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Ghost Dog

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Posts posted by Ghost Dog

  1. Next gen Antara. I read Opel wants it on their platform. (So They can Build it)

    http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110226/ANE/110229886/1193

    Development of the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Antara will move to Opel's Ruesselsheim headquarters from South Korea and production of the compact SUV might also switch to Germany.

    "The successor of the Antara, which we will bring to market in 2014-2015, will be based on our global compact architecture for the first time," Opel/Vauxhall sales and marketing boss Alain Visser told Automotive News Europe in an interview. "The responsibility for this lies in our technical development center in Ruesselsheim. Thus we will insure that the Antara successor will be a very true Opel."

    Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110226/ANE/110229886/1193#ixzz1NrOSYVK8

  2. came across this this morning.

    Holden Design is penning one of three new aspirational models to debut under Opel badges in Europe

    “As you know, our design operation is global. And I think there is one car (by Holden) that is going to be an Opel in the future.”

    Asked if that car was the cabrio/coupe, Mr Weber shrugged and smiled.

    Mr Weber said the cabriolet would replace the Astra convertible, saying: “There is one spot in the portfolio.”

    He indicated that simple chop-top convertibles of existing models had seen their day, even though rival Volkswagen has just announced the return of the Golf Cabriolet.

    “When you take a base compact car and turn it into a convertible it has all sorts of limitations to it,” he said. “I think you could do it in the past, but not now – they sort of get stuck in between.

    “I think it takes a car that is extremely well styled and presents as a whole package – that is something that you want.”

    Although Mr Weber refused to compare the new Opel convertible with others such as the VW Eos or Peugeot 308 CC, he said the Opel cabrio would “go beyond what you currently know, Astra Convertible”, indicating it would be bigger than Astra with a unique body style.

    “If you do four seats, and you are spending that money for open air, I think the car should be positioned between Astra and mid-sized (models),” he said. “It is not just an Astra or Insignia convertible.”

    However, he indicated that the new convertible would retain the folding metal roof of the current Astra Convertible, adding that it would go into production in late 2012.

  3. I like the Regal, and I would even add the Wagon to Buick. But to me it doesn't have the Fine details Lacrosse and Enclave have. The Regal design has much more in common with Saturns. I also think GME has there own thing going on. While Buick is central to GMAP.

    I am a huge fan of The Lacrosse design. And the 2 main designers Justin Thompson, and Richard Duff are with GMAP now. Duff With Patac,and Thompson back at Holden.

    x09ar_bu004.jpg

    x09ar_bu006.jpg

    Buick-Invicta-design-sketch-2-lg.jpg

    And Gmap has done some really nice Buick concepts.

    Buick-Envision-Concept-Car-Photos-2.jpgBuick-Envision-Concept-Car-Photos-1.jpg

    The IMO Gorgeous Riv concept

    dsc_7326.jpg

    dsc_7332.jpg

    GMAP also has Both RWD/AWD and FWD/AWD platforms to build on. Either with an on demand AWD option would work.

    Where do you think would produce a Better, more truly Buick design GM AsiaPacific or GMEurope?

  4. Yes there was several angles of the Buick 2+2 Coupe done by the UK GM Design Lab. That is all I ever heard it called.

    Who knows what the Alpha may bring in the future. The underpinnings of the Camaro if small enough could provide a place for a nice coupe like this.

    I would expect a little less sport car and a little more sport coupe. Something that would appeal to a larger market.

    Even in FWD this would make a statment in styling.

    buick22z.jpg

    I do like both designs in this thread (I think they are different). I like the B pillar door handle. As for platform I think gm has everything they need in EPII (112 in wb) for a grand Touring 2+2 coupe, and convert. Riviera and Velite. They have the Platform, powertrain (w/Haldex awd),Global brand and design talent to make it happen.

  5. [img]http://www.carzwallz.com/images/cars/thumbnails/Buick_Velite_Concept_03.jpg[/img]

    [size="4"][b]I think the time is right for the Riv and Velite to be built. Velite should be a sister to the Riv. Build Both on the 112 wb EPII, with optional AWD. I would like to see a targa look, with GM europes softop mechanism. Like on the Saab 9x air concept [/b][/size].

    [img]http://itwildcats.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/saab-9x-air-141.jpg[/img]

    [img]http://cdn-www.rsportscars.com/images/saab/saab-9x-air-e85-hybrid-concept/saab-9x-air-concept-profile-blue-skies_w800.jpg[/img]
  6. Since the G8 is gone, and it is not likely that Chevy will get a Zeta Impala/Caprice I would love to see the LWB Park Avenue sold over here with both a direction injection 3.6 and 6.0L L76 V8 and six speed automatics of course.

    It's not my cup of tea, but I think Holden would still like to Build the coupe 60. I could see it with Holden's Buick Fascia. It's really a ready to build car, that's been on hold.

    http://concept.holdencampaign.com.au/

    holden-coupe-60-back.jpg

    I think the unconfirmed Insignia Coupe would likely be a better fit.

