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Well, at least it looks different than the last generation. The current gen minivans were a disappointment upon introduction...with its over-evolutionary style, lack of class-leading features, and so-so powertrain. The design was so disappointing that I remember the press release stating that the "headlights and grill were X% larger" so the automotive media had something to differentiate the seemingly un-redesigned minivan from its predecessor. As for this generation, it has the new DCX corporate style...blockiness, bluntness, with a dash of cost cutting and weak execution. However, this picture shows a van that plays down the latter shortcomings of Creed-era designs...from this shot (great catch BTW, CD-BP) the design seems pretty cohesive (opposite of Compass, Caliber). Can't say the stance is great...similar to the LX's...but then again, it's a minivan folks. Cheers to Chrysler for putting some differentiation between the next minivans...I'd expect about the same level as the Durango/Aspen twins...which is a considerable leap forward from past minivan iterations. Hopefully, DCX can pop a decent powertrain in these vehicles...ideally an upgraded 3.5L with a six-speed.

Cheers to GM for this...the Astra GTC is one of the most beatiful hatches I've seen...you have got to see this in person! The five door is not as impressive, but would be very distinctive in the US market. Setting a target of 20-40K is applaudable and realistic. The US hatch market has always been fickle, and the prices are going to be a little higher than most consumers will be willing to pay. Not bringing a manual version over here will ruin the car's "street cred." I have a feeling that the GTC will be very popular with enthusiasts, who in turn, may be influential to or are the trendsetter that every marketer craves to capture. And really, I could see myself buying this baby, and I would completely look elsewhere if no manual tranny was offered (I'm crazy like that). Lastly, that interior is 10x better than what was planned for the 2008 ION...although like anything in its class, the materials could be cushier. So cheers, GM, can't wait to take this baby for a drive. (Bring the performance version over here, too. Red Line, anyone?).

I actually find that interior rather bland, derivative, and outdated. Stylewise, it falls in line with the current Accord and Sonata. Really no innovation, weak dual cockpit execution...This should have been the interior on the 2004 Malibu, IMO.

Great to hear the Cobalt is holding up so well...quality has got to be the chief concerns among conquest buyers...this little review should defintely help. One thing I've noticed though, is that the build quality of the Cobalt seems to be a nagging problem...I've read reviews that mention improperly installed headliners, poorly installed plastic, and now this poorly installed weatherstripping (that whistling is arguably one of my biggest pet peeves). These build issues are a quick fix problem...get on it UAW & plant managers! All in all though, it's great to hear good things about a crucial GM product.

I'd like "Maximum" Bob and "Differentiation King" LaNeve to proudly introduce this vehicle at the next LA Auto show. Grade: F

To be honest, I liked the styling current VUE when it was introduced...it was clean, different, and not too wimpy looking. The interior was a miss, of course... This generation VUE looks more car-like...which I'm not a big fan of, but I'm not exactly the VUE's target market either. Based on what we've seen of the front (not the Captiva on TCC), it looks like GM could not execute the "scalloped" headlights of the concept, and have put in a turn-signalish filler to make it cheaper to build (for example, look at the Chrysler 300 vs. 300C). I'd like the VUE to have the dynamic, taut look of the the Opel concept, but the production version seems to have lost that with its stubby nose...maybe they figured some way to hide that with clever styling...we'll see when the camo's lifted.

I'm not a fan of Toyota/Lexus/Scion, but I really like this concept. It's very creative, looks mean, yet its got the understated-yet-original look that I like. Its got a slammed-yet-moving look. I like that front-end...screams functional. I like how the rear wheels are accentuated. Nicely integrated, large tailpipes. The wraparound chop top greenhouse looks neat. Great interior, too, looks comfortable yet space-age...if they figure out some way to get an airbag behind that passenger screen that'd be neat. Only a few detractions...it will be hard to transfer this great stance/chop top to production, the C-Pillar is huge (even though thed design does a good job of downplaying it), and its a Scion...

