ocnblu

I would say that Riviera was parked when it was crushed. Something had to fall on it... notice no marks except for the roof crush. If that car was in motion at the time of loss and had that much roof crush, the sides would be scuffed up somewhere. Also, whatever it was that landed on it bowed the whole car down in the middle. Maybe a semi rolled over on it or something.

Yeah, but everything else needs to be intact as well. That's been the challenge.

Agreed, 2005 was pretty turbulent, with all the world events. It also ended on a sad and uncertain note for me, with the loss of my dog, and big changes coming at work. I don't know how to say this, but the worse things get out here, the more I tend to visit this place. It's been an oasis at times. The auto show season, as always, will be a way out of our winter doldrums. There are a lot of momentous debuts coming from GM, starting with the brilliant Solstice GXP. I am feeling good about what's coming from them. So, I say, out with the old and in with the new. We've been given a clean slate and a new piece of chalk. Time to draw a bright future!

Notice they say "0-60 in under 5.5 seconds." That's a hedge. It'll be quicker, I'll bet. I love the fact that the body changes are minimal, and that the spoiler can be deleted. The money went into the hardware, and that's a wonderful thing. This ain't no '77 Trans Am, it's a clean, modern, sexy Pontiac, and baby, it's fine. That yellow is too bitter. A milder yellow would have been more palatable. I think a boost gauge is an option on the Subaru WRX as well, so I see no big deal about that. A pillar-mounted boost gauge will probably be available from Pontiac in some form. Man, a full hardtop GXP, with a greenhouse like the original orange concept, would be absolute heaven for me.

God, this is hitting me harder than I thought. I am so tired of being alone. I want to call him, just to hear his voice, but I can't. I know I'd mess it up. Why can't life be as simple as we want it to be.

Excellent post, bobo! A nice summation. On to bigger and better things in '06...

Yeah, I say "bee-are-ITZ".

Definitely mid-engined. There's a small storage compartment behind the engine bay.

Long live the A/G body! Will the new wave of RWD GM cars be as utterly accessible and universal as these? Will they be able to cover all bases... F/A/G/B, as successfully as the originals? I am really hoping that this new RWD platform is flexible enough to perform all the duties enthusiasts, the general public, and police and taxi agencies ask of it... because if there is a streak of compromise that hobbles any of the variations, the whole thing, and all my hopes for GM's future, may tank. I really hope that doesn't happen... because GM's greatest achievements sent power to the rear wheels (pioneering E, and perhaps late G body being notable exceptions.)

My first post pointed out the similarities between the Envoy XL and a pregnant dachshund. The thread was promptly locked. :P

Agreed. Roof buckle anywhere near like the Blazer's would be visible even from this angle on the SAAB. That roof buckle can only mean one thing... the space for the driver has been made dangerously small.

Did I miss the joke? Is that a real press pass for NAIAS? :huh:

There's a person I'd love to spend New Year's with, but he's going to Philadelphia with friends (he said, as he searched my face for a clue.) I guess I'll be curling up next to a warm computer (yahright) for the evening. No one to kiss this year when the ball drops.

Sorry for the delay, Martini and Rossi, it's end of month/end of year at work... LOTS of paper work to catch up on... I gotta go in today, in fact. I am curious to find out about your car though, and I'll letcha know as soon as I can. :)

I always prounounced it "brawm". I'm sure someone will read this and correct all of us stupid heads in due time.

Too many styling cues crowded into too small of a space. The stubbiness just doesn't get it done. Of course, in person, it may work a bit better. Based on the dimensions posted in the Motor Trend article, the thing is as tall as a 2wd pickup truck.

One sec... I thought Satty got a Solara? :blink: :huh:

And what exactly is wrong with the '74 GTO? By then the A bodies were really too heavy to give good performance, plus, the gas crisis made everyone panic, hence the X body/350. For some odd reason, I like the '73 GTO as well... but the '67 and '70 are my favorites.

Sorry to hear about the car, glad your sister's ok. I always liked the original IS. Just from the bits of info you've shared, it sounds like quite a hit. You mentioned the gas tank. I'd be very surprised if the fuel tank is damaged because it should be ahead of the rear axle, well protected. I've had a lot of folks confuse their spare tire well with their gas tank. Modern collision repair methods are better then ever... if you have a technician who is knowledgeable, and a painter who knows what they're doing. It all comes down to the shop, if the initial estimate for repair doesn't kill it outright. If you care to post some, photos would help. I'll try to be of help, but I'd guess an estimate will be written by that time. Best of luck with whatever happens.

Hi and welcome, arpee. Hey, what are the holes in the cladding below the taillights for?

Speaking of faces... Solstice headlights: young Bruce Jenner. Sky headlights: old Bruce Jenner after a disastrous eye lift. I do like the Sky, but the Solstice is so romantic and sexy... the handsomest Kappa brother. Nick, love those 5s... it's tragic what's happened to the BMW 5 series this time around.

Hey Ross, I can investigate for you. I need you to copy down your option codes and send them to me. Look for the option label, it is probably underneath the spare tire cover in the trunk. If it's not there, let me know, I can track that label down for you. The factory wheel code is on that label. You have me curious now.

The new issue of Motor Trend has an illustration and an article about a possible V6 powered Chevrolet Kappa sports car, called... Stingray. OK, it wasn't too many months ago that I was harping for the same thing, right here on C&G (except for the V6 part). Check it out if you get a chance!

I love Porsche. 911 first, then Boxster... but the Cayman is coming up fast on the outside, and may become my favorite in about 15 seconds... :) The Cayenne is a waste, but I can understand why they did it, I guess. Instant profits to put more R&D cash into future sports cars (hope so.)

Precisely. Just send $5.95 for shipping and handling. Dalmation not shown actual size. Morrissey is so cool. Love him. So sly.