    GTC Concept

    2007-Opel-GTC-Concept-Rear-And-Side-1600

    With Saab out of the Fold, Thoughts on the Insignia Sport Tourer?

    3VauxhallInsigniaSportsTour.jpg

  7. Is there a place for Future Global niche Vehicles at Buick?

    With the addition of the Insignia, and a future Theta (Centieme?) Buick looks to have strong lineup coming.

    My question what potential is there for niche vehicles? (Likely small volume imports)

    An Insignia sports tourer based Electra? An insignia coupe?

  8. I would win that bet, I think... Look at this picture I just found :AH-HA_wink:

    Buick.jpg

    The Car on the end looks like it is the Insignia. Regal would be a poor choice of name. It's to old school. Every other vehicle in the Lineup is new school. I wouldn't object to bringing back the Reatta model name though.

  9. The Saab Bio Power Hybrid(Both Versions), And The Astra Hybrid showed the Vision Needed. I Think raising cafe is okay. But I would like a DOE/EPA run Fund to Bring advanced Technologies to market. An Automaker would go to the Fund Board present a case for an advanced Technologie. The Board would examine the Merits, and either approve or reject a grant.

    Its a Win Win. Creates jobs,Brings advanced technologie to market, lowers Fuel consumption,and Guides Automakers in a positive direction.

    However since the People would be funding a Large chunk. Markups should by law be minimal. All said Technologies would have to be built and sold here.

  10. scroll down to hydraulic hybrid

    Hydraulic Hybrid. Also on display at the meeting will be a Peterbilt Model 320 featuring Hydraulic Launch Assist hybrid technology. (Earlier post.) The Class 8 vehicle is specifically designed for refuse applications and uses its kinetic energy to conserve fuel and assist in acceleration.

    The Hydraulic Launch Assist technology was also developed in partnership with Eaton. The system is particularly beneficial in heavy stop-and-go applications, such as refuse collection. In addition to the enhanced fuel economy, brake wear can be reduced by more than 50 percent, improving serviceability requirements and reducing operating expenses.

    Hydraulic Launch Assist works by recovering a portion of the energy normally lost as heat by the vehicle’s brakes in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. This fluid is stored in an on-board accumulator until the driver next accelerates the vehicle.

    Stored energy launches the vehicle during the initial, high-fuel consumption start from stop, followed seamlessly by power from the primary engine. In performance mode, the stored energy is released and blended with engine power at launch. This can significantly improve acceleration due to the high power density of hydraulics.

    November 10, 2006 in Hybrids | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBack

    GM has been on record trashing the Hydraulic hybrid system as "Noisey" and "Prone To Leaks".

  11. :duh:

    Holy crap! They don't have the resources to keep changing course. Not just platforms, it effects powertrains.

    Lutz has had a bad attitude about Fuel Economy for awhile. I still remember reading his off the Cuff remark in 04. " If you want better fuel economy, make gas 3 dollars a Gallon." After gearing everything towards muscle, turning it around will be a 2 year disadvantage.

  12. http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061212/1045947.asp

    General Motors Corp. was granted nearly $8 million in tax breaks on Monday by the Erie County Industrial Development Agency to bolster the Town of Tonawanda engine plant's bid to land a $300 million upgrade that includes a new line of diesel engines.

    The incentives include more than $1.8 million in sales tax breaks, along with an estimated $6 million in savings over the next 26 years by changing GM's payment in lieu of taxes agreement for the engine plant to reduce the company's obligations.

    Seems like a one sided deal.If Tonawanda doesn't get the engine line are the tax breaks null and void?

  13. http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20061122/1042286.asp

    DETROIT - United Auto Workers President Ron Gettelfinger reassured General Motors Corp. and Delphi Corp. retirees and workers Tuesday about the safety of their pensions and said the union would try to preserve the jobs bank that guarantees pay for laid-off workers.

    During a live lunch-hour Internet chat with union members and reporters on the UAW Web site, Gettelfinger was asked if the union is committed to preserving the jobs bank.

    "Why would you think anything else?" he replied.

    The number of workers in jobs banks is likely to fall next year, however, as more workers leave GM and Ford Motor Co. through buyout and early retirement offers.

    Delphi - He said the battle with the bankrupt auto-parts maker over proposed wage cuts "is far from over."

    Pensions - He said GM's pension plan is well-funded.

    "You have no cause for concern," he told a recent retiree from Flint.

    Gettelfinger also told a worker from Saginaw that benefit guarantees in the UAW contract with Delphi would prevent the company from defaulting on its pension plan, although he did not say what would happen when the contract expires.

    Negotiations - The UAW master contract with Ford, GM and DaimlerChrysler expires on Sept. 14, 2007, and Gettelfinger said contract talks would begin with GM in July.