I'm not a fan of this new design...it's too heavy, too Japanese-romantic in design. But as some have said before, the rear is too heavy, and the stance isn't that great for a sports sedan - then again that's where BMW is heading. I do like the Kuraza-inspired front end, the creativeness in the character line (although it could've been accentuated more), and the interior looks great. Hopefully the plastiluminum doesn't scratch as easily this go-round. I really, really liked the previous G35 when it was introduced. It was a solid product with a solid design, conservative but original. This baby was not perfect, though. The interior was not deserving of its price. Additionally, (IMO) the surface execution, lighting units, and trim suffered the weak execution similar to Nissan products of its time (I can't really put my finger on it, but its something with the sheetmetal...looks like plastic without the tautness of German design). However, those gripes were few in comparison with the car's many strengths - power, design, aerodynamics, handling, and value. I was hoping this new generation of G35 would address the weakness of the previous, which it seems to have. The interior looks alot better, and the materials appear to be of higher quality. The detailing of the lighting designs looks more jeweled and less plasticky. The sheetmetal looks less plasticky. But unfortunately, they did not make the car look more taut...it looks heavier, less integrated with its platform, similar to M35.

A disappointing confirmation, but maybe a blessing in disguise. Perhaps this has something to do with the Delta platform...be it costs, redesign timing etc... To be honest the next ION had an interior that was already bottom of the pack...the design sucked, the materials looked cheap even in the drawing...so there's something they could really improve on. I liked the exterior, especially the side fender crease, but I think GM could make the next ION even more adventurous. The Opel Astra would be a great stopgap product if they could figure some way to get it out here. The GTC is one of the most - if not most - beautiful hatches I have ever seen & its a great drive (although I remember the unfamiliarity of RHD alot more!).

I truly feel that management knows that this interior is not up to par with the competition. Like evoq said, this would have been a great vehicle two to three years ago. Now, it's strictly middle-to-mid-bottom of the pack... Obviously there are apparent constraints concerning the interior build/materials quality of Epsioln vehicles, as demonstrated by past Epsilon vehicles and current GM introductions. It is clear that Epsilon vehicles cannot have seemingly integrated panels, which is something the Lambda/GMT900s produced. The dash/door design integration is somewhat sloppy. The connection of top dash materials has too much variance. The center console is better integrated than the G6 and Malibu, but the appearance of the materials and the noticable gap make the construction quality conceivable dated...overall I'd compare the Aura's interior design/quality to a 1998-gen Accord. What would my suggestions be to improve this interior? Allow Piano Black as an optional trim covering...spanning over the HVAC/Radios as well as replacing the wood. Also try offering real trim as an upgrade. Ford had great success with this when they offered real aluminum trim on as an option on the Mustang....and they grossly underestimated demand. Sure, the target market is different, but I think its worth a little survey or two. Definitely improve the materials quality of the center console - it appears much cheaper and dissimilar in grain to that of the rest of the dash. The wheels aren't bad - but those illustrations on previous posts in this thread have wheels that look much better...try it! As for the arguments over trim: I assume you guys conducted research on the ideal trim. Plastiluminum cheapens the interior, so thank god you didn't bother. Thanks to new technology, wood trim looks more real and can add to the overall appeal of the interior...which is what you went with. Piano Black is the trim of the moment, found on modern appliances such as cell phones and becoming increasingly popular over yesteryear's "faux aluminum." I'm sure the customers you guys researched didn't like Piano Black because it shows fingerprints too easily, requring customers to clean it more often, especially since the Aura has a trim construction spanning the length of the dash. But seriously, I'd test it out - along with something else - I think it'd seperate the car from the pack. But what's that something else...some forthcoming trim-trend...replacing the Piano Black, the iPod White, the previous faux aluminum...Corian? Granite? Sandpaper? ;-) Stay ahead of the pack for once, take risks, but only if it looks and feels good to the touch... And, BTW, Epsilon 2 can't come soon enough. How bout next year?

