2b2

thanks, ocnblu!!!I've been making ideal Mercury lineups for a long time & posting in a novel-masquerading-as-a-thread elsewhere (with chops) for a couple years about this topic... In that time I've gone overboard with way too many models (for realism) and keep trying to cutback. Here's my current minimum followed by some 'extras' Miga - C3 long wheelbase, 5-door dualback that looks like a sedan (like Skoda Superb) I'd show a concept at NAIAS & keep the Focus for next year's LAIAS Mariner(/Mariner5 see below) - based on the Grand C-Max (not Kuga) BUT given a major X-Road/steroid treatment AND No 3rd row; styling would keep as much of the current 'CountryClub-look' (imho) as possible; Hybrid too, of course Milan - 5-door dualback that looks like an extra-sleek sedan think just ^those 3 models could account for a significant sales increase, but Wishes: Comet - based on Fiesta sedan (ie longer version) 5-door dualback that looks like a sedan, BAMR (VistaRoof) option; Hybrid too XR3 (or 'Miga-XR3') - C3 short wheelbase 5-door dualback that looks like a fastback hatch, uses most swb Focus sheetmetal with Miga details Miga-Capri (or just 'Capri') - 4-door with mega-BAMR std Miga-e - PlugIn Hybrid Mariner7 - based on next-gen S-Max, 3 row seating, sleeker styling based on Mariner5+Milan; Hybrid too DREAMS: Cougar - medium/Falcon-sized GRwdp (between Mustang and Interceptor/Continental) - FIRST retail GRwdP to intro!!! (only Mercury without a Hybrid version) & a lifestyle trucklet based on the Kuga: think smaller, hybrid-available SportTrak & a fastback SportSUVlet (think smaller X6) also Kuga-based & available as a Hybrid ps I'd be very interested to know what any Spanish speaking members think of the name "MIGA" (I recently got a Spanish-English/English-Spanish dictionary ...pronounced mee' guh?)

^ tho I've read that the Comet started out to be an Edsel model

Can we assume you meant Only When Your're INSIDE Cadillac One? :smilies-38096:

I drove them a little in snow when new, Daves87rs and could Not get them to slip (but they are just AllSeasons) Will find out (much) more this winter - since I moved - but that's probably too late to help you... edit just went & looked mine don't have "M+S" (mud and snow) markings on them but like I said - got them when they first came out, if that could make a diff.

I got Yoko H4S when they first came out (local place ordered them for me - no upcharge) for my econobox that thinks it's a sportscar (needed at least "H" ) not expensive (at the time) long treadlife & have been good in all weather TireRack

I'd like to ask/add if GM does offer both the Invicta and Insignia in the U.S., under whatever name or brand What-If the Insignia was named CUTLASS? I admit I'd love to see some kind of return of Oldsmobile & can think of 2 ways ^this could work -- if a unified mid-level/premium over-brand was formed as I outlined^^, then using Cutlass could work as well as any name imho AND would mean that the Insignia's distinctive and "distinctly-Not really fitting any U.S. brand's existing style-DNA" appearance would sort of Make Sense - again-imho (note: not necessarily saying "Oldsmobile" anywhere - then again...) -- without any brand-merging, perhaps Any dealer who carries either B or P or S could add the Cutlass to their portfolio? In Place Of having Auras & G6's & maybe Regals too - just Cutlass weird idea? or time for a new Cutlass?

^ that's a good part of why they should take BPGmc+Saturn+Hummer to make one full premium/mid-level lineup, Imho with each constituent 'sub-brand' then able to be properly focused* and still have a unified sales channel with a full range of offerings if in the not-near future there's sufficient volume, the 'parts' could be fleshed out to be stand-alone Brands again... ...perhaps more likely or first, split into 2 channels * plus is solves the one-dimensional definitions (frequently one-word) usually used to describe the Brands. Imho that can't be done with successful brands.