    "Our union will approach the '07 negotiations and fight for our membership as we have in the past. There is no use in publicly discussing the strategies we will employ," he said.

    The union will hold a special convention in March to discuss strategy for contract bargaining with the automakers, he said.

    Organizing - A member also asked if the union is still trying to organize workers at foreign auto plants in the U.S., and Gettelfinger said such drives are ongoing.

    Although workers have not been organized, Gettelfinger said he was pleased with the support the UAW has received at the plants.

  14. Or the UAW/CAW can organize at the transplants in NA and level the playing field.

    The playing field just needs equilization and there are solutions.  Organizing is one of them.

    220615[/snapback]

    Well there is'nt going to be any pension or major healthcare relief from the unions.Any healthcare relief will have to come from government intervention. The HMO's are Collusive and out of control. In my mind they have lost the right to set thier own rates.

    Pharm companies are out of control as well. Oh no free trade there.

    Bush in his worship of Friedmanism made organizing the Japanese and Korean plants impossible. One of 2 things is coming Rescinding free trade and Tariffs. Or a 25 to 35% percent devalueing of the Dollar. The "New Domestics" Will have to Increase thier Prices. Increase U.S. parts content. Or take smaller profits. And Toyota may be preparing for just such an eventuality. Toyota may be better prepared for an end to Free trade then GM,Ford,and Daimler Chrysler.

    America is waking up and the Backlash against Friedmans "Free Market" Economics is going to be huge.

    Systematically Everying Roosevelt accomplished has been attacked. From Labor, to Social Security,To even the SEC. Pensions and Social security are contrary to Friedman economics.Even a minimum wage is contrary to Friedman economics. Any Sort of Government Control even for the good of the people is contrary to Freidman economics.

    Friedmans "Free Market" economics are sociopathic. There is a change coming. It will be radical. Big Oil, Pharms,and HMO's will payback. Free trade will Die. The Top 1% will pay a lot more in taxes. Labor will be reinforced. Bancruptcy law will be changed to protect pensions.

    The Big 3 need to get on board and support National Healthcare. They need to stop dreaming about pension relief. They need to plan for an end to free trade. Outsourcing is cutting there own throat. They have lived on the 25% truck tariff. There will be no sympathy when free trade ends and the Factories are over the borders.

    Sorry bout the Rant. But ....

  15. agree and will add:

    1) Real tort reform.

    2) Total healthcare reform - insurance, hospitals, pharms, all the way to the band-aids we buy at CVS.

    3) TAX on ALL large businesses "incorporated" in this country to pay for the prescription drug plan, reform medicare and medicaid.  This money should go into a trust and equilize the corporate playing field.  Toyota, Sony, ACME US operations, whatever will have the same obligations if they want to do business in this county.

    There is no reason why if I or anyone need to go to the hospital in this country for whatever "reasonable, likely" reason, should go broke.

    F' the insurance excuse.  The US only has the best healthcare system for those with insurance.  But has anyone actually looked what the insurance companies are being charged by the system.  It is out uncalled for.

    Hell I also follow the pharmaceutical industry.  Do you know where the clincal testing is being conducted these days becuase the cost in the US is escalating, China and India.  The US popluation in some studies cannot even take part in early potentialy life saving studies.  This is valid and the FDA will use this data to determine marketability.  This is a f'in joke.

    The system is broke and dysfunctional. 

    In either case - I throw out ideas above which may not be the exact solution.

    But I am certain of this.

    The system needs to be funded and the playing field equilized.

    You want to talk about the pension system and SS benefits not being properly funded.  What about all those businesses hiring illigal aliens in this country that are not paying Medicare and SS taxes and yet these aliens put a burden on the state healthcare system becuase they cannot afford to pay cash for their medical needs in this country.  1000 bucks for a couple of stiches or a couple thousand to fix a broken limb.

    The system does not work.

    Anybody that says the US has the best healthcare system in the world is full of $h!, a fool or a politician.

    You want reform, the US government should invetigate and fine businesses that hire illegals now for tax evasion.  Where are those billions going?

    219846[/snapback]

    :thumbsup:

    You should see the prices for some medical products. Little plastic tubing connectors from Alaris. Made in Mexico and costing $50.00 each. A case of twenty over a thousand Dollars. We wont even get into the cost of Sutures. Vacutainers, I.V. solutions... It's unbelievable.

    I was Toying with the Idea of Combining Social Security,andMedicare into a single entity.

    " Social Security-Health and Medicine "

    Provide Single Payer National Healthcare, and open access to International and Generic Drugs To retirees. (And Disabled)

    With the combining of Social Security and Medicare. Rewriting the Tax to pay for it could be done in a way not to be a greater burden to The Average American.

    Removing Retiree Healthcare from Corporate America. And Local Governments

    Then for the Average American HMO profit limits would be nice.

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