I'll agree with most of the journalists who got an advanced peek at this vehicle - its good but not great. At first glance on the C&G homepage, I immediately thought of the Chevrolet Traverse concept from way back. Which is not a bad thing, but that was what, 1999? 2000? I also noticed that the engineers got their way with the jumbled fog lights...definitely a compromise there. Speaking of which, this design does not look very well integrated...it's not ION bad but it seems to share the overall poorly integrated look of the new Kia Sportage. It looks like it was designed in thirds - front, middle, rear, and then melted together...but that just me being critical. I do like the rear. It really looks like what a Saturn should be...nice wraparound glass, jeweled lights, taut curves, discreet bumper...very nice. The interior gets a kudos as well. Definitely not innovative, definitely a VW-ripoff...but that's no bad thing! Just wish GM could start with some fresher ideas... The front is just a sore spot. The headlights look like an afterthought, the fog lights show that engineering won, the grill is too Chevy, and the look is too Traverse. But here's something I really like...it's completely different in look from the Enclave. And that's something I didn't expect. So a big Cheers for the folks who pushed for that one. Overall: B-...good, but not enough...

That wing is atrocious...have some sense, GMPD. Otherwise, not bad at all.

Fantastic front end. Innovative...very innovative. Stay alive, GM, keep designs like this coming...

As previously stated, GM is such a large organization in such a deep pile of s**t that it'd take more than a wunderkind CEO to return the company to its former glory...it really needs a more realistic cost structure. While neither will probably happen, I'd like to see an outsider bring fresh perspective to the company, and possibly bring his or her team with'm. But again, given this near-impossible scenario that faces the organization, who knows how much of an impact that would make. (kind of like the difference of throwing a hot pot versus a boiling pot of water in your backyard pool in order to heat it up)

IMO, the Jeep Compass is the ugliest, poorest-executed, and worst product since the Pontiac Aztec. In fact, the Compass and the Aztek have much in common when describing their shortcomings in terms of design and execution. I was really hoping Jeep (as with Pontiac) could pull this vehicle off. A four door WRC-inspired wagon? Great idea. Unfortunately, from the looks off this wobbly vehicle, it doesn't look like it could take on the streets outside of the dealer lot. Ouch.

It's too bad that the Outlook has the same exact headlights as the Enclave...GM needs to differentiate its products a little better than that. As for the rest of the vehicle, we'll wait-and-see...

That's unfortunate to hear from Automobile. I think the Enclave is a design done right...and the interior (spare two issues I had previously mentioned) is a winner. As for subscriptions...I don't see any point in subscribing to automotive magazines because the news is old and the reviews end up on the net. Kind of like VHS tapes... One thing I do like about Automobile...perhaps the only thing...is Robert Cumberford's design analysis. I don't always agree with him, but the way he breaks his reviews down is interesting and educational...I wish he'd break off from Automobile and do a weekly analysis...kind of like CarDesignNews, but free.

I'm currently driving a black/black leather int. 91 BMW 525i with a 5spd manual. Absolutely love it. Bought it with less than 100K miles, too, so it's in great shape. Insanely fun to drive, the style is classic BMW and has held up well, and its got loads of modern features (power everything, one-touch windows, CD player etc). Gas mileage isn't fantastic...currently getting about 19 all city miles. Used to have a '66 Mustang, red & black interior, 289 2bbl V8 with 3-spd manual. After about halfway through restoration, I had to sell it b/c of a lack of funds and I simply needed a day-to-day driver, not a weekend warrior. Definitely miss it.

