Drew Dowdell

The GM press conference videos will each be available for on-demand replay from their original URLs within two hours after each live stream ends. Replays remain available for at least eleven months.

Curious, why iron block?

Cruze is loaded up and ready to go for tomorrow.

Well I've been doing all back roads which are a lot more hilly around here. I've only had one very short (4 mile) run on the freeway yet.... and with 2 inches of snow a day, I've been rather liberal with the remote start feature in the morning. Given what I've been doing with the car, 22 isn't horrible. It's going to be all freeway driving tomorrow, so we'll see how it does. Oh, and we're oxygenated here too.

to be fair, this is purely city driving.

Averaging 23 mpg around town in the first 3 days I've had it. Kinda annoyed that it doesn't have an instant MPG reader, only an average.

Damn, the Dear Leader didn't win any. Congrats on the new baby Bobo!

This Just In: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS Just in time to make a high efficiency run to Detroit for NAIAS, Chevrolet sends a nicely loaded 2011 Cruze LTZ RS for the trip. Check it out and ask questions in our Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS

2012 Buick Verano Live Reveal Just because you're not at the press conference doesn't mean you can't watch the reveal live and in High Definition. Buick will be live streaming the reveal of the 2012 Buick Verano compact luxury sedan at 9:15sm eastern time on Monday, January 10th. You can watch the video live in this thread. 2012 Buick Verano Official Release 2012 Buick Verano Slideshow <center> <object height='318' width='512'> <param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'> <param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'> <param name='movie' value='http://gm.pb.feedroom.com/gm/gm/gmembed/player.swf?Environment=&SiteID=gm&SiteName=General Motors&SkinName=gmembed&ChannelID=&StoryID=98bd6f2a33bf28879073d4989ebeaa475034ebe6&Volume=.5&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.JavascriptFolderURL=http%3A//static.feedroom.com/affiliate/_common/js&HelpURL=http%3A//www.gmexpo2010.com/en/videos&OneClipEmbedCodeURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf&VideoSmoothing=false&OneClipEmbedCodeWidth=512&OverridingSkinName=gmembed&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.StoryLinkURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&OneClipEmbedCodeHeight=318&quality=high&AddThisSWFWidth=512&AutoPlay=true&AddThisHostURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/library/player.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&AddThisSWFHeight=318&BaseURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.SendEMailURL=http%3A//pbutils.feedroom.com/custom/playerbuilder/feedroom/sendMail.jsp&Org=gm&AddThisSWFURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25'/> <embed src='http://gm.pb.feedroom.com/gm/gm/gmembed/player.swf?Environment=&SiteID=gm&SiteName=General Motors&SkinName=gmembed&ChannelID=&StoryID=98bd6f2a33bf28879073d4989ebeaa475034ebe6&Volume=.5&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.JavascriptFolderURL=http%3A//static.feedroom.com/affiliate/_common/js&HelpURL=http%3A//www.gmexpo2010.com/en/videos&OneClipEmbedCodeURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf&VideoSmoothing=false&OneClipEmbedCodeWidth=512&OverridingSkinName=gmembed&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.StoryLinkURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&OneClipEmbedCodeHeight=318&quality=high&AddThisSWFWidth=512&AutoPlay=true&AddThisHostURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/library/player.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&AddThisSWFHeight=318&BaseURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.SendEMailURL=http%3A//pbutils.feedroom.com/custom/playerbuilder/feedroom/sendMail.jsp&Org=gm&AddThisSWFURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25' height='318' width='512' allowFullScreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always'/> </object> </center>

2012 Chevrolet Sonic Reveal Live Video Just because you're not at the press conference doesn't mean you can't watch the reveal live and in High Definition. Chevrolet will be live streaming the reveal of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic sub-compact at 6:15pm eastern time on Monday, January 10th. You can watch the video live in this thread. <center> <object height='318' width='512'> <param name='allowFullScreen' value='true'> <param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'> <param name='movie' value='http://gm.pb.feedroom.com/gm/gm/gmembed/player.swf?Environment=&SiteID=gm&SiteName=General Motors&SkinName=gmembed&ChannelID=&StoryID=a2ee593aae43faa80c13bae123f71cd274fbf36c&Volume=.5&AddThisSWFHeight=318&BaseURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html&AutoPlay=true&Org=gm&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.JavascriptFolderURL=http%3A//static.feedroom.com/affiliate/_common/js&HelpURL=http%3A//www.gmexpo2010.com/en/videos&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.SendEMailURL=http%3A//pbutils.feedroom.com/custom/playerbuilder/feedroom/sendMail.jsp&OneClipEmbedCodeURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf&VideoSmoothing=false&OneClipEmbedCodeWidth=512&quality=high&AddThisSWFURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&OneClipEmbedCodeHeight=318&AddThisSWFWidth=512&OverridingSkinName=gmembed&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.StoryLinkURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&AddThisHostURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/library/player.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25'/> <embed src='http://gm.pb.feedroom.com/gm/gm/gmembed/player.swf?Environment=&SiteID=gm&SiteName=General Motors&SkinName=gmembed&ChannelID=&StoryID=a2ee593aae43faa80c13bae123f71cd274fbf36c&Volume=.5&AddThisSWFHeight=318&BaseURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html&AutoPlay=true&Org=gm&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.JavascriptFolderURL=http%3A//static.feedroom.com/affiliate/_common/js&HelpURL=http%3A//www.gmexpo2010.com/en/videos&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.SendEMailURL=http%3A//pbutils.feedroom.com/custom/playerbuilder/feedroom/sendMail.jsp&OneClipEmbedCodeURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf&VideoSmoothing=false&OneClipEmbedCodeWidth=512&quality=high&AddThisSWFURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/gmembed/player.swf%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&OneClipEmbedCodeHeight=318&AddThisSWFWidth=512&OverridingSkinName=gmembed&VideoPlayer.videoPlayer1.StoryLinkURL=http%3A//media.gm.com/media/us/en/videos.brand_gm.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25&AddThisHostURL=http%3A//%25SiteID%25.pb.feedroom.com/gm/%25SiteID%25/library/player.html%3Ffr_chl%3D%25ChannelID%25%26fr_story%3D%25StoryID%25' height='318' width='512' allowFullScreen='true' allowScriptAccess='always'/> </object> </center>

