Drew Dowdell

Chevrolet Debuts the 2012 Sonic Sedan and Hatch 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Hatch and Sedan Media Gallery Be sure to watch the live reveal of the 2012 Sonic here on CheersandGears.com on January 10th at 6:15 eastern time. Small car with aggressive, youthful design in five-door and sedan models Available Ecotec 1.4L turbo with an estimated 138 hp (103 kW) Engineered for agile, athletic ride and handling Smart connectivity features including MyChevrolet smart phone app Only small car built in America DETROIT – Chevrolet displayed the all-new 2012 Sonic at the North American International Auto Show. Its youthful, aggressive design is backed by turbocharged performance and agile ride and handling, combining to deliver an efficient, fun-to-drive small car. The Sonic is offered in two body styles: a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty five-door. Each delivers class-leading rear-seat roominess and cargo space. A variety of connectivity features enhance the driving experience. "The all-new Chevrolet Sonic blends the practicality of a small car with the passion for driving that Chevrolet vehicles like the Corvette are known for," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its combination of great design, fun driving experience and the latest connectivity features create a serious competitor with a fun spirit." Production of the Sonic begins later in 2011 at the General Motors Orion Assembly Center in Michigan, which received a $545-million investment in upgrades and retooling, and will help restore approximately 1,000 jobs in the metropolitan Detroit area. "Chevrolet is the only company building a small car in the United States," said Perry. "We believe the Sonic will bring substance to the segment, with progressive styling, performance and value that will change perceptions of what a small car can be in America." Sonic's highlights include: Available efficient Ecotec 1.4L turbo engine rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW) – 18 horsepower (14 kW) more than Ford Fiesta – that delivers competitive fuel economy. It's the same engine used in the Chevrolet Cruze in a smaller, lighter package for a greater feeling of performance Standard Ecotec 1.8L engine paired with five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions Ecotec 1.4L turbo available with a six-speed manual transmission Ride and handling tuned by Chevy Corvette engineers; standard electronic power steering and StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing Sedan model offers segment-best trunk capacity that is greater than most compact cars; hatchback and sedan offer better rear-seat roominess than Ford Fiesta. With a rear seat that folds nearly flat, the Sonic hatchback has greater cargo capacity than Fiesta Connectivity includes OnStar with six months of Turn-by-Turn navigation. Available features include XM Satellite Radio, USB and Bluetooth functionality and MyChevrolet mobile application with OnStar MyLink vehicle connectivity Remote start, heated front seats and sunroof, all rarities in the segment Comprehensive safety features include 10 standard air bags, antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and OnStar with Automatic Crash Response. Progressive exterior design From every angle, Sonic sedan and five-door models convey strength, stability and refinement. A wide, planted stance, with wheels-at-the-corners proportions, conveys performance. Progressive, raked body lines suggest movement even when the car is stationary. Aggressive cues, including fender flares and motorcycle-inspired round headlamps, are blended with global design cues – a dual-element grille and round taillamps – for a design instantly recognizable as Chevrolet. The leading edge of the hood forms a character line above the headlamps, which flows in a sleek side profile characterized by uninterrupted body side lines, a high beltline and low roofline. The side mirrors carry the same shape as the car and seemingly disappear into the profile. The sedan and five-door models are distinctively different. The five-door carries a tight, two-box shape with aggressive, diving feature lines, while the sedan's "notchback" profile has a more upscale and mature presence. At first glance, the five-door model looks like a three-door hatch because the rear door handles are discreetly located in the "C"-pillar area. The rear of the five-door continues with unconventional details, including exposed, motorcycle-inspired rear taillamps. Details that reinforce Sonic's quality and attention to detail include chrome grille surrounds and matte black honeycomb grille inserts on all models, while a range of large wheel sizes, including 17-inch alloy wheels, reinforces its sporty demeanor. Inspired interior Sonic's cabin complements the motorcycle-inspired exterior with a detailed instrument cluster featuring a large, round analog tachometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital speedometer display. Additional interior highlights include: The mid-instrument panel surface is available in two colors (dark titanium and brick) and flows seamlessly into the upper doors, with premium low-glass finishes The automatic shift knob has a "cobra head" design," while the manual shifter has a chrome-finished knob Tubular outboard climate outlets protrude from the instrument panel surface. The interior includes storage compartments in the center stack and doors. The rear seats fold flat for carrying larger items. Front bucket seats are standard and heated front seats are available. Cruze-based powertrains Chevrolet Sonic models are powered by efficient, power-dense, small-displacement engines, including the Ecotec 1.4L turbo and the Ecotec 1.8L – the same engines used in the new Chevrolet Cruze. Three transmissions are available: a five-speed manual and six-speed automatic with the 1.8L and a six-speed manual with the 1.4L turbo. The Ecotec 1.4L turbo's power ratings are estimated at 138 horsepower (103 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm) between 1,850 rpm and 4,900 rpm. The wide rpm range for the maximum torque – a specific trait of turbocharged engines – helps the engine deliver a better driving experience and performance. Premium design elements give the engine world-class smoothness and durability. Features include: Low-mass hollow-frame cast iron block Dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing Chain-driven cams Roller-finger camshaft followers Piston-cooling oil jets and integrated oil cooler Variable-flow oil pump Electronically controlled thermostat. The 1.4L's turbocharger is integrated within the exhaust manifold, for reduced weight and greater packaging flexibility in small vehicles. A reinforced crankshaft and stronger connecting rods deliver additional strength to support the engine's pressurized power and torque over a wide rpm band. The naturally aspirated Ecotec 1.8L engine has many of the same features of the Ecotec 1.4L turbo. It is a compact and durable four-cylinder engine designed for low maintenance, low emissions and fuel efficiency. Its two-stage variable intake manifold allows approximately 90 percent of peak torque to be available from 2,400 rpm to 6,500 rpm. It is estimated at 135 horsepower (101 kW), along with 123 lb.