Great interior. It will be interesting to see how certain bits translate to production, such as the dash stitching and the areas covered by wood. I really think that the new Enclave will be a much-needed hit...possibly giving the RX a run for it's money. As usual, I have a few gripes related to the interior. One, which I'm sure most of you can agree with, is the center controls. They look entirely out of place, ruining the overall design and somewhat cheapening it. GM needs to figure out a better way to integrate its radio/HVAC controls...it seems designers are constrained by using that rectangular unit...doesn't Toyota/Honda use a system that shares its "unseen" components while allowing a level of flexibility in the knob placement? While I'm sure GM is doing this to save costs, I think they should investigate this possibility to give designers more flexiblility in designing creative interiors. Lastly, I think the metal/wood combo on the dash is a great idea...just not executed well enough. While it's got to be hard for GM to translate the Centieme interior to production, I think they could have designed a more convincing dash trim setup...something closer to the Centieme, with a more real-looking brushed aluminum strip. And those are two small gripes on what seems to be a knockout hit...looking forward to seeing this baby on the road!

For what it's worth, here's the fourth leaked demo from the Chinese Democracy sessions: http://s39.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1MYKORC...NL0Y05DCW5XL3WO The demo quality of "Catcher in the Rye" is similar to "There was a Time"...meaning the mix is terrible. IMO, the song is nothing fantastic, but interesting nonetheless. A little bit of Beatles/McCartney influences and Use Your Illusion-style songwriting. Axl's voice sounds really shot, though. From hearing these demos, it's clear that Rose is trying hard to make every song a hit...and that factor is a little too off-putting to me. Kind of lacking the attitude, the swagger, even the slopiness I'd expect. You can tell what he brought to the real Guns N' Roses, ie hooks, some structuring, certain influences (Queen, Elton John, Nazareth) and of course, great vocals (well, most of the time). But with these tracks, you can tell that he's a piece of a puzzle that isn't complete without the other original bandmates. Think: Slash's bluesy guitar whaling out impossible solos, Izzy Stradlin's bad-attitude songwriting, Duff McKagan's brooding bass, and Steven Adler's ability to hit that pocket at the right time. The original GNR is one hell of a band that just can't be topped without the chemistry of the original members. However, I must say it's good to hear Axl Rose again, even if the material comes up a little short.

I have the full version of "Better" as well as "There Was a Time" and "IRS." "Better" is clearly the strongest song i've heard from the Chinese Democracy set... http://s6.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1SHHUF2TQS94H28G1G3DB94SZX Enjoy. Keep in mind, this isn't "GNR," merely Axl Rose and a bunch of hired session musicians. They've been working on and off for over a decade on this album, spending over $13 million and constantly re-recording with a revolving door of producers (including Roy Thomas Baker of Queen/Journey fame). Over this time period, Axl & Co. is said to have recorded about 60 tracks. One main problem has been writer's block, lack of vocals, etc...just a bunch of Rose's usual antics. About 8 tracks have surfaced from these sessions, some played at live shows (Chinese Democracy, The Blues, Madagascar, Riyadh and the Bedouins), and some of those demos that have leaked recently (IRS, There Was a Time, Better, and now Catcher in the Rye). Of this set (haven't heard "Catcher"), Better, The Blues, Madagascar, and There was a Time show promise...but nothing worthy of the hype this album has gotten, or ten-plus years of recording for that matter...

Well, NOS, here's my input. FYI, I'm actually in a very large fraternity on my campus and have been active since my freshman year... Rules for rushing requirements varies by campus, but most you can rush formally (by registering with the Interfraternity Council aka IFC), or informally. It does not matter either way... Definitely check out every house, don't let anybody's opinions of any house get in your way of checking one out. Try to bring friends with you...you'll feel less like a fish out of water. You are being judged, but try not to be nervous...really keep your cool, stay relaxed. Try to look your best, too, but without overdoing it...we like "face guys" but won't rush a guy if he's all looks and no brains. A house will call you after the night they rush you, asking you to come back again for either lunch or the remaining night. Usually, most frats will "pref" you, inviting you to Preference dinner the night before bid night. Unless a rushee acts like a total tool on pref night, an invite to pref dinner basically means you're getting a bid. As for pledging, get in the mindset that you are going to be hazed. It's happening alot less these days thanks to heavy litigation, but if it does most houses have it for a point (which is extremely impossible for outsiders to grasp), and you won't get injured. Think PT and cleaning. The goal is to build your pledge class into a tight unit, like 30 best friends that would take a bullet for each other...once your there it's an awesome feeling. Inititiation is big...once you run through the front doors for the first time with your pledge class its definetely something to remember... Once your in, you have countless resources which you can capitilize on. Lots of connections, great parties, etc. If you're not down with the whole hazing thing, most Sigma Phi Epsilon chapters have done away with the pledge system and have adopted something similar to a leadership/philanthropy club...I'm not a fan of it but it works for some... As for sorority girls, getting into a frat does not guarantee you "hooking up" with them, it just betters your odds of meeting them...you have to do the rest of the work just like any other party. Let me know if you need any more info on frats, be glad to help...

