Derek77

Yes, I'm talking about being able to see them. They just seem to be REALLY low and not tucked under neatly. But then again this isn't production ready yet.

Are those mufflers I see poking their head out from underneath bumper? I hope that's just bad light or something. The backup lights are pretty small and a little out of place. I was thinking they would be in the inside set of lights or in a setup like the Corvette.

Pontiac.com is now updated with new G8 info. They also have the available accessories on there too. Here's my first accessory: Roof Rack

Until GM says for certain, I for one, will believe it is a 20% improvement over a non-hybrid. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. I always like to low ball, and then be shocked when something is better. Dumb, I know.

Next-Generation GM Hybrid System Announced in Geneva High-volume system will debut in North America in 2010, and then expand globally Hitachi to supply new lithium-ion battery Cost-effective technology to improve fuel economy by up to 20 percent GENEVA - As another key element in its overall global strategy to improve fuel economy and reduce oil consumption and CO2 emissions, General Motors Chairman Rick Wagoner announced today that GM will introduce a second-generation version of the GM Hybrid System with a new, more powerful lithium-ion battery. Hitachi Vehicle Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Hitachi Ltd., will supply an advanced lithium-ion battery, which will help make the next-generation GM Hybrid System nearly three times more powerful than the system it replaces. Overall fuel economy improvements for cars and trucks using the system are expected to be up to 20 percent, depending on engine and vehicle application. "This new system is another important step in our broad-based strategy to reduce vehicle fuel consumption and emissions," Wagoner said at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show. The next-generation GM Hybrid System will build upon the successful belt-alternator-starter hybrid technology currently available in the Saturn Vue, Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Malibu. By building on this proven technology, Wagoner said, GM will be able to make the GM Hybrid System more cost-effective and expand its application in GM's global vehicle portfolio. "In order to have a real impact in reducing oil consumption, oil imports, and CO2 emissions, advanced technologies must be affordable enough to drive high-volume applications," he said. "We plan to roll out this next-generation hybrid technology globally, across our brands and regions, starting in 2010 in North America, and we expect that volumes will eventually exceed 100,000 units annually." The next-generation GM Hybrid System will complement GM's widely acclaimed Two-Mode Hybrid system as part of the company's advanced powertrain portfolio. The Two-Mode Hybrid system debuted in 2007 in the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and will be offered this year in the Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV and the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-size pickups. The first front-wheel-drive application of the Two-Mode Hybrid system will debut in the 2009 Saturn Vue Green Line. The increased power from the lithium-ion battery will allow the next-generation GM Hybrid System to be used in a wide range of global powertrains, including naturally aspirated engines, new high-efficiency turbocharged engines, bio-fuel engines and diesels. This technology is showcased in the Saab 9-X BioPower Hybrid concept car, which debuted today at the Geneva Motor Show. The Saab concept is capable of 117 g CO2/km, or projected fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (48 mpg) when running on gasoline over the combined cycle. The next-generation GM Hybrid System helps optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions by: Turning the engine off at idle Offering brief electric-only propulsion Using a more powerful electric motor to enhance engine efficiency Extending fuel cutoff during deceleration Extending regenerative braking to recapture more energy Performing intelligent hybrid battery charging For additional energy savings, an advanced six-speed automatic transmission also may be used, depending on the vehicle application. The current GM Hybrid System was introduced in 2006 on the Saturn Vue Green Line SUV, which remains the lowest-priced hybrid SUV in the U.S., starting at a $25,995 MSRP. Shanghai GM announced in January that the Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid sedan will be the first application for the current GM Hybrid System in Asia-Pacific. By the end of 2008, GM will offer eight hybrid models in North America and nine worldwide. GM will introduce 16 new hybrid vehicles over the next four years.

I win!! I win!!!!! 3x more powerful electric motor. More launch power and more electric power during the driving cycle. 20% better fuel economy based on what motor it is mated with.

It's got to be the next-gen BAS hybrid.

I have an '07 Torrent also. I'm always a little leery in a way of giving my mileage numbers. I say that because my conditions are not what you might see. You might have steeper inclines to go up or more congested traffic conditions that me. But anyway, my wife, the primary driver, gets 18.-- to 19.-- regularly doing her normal routes to work and around town. She might hit the 20s if she make a short hwy run somewhere. On the interstate, I have seen as good as 28.5 mpg. Those are in good conditions where you have some hills that you can judge. I like to get a running start before going up and reduce speed as I'm ascending, and as I descend, I will gain speed, to like 5mph over the speed limit and coast the rest of the way. That would be majority 70-75mph but will hit some 65mph in some areas for 15 miles or so. Its hard to describe. On flat terrain, with a 10-15 mph side wind I saw right at 27. Again these are my numbers. Will you see them too? Maybe, maybe not. Hope this helps.