-ft. of torque (167 Nm) at 3,800 rpm. Engineered for agile, athletic ride and handling The Sonic brings agility and a fun-to-drive feel that is rare in the segment. Engineers who also work on the Corvette tuned the Sonic's confident ride and handling, giving it a more direct and athletic feel, while balancing the vehicle for the broad range of driving conditions in North America. All models feature a MacPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a semi-independent, torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension – featuring a robust, tubular V-shape beam – with gas-charged shocks. The front and rear tracks are identical at 59.4 inches (1,509 mm), for well-planted stability and excellent balance. Electronic power steering is standard and features a wear compensator that continually adjusts the system interaction with the steering gear to ensure precise steering action over the life of the system. Sonic's body structure is designed to be one of the stiffest in the segment. Its rigidity enabled engineers to tune the ride and handling more precisely. Sonic's unique "flat top frame" cradle, for example, assures optimal stiffness in the front chassis portion of the vehicle. The rear axle is essentially a straight axle without contour for packaging restraints and reduced noise, vibration and harshness. A range of wheel sizes is available, including 17-inch wheels and sport tires. Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, along with a four-channel antilock braking system. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on such factors as road conditions and the weight of passengers and/or cargo. About Chevrolet Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly" solutions, such as Chevrolet Cruze Eco with an EPA-estimated 42 miles per gallon highway, and the Chevrolet Volt offering 35 miles of electric driving and an additional 344 miles of extended gasoline range, according to EPA estimates. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions and OnStar availability can be found at www.chevrolet.com. 2012 CHEVY SONIC PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS Overview <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Models: </td> <td valign="top" width="318"> Sonic 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Body style / driveline: </td> <td valign="top" width="318"> 4-door or 5-door, front engine, front-wheel drive, 5 passengers </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Construction: </td> <td valign="top" width="318"> unitized body/frame </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> EPA vehicle class: </td> <td valign="top" width="318"> subcompact </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Manufacturing location: </td> <td valign="top" width="318"> Orion Township, Mich. </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="222"> Key competitors: </td> <td valign="top" width="318"> Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Engines <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 1.8L DOHC I-4 </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 1.4L turbocharged DOHC I-4 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Displacement (cu. in. / cc): </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 110 / 1796 </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 83.2 / 1364 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Bore and stroke (in. / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 3.17 x 3.47 / 80.5 x 88.2 </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 2.85 x 3.25 / 72.5 x 82.6 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Block material: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> cast iron </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> cast iron </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Cylinder head material: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> cast aluminum </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> cast aluminum </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Valvetrain: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP) </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, double continuously cam phaser intake and exhaust (DCVCP) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Ignition system: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> individual coil on plug </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> individual coil on plug </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Fuel delivery: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> sequential multi-port fuel injectors with electronic throttle control </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Compression ratio: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 10.5:1 </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 9.5:1 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 135 / 101 @ 6300 (est.) </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 138 / 103 @ 4900 (est.) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm @ rpm): </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 125 / 168 @ 3800 (est.) </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 148 / 200 @ 1850 (est.) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Recommended fuel: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> regular unleaded </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> regular unleaded </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Max engine speed (rpm): </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 6500 </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> 6500 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Emissions controls: </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> close-coupled and underfloor catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 58x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast light-off O2 sensor </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="169"> Est. fuel economy (city / hwy): </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD </td> <td valign="top" width="192"> TBD </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Transmissions <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133"> </td> <td valign="top" width="132"> M32 6-speed manual (1.4L turbo) </td> <td valign="top" width="132"> Hydra-Matic 6T30 6-speed automatic (1.8L) </td> <td valign="top" width="144"> M26 5-speed manual (1.8L) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Gear ratios (:1) </td> <td valign="top" width="132"> </td> <td valign="top" width="132"> </td> <td valign="top" width="144"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">First: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.82 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">4.45 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">3.72 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Second: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">2.05 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">2.91 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">1.96 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Third: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.30 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.89 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">1.32 