Derek77

Or you could go to http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ and get it straight from the estimated horses mouth.

The Z71s don't have an air-dam except for the Silverado Z71. What you see on the Avalanche, Tahoe and Burban is a wind deflector for just the tires. Instead of the air hitting the tire and then going into the wheel well and then causes turbulance, it is directed around the tire. Look at the Avalanche LTZ or Tahoe Hybrid if you want to see an air-dam. I wish GM would design the front of the their trucks without one and a more aerodynamic under side by installing belly pans / large skid plates or other means. They would get better approach angles, it looks better, smaller frontal area, and better fuel economy.

TOKYO — Honda Motor Co. plans to recall 45,335 Civic Hybrid sedans worldwide to repair a voltage converter defect that could stop the car's engine, a company spokeswoman said Friday. Japan's No. 2 automaker plans to recall 7,219 of the vehicles sold in Japan and another 38,116 sold overseas, mostly in the U.S., a Honda spokeswoman said. She spoke on condition of anonymity, citing company policy. Honda learned about the defect — which could cause a short circuit that would stop the engine and prevent it from restarting — from overseas reports, the company said in documents filed Thursday with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Honda has received no reports of accidents, the documents said. The affected vehicles were manufactured between September 2005 and September 2006, they said. Continued @ FOXNEWS.COM: Honda Recalls 45,335 Civic Hybrids

http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/

2008 Toyota Highlander @ Toyota.com

What's so nice about the exhaust? I think you might think the reflecters in the back are dual exhaust pipes.

February 7, 2007 – Chicago - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), USA, Inc., unveiled the all-new next-generation Highlander and Highlander Hybrid mid-size sport utility vehicles (SUV) at a press conference today at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show. "Highlander holds a unique distinction within the Toyota brand and within the industry," said Don Esmond, TMS senior vice president, automotive operations. "Along with the 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser, it anchors one of the industry's only three-vehicle, mid-size SUV line-ups. Equally important, along with Prius and Camry Hybrid, it is a key component in the industry's only three-vehicle hybrid strategy." The 2008 Highlander is significantly larger, roomier and more powerful than the vehicle it replaces. Yet its fuel efficiency will be virtually unchanged. It is noticeably quieter, smarter, with improved versatility and ride comfort. It will offer the highest level of standard safety equipment in a segment where safety is at the top of purchase considerations. And, it's all wrapped in a package designed for buyers who want to stand out and make a statement. Highlander will have no equal to its comprehensive list of standard safety features. It will provide a segment-leading total of seven airbags, including a driver's knee airbag and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows. As with all Toyota SUVs for the last three years, Highlander will provide Toyota's STAR safety system, featuring: • anti-lock brakes, • traction control, • electronic brake-force distribution, • brake assist, • and for the first time, enhanced vehicle stability control, • with electronic power steering. On all models except the base models, it will provide a stand-alone backup camera with a multi-information screen, not tied to a navigation system. And, Highlander will have the distinction of being the first Toyota division vehicle to feature both active head restraints and a new hood and fender system designed to crumple on impact with a pedestrian. On the outside, Highlander moves away from traditional SUV styling cues with a statement of strength instead of ruggedness; of intelligence over toughness. Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, Calif. sculpted clean, crisp lines, a wide, stable stance and muscular contours to give Highlander an advanced, contemporary, forceful and dynamic personality. Highlander rides on an all-new chassis derived from the current Camry and Avalon. It is nearly four inches longer and three inches wider, with an inch more ground clearance and three inches of additional wheelbase. Interior designers took full advantage of Highlander's substantial dimensions. Design intelligence is carried through to the refined interior, where smart and sophisticated blend with practical, flexible and versatile. The passenger compartment is open and airy. Convenient and innovative interior features such as flexible seating arrangements, and ease of entry and exit, were directly related to customer input. For example, Highlander's second-row features captain's chairs with armrests that, if needed, can be converted to a bench seat for three passengers. A "Center Stow" seat, when not in use, is hidden in a compartment under the front center console. In its place, passengers can easily snap in the provided center stow center console or choose to leave the area open as a walk-through to the third row. The second row also slides forward and back 4.7 inches and reclines. Clever and convenient standard features include: • a third-row bench seat with foldable headrests for a flat rear cargo area, • a rear glass hatch for quick access to the back (optional on base grades), • and Smart Start and Entry for Limited and all hybrid models. When Highlander arrives in July, it will be offered in Base, Sport and Limited grades. All three grades will be powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 that delivers an impressive 270 horsepower -- a 55 horsepower gain over the previous generation's 3.3-liter engine. Two months later, the all-new Highlander Hybrid will arrive at dealerships. Offered in both Base and Limited grades, all Highlander hybrids will feature Toyota's advanced VDIM stability system. The system integrates: • full-time four-wheel drive with intelligence, • electronic brake and throttle control, • with true electronically-controlled active steering. Highlander's advanced Hybrid Synergy Drive system has been extensively upgraded and refined for 2008 for both power and economy. The new Highlander gained about 500 pounds, growing significantly in every dimension and receiving extensive body and chassis reinforcement, aimed specifically at achieving best-in-class crash ratings. Not only were engineers able to increase output to 270 net horsepower, they were able to maintain Highlander Hybrid's impressive fuel economy at 31 city and 27 highway. The Highlander will be loaded with standard-equipped comfort and convenience features. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels will be standard on both Sport and Limited gas models and both hybrid models. An array of options and accessories will be offered, such as a power backdoor that can be opened and closed with a key fob, a navigation system with an eight-inch screen, a rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch screen, and three-zone air conditioning. Other options include: • JBL audio with six-disc changer and nine speakers with Bluetooth, • third-row seat delete to create a second-row model, • leather seat trim and heated seats, • and a tow package with a 5000-lbs. maximum towing capacity (class-leading for car & van-based mid SUVs). "The 2008 Highlander takes the car-based SUV concept to a new level," said Esmond. "I say that with conviction, because it's a category we invented." The Toyota RAV4, now in its third generation, was the world's-first car-based SUV. In 1998, Lexus established a whole new category of car-based luxury SUVs when it launched the RX300. The debut of Highlander in 2001 marked the beginning of a shift in the mid-size SUV segment, from truck platforms to car platforms. "As you can see, the new Highlander has raised the bar significantly," said Esmond. "Last year we did the same with RAV4. And in about a year, we'll do the same with both Land Cruiser and Sequoia. The Toyota division now markets a six-vehicle SUV lineup that appeals to specific buyer demographics and life-stages. It is a lineup that gives us enormous flexibility in responding to shifts in the marketplace. We are committed to keeping our products fresh and at the front of the pack." TOYOTA 2008 HIGHLANDER PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS POWERTRAIN 3.5 Liter V6 – 270 hp 249 ft.-lbs. torque 5-speed automatic 4WD or 2WD 3.3 Liter V6 Hybrid – 270 net hp Torque not available for hybrid powertrain ECVT 4WD-i DIMENSIONS (inches) Overall Length: 188.4 Overall Width: 75.2 Overall Height: 69.3 Wheelbase: 109.8 Ground Clearance: Gas 8.1 / Hybrid 7.3 Seating Capacity: 5 or 7 passengers Wheels: 17- or 19-inch wheels 2008 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid

