome-finish skid plates, body-color door handles and exterior mirrors, bright side moldings and rear spoiler as well as specific instrumentation designed to provide the driver with hybrid system information. As with all Vues, the Green Line model offers standard power convenience package (windows, door locks and exterior mirrors), remote keyless entry, fold-flat front passenger seatback and rear cargo organizer. All Saturn vehicles also come equipped with OnStar and a one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound service plan. Complete information on the Vue Green Line can be found on the Web at www.saturn.com.

I still don't know why the 3.5 isn't offered in the Theta's. The CSVs are getting rid of them for next year, so capacity should be up. Why can't they be in there for next year? As far as out performing the Vue, I don't know. The Vue is smaller in height and length, weighs less. The SS might beat it in a straight line with more power, but I don't know. I would like to see the comparison between them to know for sure.

An odd source, but here they are. MORE BELOW HB Ride Spotting: Chevrolet Equinox SS

Besides the supercharged Northstars, they pretty much make the same power. Upgrade the Northstar V8 with DI or something, or get rid of it. It's becoming a dinosaur.

They need to either add DI to the Northstar motors or do away with them. The Northstars are becoming more and more pointless.

PONTIAC , Mich. – GM Powertrain announced today it will deliver a 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine with direct injection and variable valve timing (VVT) technologies in the 2008 model year. A vehicle application will be announced later in the year. Additionally, it was forecast that by the end of 2008, GM will produce as many as 200,000 vehicles globally with direct injection technology, and by 2010, GM projects one out of every six GM vehicles in North America will be equipped with a direct injection engine. The application of direct injection technology to the 3.6-liter VVT engine – a member of GM Powertrain’s family of high-feature V-6 powerplants used on cars and trucks around the world – contributes greatly to a 15-percent increase in horsepower over the current levels that range from 240 to 267; an 8-percent increase in torque, and up to a 3-percent improvement in brake-specific fuel consumption (BSFC). An approximate 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions is also achieved. With direct injection, precisely metered fuel is delivered directly to the combustion chamber, which has a cooling effect in the chamber. Cooling the incoming air charge enables a higher compression ratio, which also improves engine efficiency. Less fuel is required to produce the equivalent horsepower of a conventional port injection combustion system. “The 3.6-liter VVT with direct injection will be our highest specific output non-turbocharged V-6 engine, as well as one of the most fuel-efficient offerings in our high-feature family,” said Tim Cyrus, chief engineer for high feature V-6 and Northstar V-8 engines. “It’s the latest example of our strategy to continue to reduce emissions and improve fuel economy without sacrificing performance.” This is GM’s third engine with gasoline direct injection. The announcement of the 3.6L VVT V-6 with direct injection comes on the heels of the introduction of GM Powertrain’s Ecotec 2.0-liter four-cylinder Turbo engine with direct injection on the 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line and Pontiac Solstice GXP roadsters. Also, since 2004, a naturally aspirated Ecotec 2.2-liter direct injection engine is equipped on Opel models in Europe. How direct injection works Direct injection differs from the fuel delivery process of a conventional engine by delivering fuel directly into the engine cylinder, where it is mixed with air. The combustion process of conventional fuel injected engines uses air and fuel that partially evaporates in the intake port or intake manifold prior to being introduced into the combustion chamber. Direct injection is a continuation of the evolutionary process of moving the fuel introduction point closer to the cylinder to improve control. With the 3.6-liter VVT with direct injection, fuel is introduced directly to the cylinder during the intake stroke. As the piston approaches top-dead center, the mixture is ignited by the spark plug. The fuel injectors are located beneath the intake ports. The intake ports only transfer air, unlike port fuel injection, which flows air and fuel, thus increasing efficiency. D irect injection also permits a slightly higher compression ratio than if the fuel were delivered with conventional fuel injection. The result is better fuel consumption at part and full throttle. The engine uses conventional spark plugs similar to other high-feature V6 engines. A high-pressure, returnless fuel system is employed. It features a high-strength stainless steel fuel line that feeds a variable-pressure fuel rail. Direct injection requires higher fuel pressure than conventional fuel injected engines and an engine-driven high-pressure fuel pump is used to supply up to 1,740 psi (120 bar) of pressure. The system regulates lower fuel pressure at idle – approximately 508 psi (35 bar) and higher pressure at wide-open throttle. The exhaust cam-driven high-pressure pump works in conjunction with a conventional fuel tank-mounted supply pump. Direct injection’s fuel delivery enables very efficient combustion to help reduce emissions, particularly on cold starts – the time when most tailpipe emissions are typically created. Also, direct injection permits a higher compression ratio – greater than 11.0:1 in the case of the 3.6 – which has a positive influence on fuel economy. 3.6-liter VVT DI The 3.6-liter VVT DI is based on GM Powertrain’s sophisticated 60-degree dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-6 engine. It is the latest member of a growing family of GM Powertrain V-6 engines developed for applications around the world, drawing on the best practices and creative expertise of GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, North America and Sweden. Features found on the 3.6-liter VVT DI include: -Aluminum engine block and cylinder heads -Dual overhead cams with four valves per cylinder and silent chain primary drive -High-pressure, engine-driven fuel pump -Advanced multi-outlet fuel injectors developed to withstand high pressure and heat -Stainless steel, variable pressure fuel rail -Four-cam phasing (VVT – see description below) -11.3:1 compression ratio -Aluminum pistons with floating wrist pins and oil squirters -Polymer coated piston skirts -Forged steel crankshaft -Sinter-forged connecting rods -Structural cast-aluminum oil pan with steel baffles -Electronic throttle control with integrated cruise control -Coil-on-plug ignition -Advanced direct injection capable engine control module (ECM) -Optimized exhaust manifolds with close-coupled catalytic converters -Fully isolated composite camshaft covers -Outstanding noise, vibration and harshness control -Maximum durability with minimum maintenance -Common manufacturing practices for efficiency and exceptional quality -Four-cam phasing The 3.6-liter V-6 VVT DI employs four-cam phasing to change the timing of valve operation as operating conditions such as rpm and engine load vary. The result is linear delivery of torque, with near-peak levels over a broad rpm range, and high specific output (maximum horsepower per liter of displacement) without sacrificing overall engine response and driveability. When combined, direct injection and cam phasing technologies enable an unmatched combination of power, efficiency and low-emissions in gasoline V-6 engines. Cam phasing pays big dividends in reducing exhaust emissions by optimizing exhaust valve overlap and eliminating the need for a separate exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. By closing the exhaust valves late at appropriate times, the cam phasers allow the engine to draw the desired amount of exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber, reducing unburned hydrocarbon emissions. The return of exhaust gases also decreases peak temperatures, which contributes to the reduction of oxides of nitrogen (NO x) emissions. In tandem with the dramatic 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbon emissions brought on by direct injection, the 3.6-liter VVT DI V-6 surpasses all emissions mandates, and does so without complex, weight-increasing emissions control systems such as EGR and air injection reaction (AIR).