Don't be daft. The Cadillac was a hybrid the Taurus is not and the Cadillac's interior, even removing the "concept" bits, still blows away the Taurus.

Take a look at the windows sticker. It's in the media gallery.

We still have moderator slots to fill and a lot of need for writers. We have an interesting compensation system set up for the writing positions. You get paid to write about cars... it's the best way to get paid to help your favorite website since XTube!

My ergonomic gripes: 1. The location of the temperature adjust for the climate control. It's in a great spot to reach, but I also regularly hit it with my knee and drop the temperature. 2. The seat back tilt lever is in a very awkward location, but that's not something you set every day.

It's Electric! Boogie Woogie Woogie! Ford Focus Electric unveiled Ford reveled their first all electric vehicle today just prior to the North American International Auto Show. Follow the jump for more info Focus on Fuel Free - Ford Focus Electric

I was actually thinking that one also, but dropped the idea after realizing they actually built it

A Lambda will replace the SWB Escalade with the LWB surviving on the next truck platform.

Then shouldn't the dash flow into the console as design dictates these days?

It looks fine... but it's not exclusive to Cadillac... and Cadillac should have exclusive stuff, at least visually.

And I thought center consoles were supposed to flow into the dash these days......

Base price $32,000? Lets add a bunch of the stuff the Verano will have. Premium Plus Package: $3,209 DescriptionPremium Plus Package: Description:Wheels: 8J x 17" 10-Spoke Alloy<li>Tires: P245/45R17 95H AS<li>Audi Music Interface w/iPod Cable<li>Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror w/Compass<li>Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone Interface<li>Includes preparation for mobile phone (Bluetooth) with voice dialing.<li>Chrome Trim Around Side Windows<li>Driver Information Center<li>Includes trip computer.<li>6-Step Heated Front Seats<li>HomeLink Universal Garage Door Opener<li>LED Daytime Running Lamps<li>LED Tail Lamps<li>Rain Sensor<li>Light Sensor<li>Split Folding Rear Seat Back<li>Three Zone Climate Control<li>Xenon Plus Headlights Rear side airbags - $329 Total - $36,225

My last A6 rental didn't even have a CD player.....

What are you talking about? The interior in the Regal is a major step forward and very much on par with equal priced Germans.

not at all... in fact it feels rather zippy and I just got out of a 300hp SRX Turbo. I don't have any illusions that I'd win a drag race, but buyers in this glass will be plenty pleased with the power. One BIG advantage to reviewing the Cruze and taking it to Detroit, if the naysayers don't believe me about the transmission or rear seat room, they'll have a 2nd, 3rd, and possibly 4th opinion from long time C&Gers to go along with mine.

Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS For the trip to Detroit, Chevrolet sent us a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS. One of the first things I started looking for was the oft discussed transmission weirdness. I confirmed with the fleet manager that this Cruze has already been reflashed with the new transmission software. So far, the transmission just seems.... normal. Shifts are smooth and nearly imperceptible. It downshifts when I ask it to and generally goes about it's business as an automatic transmission should. The engine jumps out as being very refined and quiet. Some of the objections about the need to run the engine up over 3,000 rpm frequently during acceleration are muted by the fact that the engine is so quiet for a 4-cylinder. At highway speeds, the engine is inaudible. The interior is attractive, but I've found two ergonomic gripes already that I'll go into detail with later. The Pioneer sound system rocks. When the front seat is adjusted for my 5'10" frame, I can fit in the back seat comfortably. It's not a LeSabre back there, but my knees aren't hitting the back of the front seat either. We'll be monitoring fuel economy extra closely on this one, especially since it will be making a round trip trek to Detroit and possibly again to Lordstown. This is my first hands on with the Cruze since last year's auto shows. It has gotten a lot of attention, both good and bad, from Cheers and Gears members so far, but I'm becoming more and more convinced, that with one exception, most of the rants against ring hollow. Window sticker is in the media gallery. So fire away guys, send your questions and picture requests in for this Interactive Review: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS Media Gallery 2011 Chevrolet Cruze LTZ RS