Drew Dowdell

which means.... it will last.... longer?

longevity of the oil. As long as you have a high quality oil filter that isn't clogged, you can continue to run the same oil until it's lubricating properties break down. On Synthetic, that takes twice as long or longer to happen. Synthetic oil also doesn't break down with age as rapidly as Dino oil... which is good for me since I don't do a lot of miles on my car. I'll be under 5,000 miles for the year I think. On brand new engines, we're starting to get to the 10,000 mile oil change cycle.

I think he is referring to the RDX which is powered by a 240hp 4-cylinder and gets 24mpg or the EX which also gets 24mpg but at least has 297 horsepower. If the Encore is lighter in this class, it could probably get 30ish mpg and still have 250hp - 260hp depending on which tune of Turbo Ecotec it gets.

One person trips and falls over a mouse cable, so now they want to replace 4,000 wired mice with wireless versions. Uh... what about their keyboards? and how were they walking under the desk? (the way the desks are shaped, we don't understand how this even happened in the first place.)

What benefit does the integrated exhaust collector provide?

I've just been using the new Dexos synthetic that GM has been using as standard fill on all 2011 vehicles. The new standards for that oil sound pretty robust, so it should do well in the tame use our engines get and I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off by Royal Purple prices. I still think the quality of the oil filter is of more importance than the oil itself. Regular old dino oil is fine as long at you change it when specified. The new synthetics are more about length of time between oil changes.

Guys, When you know of a car show or a regular car cruise that will be happening in your area. Can you please make an entry in the calendar at the tab at the top? I'm going to start working on the ones I know. Include date/time/location and if possible a link for more information.

Lamda is doing well for what it is, but the reason GM keeps trying to make more variants off of it is that it was originally intended to also underpin at least two if not three sedans as well. There was the stillborn Chi platform that was going to be the basis of the Cadillac DT7, NG Buick Lucerne, and Chevrolet Caprice/Impala. GM is trying to make the platform more viable by adding a Cadillac Lambda (as well as fill a hole in the Caddy lineup). Chi was the sedan version of Lambda. wouldn't a lambda sedan be extremely heavy? It would probably base around 4,000lbs... which is what the 5-series bases at.

but then "cars will be less safe! Think of the children!!!!!@12121!!!!!"

I'm driving up to Toronto tomorrow for another PM course.

The personal attacks will stop... and apologies should be issued.

If you do go with a 4-banger, it almost has to be a direct injection unit in order to get the low end torque you want. You probably want end up with an LNF from a solstice or something. Your final drive would be what gets you the mileage.

We are also running a contest to design the next Cadillac crossover.

There is going to be some confusion on platform naming very soon because a bunch of platforms are about to get very mixed up. The Delta II architecture is very flexible in sizing. It also has a weight advantage over Theta-Epsilon. The next Theta is actually going to be Delta-Theta rather than Theta-Epsilon. Expect the new Buick Encore to be roughly between Nissan Rogue and Honda CR-V in size with only 4-cylinder, 4-cylinder turbo, and 4-cylinder eAssist for engines.

Part of trying to move Buick up market.

Lamda is doing well for what it is, but the reason GM keeps trying to make more variants off of it is that it was originally intended to also underpin at least two if not three sedans as well. There was the stillborn Chi platform that was going to be the basis of the Cadillac DT7, NG Buick Lucerne, and Chevrolet Caprice/Impala. GM is trying to make the platform more viable by adding a Cadillac Lambda (as well as fill a hole in the Caddy lineup). Chi was the sedan version of Lambda.

Acadia is moving to something called Theta 5+2 (in reference to the number of seating positions) Though the next generation Theta is actually going to be a Delta variant with more flexibility in size.

All of that is true about business owners and perception. It was a major reason why my parents went Ford King Ranch instead of Escalade EXT like I wanted them to. (even used). However, there is very little you can get in the GMC that you can't get in the Chevy HD. The GMC Denali gets you more leather, wood, and heated interior bits. That really isn't enough product differentiation for price tags that large. If Buick is going to be the E-Assist division, GMC should be too. It would make the products more unique and give them a foothold over outside competitors as well.

You guys just gave me an AWESOME new idea for contests :-)

and... back to GMC.

That's going a bit too far. But this is what is one there now. Video from last year.

Gearing... or would you lift the 6-speed into there as well? The LT-1 just loafs along at 1600 RPM at 70 mph.

Reg, why don't you check the numbers first? You know we will.

I don't think you're going to get 30-35mpg out of a '70 Catalina unless you get a Volt powertrain. I could see you getting 25-27 mpg out of it from a Roadmaster LT-1.... it would also probably be the easiest and least costly swap. Another one that might be interesting that I didn't see brought up is one of the Atlas motors. You have your choice of 4-cylinder, 5-cylinder, or 6-cylinder.

I've always viewed Certified Pre-Owned as a way to get a used car with a really good extended warranty from GM, Ford, whoever.