Robert Hall

Yeah, I remember that. I'm sure some people also wanted to badge a version of the FWD Grand Prix as a GTO instead of a GTP/GXP/whatever.

I assume GM didn't unstiffen the platform and simply added the roof. Hence, it's heavier. And remember, it's a targa, not a full roof. So it needs to be as stiff as possible..

Interesting..a lot higher than I thought. I'm always amazed at the people I know my age (late 30s) that admit they can't drive a stick.

It's heavier because this is a convertible with the coupe upper added ..if you look closely at the pics, you can see the seams where the coupe upper mates to the convertible quarter panels..I assume the rear upper structure is a plugin that fits where the decklid and boot of the convertible were. When it's the other way around, (i.e. a coupe from which a convertible is derived, then the coupe weighs less).

Because so few North Americans actually know how to use a manual, let alone buy them... aren't manuals like 3% of total sales in NA?

Interesting how similar the greenhouse and proportions are to the MKS....they almost look like they could siblings for two brands sharing a platform.

Slick..very slick.

I think that's the answer right there...or how about the buses and big rigs spewing out their filth? I blame the corrupt, vile people that manage large corporations. And don't forget the cattle, burping and farting mEthane. They need to be fitted w/ catalytic converters..

Is the Insignia Epsy II?

GM's a global company..obviously, they are going to invest in emerging markets that have growth potential.

I'm guessing it's a concept for the next Lucerne..it looks bigger than a LaCrosse/Epsy II Regal will be..

Whatever it is, it looks pretty interesting...I like the classic Buick sweepspear on the side and love the name. Nothing wrong with using 'heritage' names, IMHO... I love the names Invicta and Electra in particular. (by the way, here's a geek factoid--I have the computers on my home network named Impala, Catalina, Ventura, Invicta, and Electra-- '60s GM big-car names that end in 'a').

Kewl.

I'd compare the Avalon to the Lucerne or Sable...it's more of a large, cushy Buick-style cruiser than the G8. The G8's only domestic competitor is the Charger, and for the imports, maybe the '09 Maxima? (yes, the Maxima is FWD, but it's a largish, cheap sport sedan...no RWD equivalents in the non-premium brands that I can think of).

Boring...it's a 5000lb truck. Hopefully GM will still have RWD cars, at least for Cadillac. As will Infiniti and Lexus... and Jaguar if they are still around.

For the near term, my daily driver will remain my '00 Grand Cherokee... I'm thinking of getting a convertible for a Phoenix winter car in a year or so, though. I'm still thinking about a CTS for my next daily driver, before June '10 (my 40th b-day).

I like it overall, esp. the interior. But the TL is still my favorite FWD sport sedan...

That is a true bumper sticker, though...you basically are flushing away money when fueling up a gas guzzling bloat beast...

Well, this is GM we are talking about..they always seem to be a decade or so behind on content on their mass-market models...they are just getting past pushrod V6s and 4spd automatics, after all...

I see the MKS in the greenhouse...interesting to see a vertical grille rather than the recent Nissan styles... I like the interior, definitely some Infiniti influence in the center stack.

Ventura? I like that name...was thinking it could be interesting to bring back. I wondered if Zeta would work as a name..it's distinctive.

No point for an SUV with GMC in the same showroom...the Torrent replacement is going to be the GMC Terrain, from what I've read.

I would think with gas prices as they are now, and presuming they continue to go up, demand for Hummers will drop off naturally... It would be nice for GM to have a brand the competed with Jeep, I don't think Hummer is it though...too ugly, too obese.

I saw a gold 5dr Pontiac T1000 this morning in traffic...haven't seen one of those (or a Chevette) in years!

It's a car truck, though....a 2 seat coupe with a large trunk.