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Rule out "Break on Through" until John Densmore (the drummer) gives the OK. This Doors song was Caddy's original theme until Densmore didn't approve of its usage b/c of the "fuel-gulping" Escalade. So that's why they used Rock n' Roll instead. I hope Modernista can pull something off to continue to push Cadillac's star higher (as long as they don't go through with the impossible-to-perfectly execute BLS).

No matter how you shoot it, this turd still has visible mid-90s build quality and design execution. Mopar's cheap finish streak continues...

We'll see if Modernista can pull off a suitable replacement for "Break Through." It'll be damn tough, and the cards are stacked against them. And as for the Hummer "Monster" ad, my memory is that the ad was actually lambasted in the advertising community...

Fantastic interior. Still disappointed by the exterior...granted the detailing is nice, but the design itself still looks thrown together ala Outlook, and still looks generally derivative. I wish GMC could have stuck with the Audi-esque Terra theme or at least tried to produce something like the Graphyte. But all in all, it's "not bad."

As usual, I already can't wait for the next NBA season. I've become a fan of the Baby Bulls, and have always felt a tough minded, seasoned veteran is all they needed...you can't get much better than Ben Wallace in solving that problem. Keep a look out for Memphis & New Orleans as well. I'm a big Rudy Gay fan and think Jerry West made a great decision. Also, the Hornets nearly made the playoffs last year, thanks in part to first year stunner Chris Paul, and with the additions of Stojakavic and B-Jax, they're a solid lock for the first round...and maybe more. Wish the Kings would've picked up Claxton...but still have a faint glimmer hope for a massive KG trade.

First and foremost, better reliability is a given. Power needs to be upped to handle the (likely) extra weight, and then some. Ideally, something that wins the h/p wars: 300+ hp V6 maybe? Six speed trannys across the board...don't forget the six speed manual for us REAL car drivers ;-). An in-car MP3 player would be nice...something that could hold 10,000 songs worth of data, accessible through the nav screen. No-brainer. How about more attention to those in the backseat: start with a more sculpted rear bench. Later options (b/c I'm sure these aren't on the books) should include sunshades, power adjustable rear seats, cooled & heated, etc. Most importantly, quality, plush, and authentic materials. From the recent spyshot of the CTS interior, it looks like a few bean counters had there way with the prototype dash seen on 60 minutes. Notice how the coloring of the sides of the center controls no longer match the white dash...and the wood grain no longer exists in the sides of the center console. Everything on that dash should feel like a million bucks, and the only plastic in that dash should be found in the radio controls and cupholders. Hopefully, GM can fully deliver 100% on this product. They came fantastically close on the GMT-900 SUV's...hopefully this baby is IT.

Without thinking too much, this alliance could be useful to both parties, but more so to GM. Renault Nissan SA isn't perfect by any means, with some faulty product launches, poor build quality, and some cases of un-Japanese reliability. However, comparing apples to apples, Nissan has had more hits than GM. Additionally, GM could greatly benefit from Nissan's strong V6 line, since the one they have really doesn't cut the cake (too many engines, and the best is already outclassed). Especially since the cancellation of a majority of GM's promised product onslaught that "wowed" journalists...I say this move is necessary. For every 2007 CTS, we get a Torrent and G5. This alliance may be a good step in the right direction.

Of the moment, A Perfect Circle's "3 Libras" comes to mind. This track is often played on cuts of TV shows. Great opener... Don't count out Dire Strait's "On Every Street." First 3 minutes of the song is a drumless piano track followed by a brilliant full instrumental jam.

The SS still looks great today...still has the best rear end to come out of the industry in a long time!

Stylewise, this is the worst design I have seen on a car since the Saturn ION. The execution and cohesiveness of this design is similar to that of the ION...it looks thrown together and panels are poorly algned. Stance is terrible. I could break it down bit by bit, but in summary it looks like the designers were given unholy dimensions to work with, and then they tried to apply a design theme on the vehicle that doesn't even come close to working. What's really unfortunate is that Chrysler has extremely talented designers and a brilliant design theme...and this car continues the downward trend of poorly executing the company's terrific ideas. The interior is a nice design, clean, slab, and offers some nifty features. However, from the looks of it as well as recent DCX trends, that is 100% cheap plastic covering the interior. Chrysler has also been very behind in updating its powertrains with something competitive. The 2.7L V6 from the 2000 redesign remains the same, save for some torque adjustments. The 3.5L continues to be weak, as its practically the same engine from the 300M. With a top power rating of +/- 235 hp, this car enters a tough segment with an inherent competitive advantage. To capture the hearts and minds of consumers, American sedans can't just meet the competition, they have to beat it in every category - and then some...that's the hole the US industry has dug itself into. With a weak powertrain, sloppy styling, and a cheap interior, this car does not even come close to meeting the competition, and is quite a ways from beating it. Grade: F

