Drew Dowdell

Because the Verano, Cruze, and Sonic, though started pre-bk, have everything needed to be class leaders, and show an even bigger improvement than the '08 CTS did.

You there, no link spamming. First warning.

Most buyers don't even know that engines can be turned 90 degrees. All they know is from their Mickey Mouse cartoons growing up what an engine might look like. Most 1-series drivers thought they were buying a FWD car!

Just because it is the only FWD Lexus doesn't make them equivalents. Using that same logic, the G8 is still a 7-series fighter because it was the only RWD Pontiac sedan. The ES is a Lacrosse competitor. The XTS is a whole class above those two based on technology and options. The XTS has Magnaride, a limited slip rear differential on AWD models, CUE, a vastly better interior (the new ES didn't move the ball forward at ALL), the wheelbase of the XTS is exactly half way between the E-class and ES. The ES isn't even using Direct Injection engines yet.

That means the 7-series and G8 are totally competitors then...

MKS yes, but XTS is out of the ES price and options range.

Happy birthday guys!

The 1.4T in the Cruze puts out just 2 horsepower less than the 5.0 in my Toronado..... though my Toronado does make up for it in torque. I'd need to get a Cobalt SS engine to exceed the torque I have now.

A high end, 2 seat roadster along the lines of the SL. None of the other Asian brands have something like that.

I handled the snow in WV in my RWD CTS.... I'm a manly man...

Well, you've got a few things wrong here. The 172 ft-lb is from the gas engine alone, the electric part rounds it up to 200 ft-lb total and it isn't a standard automatic. Toyota hybrid drive is a CVT, so no hunting at all.

Funny how it is being rated behind a Buick....

I can safely say that I would pick any Volvo over its Acura counterpart.

Volvo has really managed to transform their line up lately, but it seems few have noticed.

200 ft/lbs total, running through a CVT in a soft 3,500+ car..... how much more numb can you get?

Of course I'd go with the EB, but there is still something about the Adenauer Benz that speaks to me.

It's only fair, the Mustang platform is a derivative of the Lincoln LS platform.

Technically, GM could use the same engine the Jeep is getting. They own 50% of the company that built it.

No. the caliber really wasn't a nice entry level car..

Both sedans are excellently competitive in their markets. Wagon versions would be likewise.