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Fourth: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.96 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.44 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">0.94 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Fifth: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.74 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">1.00 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">0.75 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Sixth: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.61 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">0.74 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">-- </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Reverse: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.54 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">2.87 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">3.30 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="133">Final drive: </td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.65 </td> <td valign="top" width="132">3.47 </td> <td valign="top" width="144">3.94 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Chassis/Suspension <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Front: </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and stabilizer bar </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Rear: </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Steering type: </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> column-mounted electric power steering </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Steering ratio: </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 14:1 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 2.8 (15- and 16-inch wheels) 2.7 (17-inch wheels) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 34.5 / 10.5 (15- and 16-inch wheels) 36.1 / 11 (17-inch wheels) </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Brakes <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Type: </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> ventilated front disc and rear drum, with standard ABS </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 10.8 / 276 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Drum diameter x width (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> 9 / 230 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="228"> Total swept area (sq in / sq cm): </td> <td valign="top" width="312"> TBD </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Wheels/Tires <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Wheel size and type: </td> <td valign="top" width="348"> 15-inch alloy </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> </td> <td valign="top" width="348"> 16-inch alloy </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> </td> <td valign="top" width="348"> 17-inch alloy </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Tires: </td> <td valign="top" width="348"> P195/65R15 ALS </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> </td> <td valign="top" width="348"> P205/55R16 ALS </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> </td> <td valign="top" width="348"> P205/50R17 ALS </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Dimensions Exterior <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> </td> <td valign="top"> sedan </td> <td colspan="2" valign="top"> five-door </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Wheelbase (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 99.4 / 2525 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 99.4 / 2525 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Overall length (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 173.1 / 4399 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 159 / 4039 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Overall width (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 68.3 / 1735 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 68.3 / 1735 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Overall height (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 59.7 / 1517 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 59.7 / 1517 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Track (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> front: 59.4 / 1509 rear: 59.4 / 1509 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 59.4 / 1509 rear: 59.4 / 1509 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Curb weight (lb / kg): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Interior <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> </td> <td valign="top" width="181"> sedan </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> five-door </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Seating capacity (front / rear): </td> <td valign="top" width="181"> 2 / 3 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 2 / 3 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Headroom (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 38.7 / 982 (w/o sunroof) front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof) rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/o sunroof) rear: 37.8 / 961 (w/ sunroof) </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 38.7 / 982 (w/o sunroof) front: 37.6 / 956 (w/ sunroof) rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/o sunroof) rear: 38.1 / 968 (w/ sunroof) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Legroom (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 41.8 / 1062 rear: 34.6 / 881 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 41.8 / 1062 rear: 34.6 / 881 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Shoulder room (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 53.4 / 1358 rear: 53 / 1347 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 53.4 / 1358 rear: 53 / 1347 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="179"> Hip room (in / mm): </td> <td valign="top" width="181"> front: 51.4 / 1306 rear: 51.6 / 1310 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> front: 51.4 / 1306 rear: 51.6 / 1310 </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Capacities <table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> sedan </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> five-door </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Cargo volume (cu ft / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 14 / 397 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 19 / 539 (behind rear seats) 30.7 / 869 (seats folded) </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> EPA passenger vol. (cu ft / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 90.4 / 2560 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 90.6 / 2565 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Fuel tank (gal / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> 12.1 / 45.8 </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> 12.1 / 45.8 </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Engine oil (qt / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD </td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="192"> Cooling system (qt / L): </td> <td valign="top" width="168"> TBD </td> <td valign="top" width="180"> TBD </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.

