RBB

I originally posted this in the Hybrid Comparison thread in the Saturn forum, but thought it might be more appropriate here. Soon, GM will have three different types of hybrid vehicles in their product portfolio: Mild Hybrids Two-Mode Hybrids Plug-In Hybrids Of those, the Two-Mode hybrid is the only one that's comparable with the hybrids offered by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. That's great, actually - more choice is a good thing. However, the Mild Hybrid is all that's available right now, and it's not called a mild hybrid - it's called 'hybrid'. Since the Camry, Altima, and Accord Two-Mode hybrids are also just called 'hybrid' non-analogous comparisons arise. And of course the cheaper mild hybrid will look bad when comparing performance and mileage to a full hybrid. That's GM's fault. As far as I'm aware, even when the two-mode hybrids become available, there won't be any visual differentiation at all between the mild and two-mode versions. That's a recipe for confusion and more faulty comparisons. Were it me, I'd break them in into separate mini-brands: Mild-Hybrid: Don't call it a hybrid at all - name it something like "Power Assist", and say that it uses hybrid technology to inexpensively give a boost both MPG and power when accelerating compared to standard four-cylinder engines. Market this as the economical choice. Two-Mode Hybrid: Call this one simply "Hybrid", just like other manufacturers to. Market *these* against the competition's comparable models - Aura/Malibu against Camry/Altima, Vue against Escape, etc. Plug-In Hybrids: Were it me, I'd market these as electric vehicles that have a combustion-engine backup, since for most shorter commutes, you may not need a gas engine at all. Call them "EV Hybrids". Give each hybrid "brand" its own unique logo and slap them on the respective vehicles. Then, market the hell out of the fact that, with the FlexFuel engines, GM gives you more options than anyone to decrease our depenency on foreign oil and save the environment. -RBB

This is a marketing problem. Soon, GM will have three different types of hybrid vehicles in their product portfolio: Mild Hybrids Two-Mode Hybrids Plug-In Hybrids Of those, the Two-Mode hybrid is the only one that's comparable with the hybrids offered by Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. That's great, actually - more choice is a good thing. However, the Mild Hybrid is all that's available right now, and it's not called a mild hybrid - it's called 'hybrid'. Since the Camry, Altima, and Accord Two-Mode hybrids are also just called 'hybrid' these non-analogous comparisons arise. And of course the cheaper mild hybrid will look bad when compared to a full hybrid. That's GM's fault. As far as I'm aware, even when the two-mode hybrids become available, there won't be any visual differentiation at all between the mild and two-mode versions. That's a recipe for confusion and more faulty comparisons. Were it me, I'd break them in into separate mini-brands: Mild-Hybrid: Don't call it a hybrid at all - name it something like "Power Assist", and say that it uses hybrid technology to inexpensively give a mild boost to both MPG and power when accelerating. Market this as the economical choice. Two-Mode Hybrid: Call this one simply "Hybrid", just like other manufacturers to. Market *these* against the competition's comparable models - Aura/Malibu against Camry/Altima, Vue against Escape, etc. Plug-In Hybrids: Were it me, I'd market these as electric vehicles that have a combustion-engine backup, since for most shorter commutes, you may not need a gas engine at all. Call them "EV Hybrids". Give each hybrid "brand" its own unique logo and slap them on the respective vehicles. Then, market the hell out of the fact that, with the FlexFuel engines, GM gives you more options than anyone to decrease our depenency on foreign oil and save the environment. Just MHO, -RBB

Just hang out at an Enterprise lot some time...-RBB

Nissan should make the Maxima into an everyman's CLS - with a swoopy, coupelike greenhouse that may not be the most practical sedan but would be a sexier and more luxurious alternative to the Altima. -RBB

OK, thanks. Sounds reasonable enough. -RBB

Off topic, but I'm curious about this statement. You've made it no secret that you work closely with Opel. Since more and more of Saturn's lineup is becoming Opel-derived, why would you not buy one "because it's a Saturn" and you "don't buy Saturns"The Outlook specifically I can understand since it is not an Opel-derived vehicle and you don't care for the styling. But it sounds like you're dismissing the brand entirely. Back on topic, since $42K is out of your price range (and understandibly so), what is your price range. Would you consider a new Vue? -RBB