the concept was invented by Arthur C. Clarke iirc and has been featured in many Science Fiction stories can't remember which one had a nice graphic explanation of what happens to the land'n'people near the equator if it snaps (think ^that^ took place on Mars)

since another org-plan has been posted, here's another 3 channel approach Imho, in North America, GM needs to really merge their mid-brands, all those between Chevy & Caddy, into a unified "GMconnection" over-Brand (whatever they call it)... to forge a stronger Single-Message for a re-invented Sensible-Luxury and just-attainable Premium segment. (one omission: Saab -- I have no idea how to position Saab in North America, in the near future.) there's some more semi-organized reasoning and thoughts at my webpage version of this and a link to the when/where it originated

allow me http://media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=28324

Would ask Mr. Nesbitt about U.S. vs Euro styling, and if any particular styling trends are coming. or any other hints for what to expect in next couple years? btw, I've been a member for a long time but just recently have been able to login again (long story)

For me, retro is just another design theme, if it turns out good - fine - no extra points for bringing back something bland, ugly, or where the 'original' was already a copy/me-too. (borrowing mute's list) camaro = B+ mustang = B mini = B hhr = C+ ssr = C- pt cruiser = D (B when it first intro'ed) thunderbird = D (mainly cuz impractical) beetle = D- fj cruiser = F challenger = X for Xerox styles I'd like brought back (with modernized proportions) '63-65 Riviera '67-68 Cougar ('69-70 is ok too) '70 Toronado (iirc only year with 'blister' fenders)

Don't know if their page is updating but the camera buffer directories are active again.

That sure was the case with the Zephyr for me - still hate the rear in photos but in RL I like it (all of it) a lot.The new Navi I already like when the bottom grille is body color like in the chops. LOVE the main grille/headlites - would just prefer a chrome band on top like the Aviator-concept ( http://car-reviews.automobile.com/images/c...20765/alt01.jpg ) but with a heavily sculpted hood. The other thing I noticed at the autoshow was that interiors are totally different in person - one in particular I thought was fantastic in photos did NOTHING for me in person.

Chris, have you ever gotten a tip-off from a company that wanted their vehicle photo'ed?

think my favorite will be the Light Stone/Charcoal (above) with the all aluminum trim now if they'd just offer a BMWish steel blue ext...

When I was at the LA autoshow, I discovered the Milan (and Fusion too, judging from photos) have their manual lumbar adjust knob near the front of the side of the seat (where you usually find powerseat controls). It was so much more convenient and easier to use (a fantastic improvement!) than having to bend and reach around to one on the side of the seatback. Do other cars have this? Why haven't I read about this feature in any review? Anyone else notice this?

Does anyone think the "not beyond your reach" portion could be a counter to Lincoln's "Reach Higher"?

Codename D472 - built on an enlarged D3 platform - generally referred as a MAV (minivan alternative vehicle) and, in Lincoln's case, a possible R-class competitor. A Ford platform mate (D471) will be the next, larger Freestyle, which will have styling based on the Fairlane-concept (but that concept was on the smaller Fusion/Edge platform so use some imaginiation) That help?

I just meant by size. ovl 193.6 - RL 194.3 - Lincoln LS (disc.) 197.4 - Lexus LS 198.9 - A8 200.8 - Q45 203.1 - S class 203.8 - Lincoln MkS 204.0 - A8-L 205.3 - Jaguar XJ (edit: I think those #s are correct)

Nicely said. FML didn't have to choose this path... well, I guess they think they did.Though the MkS would be the RL's as-yet-unbuilt BIG brother. On looks though, I can see it taking on the Q or LS. I just hope it bends some minds (consumer AND reviewer) in a good way. Has the announcement as to when it intros been made yet?

Yet the S.C. is far more elegant than Chrysler's new truck... ...what? wrong picture? that's NOT a truck?

I like the split A-pillar. Kinda reminds me of this

It's solely because it's CHEAP. Same reason they didn't bother hiring a designer.

Sixty8panther, you know these sites? HubcapCafe STILL one of the most beautiful cars EVER made. R.O.A. Ned Nickles' original drawing