Z-06

Here is what autozeitung has rendered about the GTC. The magazine says that the GTC will come under the name Calibra and Opel is in the process of resurrecting the Ascona name too.

Interesting.

True That. It is not the idea, but its specs.

Honestly I look at it as an engineering marvel, not in the sense of its complexity but in sense of actually solving some hard problems yet keeping it simple and cheap. In some ways this car puts engineers not lawyers in charge of designing the car. Over designing is not always a clear cut solution, and this car proves that. I have read a biography of Ratan Tata, and that man deserves a lot of respect, and should be looked upon as one of the few top notch executives in today's world.

It will as a golf cart.

Driving the A5 for 4-5 hours was troublesome eh?

It is a RWD rear engine car. The only thing it does have is a B-pillar. But it will be more easy to remove than let say a Camaro. Even bare hands can possibly remove it.

Linkity 2010 TATA NANO THE SMALL BIG IDEA Specs [/size]Engine: 623-cc in-line 2 Power: 33 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 35 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm Transmission: Four-speed manual Drive: rear-wheel 0-60 mph: 17 sec (est.) Top speed: 65 mph Fuel mileage: 60 mpg (est.) Weight: 1322 lb L x W x H: 122.0 x 59.1 x 63.0 in What makes it cheap? NO HATCH To minimize panel stampings, the rear hatch doesn't flip open. The tiny cargo area is accessed by folding the rear seats forward. THREE LUGNUTS The twelve-inch wheels use only three lugnuts, rather than the typical four or five. SIDEVIEW MIRROR Only the driving position gets a side mirror. A passenger-side mirror is a dealer-installed option. TINY HOOD All fluids are refilled under the small hood, including the gasoline. Note the absence of an exterior fuel-filler door. ONE WINDSHIELD WIPER By using only one wiper to clean the front glass, both material cost and assembly time are lowered. [source: Automobile Magazine]

Which means purple W-bodies and astras right?

And I thought there was only one smk on our forum. 68 please use some restraint. RWD is great, but that is not the point of the SHO. Not everyone is qualified to drive in the snow and some of the down right hate and fear doing that chore, yet everyone has privilege to drive while it is snowing and have a fun vehicle, therefore people must have FWD and FWD biased AWD. Taurus SHO just fits fine to those people. The FWD sheeple will think of you as RWD sheeple after reading this post - it goes both ways.

Mr. Doane Mr. Doane get us some photos.

FOG which puts most of us at C&G in the category of import lovers since most of us here call the new Ford Taurus good looking while some "industry experts" say it is bland too. The Saab does not look frumpy and trying to pretend too much like the Cadillac SRX, nor it is just a step up from the old like the Equinox. Therefore it is a better TE execution. That does not mean Saab is a fabulous looker, but it also does not mean it is a bland mobile either.

Looks busier than the Beat concept. Nothing spectacular yet nothing disgusting.