Indeed, Holden has usually be decent with engineering, but their design has really come a long way.

That's because the current class V6 they have that would go into the Sonata is a 3.8 litre DOHC.... basically huge. What Dwight is proposing is a V6 that is marginally larger than a 4-cylinder that gives substantially better NHV. Which means, it could go into something like the Sonata and not increase weight dramatically.

There is clearly going to have to be some election reform around here too.

We filled up and reset the mpg tracker 200 yards from the highway.

Not enough weight to bring the mpg down that much, at the moment, it's just two of us skinny guys and our overnight bags. Highway mpg to Detroit (we've just about arrived) is a miserable for the class 29.1 mpg. Level roads, legal speeds.

<center><big><big><big>Top 5 Concepts:<br> That should not have been left on the shelf</center><br> </big></big></big><br> <div style="text-align: left;">January 9th, 2010 - Drew Dowdell - Chief Editor - CheerandGears.com<br> <br> Tomorrow begins the 2011 North American International Show in Detroit. At every auto show, manufacturers bring out their freshest designs, technologies and visions of the future. After a ho-hum 2010 auto show, a resurgent General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler are promising to kick things up a notch for the 2011 season. However, every season there are concepts that are shown that end up collecting dust on the shelf. We conducted a poll to select our favorite top 5, and as always, we narrowed it down to a conservative 11.<br> <br> <a href=" target="_blank">Concept Nominations Thread</a><br> <a href=" Voting Thread</a><br> <br> 5. Hummer HX - Tie - 13 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 263px;" alt="Hummer HX Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_86094.png"><br> <br> The <a href=" target="_blank">Hummer HX Concept</a> was GM's bonifide Wrangler killer, a package that was innovative and exciting. A real opportunity to both save the Hummer brand and trounce the venerable Jeep was lost when Hummer was axed. This no-nonsense concept was on the fast track to production and a bright future vs. Wrangler when disaster struck. Like the G8 ST, the Hummer HX is too good to waste and would be a natural under the GMC nameplate. Imagine this sitting next to a productionized Sierra All-Terrain HD in a GMC showroom circa 2012. <br> <br> 5. <a href=" Converj</a> - Tie - 13 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 190px;" alt="Cadillac Converj Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_38266.png"><br> <br> Built on the architecture that underpins the Chevrolet Volt, this Cadillac wouldn't have been the fastest luxury coupe out there, but it certainly would have been the most technologically advanced. <br> <br> <br> 4. Ford Interceptor - Tie - 14 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 185px;" alt="Ford Interceptor Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_29446.png"><br> <br> An obvious platform mate to the <a href=" target="_blank">Lincoln Continental concept that we wished for in our previous poll</a>, this car was even more of a no-brainer as a replacement for the ancient Crown Vic than the Continental Concept was for the Continental. On both cars the styling has a timeless appeal and the business case had a built in base. Ford dropped the ball on both.<br> <br> 4. Chrysler 200c - Tie - 14 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 251px;" alt="Chrysler 200c" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_9301.png"><br> <br> This is the car that could help turn Chrysler around, bring it upmarket, and make it more than just a reskinned/rebadged Dodge brand. A very handsome, RWD midsize premium sedan with a hybrid powertrain from the start.. Being based on a shortened version of the LX platform, it wasn't some pie-in-the-sky dream machine, it's very production feasible.<br> <br> 4. Jeep Gladiator - Tie 14 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 262px;" alt="Jeep Gladiator" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_194103.png"><br> <br> A Jeep mid-size truck based on the already popular Wrangler. Do I even need to explain this one?