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I completely agree that Cadillac should not expand its US range with smaller, lower priced vehicles. The way for Cadillac to increase its sales and long-term viability is by investing more in the product it currently has. That means: no 3-series competitor, no small SUV. There are many arguments for maintaining Cadillac's current price position and product range. The most obvious reason is that GM's other sub-lux divisions, such as Buick, GMC, and Saab, would have a greater benefit. GMC/Saab could share the small-lux-SUV, Saab and Pontiac or Buick could share the small RWD platform. The result is stronger P/B/GMC/Saab product, priced slightly higher, but much more competitive. Furthermore, no one - and I mean no one - has ever topped the 3-series. The G35 came damn close, but as they say, no cigar. With significantly higher costs and little experience in the RWD compact market, what makes anyone think Cadillac can do better? At this point, it does not make sense for Cadillac to invest in a product that won't maintain the brand's aspirational qualities. Additionally, the current Cadillac styling theme is nearly impossible to transfer to a small car - witness the BLS. Big and bold does not work with cars of this size. So that's it, Cadillac. Keep reinventing yourself. Maintain your position and move upmarket. Increase the boldness of your styling. And let the little guys - P/B/GMC & Saab - have some breathing room.

Counting down til this thing gets pulled off the market... I understand this car is necessary for the P/B/G retail channel, but GM should really rush a Pontiac compact that benefits the BRAND as well as the dealers. Luckily, the G5 is based on a solid budget-car entry, so not a lot of damage can be done. But in order to attract a different market than Chevy as well as increase Pontiac brand equity, a sporty, stylish, and more powerful entry is needed. Think Subaru Impreza/WRX - the car clearly has its own footing in the marketplace and is part of the brand's identity. Hopefully, Pontiac can have something like that - soon. Let Chevy appeal to the masses.

I'm with Jerry - the STS and SRX weren't good enough. The STS has a great platform & great powertrain, but it is just too timid inside and out. To get noticed, a car has got to be bold, and that boldness has to have fantastic execution - the Imaj still looks fresh IMO. The STS was admittedly a clean-up job, and constrained by past-innefficient product develop systems. This next STS has to really be the standard of the world - no excuses this time. The SRX is a class-leading performer, but again the styling was too timid. Again, hampered by a bad product development, Cadillac kept changing and changing the original SRX, adding costs and delays. The original A&S edge was watered down, a third row was added (causing a major change in design), but thankfully the car's ride height was raised. Again, this new system better result in a complete SRX next go-round...they're getting the interior part right as evidenced in the MCE. We'll see if Cadillac designers have the cojones to not let anyone (especially Lutz) water down the next S's. I think the new CTS is impressive, from what photos we've seen. Designwise, it's not as revolutionary as the original, the door panels seem a little too plain, and the interior appears to have some late-round cost cutting. However, these gripes won't hold down what appears to be an awesome American car. The interior is still significantly upgraded with some (competitevely) unique materials, the overall shape is faster and more squat, and (hopefully) they stick with the fantastic detail of the grill and headlights as previewed on 60 minutes. In conclusion, I disagree with Jerry on the next CTS...this baby's got hit all over it. As a final thought, GM advanced design should be hard at work on the next A&S, that is, the next big Cadillac styling theme. Hopefully, an entirely different, equally revolutionary, and highly differentiated design theme (relative to GM brands) will emerge soon, rather than let the current A&S "evolve" itself into a corner - as many design themes do.

Great design, Chris! It would be cool if Chevy incorporated the Camaro styling theme throughout the division, to give the brand its own distinct look. I was thinking the same thing. Although I feel this drawing is more speculative than the piece Chris did on the Camaro. If they went with the Camaro-styling theme, I'd expect a lot more variation in the styling, while keeping the same philosophy, of course.

Supposedly these guys are much improved over their previous ill-fated tour, which should be good for their image should a certain album come to fruition. However, this is Axl's solo project and a little overpriced at that. I just couldn't imagine paying 60 bucks and not see Duff McKagan rip into the opening bassline of "It's So Easy!" As for this incarnation, I'd be much more willing to check these guys out if I actually had a (likeable) Chinese Democracy album in my iTunes. However, if you don't share my cheesy-fanboy point of view and you have the means, plunker down and see what Axl and his hired guns can do. After all, there's not much excitement going on in hard rock these days...

It will be interesting to see what develops of this...a rebadge? a Pontiac concept? an announcement? The new RWD Holden vehicles have great proportions, stance, and build quality. However, the styling is extremely conservative and quite derivative. This adds to an overall look that is aggressive and expensive-looking, but not something very forward-thinking. Capturing the positives of the current Aussie cars (proportions, stance, build quality, and interior quality) and incorporating some innovative, American styling...all at a valuable price...and you've got the knockout product GMNA needs. Looking forward to further developments on this...

I'm an advertising/marketing guy, and I've got to say I like where this campaign is headed. The theme is pretty in-your-face-patriotic, and that kind of attitude should deserve a higher recognition from consumers. It gets people talking! However, there is a fine line to walk with such a campaign, it's point where controversy and taste can be pushed a little too far and create an undesirable image in a few consumer's heads. I doubt GM will cross that line, and look forward to seeing the Silverado fend off the Toyota onslaught. A little off-topic, but I like how this agency continues to use this type photography in media placements. The enhanced colors and lighting really pick up on the crisp details and improved build quality...stick with it!