I'm not really directing this to you, but why does it have to be differentiated from the Commodore? Why spend the money to make a good looking car look different? Seems like a waste to me. GM isn't going to do it with the new Saturns, why do they need to do it to the Pontiac. Keep it a global car and save money.

It's there. Saturn Future Vehicles

Pontiac.com Pontiac G8 TURN UP THE SOUND ON YOUR COMPUTER!!!!!!!!!! One of the best intro's I've seen or heard. Very appropriate for this car.

No red dash lights? Are we steering away from that? Seems a little odd to have all the lights red except for the instrument cluster. I have to see it at night to see what it looks like. Not unless some other maker is already doing this with some other car that you guys know of.

TO HELL WITH YOU AND YOUR :AH-HA_wink: !!!!!!!!!!! <----- Me wanting to know.

Nice

Are you trying to mock me? The reason I used !?!?!?! is because I already said something about them using 2007 rules not 2008 rules before, but people keep thinking they are using 2008 rules. What's the reason for having a small motor in a car if it doesn't give you significant fuel savings? Cost? How much cheaper is this motor to make? And yes I do understand it is being built on an existing line.

** Fuel economy estimates based on 2007MY EPA test cycle. Final numbers will be announced closer to availability. Is no one else reading the fine print?!?! Here, I'll blow it up for you. They tested it using the 2007MY EPA test cycle, not the 2008. It will be worse than 34mpg on the HWY.

In case you missed it:

Here is the running order: 1st: Nissan Titan SE 2nd: Toyota Tundra Crewmax Limited 3rd: Chevrolet Crew Cab LT2 4th: Ford F150 King Ranch 5th: Dodge Ram Laramie To see why the Nissan Titan was 1st, you just need to look at what they had to say about it. Here's what they said: I'm sold, how about you. A nice midpacker. On the Silverado, they said, "There's no complaint with the redesigned interiors....But once we settled into the supportive driver's seat, it was clear the cab wasn't noticeably roomier than the previous model's. They didn't like the transmission either. But they liked the way it drove; suspension and steering, towing abilities. Anyways, there's more in the story, but it's a pretty lame write up. I'm not saying their are no faults on the new Silverado, but the Titan, winning their comparison?