Sizing up the competition: Now, especialy considering one was proffesionally photographed and the other was snapped by some guy driving by in his car, I'd say the 'bu compares pretty well. The LED taillights are the only thing I prefer on the Camry. -RBB

-RBB

http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...showtopic=17683 -RBB

Now that's a crossbrace. Agreed with everyone else - that's definitely a V6 under there. Maybe the new DI 3.6? -RBB

There's a 1st-gen Toyota Celica tooling around town here with three of the same Ventiports on each fender. -RBB

WPB_Harry -RBB

These are the error codes if you can retreive any from the OBD-II box: P1000 OBD II Monitor Testing Not Completed P1001 Unable to Achieve Self-Test Function or SCP Error P1100 Mass Airflow Sensor Circuit Intermittent P1101 Mass Airflow Sensor Circuit out of Self-Test Range P1102 Mass Airflow Sensor Signal Inconsistent with Throttle Position Sensor P1103 Mass Airflow Sensor Signal Inconsistent with Engine Speed P1110 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Signal (Dynamic Chamber) Circuit P1112 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Intermittent P1113 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Signal (Dynamic Chamber) Circuit P1114 Intake Air Temperature Sensor Circuit Low Input P1116 ECT Sensor Circuit Out of Self Test Range P1117 ECT Sensor Signal Intermittent P1120 Throttle Position Sensor out of Range Low P1121 Throttle Position Sensor Signal Not Consistent with Mass Airflow Signal P1122 Throttle Position Stuck Closed P1123 Throttle Position Stuck Open P1124 Throttle Position Sensor Signal Out of Self Test Range P1125 Throttle Position Sensor Signal Intermittent P1127 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Heater Not On During Key On Engine Running Self Test P1128 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Signals Swapped in Key On Engine Running Self Test P1130 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Not Switching (Fuel Control Limit Reached) P1131 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Signal Below 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Lean) P1132 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Signal Above 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Rich) P1135 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Heater Circuit Low Input P1136 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Heater Circuit High Input P1137 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Not Switching (Fuel Control Limit Reached) P1138 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Signal Above 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Rich) P1141 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Heater Circuit Low Input P1142 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 2 Heater Circuit High Input P1143 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 3 Signal Below 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Lean) P1144 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 3 Signal Above 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Rich) P1150 HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1 Not Switching (Fuel Control Limit Reached) P1151 HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1 Signal Below 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Lean) P1152 HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1 Signal Above 0.45v (A/F Ratio Too Rich) P1169 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Circuit Fixed (Bank 1 Sensor 1) P1170 HO2S Bank 1 Sensor 1 Circuit Fixed (Bank 1 Sensor 1) P1173 HO2S Bank 2 Sensor 1 Circuit Fixed (Bank 2 Sensor 1) P1195 EGR Boost Sensor Circuit P1196 Ignition Switch Start Circuit P1235 Fuel Pump Control Circuit P1236 Fuel Pump Control Out Range P1250 Pressure Regulator Control Solenoid Circuit P1252 Pressure Regulator Control Solenoid '2' Circuit P1260 Anti-Theft System Signal Detected - Engine Disabled P1270 