I know this is off-topic, but how's the reliability been with the LX's? Too bad Chrysler is stuck in a rut again...this is how it all started in 2000 when Jim Holden & Co. were forced to make 'numbers' with the previous-gen minivans...they gotta get Wolfgang back. They need another out-of-the-ballpark hit to soften this financial blow. I don't see it coming anytime soon...don't get me wrong, some products are very promising...but not PT-Cruiser, not 300C. This just seems all-to-similar to the first big crisis. Inventory, lack of solid product...and one big hit product without a sequel (PT & ?, 300C & Sebring?!?). But that's just the wheel of Chrysler's business...and hopefully it keeps on turning!

I'll take Nissan's 3.5L V6, the Renaultsport Megane hatch, and the engineering versatility of the FF-L and RWD platforms. You, RenaultNissan SA, can have the last our 'venerable' 3.8L V6s, our excess capacity, re-employ the thousands of workers we had no business hiring in the first place, and our healthcare/pension obligations. Deal?

Looks promising! And alas, Saab gets some unique product! I like the wraparound windshield and the incorporation of the intake into the headlights. Much better than the proposed Subaru-based Saab, eh? Also looking forward to the Cadillac version...even though I feel it should be Euro-only (as there are other lower-positioned brands in the US that would benefit from such a vehicle).

I don't know about this, as I remember GM management stating they would not "V" the Escalade. This makes sense given today's market. I think consumers would be more willing to purchase a hybrid Escalade (which is in the works) or a more "exclusive" version of the SUV - think coach-built interior, different grill/bodywork/wheels, etc.

With that merger you'd have a whole new list of problems on top of the existing ones. Nice to see that the execs are looking at risky options, though.

Great review, Ted. I do much of the same when looking at cars, new or old. The thing is, these loose parts will only get more loose later on. Nobody likes driving a car with loose trim panels...why would you want to buy one with poor build quality from the start? No matter how much I may like a car, I will not buy it if the vehicle displays any deficiencies in build quality. Simply put, this example of the Saturn Aura is not well built.

Absolutely fantastic & creative. An absolutely un-derivative design done well. Eh, except the rounded extra-large brake scoops. Take note GM...here's few new tricks to play with.

Facebook has definitely crossed the line...way too much information!

Good move, as this should really help boost consumer confidence. However, my feelings reflect Josh's statement....how about extending that bumper-to-bumper warranty?

As much as I like the quality stuff from Costco, nothing satisfies like a Slim Jim. A mystery in every delicious bite.

MUCH better cohesiveness than the Sebring, but still suffers from now-typical Chrysler styling woes: big ass bumpers, poor stance, and mid-90s quality panel gaps and surface execution. Translation: cheap.

I question the justification of this decision...what's the real target market anyways? Or is it just another one of those "well, this retail channel needs this product, so let's give it to them regardless of brand positioning, goals, overlap, image, etc." I'm expecting some mildly enhanced Uplander that somehow meets the needs of some fantasy market that won't ever step in a PBGMC dealership. Or maybe things have changed...

Leave it to me to nitpick, but hopefully they can match the color of the darker material surrounding the vents and center stack to that of the light-colored dash. Achieving this would decrease the clutter and add to the design's cohesiveness as a solid dash, not one made of a bunch of pieces (hint achieve the illusion). Otherwise, looks great! Keep those beancounters away!!

Fantastic design...tight, original, flawless!

How to decorate the dorm room, eh? Always fun...it all kinda depends what you're going for ie what you want to communicate to people and what you're designing for your own piece of mind. Decorations aside, invest in some serious padding on your bed, eggcrates and pillowtops. Don't spend too much on the comforter cuz its gonna get wrecked. In fact, try to get a washable duvet cover if you can. Sleep is a valuable commodity in college, so a comfortable and clean bed is a definite bonus. As for posters, try not to overkill the cars and the girls, as moderation is always key. Keep in mind that wallspace is limited, so choose wisely. For a wide range of posters, I usually shop allposters.com's college section. Also, be sure to check out the giant poster section.. Remember to bring your favorite pictures of good (or crazy) times with friends, some pics of the fam etc. Most rooms have bulletin boards for that posting pics & they're a great icebreaker when everybody's moving in. For more ideas on how to personalize your room, you can check out places like Spencer's Gifts and Urban Outfitters. Hope that helps & good luck!

Let's face it, the Antara is not an intriguing design - inside and out. We can only hope, for Saturn's sake, that the engines are class-leading and the price is right.

Absolutely hilarious. Here comes another year of quotes. Definitely a comedy worth seeing again. IMO, the first viewing was more digestable than Anchorman (which I didn't find funny til the 2nd time around, kinda like Office Space). See it!

Pretty darn forgettable. Not as bad as Buick's "It's all good" but definitely not a "Break Through." Also, another smug move from Modernista, whose previous Hummer "Monster" ad that was not too popular with those in the ad community (beware the PR spin!). I was skeptical before about Modernista picking up this still-fragile account, and this decidely un-creative tagline does not dilute my skepticism. And that resurrected script does not have really positive connotations with Cadillac's target market...not the best move IMO.