Linkity CHICAGO 2009 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CENTENNIAL CONCEPT AUTOBOTS® WITH BOW TIES: CHEVROLET-BASED CHARACTERS STARRING IN 'TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN' AT THE CHICAGO AUTO SHOW Giant movie robot also on display with vehicles used in the upcoming blockbuster summer film CHICAGO – Visitors to the Chevrolet display at this year's Chicago Auto Show (Friday through Feb. 22) will be treated to an out-of-this-world vehicle display – the automotive stars from the upcoming DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures release, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." Five Chevrolet-based characters – including four all-new characters – are featured in the new film set to open in the United States on June 26. All of them are at the Chevrolet display. The four new movie characters include: * SIDESWIPE – a stylized Corvette vision concept vehicle * SKIDS and MUDFLAP – twin AUTOBOTS® based on Chevy's Beat (a concept that will go into production as the Chevy Spark in 2011) and Trax concepts * JOLT – an AUTOBOT-based on Chevy's upcoming Volt extended-range electric vehicle BUMBLEBEE™, the heroic AUTOBOT based on Chevrolet's Camaro concept from the first "Transformers" movie, returns with a high-performance attitude. Joining the vehicles on stage will be BUMBLEBEE in his AUTOBOT form, standing almost 17 feet (5.2 meters) tall and 13 feet (4 meters) wide. Click here to view and embed individual videos Click here to embed this player "Chevrolet is thrilled to again be part of one of the most anticipated movies in years," said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. "'Transformers' gives us a great opportunity to connect with young people on their terms, with a dynamic, environmentally friendly image. The new characters represent the change going on in Chevy showrooms. From the exciting Camaro, the 21st century sports car, to the game-changing Volt, there's more than meets the eye at Chevrolet today." Directed by Michael Bay, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" sees the AUTOBOTS confront a new threat from DECEPTICONS® bent on avenging their earlier defeat on Earth. The new AUTOBOT characters in their current Chevy-based form square off against new, tougher foes determined to rule the universe. "'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' goes way beyond the first film in terms of robot action and excitement," said LeeAnne Stables, executive vice president of worldwide marketing partnerships at Paramount Pictures, the distributor of the film. "The new AUTOBOTS add to the storytelling, and these Chevy vehicles went with our filmmakers to locations all around the world. GM has again provided incredible support to the production team working on the movie." Along with the Camaro that's reprising its role in the new film, the other Chevy models to be seen on the big screen are new to movie-goers. SIDESWIPE takes the form of a sleek, vision concept dreamed up by the Corvette designers at GM. The design is influenced by the original Stingray race car, introduced in 1959, but also draws on Corvette heritage cues from other generations. It brings them together in a futuristic shape that seems to be equal parts racecar and space ship. "SIDESWIPE represents an exercise in exploration for the Corvette," said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. "By giving my creative team the freedom to design no-holds-barred vision concepts, it helps them push boundaries and look at projects from different perspectives." The Beat and Trax-based characters, SKIDS and MUDFLAP, remain faithful to their concept designs introduced at the 2007 New York Auto Show – although each wears new paint and other exterior accessories. And while they may be small cars, when they turn into fighting AUTOBOTS®, they pack a big punch. The other new AUTOBOT, JOLT, appears in the production form of Chevy's 2011 Volt extended-range electric vehicle. With the capability of up to 40 miles (64 km) of pure electric propulsion, plus hundreds of more miles with the assistance from its Voltec powertrain system, the real-life Volt will change driving in America. Of course, the AUTOBOT team isn't complete without BUMBLEBEE, the yellow Camaro based on the new, 2010 production model. Sporting new wheels and SS-model performance cues, BUMBLEBEE is more stylish and powerful than ever – and enthusiasts will be able to drive their own new Camaro when it goes on sale this spring. For more exclusive AUTOBOT movie information relating to Chevrolet, please visit www.autobotsrollout.com. Chevrolet is one of America's best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com. DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures present, in association with Hasbro, a di Bonaventura Pictures production, a Tom DeSanto/Don Murphy Production, a Michael Bay film, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," starring Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Kevin Dunn, Julie White, John Benjamin Hickey, Ramon Rodriguez, Isabel Lucas, Glenn Morshower and John Turturro. The film is directed by Michael Bay and written by Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman. It is based on Hasbro's TRANSFORMERS™ action figures and is produced by Don Murphy, Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. Executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. This film has not yet been rated. TRANSFORMERS is a brand of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS). Hasbro is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com.

Let me put it this way. It is neither politics nor rated R. It is a test from Olds about an Olds.

Linkity Opel Astra Spotted by Autocar Spies This is the first picture of the new Opel Astra, captured for the first time completely undisguised. Spotted at a GM testing facility in Germany, by Autocar spies the car in the picture is a styling model, but it shows how the new Opel Astra will look when it goes on sale at the end of this year. The new Opel Astra's true window line is visible for the first time, as are the rear lights and the real shape of the rear window. Until now we've only seen heavily disguised Opel Astras on test. Underneath the Opel Astra uses GM's new Delta platform, shared with the new Chevrolet Cruze and destined for al GM's mid-size cars including the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera. Unlike the current Astra's chassis, which is a reworked version of the previous car's platform, this one is all-new and should offer greater refinement and better handling. The suspension layout is the same, however, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Inside, the dash and centre console are heavily influenced by the Insignia, with a three-dial instrument binnacle and the same wraparound dash that curves the dashboard into the door trims. Opel's Ellesmere Port factory, where the new Astra will be built later this year, has already been fitted out with the tooling and production lines needed to manufacture the car. [source: Autocar]

The best TE execution.

Champaign (Oasis song Champaign Supernova)

Which one is the closest one to you, one on Gratiot and 15 mile?

