Lamar

So while visiting my wife's family in Middle of Nowhere, Virginia, I went to the local Ford dealer to look at the Fusions that they had. We saw several Fusion SEL models (all 4cyl), a couple of SEs, and a Sport. The salesman came out to talk to us ("us" being me, my wife, and her cousin and cousin's husband). We made the usual salesman-customer talk, and then he asked if I wanted to take one of the cars out for a little bit. Now you know I couldn't pass that up... We chose one of the SELs, black on black. Remember a few months ago that I test-drove the '09 Mazda6 i and came away impressed with the dynamics. Now was my chance to compare the first cousins... The interior looked very well put together, as I knew it would. My wife and I had sat in a Fusion Sport a few months ago, and she really liked the new design compared to the old brick, and both of us were sold on SYNC. I did take the time to explain to her that, in addition to controlling the radio, SYNC pairs with Bluetooth-enabled phones. The one thing that I think could be better with the center stack is that many of the buttons seem to be too low and end up being blocked by the gearshift lever. The seats are very comfortable, as remarked by all of my driving companions. I didn't adjust the seating position at all, even though I should have... but I guess I was too eager to get to driving. Speaking of that... The first thing I decided to do was to get back on the highway to test the get-up-and-go abilities of the 2.5L-6AT combination. I made a left onto the highway, crawled along for a few feet at about 5-10 MPH, then floored it. Most automatic cars hesitate briefly when you floor it after traveling slowly so that they can get into the right gear. This one is no different, but once it went into gear, the car definitely responded much like the Mazda6. When I got to my desired speed of about 65 MPH, I looked at the tach and saw the needle right around 1750. So the autobox is definitely suited for highway cruising, which my wife does very often on her commute to work. Around town the Fusion was very well-behaved, as most newer family sedans are. No complaints at all about braking or accelerating from lights. One thing I was especially pleased to observe is Ford's new electric power steering system. Seriously, I had forgotten that they had electric power steering on the car, that's how well-balanced it was. Overall, everyone enjoyed the car. My wife says that she'll actually test drive one herself once we get ready to replace her Maxima. I know that the Fusion is due for a redesign in a few years, so it may be possible to get one CPO at a good price at that time. If not, we'll just have to drive the new one. If it has to wait that long, I'll hope that Ford redesigns the center stack to move the HVAC buttons from being so low... and adds SelectShift to all the automatic models and not just the Sport.

I guess I was just too young......

SingleStylish, you make a very good point. I wonder how much profit MB and BMW make on the S and 7 here versus on home turf... Caddy wouldn't have a problem getting technology from other cars, especially in lower/base engines (the LLT could serve for an entry model, and I'm pretty sure a mild hybrid would be in the works). But where to go up after that? I personally wouldn't mind using LSx engines ( ) but can they somehow fabricate a 12-cylinder mill?

Dude, nobody's buying anything with the same underpinnings as the Presidential limo though...

A8 may not be at the top of the class, but at least it's IN the class and a viable option. And to which class do you refer? The sales king class or the prestige class? If it's the latter, believe it or not I'd substitute Maserati for Lexus. My hopes are that Cadillac aim once again to be at least in the class and worthy of consideration... without compromising anything and without copying anything else. If they can somehow pull off being king of the hill again, all the better.

However, finally knowing what the configuration of this car will be is one of the reasons I look forward to the year 2010. I still hope GM does right by Cadillac and doesn't leave us with an angular Buick. RWD and 8 cylinders!

Jaguar... ... is... ... still... JAGUAR!!!!!!!!!!! (the first three are external links)

We have very limited experience with the platform over here in the States compared to the rest of the world. A quick Google search shows reviews of the Statesman (Zeta LWB) and that it drives quite well (engaging while still luxurious). Remember, the G8 was well documented as driving comparably with a 550i. By extension, the long platform should drive as well as a 7, which not many reviewers say drives that well anymore... But that aside, you have to define for us what makes a platform "better." Lighter? Newer? Shinier? Self-repairing if you crash? Longitudinally-mounted, yes, but still FWD before quattro. Like I said, BMW 7 Series has apparently lost something (and next year will be confused with the 2011 5 Series most likely). And the Jaguar, no matter how it looks, will still be a Jaguar and condemned to a bad reputation.

That's the point we're trying to make with the possibility of Zeta for a Cadillac. It will be a more updated version if it comes to pass. None of the cars you named is a total lightweight either, so where does Zeta's weight factor in? No one also mentioned moving CTS to Zeta... we're talking about the range topper. You always conveniently forget about Audi...

Mustang rides on D2C. Somewhat related but still very different. Thunderbird and LS make your point, however.

And AWD capability if it's not there.

Not on my shopping list, but I like it. But, as has been mentioned, why is the top engine so weak? Oh, and... Did you know that a few countries (Sudan, Yemen) currently use crucifixion as a death penalty?

+1. These will let me know that GM is serious about Cadillac and isn't compromising.

MLB: Yankees, Mets, Phillies. NFL: Redskins, Ravens, Raiders. Not so much the Steelers anymore since Mike Tomlin graduated from my HS. NBA: Pacers, Spurs, Celtics, Pistons. Used to hate the Knicks, but now I just feel sorry for them. Somewhat. College: Virginia (my school's chief rival), West Virginia, Miami, Duke (in basketball), Michigan, Southern California, and Boise State (some of the most obnoxious, entitled fans I've seen).

I like it. E-Class Coupe just got a new competitor. I would like to see the trunk lower for visibility purposes, but then I'm concerned that the overall look of the car would be compromised. Also, this would be the perfect application for an intermediate engine before the V-Series. 3.6TT, perhaps?

Exactly.

Or a Volvo...

A couple of responses to smk4565 and engine head configurations: Bentley's 6.75L V8TT, the one they put in the Mulsanne, Brooklands, and Azure, is a pushrod design. Their only DOHC mills are in the Continental Flying Spur/GT... and are (I'm pretty sure) Andi engines with extra plumbing. Mercedes' V12 engines are 3V SOHC, not 4V DOHC. Just saying...

Yeah, I found that story about a minute after I posted my reply to you.

What is this V6 Turbo of which you speak? Did I miss something among the myriad of Regal posts? ... annnnnnnnnnnnd I'm slow. I knew about that one.

Agreed on all counts, but I would say S60 and not S40. S40 is too small. This could be the car that the premium/near-lux market needs to get it actually recognized as such by the mainstream... this and the new S60. And quite possibly the 9-5.

GM 6T45 and Aisin AF40.

So far I like it, especially the interior. I would like the exterior more with (and many agree with me on this) different wheels. GM, get some more pics out of this car, stat! Also, why the Aisin transmission? Could GM not put one of its own with the turbo engine?

Duly noted, sir.

I like the new Fast Reply box. Saves me a click. However, as of right now "quote" boxes aren't quite there yet. Instead of being separated off in replies like before, they just look like the rest of the body of text now. Probably just one of those kinks that needs ironing out though.