You know, I was looking at that yesterday and I still can't make it out. With the LY7 3.6, the Lambda's make more horsepower than any other vehicle with that motor. But with the LLT 3.6, the Traverse will make well over 10hp less than the CTS?? What I'm hoping for is that GM was able to tune for mileage rather than a 30hp bump. The LLT 3.6 in the CTS gets 1mpg less in the city compared to the LY7 3.6. But seeing how some reports are saying they are going to get a mileage bump with this motor, even though GM is saying "better than expected mileage", I'm hoping for at least no mileage change. If they can get the same mileage with more hp, that's icing on the cake.

Here: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse Specs And here: 2008 GMC Acadia Specs Compare them. It's bigger. 26.1 cu ft vs. 19.7 cu ft behind the 3rd row just as an example.

Ecotec four-cylinder engines to join industry-leading FlexFuel lineup CHICAGO - The 2009 Chevrolet HHR small SUV will become the first four-cylinder model in General Motors Corp.'s North American lineup that can run on either gasoline or E85 ethanol. GM North America President Troy Clarke unveiled the FlexFuel Chevy HHR today during a speech at the Midwest Automotive Media Association breakfast, which opened press days for the Chicago Auto Show. "We will continue to make more of our lineup FlexFuel-capable because we believe ethanol, and specifically E85, is the best near-term answer to reduce our nation's dependence on oil as energy demand rises here and around the world," Clarke said. "The focus needs to be on making E85 more available by developing cellulosic ethanol sources and dramatically increasing the number of stations that offer E85," he said. GM is the auto industry leader in offering FlexFuel models - 11 for 2008 and more than 15 planned for 2009. The HHR, whose January sales of 9,650 were up 73 percent from the same month a year ago, will become the latest Chevrolet FlexFuel model when it goes on sale later this year. Chevrolet has more than 2 million of GM's more than 2.5 million FlexFuel vehicles on the road. An HHR running on E85 - a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline - would emit up to 23 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than if running on gasoline, based on a well-to-wheel analysis by the Argonne National Laboratory. The HHR will be available with an Ecotec 2.2-liter or Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, both of which will be compatible with E85. For the first time, the Ecotec 2.2L is equipped with variable valve timing (VVT), technology that assures precise opening and closing of the valves and accurate control of combustion gases to improve engine performance and efficiency. The Ecotec 2.4L continues to offer VVT.

Looks very nice here: Chevrolet.com - 2009 Chevrolet Traverse

Just because they are off the boat already doesn't mean they are 08 models. Here's what I mean: 2008 GM Product Information Guide I don't see the G8 here. 2008 Pontiac Overview I see it is a 2008 here. GM 2008 Chicago Auto Show I see 2009 mentioned here though. For the longest time they never said what year is was. They would just call it Pontiac G8 available in early 2008 like here: Pontiac Announces G8 Pricing It not really a big deal, but for the longest time I wasn't sure and it didn't look like GM knew. I was just looking for a solid confirmation.

I've seen it both ways from GM and other sources. So what is it? 2008 or 2009?

Nice. GM sure is using the heck out of their new turn signal and wiper stalk. This, the Provoq Concept, the LaCrosse spy shots, all show the new stalks in use. Good job.

I also think 24/26 are more realistic numbers. I'm a little disappointed by that though. I guess I was thinking it would be a Escape Hybrid beater in mileage. Over at Autoblog, they say overall mileage is improved by 30%. So combined mileage is something like 25mpg.

For those who haven't read: GM cancels new DOHC V8 engine program

They just started this option at the beginning of the month.