Linkity Spy shots: 2010 Saab 9-4X up close Saab is close to completing development work on a new midsized crossover based around GM's Theta platform and expected to be revealed for the first time in production late this year for sale in early 2010. To spread development costs, most of the 9-4X's design has been shared with the 2010 Cadillac SRX and both vehicles are tipped to be manufactured at a plant in Ramos, Mexico. The 9-4X will be similar in size to BMW's X5 but pricing should be closer to that of the X3 and Volvo XC60 – two of the Saab crossover's prime targets. According to previous reports, the 9-4X will run a 284hp (209kW) petrol V6 engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It will also get 18in alloys shod with 255mm tires and a Haldex-sourced AWD system with an electronic differential. For European markets GM is also expected to offer a new diesel mill it co-developed with VM Motori that outputs 250hp (184kW) and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) of torque. These latest spy shots show an almost undisguised 9-4X prototype with the only some black tape and fake lights distinguishing it from the production version. While development work on the 9-4X appears to be almost complete, Saab will be introducing two models before the arrival of the new crossover - the smaller 9-3X crossover and the all-important 2010 9-5. [source:Motorauthority.com]

Linkity Geneva Preview: 2010 Chevy Spark Fully Revealed with Official Photographs PRESS RELEASE: Chevrolet Spark: World Premiere at Geneva Auto Show Fun and fashion add sizzle to mini-car segment Youthful interior with motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster Fuel-efficient 1.0-liter and 1.2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC engines All-new mini-car with maximum attitude The all-new Chevrolet Spark, making its world premiere at the Geneva auto show in March, is a small car designed to make a big statement. It's big on style, big on fuel economy and, like all products carrying the Chevrolet gold bowtie, big on refinement and value. Its design breaks the mold for mini-cars and takes Chevrolet's signature styling elements to this vehicle segment in a youthful, fun and fashion-conscious way. Spark was inspired by the Chevrolet Beat concept, the most popular of a trio of mini-car concepts that has toured international auto shows since 2007. A clear majority among 1.9 million internet voters said it was the car they wanted produced. Exterior The crisp lines of the five-door hatchback provide a wedge-like profile. Below Chevrolet's hallmark two-tier grille and headlamps that resemble diamond cut lines, the shape of the fog lamp housings and the "floating" lower air intake extend the sense of forward movement. Strong wheel arches accommodate up to 15-inch wheels to give the car a dynamic, ready-to-go stance. The rear door handles are integrated into the upper part of the door to preserve the clean lines of rear quarter panel and wheel arches. In the rear, an integrated tailgate spoiler and Chevrolet's round tail lights add to Spark's appeal. With an overall length of 3,640 mm and a generous 2,375 mm wheelbase, Spark offers a spacious cabin with outstanding leg and hip room in the front and rear. Interior The design of Spark's spacious cabin clearly matches its fun and fashion exterior look and functionality. A unique feature is the motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster. Mounted on the steering column, it provides easy- to- read information to the driver utilizing a combination of analog and digital displays. With fresh colors and fabrics, exterior color schemes continue inside to Chevrolet's signature 'dual cockpit' layout and the door panels. Textured inserts flow from the instrument panel to each side of the cabin into the doors, adding another eye-catching element to the interior. Spark also boasts a high level of interior acoustic refinements typical of larger vehicles. Engines and safety Sales will start in Europe featuring 1.0 and 1.2-liter 16-valve four-cylinder double overhead camshaft gasoline engines, delivering excellent fuel efficiency and low emissions. Depending on global markets, safety equipment includes driver and passenger front air bags, front side airbags, roof rail head curtain airbags, antilock brakes and electronic stability control. Other safety features include pre-tensioners for front seat belts and three-point belts in the rear. Spark has been developed and is expected to achieve high crash test ratings. Europe leads start of sales Spark will be available in European dealerships early 2010, followed by other global regions. Spark is the newest in a series of all-new, globally developed Chevrolet vehicles that are defined by expressive design, refinement and value. [Source: GM][/font]

I personally do not see anything wrong with the verdict. The latest, better designed trucks prevailed. The main question is will GM up the ante with an MCE in a couple of years?

The NVIDIA 7600 GT was the best bang for the buck AGP in the market about two years ago. That is what I upgraded my AGP rig with. I think it has 256MB GDDR2 and a clock speed of 500 odd MHZ for about $130 and change. ATI X1900XT was a good one too.

Is the Sigma platform going to be updated significantly sometimes soon?