Just the Aveo. WATCH OUT!!! THEY'RE ABOUT TO POP!!!!!! I hope you know I'm kidding.

2008 VUE Changes Highlights All new interior and exterior design for 2008 Four model line including XE, XR, Red Line & Green Line Clean, sculpted, distinctively sporty, European exterior design All new upscale interior with refined, premium materials and precise fit and finish Wide array of standard safety features Sporty ride and handling Multiple drivetrain choices More powerful standard 2.4L four cylinder engine with Hydra-Matic 4T45 four-speed automatic transmission 3.6L VVT 250HP V6 engine with new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission standard on XR & Red Line models 3.5L 215HP V6 engine with new Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission on XE models AWD available with both V6 engine All powertrain configurations are flat or "dingy" towable Stiff, steel body-frame integral structure Independent front and independent multi-link rear suspension Standard four wheel anti-lock brakes Standard traction control Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system Standard dual stage front airbags Standard front seat side thorax air bags Standard first and second row head curtain side air bags with rollover sensing system Front row dual safety belt pretensioners Disengaging collapsible pedals Active head restraints Standard OnStar safety and security system with one-year subscription to the Safe and Sound Plan Available Eight-way power driver's seat Flat-folding 60/40 split rear seatback Flip down second row armrest Ample covered, flocked and damped storage including large locking glove box Sliding storage bin under the front passenger seat Standard rear cargo management system Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback Standard steering wheel audio controls Available DVD based navigation system Available automatic rain-sensing wiper system Available remote start Available heated windshield washer system Available universal home remote system Available heated front seats in premium cloth or leather Looks like the Red Line is just a suspension, wheels and tires, and appearance package now. No difference in powertrain between the XR and the RL, not even final gear ratio. ----------------- 2008 VUE Changes Deletions Exterior paint colors (25U) Midnight Blue, (41U) Black Onyx and (63U) Berry Red New Features (DD0) Heated power-adjustable, driver-side auto-dimming, body-color manual folding mirrors available on XE Sedan with (PCM) Preferred Package and (LZ4) 3.5L Variable Valve Timing V6 engine Exterior paint color (37U) Deep Blue Exterior paint color (58U) Black Mist (extra-cost color) Exterior paint color (80U) Red Jewel Tintcoat (extra-cost color) Changes(223) Morocco Brown interior trim now includes embossed on door trim, steering wheel and shift knob (in addition to the seat inserts)

2008 Aveo Changes AVAILABLE MODELS SVM/LS Aveo5 (1TD48) LS 4-Door (1TD69) LT 4-Door (1TG69) Deletions (ULA) AM/FM stereo with CD player (PG4) 14" 5-spoke aluminum wheels (PG9) 15" 5-spoke aluminum wheels New Features (UJ9) Tire Pressure Monitoring System (PW8) 15" 5-spoke aluminum wheels (PY0) 16" aluminum wheels (Not available at start of production) (QBZ) P195/45R16 all-season blackwall tires (Not available at start of production) (E20) Chrome door handles Changes (PDC) is now called Power Package and includes (UA5) Remote Keyless Entry, (AU3) power door locks, (AE3) power windows and content-theft deterrent (UPX) is the new RPO code for the AM/FM stereo with CD player (LXT) is the new RPO code for the 1.6L DOHC engine (K34) Cruise control is now an orderable option on LS models (B37) Carpeted front and rear floor mats are now orderable on LS models My nipples are getting so hard just thinking about it........ ----------------- 2008 Impala Changes Deletions (21U) Laser Blue Metallic (49U) Bordeaux Red exterior color (53U) Amber Bronze Metallic exterior color (PFH) 17" machined aluminum wheels (NW1) 18" polished aluminum wheels New Features (51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color (76U) Mocha Bronze Metallic exterior color (87U) Slate Metallic exterior color (QR5) 17" high-vent steel wheels with chrome wheel covers on 2LT (QY3) 18" machined aluminum flangeless wheels on LTZ (QR2) 18" chrome aluminum wheels on SS E85 FlexFuel capability on the 3.9L engine (JL4) StabiliTrak stability control system on 2LT, LTZ and SS Changes 1WT19 2LT equipment group deleted; 1WC19 3LT equipment group is renamed 2LT (U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models 6-way power driver seat on LS and LT (PCK) Luxury Edition Package now includes (AR9) front bucket seats with leather-appointed seating, (AM9) flip-and-fold-flat rear seat, (NP5) leather-wrapped steering wheel, (UK3) steering-wheel mounted audio controls, (DCP) OnStar Directions and Connections service package, (D81) rear spoiler and (JL9) 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with Traction Control (B86) Body-color bodyside moldings are now an orderable option (FE3) Performance suspension is now standard on LTZ ----------------- 2008 Malibu Classic Changes Deletions Maxx model LTZ and SS Sedan models (21U) Laser Blue Metallic (25U) Dark Blue Metallic (63U) Sport Red Metallic (UC6) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc, in-dash CD changer (AP9) Cargo net (PDD) Driver Convenience Package (UE1) OnStar (JF4) Power adjustable pedals (AY0) Dual-stage frontal, side-impact and head curtain air bags (PCW) Enhanced Safety Package Changes ABS brakes are now standard on all models Rear disc brakes are now standard on all models Traction control is now standard on all models ----------------- 2008 Cobalt Changes Deletions (21U) Laser Blue Metallic exterior color (56U) Sunburst Orange Metallic exterior color LTZ Sedan model SS Supercharged Coupe model New Features (37U) Imperial Blue Metallic exterior color (39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color (87U) Slate Metallic exterior color (JL4) StabiliTrak stability control system (NW9) Traction control (ASD) Head-curtain side-impact air bag delete for Fleet and Government order types (UE0) OnStar delete for Fleet and Government order types Changes 1AM37 is now called Sport Coupe and the equipment group code is now 1SP 1AM69 is now called Sport Sedan and the equipment group code is now 1SP (TV5) Sport Package is now called Performance Appearance Package and is an available option on 2LT Coupe and 2LT Sedan. The 3LT Coupe and 3LT Sedan equipment groups are deleted. (ASF) Head-curtain side-impact air bags are now standard on all models (US8) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback is now standard on all models (U2K) XM Satellite Radio is now standard on all models Instrument panel uppers are now Ebony on all models LT Sedan with neutral interior now has woodgrain trim