<br> <br> <br> 3. Holden Torena - Tie - 15 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 261px;" alt="Holden Torana Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_114375.png"><br> <br> <p>In 2004, Holden released a sporty five-door concept car called the Torana TT36 (TT = Twin Turbo; 36 = 3.6 litre V6). The model was said to debut a new platform for General Motors and previews the look of the 2006 VE Commodore In terms of size, it was marginally bigger than the BMW 3 Series on the outside, though considerably roomier inside with BMW 5 Series rivaling interior space.</p> <p>3. Holden Coupe 60 - Tie - 15 Votes</p> <p><img alt="Holden Coupe 60" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_141550.png"> </p> This one is easy. We liked the GTO. This would have been it's successor.<br> <br> 3. Buick Veilte - Tie - 15 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 254px;" alt="Buick Velite Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_133506.png"><br> <br> Yet another concept on GM's venerable Zeta platform that underpins the famous Holdens, the Pontiac G8, and the Chevrolet Camaro. See how many potentially great cars can come from a single platform if you put your mind to it? <p>2. Chevrolet Kappa Nomad - 16 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 247px;" alt="Chevrolet Kappa Nomad Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_43782.png"><br> <br> The Chevrolet Nomad concept was built on the same platform as the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. In fact, GM showed the Nomad off as a way to demonstrate the flexibility of the Kappa platform on which it was based. Nomad would have been a trend setter considering it had utility, sports, and uniqueness. It would have allowed GM to diversify Kappa and given it more legs to make profit. Furthermore, with Chevy's dealership reach it would have had a good market capitalization, if priced right. And the plus - no competitors.<br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Cadillac Sixteen - Tie</span> - 20 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 235px;" alt="Cadillac Sixteen Concept" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_79660.png"><br> <br> The car just says "F#@k you! I'm a Cadillac! You cannot afford me." Cadillac should have made 500 of them per year and priced them so that only the most elite could afford them. It would have lifted the brand's prestige tremendously. The Sixteen should have been offered painted in any color the customer wanted with any type of material on the interior that the customer wanted. The engine specs should have remained close to the concept. If you <span style="font-style: italic;">could </span>afford one and didn't get one of those 500, well tough luck and try again next year. That's what happens with exclusive cars. <br> <br> <span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Pontiac G8 ST - Tie</span> - 20 Votes<br> <br> <img style="width: 500px; height: 244px;" alt="Pontiac G8 ST" src="http://www.cheersandgears.com/uploads/1294328842/gallery_51_2_16564.png"><br> <br> To those of you who have been around Cheers and Gears more than a minute, this one will be completely unsurprising to you. Unlike any other category 1 nominee, the G8 ST was actually announced for production. In fact, GM even ran the "Tame the Name" contest to name the new model. The top prize was the G8 ST itself. In an extraordinary reversal, the G8 ST was canceled just ahead of the entire Pontiac brand. The contest winner had to choose his prize from among other Pontiacs.<br> <br> The Holden Ute on which it was based remains in production, and sells in several markets around the world.Here in the US, a genuine niche market exists for this entry as a re-born Chevy El Camino. In fact, it took some effort to understand why GM didn't plan to offer the Ute as a Chevy from the start. The notion was a that an expanded G8 family of body styles would strengthen the brand - after some serious thought, I accepted that it was a valid strategy. In an era of lackluster offerings among compact trucks, and a real fear of fuel costs, this excellent Zeta variant is still something GM should be selling. The federal testing is already done, and capacity exists at Holden to make it happen. It would be the ideal companion model to the rumored Chevy Zeta SS sedan badged as El Camino. It's a no-brainer, and more than "shovel-ready", so what's taking so long, GM? </p><br><br> So as I make my way to Detroit to the 2011 show, we'll see a bunch of new concepts revealed, hopefully some surprises, probably a few "what were they thinking", but more than likely a number of concepts that leave us with the hope that they won't be left on the shelf like our favorites above. </div> </div>