Robert Hall

Yes, lots of good stuff...I like most all of those...to that list I'd add the Quattroporte and CLS (my favorite Merc). The problem is, at the cheap end (under $30k), their isn't a lot that looks that great, IMHO.

$30k is more upper end of the Equinox/Vue, I think...I assume the SRX will priced like the current SRX...it will be interesting to see how it competes, though... I don't see this SRX competing with more powerful V8 equipped models like the FX, X5, and ML...or will Cadillac not be aiming at them anymore ---that is where the current SRX was aimed, I thought... is the new SRX instead aimed at the sub $50k entry-lux market like the X3, GLK, RX, MDX, and MKX are?

I wonder if they will do a GXP version as well, though.

I think Toyota's investment/profits in full-size trucks/SUVs was pretty small relative to their total investments/profits, though...the Detroit 3 were/are far more dependent on profits from them.

I suspect not.. 1996 (the year of the last big Caddy) is not coming back...which is sad...the Town Car is really the last of it's kind. Though I like ultramodern luxury cars like the CTS, Audis, BMWs, etc, part of me still loves the classic Detroit land yachts.

Funny you mentioned that..as it says on the Dodge website, '..And with a low lift height, accessing the trunk from Challenger's exterior is a breeze'. Believe it or not, the decklid DOES go down to the bumper, which is why the taillight is split into 3 segments. Subtle. They did a nice job on that detail. True enough about regulations and conformity...cars in general are more alike than diffferent today.

Yeah, I definitely see some Audi in the rear..the way the hatch wraps around the sides is very similar to the Q7.

Yes, and one fact I didn't realize when I first perused the pics..this is an MCE of the current A6...the next gen isn't due until '11-12..

Didn't see this coming... Inside Line article Maybe GM can do Equinox, Vue and SRX convertibles also..

Autoweek is reporting that it will definitely be called the G8 ST...no surprise there. Autoblorg and Inside Line are also reporting it. Autoweek Article on G8 ST

Different engine.

Some of my favorite Benzes are the '60s-early '70s S-class coupes and convertibles, the SLs, the '50s Gullwing SLs, and the '70s 6.3 and 6.9 supersedans. I remember when I was in 2nd grade I had a teacher that had a '63 SE coupe (similar to the pic below). In Podunk, Ohio in the late '70s this car really stood out...I feel in love with the design. My family doctor had a '79 450SEL 6.9, I remember that making an impression on me also.

I had a friend tell me that if I ate too many vegetarian dishes I'd end up driving a Volvo or Subaru listening to NPR and wearing birkenstocks. Hmm...I do listen to NPR occasionally in the Grand Cherokee. And I do support PETA (People Eating Tasty Animals).

IIRC, my Escort diesel had a timing belt...replaced it at about 80k or so.

We will see...it seems GM's midsizers have always been focused with competing with other GM brands, rather than non-GM competition..

I saw an early '50s Packard 4dr sedan on the freeway earlier this evening. Black, goregous condition. Shocking to see a car that old in traffic...rolling along smoothly at about 60.. looking at pics online, I think it was a 53 Patrician..coming up beside it from a distance, it took a while to figure out what it was.. A few miles down on the 10, the traffic was all backed up...someone had wedged a Z4 roadster under the rear bumper of a bright yellow raised F350 Super Duty crew cab bloat beast. Ouch.

Isn't that pretty common on OHC 4cyl engines? I believe Hyundais, Hondas, etc use timing belts.

Yes...the MDX looks slick and premium...the Pilot looks like the bland family hauler it is.

Seems high for a GM FWD midsize.

Cool..I think that is the new F150 XFE...supposed to be very fuel efficient.

Yes... my sister's driveway and garage circa 1981 was bizzaro...battered blue '76 Pinto (her first car), a bronze '78 Datsun 280Z w/ wire wheels, a gold TR6, a silver TR8..usually with the hood open, and a beige '73 Matador 4dr.

Yes, cars like the Element, Aztek, B6 Tribeca (which I always thought was an homage to older SAAB styling) were intentionally ugly..

The electricals (Lucas) and carburators seem to be nightmares on those cars... my ex-brother-in-law #1 had a TR6 and then TR8..he was always working on them, the were always broken down in the driveway, and they were only 5-10 years old at the time..

And for the Mopar fans, there are the F-, J- and M- bodies (Volare, Aspen, Le Baron, Diplomat, etc)..but most of those rusted away long ago in salty climes.. these cars seem even scarcer than any of the Fords and GMs Camino listed.

Hmmm..I wonder...because it seems like hybrids usually have 'lower resistance tires' and they usually seem narrower than regular tires.