GM Reports 263,654 November Deliveries; Retail Car Deliveries Up Chevrolet Malibu Retail Sales Up 40 Percent; Chevy Cars Up 15 Percent All-New CTS Drives 15 Percent Cadillac Car Sales Increase All-New CTS Drives 15 Percent Cadillac Car Sales Increase Dealer Inventories Down 97,000 Vehicles Year-Over-Year Planned Daily Rental Sales Reduction of 28.5 Percent DETROIT - After three consecutive monthly increases, GM dealers in the United States delivered 263,654 vehicles in November, down 11 percent compared with a year ago, reflecting continuing reductions in daily rental sales and softening industry demand.GM's retail car deliveries increased, based on the strength of the all-new Chevrolet Malibu, 2008 Cadillac CTS and fuel-efficient Chevrolet Aveo, Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and G6. "Integral to our strategy is to grow our share in the key car segments. The retail performance, especially from the new Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac CTS, demonstrates the enthusiasm customers have for these outstanding new vehicles," said Mark LaNeve, GM North America vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "The recognition of the 2008 CTS as Motor Trend's Car of the Year reinforces what we are hearing from customers about this phenomenal car. And, not to be outdone, the new Malibu is flying off dealer lots." There were several bright spots in retail deliveries, led by brisk sales in the economy, small, mid and luxury car segments and mid-utility crossovers. Chevrolet retail car sales were up more than 15 percent, Cadillac retail car sales, driven by a 48-percent increase in CTS sales, were up more than 13 percent and Pontiac retail car sales were up more than 8 percent. Total retail deliveries were down 9.7 percent, largely due to reduced availability of 2007 models after a strong sell-down in September and October. "The Malibu, CTS and Enclave have some of the fastest turn rates in the industry," LaNeve added. "We've added production capacity at our Orion Assembly plant for Malibu to keep up with growing demand and dealer orders." Together, GM's mid-utility crossovers (Buick Enclave, Saturn OUTLOOK and GMC Acadia) sold nearly 13,000 vehicles at retail. Saturn retail truck sales, driven by the OUTLOOK, were up more than 35 percent. Chevrolet HHR retail sales were up 60 percent. The Pontiac and GMC divisions showed retail sales increases. GM continued to reduce sales to daily rental fleets, down more than 14,000 vehicles, or almost 29 percent compared with a year ago. Total fleet sales were down 16 percent. Retail sales for the month, as a percentage of total sales, showed an increase of more than one percentage point (to 74 percent of total sales) compared with a year ago. Vehicle inventories were down 97,000 vehicles compared with year-ago levels and stood at about 993,000 vehicles at the end of the month. Quality, reliability and durability (QRD) remain key factors for customers when purchasing a new vehicle. "GM provides the best coverage in the industry. We take care of the vehicle and the owner like no other manufacturer," LaNeve added. An increasing number of consumers cite GM's willingness to stand behind its quality as a reason to buy a new GM vehicle. GM's new 5 Year/100,000 Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty continues to make GM a better choice for customers. GM's coverage focuses on the complete ownership experience and includes other provisions that competitors do not offer, including transferability to the next owner, more complete coverage of parts, and coverage for new and certified used vehicles. In addition, GM offers superior complementary programs, such as courtesy transportation and roadside assistance. Certified Used Vehicle Sales November 2007 sales for all certified GM brands, including GM Certified Used Vehicles, Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, were 37,946 vehicles, down nearly 11 percent from last November. Total year-to-date certified GM sales are 479,946 vehicles, up 0.3 percent from the same period last year. GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used brand, posted 32,748 sales, down 10 percent from last November. Year-to-date sales for GM Certified Used Vehicles are 421,190 vehicles, up 2 percent from the same period in 2006. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles posted November sales of 3,227 vehicles, down 9 percent from last November. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 1,372 vehicles in November, up nearly 2 percent. Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 468 vehicles, down 54 percent, and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles sold 131 vehicles, up 17 percent. "While November was a challenging sales month for certified GM brands, year-to-date GM Certified Used Vehicle sales are up 2 percent through November and we're in a position to set a new industry annual sales record for the manufacturer-certified category," said LaNeve. GM North America Reports November 2007 Production, 2007 Fourth-Quarter Production Forecast Revised at 1.025 Million Vehicles, 2008 First-Quarter Production Forecast Set at 950,000 Vehicles In November, GM North America produced 366,000 vehicles (134,000 cars and 232,000 trucks). This is up 5,000 units or 1 percent compared to November 2006 when the region produced 361,000 vehicles (148,000 cars and 213,000 trucks). (Production totals include joint venture production of 22,000 vehicles in November 2007 and 20,000 vehicles in November 2006.) The region's 2007 fourth-quarter production forecast is revised at 1.025 million vehicles (350,000 cars and 675,000 trucks), up 25,000 units or 3 percent from last month's guidance. Additionally, the region's initial 2008 first-quarter production forecast is set at 950,000 vehicles (344,000 cars and 606,000 trucks), down 113,000 vehicles or 11 percent from first-quarter 2007 actuals. GM Reports 263,654 November Deliveries; Retail Car Deliveries Up

If that's the case, why do you think the Aveo will be any different? Your wife's Alero can get better than EPA estimates, but the Aveo can't?

Cool! Thanks! That sucks!

One thing that I'm confussed about, with all the talk of making it quieter inside, why are they still using traditional windshield wiper blades? Couldn't they spring for some of the newer bow type that come on a lot of new GM products? And why did they get rid of the electric throttle control?

This is what I wish GM had done to the Tahoe and Yukon. Let me explain that before I get killed. I like the way the rear door is, well, useable. The Tahoe has unusually small back doors. I don't know if this was done with a longer wheelbase, a smaller engine compartment, or smaller front door. Whatever they did, works. THe leg room in all rows looks to be larger than the GMs, but since we don't have any measurements, that's hard to say. The fold flat 2nd and 3rd row is also a nice feature. I'm hoping GM puts the hybrid Tahoe seats in the regular version along with the 6speed. That might be enough to hold it over till the next redo.

The Aveo is right on par with the others in its class. Only the Yaris gets more in the city and hwy.

Well damn. I thought it was going to be smaller than the 6T40. Is the 6T40 and 45 the only transmission GM Daewoo and GM Powertrain are working on together? Is there something smaller coming online at a later date?