See, I actually think content is weak on the STS/DTS. That's one thing I feel they could improve... While not crucial, it wouldn't hurt to have the power headrests/belt adjusters of the S-Class, as would more rear seat luxuries such as woodgrained/detailed controls in the armrest, power sunshades, power rear seats that are cooled/heated, etc. If Cadillac is aiming to be the Standard of the World, why not offer some ridiculously luxurious features of the competition...and then some?

...of course not, because management will continue to cave in to dealers and give them any brand-sapping rebadge they want.

Looking great...this looks to be a winner. Wheels aren't too bad, but would be better as an option to 18-inchers of the concept's style.

Thank god...that was a real weak spot of this strong performer. The new interior isn't a knockout, but a great fix. Controls coud've been integrated a little better...but that's all I noticed. Hopefully GM steps up the STYLE factor for the Next SRX.

Mopar is developing an increasing problem of what I like to call "hollow products," like the "7/8 finished" Caliber. In that sense, DeLorenzo has a point, that Chrysler is again for the billionth time on the verge of another downslope. As previously mentioned, Chrysler's build quality has remained stagnant while others have made leaps and bounds (Toyota and GM come to mind). Mopar interiors are becoming increasingly laughable...NG products are no better or even worse than the products they replace. Additionally, the company has a weak, more than outdated V6 lineup, and IMO a failed venture with the Hyundai/Mitsu/DCX 4-cylinder project, which have come to market as underpowered and outclassed. Current and future products have been poorly executed and feature unmissible weak spots, such as the Commander, Compass, Caliber, Aspen, V6 Durango, future Avenger and Sebring, et al. What's sad about this, is that most of Chrysler's product woes are due to poor execution, outdated powertrains, and overbundant cost cutting. It's like the design talent, creativity, and car guys are all there...but no one's there to finish the job.

What Hummer needs is a product that puts the Wrangler to shame. Meaning: equal or better off-roading capability...more importantly better powertrains, roomier interior, quality/more durable materials, and more "toughness." The new Wrangler is a great product - especially the 4-door - but it has some inherent weaknesses that Hummer and GM could easily capitalize upon. That being said, it has been discussed here that GM is not capable of doing this, as they feel the need to resort to a beefed-up Theta vehicle. I hope they do not pursue that route, for if they do, they are better spending their time and money on upgrading the H2 & H3 to keep them competitive on this SUV downturn trend.

What evok stated would allow a more focused product line for Cadillac as well as Buick. Cadillac needs to seriously plan the STS replacement well. Additionally, axing the FWD DTS will allow the division to focus on its RWD Euro-fighting, luxo-performance mantra, while allowing Buick to push the NG Lucerne further upmarket. Cadillac's STS replacement needs to be priced more competitively, grow slightly in size, and make a *much* bolder statement than the current, watered-down-nearly-anonymous vehicle. Interior needs a significant upgrade and equally bold design, but what else is new from GM's Nagging Problems Department. Evok briefly mentioned that the current engine lineup would do. However, I disagree, as I believe an equal amount of focus needs to be placed on powertrain. Given my uneducated competitive outlook on engines, my "gut" suggests a 290+ hp V6 with cylinder deactivation, 360+ hp V8 with equal technology, hybrid options for both, as well as 6-speed manumatic transmissions. Of course a V-variant would be necessary, but I feel that GMPD never ceases to impress. On the interior of the STS replacement (be it DTS or XTS or whatever they call it), GM really needs to approach the interior as if every piece of the interior is treated as a unique, finely crafted work of art. This does not mean sticking chrome rings around knobs, but looking at ways to innovate by using unique premium materials that consumers would not expect. Think the switchgear of the Veyron, the trunk hinges of the Phaeton, et al for inspiration. The next generation STS should move significantly upmarket, to be the cream of the crop, S-Class fighter that states "I am Cadillac, I am the World Standard." I believe if they tried, GM could spare at least one vehicle of watered-down compromises, parts-bin sharing, and inauthentic plastic replicas of true artwork. Maybe you should let the GMPD whiz kids handle the entire project.

That's not fantastic, deal-breaker pricing, but it's not totally unrealistic as well. Considering the Aura interior is up to par with the previous generation Accord, the base model V6 should be priced about $1500 lower...but I guess that's because we pay our workers (too) well and they give them lent.

