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red

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Everything posted by red

  1. Congrats to the Xterra marketing team! Highest bidder two life cycles and counting!!! :P
  2. Yikes. Can't say I like this one. At all. Hope that isn't an indication of the next TT...although it sure looks like it. Take away the notchback, add a sloping roof, production-ize the grill, and you're probably looking at the next TT. Gross.
  3. I've been out in London for a month and that's the first one I've seen! However, I did spot a Navigator in Westminster... You guys would love the rides out here...they look so different in person. The French cars are absolutely wild!
  4. Great to hear the positive buzz. I think GM did a great job with the Yukon and Tahoe. The interiors are 1000% better, the designs are better integrated and further differentiated, and the gas mileage has improved. For once, I can only name two items for improvement: ditch the all-plastic dash for a cushy one, and upgrade the 4-speed to the 6-speed across the line. With those two items fixed, you've got a near perfect product...
  5. Who's to blame? Both the Delphi and the UAW have made several critical errors leading up to this drastic situation. These errors are of no surprise, we've heard them all before: be it management's "giving in" in the 80s, the poor product decisions in the 90s, and UAW's increasing demands at every contract negotation. However, as the economic enviroment fluctuates, both parties must respond to this change. IMO, the UAW has still been partying like its "1999." The Unions' failure to work together with its partner has led to this drastic measure, plain and simple. The excessive benefits and lofty wages - a mistake by management in the first place - must go. For in the forseeable future, workers in Asia and Mexico will continue to be paid in lump sums of lent and the occasional monetary coin. The UAW needs to realize these competitive disadvantages that exist in today's marketplace. With that being said, the cuts proposed by Delphi are completely reasonable. Workers are still paid a large amount for simple line work, the benefits are there, the vacation is still better than that of a college graduates'.
  6. Cheers to GM for the increased level of differentiation. Thumbs down for not pursuing an updated "terra" design theme. Those chubby headlights remind me of the minivans, and the grill is too small. However, I do like this truck, as it looks good as a whole. The designers should be commended for making this different styling theme "work" with the rest of the body...a common problem with "badge jobs." Cheers GM! Let's see that Escalade!
  7. The Crossfire is a very stylish car, like a work of art on wheels. I think Chrysler should seek a replacement in the future, as it sets the "tone" for the brand's aspirations. Unfortunately, this car was not a great value. The high base price coupled with a so-so engine did not help move this car. If Chrysler can pull another "rolling art piece" like this, give it a power boost and lower the base price, they've got a great halo car.
  8. I'd like to wait & see it in Detroit. Thanks for holding it back Josh.
  9. In my mind, these Zeta cars would be the "thesis" or the "definition" for the divisions these cars represent. I believe it would be great to see: -MY 2010 Bel Air (replace Impala after phase-out): This will be THE Chevrolet. Boldly styled, beatifully executed. Detailed, plush interior. Although this would be slightly more expensive than the Impala, consumers would find an increased value: better packaging, transmissions, power, sportier handling, and better material quality. Ideally, this would be the perfect product that Chevy has failed to deliver for so long... -MY 2009 Pontiac G8 (replace Grand Prix) Again, this will be the definitive Pontiac. Although this will take place of the Grand Prix, it will be geared to a more affluent consumer. Ideally, this would offer the ride, handling, and build quality of a BMW 5-series for a fraction of the price. Additionally, these value-conscious buyers will find better acceleration, increased passenger and cargo room, and a LOT better styling :P -MY 2009 Buick Velite (addition to lineup of LaCrosse, Lucerne, and Centieme) A four seat hardtop convertible with signature Buick styling (preferably more original than the Velite concept as well as more engaging). Unlike most four seat convertibles, this will offer back seat room aplenty. Primary competitor: Lexus SC, but priced lower. -MY 2010 Chevrolet Camaro A fresh design with some retro touches. Cheap base engine (3.9L), powerful V8. Consumers will find that the well styled interior isn't just something to look at: materials will be top notch (cough, Mustang). A MY 2011 convertible will be soon to follow. So, off the top of my head, there's where I woul start.
  10. These results do not surprise me. However, I still would rather drive a Solstice than a Miata. Sure, the Miata has a better looking interior as well as three generations of refinement. But what it comes down to is...the Pontiac simply looks better. Sorry edmunds, for my money it'd be the Pontiac (better yet the Saturn).
  11. Very nice exterior. I like the the sheetmetal crease in the rear - adds some definition. This is not a knock-you-out-of-your socks design but it is very well done. I am a little disappointed with the interior. The gaps in this drawing seem quite large. Additionally, all the materials used seem to be hard plastic, unless they incorporate a cushy "rubberized" material on either side of the controls. Furthermore, I do not like the black plastic that dominates the center controls and switches...why not cover it with piano black, real aluminum, corian? Lastly, this interior design is too similar to that of the 2002 Nissan Altima (look at the wraparound upper dash, waterfall center controls, tall vents). But with this criticism, I applaud GM for doing a commendable improvement on the current ION's worst-in-class interior! All in all, great exterior, ho-hum interior. Hopefully some additional rear seat legroom, more power, better handling & you've got a winner. GM should see a sustantial sales increase with this new model...but man is it far off!
  12. The Patriot - in concept form - is executed very well. It looks like a Jeep, but thankfully does without the gaudiness of the Commander. If DCX has got a great design - especially if it can transfer this level of execution to the production line (that means no super-extended bumpers, cheap lights, panel inconsistencies). One thing I would change is a little less windshield...a Jeep trademark is having a lower windshield (conveys "toughness"). I'm going to withhold judgement on the Compass until I see some additional views...right now it looks like a candidate for Ugliest Car of the Year!
  13. Appears to be the 9-6x in early prototype form. I see a similar amount of differentiation as with previous Saabaru's. The entire front end sheetmetal is unique, and the rear is slightly modified (bumpers, taillamps, license plate housing). I am not a fan of the B9 at all. While this is a "cleaned up" B9, it still shares its akward proportions and - I assume- inflated price tag. It is sad to see the Saab lineup will now hold majority to slightly reworked Subarus. Let's hope this "stopgap" product line doesn't last...
  14. And just think: look how well Honda did with three products. Theoretically, by trimming its product line, future Buick vehicles will have a larger budget and sharper focus. Ideally, this plan will allow Buick to redefine itself with a strong core of solid products. GM has enough divisions to cover what product Buick loses. The Rainier is redundant, as the GMC Envoy Denali (offered in some of the same showrooms) covers that market. The next generation Saturn can cover ground for the Terazza, as Saturn will move upmarket. All in all, this is a better move for GM as whole. I may be reading too many DeLorenzo articles, but they really need to cut down on redundant products so the company can better focus on each new vehicle.
  15. red

    07 Escalade

    As for the Colorado mule, could it be possible Hummer H3 Pickup in testing? Or a smaller Hummer? The proportions are very Wrangler-like... Escalade looks interesting...they lowered the grill, lights look to be very Sixteen-ish.
  16. What a great, great marketing opportunity. I'd save this for when Saturn's got its newer cars (Aura, Sky) in the showroom...let consumers know that the company still puts "people first" while initiating a new "first in class" mantra. Only problem is, alot of Honda owners (and other make owners) will start calling Saturn...
  17. As for RWD vs. FWD, I prefer RWD. Why? I like the handling, steering feel, and "acceleration feel" if there is such as thing. I really don't like the FWD feel - the drive wheels are youre turn wheels etc. I also don't like the torque steer...I nearly wrecked my buddy's new Maxima because of it! However, FWD has its pluses and a VERY large target market, so stick with it. Just leave a few rear-drivers for us enthusiasts ;-)
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