DETROIT — General Motors Corp. announced plans Friday for the H1, which is the foundation for the automaker's Hummer brand. Based on the military's Humvee, the vehicle put on the road since 1992 defined the Hummer name. "It's a reflection of where we're going with the Hummer brand," Hummer general manager Martin Walsh said of the decision. "The Hummer DNA still resides in the Humvee. ... It will always be the core from where we come." GM: End of Production Line for Hummer H1

I'm sure the $1.9946 a gallon is on the whole sale market. That doesn't include taxes and other things on top of that. Remember, the biggest reason for the lastest drop in price of a barrel is because of the lastest report showing that we have leveled off our demand and that refineries output is on the rise after the change over the ethanol. We need to continue our awareness of conserving our oil useage and look for other means of energy. Oh, by the way, I've been paying in the $2.60s for the last 2-weeks. MAN, GAS IS CHEAP!!

Ethanol can be made out of other things besides corn. Soon, they will start using pulpwood and wood shavings to make it. Also animal waste. EDIT: No need for the quote.

Some of the changes are not mentioned in the New For 2007 section of the ordering guide. You have to look in the Standard Equipment section and other places. Like the axle ratio has changes on the both the Equinox and the Torrent to 2.48. I'm sure that goes for all of the GM models.

What year Caprice is it? And why do you need custom headers? Summit Racing makes good headers on the cheap. You can get them with ceramic coating for well under $200 too.

I hope so, as I like the look of the Torrent over the Equinox.

Equinox Central says there are other changes that can't be released yet. So stay tuned!!

EQUINOXCENTRAL.COM 2007 Equinox Information Chassis / Powertrain 1. New 4 wheel disc brakes & chrome wheels 2. Suspension tuning and the addition of standard "Stabilitrack" have improved the ride and handling 3. Larger fuel tank on Front Wheel Drive vehicles has improved their range. 4. New tire pressure monitoring system provides information to the driver's display panel. Interior 1. New rear seat centre armrest 2. Roof rail airbag deploys further providing additional protection in the event of a roll over. (note- roof rail is a term we use in Welding..it is a interior part running alongside the sides of the passenger compartment.) 3. "Smart" front passenger airbag system now senses the weight of the occupant and deploys the airbag accordingly. 4. New steering wheel, centre console trim, switches, shifter and seat fabric have improved the appearence of the interior. 5. The instrument panel now includes a "Driver Information Center" display which provides information on engine performance, tire pressure etc... Structures, Exterior & Electrical 1. Strengthened side body components have improved the overall vehicle performance and exceed 2008 MY (model year) Government requirement. 2. New lift gate "touch pad" electronic release replaces the tradtional release handle system 3. New lift gate spolier & fascia shapes provide improved aerodynamics for a "real world" fuel economy savings of 1 mpg. 4. Improvements made to reduce wind noise by 3db 5. New remote start option 6. New "navigation" radio EQUINOXCENTRAL.COM 2007 Equinox Information

I'll take quit bitching from other people. I'll mind how I drive.

That's why you buy when it makes most economic sense.

Copied and Pasted from investopedia.com: And of course Oil Companies set the price of oil too.

Does anyone here know the difference between PROFITS and PROFIT MARGINS? Look it up. It will hopefully help some people here realize how STUPID they sound.

I still find it funny that LOTS of Americans complain about the price, but do nothing to change the way they use gas. A couple of examples of this is: Moms and dads at soccer practice or baseball practice watching jr. in the car, more than likely an SUV, with the A/C on or windows down motor on, or just droping them off, go home for an hour, then come back. SH!TTY DRIVING!!! Either by exesive speeding or acceleration or impeeding the flow of traffic (staying in the left lane or center lane. KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS). Vehicle selection. Need I say more.

And of course he said all young people....

They fixed the missing pedal.

One touch lane change signals is a nice feature. You touch the turn signal lever one time in the direction you want and it will flash 3 to 5 time and shut off. Very handy.

Still bubbly.