Very appliance-like, not an "emotional" design. I like the execution...looks 100x better put-together than the current generation. This will definitely stand out on the road as a "Chevy." On the downside, it's a little derivative of the Dodge Durango, but much better executed. Also, I am not a fan of the plasti-chrome grille and bumper as the former is a little bit crude, but we'll see if it grows on me. Overall, good...but again no knockout. Let's wait for some official interior pics (although spy shots have not been promising...get to work Chevy!).

You know, if gas prices stay like this, I'll invest in a commuter car and keep my seperate gas-guzzling toy for weekends (and my pride). Ideally, I'd like to purchase an imported Astra GTC 3-door. Absolutely miss seeing those on the road, such a beautiful car. I've also grown to like the Euro-Civic hatch...I always like the CRX's as a kid & think this new generation is a big innovator in design and technology. Never saw them on the road in Europe as they weren't out when I was there, but from the pics I've seen, this is a really great product. You know gas prices are bad when I've stooped down to this level...I can smell my "smug" already.

No, this is an example of poor planning. The Lambda platform has been in the works for quite some time, smarter engineering and market research would have found the humongous potential in crossovers, not wagons with pickup beds. This would be a giant step back for GM. They are better off waiting until they can get a proper Chevy fullsize crossover, and suffer the poor planning. Otherwise, it'll be another repeat in their business cycle, with weak-selling derivative products that go stale in the market quickly, diffusing budget for future programs and continuing the need for badge engineering to meet cost targets and introduce something to a segment just so they have something in the segment. Blech.

Plain Jane! Kind of a waste...looks too much like the Outlook and even more generic, save for the stepped headlights...but that's it! GMC never capitalized on the "Terra" design or philosophy, nor does it seem to care about the brilliant Simon Cox concept, Graphyte. This derivative, plain design could've gotten by a few years ago, when GM could afford such a product. But everything from here on out needs to be a hit, and I can't see this baby going outside the infield. Additionally, it makes no sense to have this product in the realligned sales channels. Most likely, GM fiefdoms argued that the GMC would go after the the "tough" male-skewed set with lower price targets and lifestyles than the Buick. Unfortunately, the looks of this truck are not tough, professional grade. Only if this resembled the Graphyte would this vehicle make sense, and even then it would be clogging the channel with too many overlapping product. I'll reserve final judgement when the thign is released...but this ain't off to a good start.

That's a great looking sedan. Looks like a hybrid of Lutz-ian and Mauer's styling traits (tumblehome & stance for the former, blacked out A-pillar, hockeystick c-pillar, grille being the latter). From this drawing, there's not one bad thing to say about this design. Fast track it, GM!

That's a great looking subcompact. Kinda looks like the previous Peugeot hatch, which is definitely a good thing. Nice interior as well. This puts the Aveo to shame. Why not import this baby?

What were all those journalists at the "top-secret preview" talking about? If this is the next VUE, which we all know it is, this is a major disappointment. Overall, the design looks likes a 1999 Lexus RX300. The proportions are goofy. The stance is really weak. Alot of "cheap" details bring it down...excessive use of cladding, and a Range-Rover-sized vent on a compact SUV?!? However, the design is cohesive and the build quality looks high. But really, looking at this car gives me the same feeling as when I see a Kia Amanti...a copycat with the wrong styling in all places. This design is really anonymous, derivative, and weak. Thumbs down. Some suggested fixes (if you're reading GM)... - Take the cladding off the wheel wells: the will take away the top heaviness and give the car a greater stance. - Redesign the side vent - okay, it's a point of stylistic differentiation, you say, and it connects both character lines well. But it just doesn't work...how bout something smaller and horizontal...the vertical vent stops the flow of the design, horizontal vents add to it. - Redesign the cladding - I understand it hides the front overhang of the vehicle, but its too "melted." Why not something more precise ala Captiva? And why so much plastic in the rear...take it down a notch! Have you learned nothing from the Aztek!?! In summary, the design is not bad, in fact its just fine...and it will certainly attract buyers. It's just not enough. Well put together, yes. Really different from the competition? No. Revolutionary? Would've been in 2000. GM & Saturn need knockout vehicles from here on out, and this leaves me cold. Although I don't like it, the RAV4 is much more creative stylistically in addition to having a much stronger powertrain, but like I said, I don't like it. Get more creative, fellas...get Simon Cox on this thing. And quite frankly, I was alot more impressed when the original VUE debuted.