Disco is quite pathetic...it became too predictable, too simple, and didn't require much talent once it hit its peak. Kinda like today's hip-hop (although some stuff's good...check out Atmosphere and Brother Ali). Dance music definitely isn't dead. In the States, it was a legitimate genre from the early '90s (house) and mid-to-late 90s (trance). It's kinda died off as things got too predictable. In the UK, dance is still a popular genre, with many constantly-emerging sub-genres such as Goa Trance. You don't hear hip-hop in the clubs there...most of it is usually house at the lighter clubs and heavier stuff at the big ones. Dance music has kinda faded away here especially since the rave scene died as well as the lack of musical creativity. But, like anything, it'll make a comeback. For you people who like a little techno every now & then, must-haves in your iPod are Safri Duo's "Bongo Song," Eric Prydz's "Call on Me," and Faithless' "Insomnia." An up-and-comer in the Goa Trance scene is Infected Mushroom...check out "I'm the Supervisor" for a taste of where things are going.

A little further thought... Here's the pro's of this situation: -The newly integrated channel recieves a small-car entry that does is not redundant within the P/B/GMC retail inventory -The proposed vehicle fits the Pontiac image: Performance. It appears - from this particular article - that only the supercharged version will be offered. -This vehicle is a "stopgap." Meaning it won't be around for the normal 5-MY cycle. -I speculate this vehicle will make up for some Cobalt sales as they drop, especially in terms of shared parts, possibly lowering costs. And now the cons: -The vehicle is a clone, something that (give and take) GM has been trying to get away from. -It seems that the vehicle will not be substantially upgraded, especially where the interior is concerned. So, in a business sense, this vehicle works for GM - especially given the firm's current financial situation. However, the long-term effects depend on how much effort they put into making this vehicle a better Cobalt SS Supercharged. How much differentiation can we expect? From the information we've learned, I'd expect a little more than what you see on the Pursuit. I'd expect a better-integrated grill. The front bumper works as a Pontiac, IMO. They could body-color the black plastic on the corner of the greenhouse near the c-pillar...making a little Pontiac "kink" similar to the G6 coupe. The headlights should be changed for differentiation's sake, but I don't see how you could fit a better/good design using that sheetmetal. On a side note, Cobalt designers did a fantastic job given the dimensions/proportions they had to work with. As I'd expect they'd like to keep as many panels the same as possible, how would you guys fit in different, attractive headlights on the Cobalt body? So, in summary, I feel that Pontiac getting a supercharged-only version of the Cobalt is better than a simple rebadge of the entire line (althought I have a hunch GM will add lower versions to compensate for lost Cobalt sales down the line). Having anything less than the supercharged version is detrimental to the Pontiac brand. However, this is only improved version of GM's philosophy on brand differentiation: one step forward (LaNeve's goals), NOW two steps back (this!). Guess old habits die hard.

Good news! While the next-gen SRX has been delayed, it is good to see GM improve an already solid contender. The SRX has gotten great reviews, unfortunately it hasn't been a hot seller due to high pricing and a not-too-fantastic exterior. On that note, I really like Bimmer325's chop...that'd make a good ext. refresh. Fixing the SRX's interior and adding a few flashy upgrades while lowering the price could really give this vehicle a jumpstart. They've just got to market it properly...