Did anyone else see this story on CBS Sunday Morning, January 14? For some reason the first part where they talked to Consumer Reports really struck a nerve with me. I hate how they just group domestic car makers together and how they nit-pick certain test to prove their point. But I guess I should expect any different. U.S. Cars Improve In Quality

Buffalo, NY – General Motors today announced it will invest $300 million in its GM Powertrain Tonawanda engine plant to manufacture an all-new, technically advanced dual overhead cam (DOHC) V-8 engine, slated to begin production here in 2009. “This all-new engine will play a critical role in GM’s exciting future luxury vehicle portfolio,” said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president of global manufacturing. “As one of the most technically advanced engines in GM, its power and smoothness will be among the world’s best, and yet more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly.” The investment includes renovation to part of the plant, new machinery and tooling to support the new engine production. Renovations are expected to begin this fall. As a result of this new work, Tonawanda will retain 150 jobs. “On behalf of General Motors, I commend the United Auto Workers, UAW Local 774, and local and state leaders for helping to provide the business case and securing the necessary incentives to support this investment and the future of the GMPT Tonawanda engine plant,” said Bill Shaw, GM Powertrain manufacturing manager. New York Governor Elliot Spitzer said, “GM’s $300 million investment is welcome news for Western New York and exhibits the company’s faith that issues affecting the business climate of this state can and will be successfully confronted. GM’s willingness to invest in the area is an early sign of the state’s economic development prospects and is a testament to the great value of our highly skilled workforce.” Today’s announcement brings GM’s total investment in the GMPT Tonawanda plant to $1.5 billion over the last ten years. “This is a significant investment from the standpoint of expanding production here at Tonawanda and providing greater job security for UAW Local 774’s members whose dedication helped win this new work,” said Wally Wedington, UAW Local 774 shop chairman. “General Motors’ continuing investment in Tonawanda and Erie County demonstrates the strength of our partnership,” said Joel Giambra, Erie County executive. “We are thrilled to be able to protect jobs at the GM Powertrain plant through cooperation with GM management and UAW Local 774 leadership.” The GM Powertrain Tonawanda engine plant has produced nearly 67 million engines since its opening in 1938. The plant employs 1,860 people and provides an annual payroll of $198 million. GMPT Tonawanda currently produces the 4-cylinder, Ecotec 2.2-liter engines for the Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR and Malibu and the Saturn Ion; High Value, V-6 3.5- and 3.9-liter engines for the Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, and the Pontiac G6; Inline 4- and 5-cylinder engines for the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and the Hummer H3; Vortec 8100 8.1-liter engines for the Chevrolet Kodiak, GMC TopKick and sold outside GM for various marine applications.

THis has been on there for a few weeks now. I'm think, in fact I'm positive that this is just the release of just a vehicle or 2 on each release day. I'm sure its just the vehciles that will be released in the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2007 as 2008 models. THey did this last year. I got my hopes up last year when they did this before and was greatly disappointed on the release day.

No answers, guesses, or thoughts on the question?