Engine RPM or Vehicle Speed Limit Reached P1309 Misfire Detection Monitor P1345 No CMP or SGC Signal P1351 Ignition Diagnostic Monitor Signal Lost to PCM or Out Of Range P1352 Ignition Coil 'A' Primary Circuit P1353 Ignition Coil 'B' Primary Circuit P1354 Ignition Coil 'C' Primary Circuit P1358 Ignition Diagnostic Monitor Signal Out Of Self Test Range P1359 SPOUT Signal Lost To Powertrain Control Module Or Out Of Range P1360 Ignition Coil 'A' Secondary Circuit P1361 Ignition Coil 'B' Secondary Circuit P1362 Ignition Coil 'C' Secondary Circuit P1364 Ignition Coil Primary Circuit P1365 Ignition Coil Secondary Circuit P1390 Octane Adjust Shorting Bar Out or Circuit Open P1400 DPFE Sensor Circuit Low Input P1401 DPFE Sensor Circuit High Input P1402 EGR Valve Position Sensor Circuit P1405 DPFE Sensor Upstream Hose Off Or Plugged P1406 DPFE Sensor Downstream Hose Off or Plugged P1407 No EGR Flow Detected P1408 EGR System Flow Out of Key On Engine Running Self Test Range P1409 EGR Vacuum Regulator Solenoid Circuit P1410 EGR Boost Solenoid Valve Stuck P1443 EVAP System Purge Flow Fault P1444 EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Low Voltage P1446 EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit High Voltage P1449 CDCV or Throttle PositionCV Circuit P1450 EVAP Control System Fault P1451 Canister Vent Solenoid Circuit P1455 Fuel Tank Level Sensor Circuit P1460 Wide Open Throttle A/C Cut-Off Relay Circuit P1464 Air Conditioning Control Signal Circuit P1474 Fan Control (Primary Winding) Circuit P1479 Fan Control (Condenser Primary) Circuit P1485 EGR Vacuum Solenoid Circuit P1486 EGR Vent Solenoid Circuit P1487 EGR-CHK (Boost) Solenoid Circuit P1496 EGR Valve Motor Coil '1' Open or Shorted P1497 EGR Valve Motor Coil '2' Open or Shorted P1498 EGR Valve Motor Coil '3 Open or Shorted P1499 EGR Valve Motor Coil '4' Open or Shorted P1500 Vehicle Speed Sensor Intermittent Signal P1501 Vehicle Speed Sensor Out of Self Test Range P1502 Vehicle Speed Sensor Circuit Error P1504 Idle Air Control Solenoid Circuit Intermittent P1505 Idle Air Control System at Adaptive Clip P1506 Idle Air Control System Overspeed Detected P1507 Idle Air Control System Underspeed Detected P1508 Bypass Air Solenoid '1' Circuit P1509 Bypass Air Solenoid '2 Circuit P1512 VTCS Fault P1521 VRIS Solenoid '1' Circuit P1522 VRIS Solenoid '2 Circuit P1523 VICS Solenoid Circuit P1524 Charge Air Cooler Bypass Solenoid Circuit P1525 ABV Vacuum Solenoid Circuit P1526 ABV Vent Solenoid Circuit P1529 L/C Atmospheric Balance Air Control Valve Circuit P1540 ABV System Fault P1562 Powertrain Control Module +BB Voltage Low P1569 VTCS Circuit Low Input P1570 VTCS Circuit High Input P1601 Powertrain Control Module Communication Line to TCM Error P1602 Powertrain Control Module Communication Line to TCM Error P1602 Immobilizer System Communication Error with Powertrain Control Module P1603 Immobilizer System Fault P1604 Immobilizer System Fault P1605 Powertrain Control Module Keep Alive Memory Test Error P1608 Powertrain Control Module (ECM CPU) DTC Test Fault P1609 Powertrain Control Module (ECM CPU) Knock Sensor Circuit P1621 lmmobilizer System Fault P1622 lmmobilizer System Fault P1623 lmmobilizer System Fault P1624 lmmobilizer System Fault P1627 Powertrain Control Module (ECM/TCS) Line Communication Error P1628 Powertrain Control Module (ECM/TCS) Any Line Communication Error P1631 Generator Output Voltage Signal (No Output) P1632 Battery Voltage Monitor Circuit P1633 Battery Overcharge Fault P1634 Generator Terminal 'B' Circuit Open P1650 Power Steering Pressure Switch Out of Range Fault P1651 Power Steering Pressure Switch Circuit P1652 Power Steering Pressure Switch Circuit P1701 Transmission Range Sensor Reverse Engagement Error P1702 Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Intermittent P1703 Brake On/Off Switch Out of Self Test Range P1705 Transmission Range Sensor out of Self Test Range P1709 Clutch Pedal Position Switch Circuit P1711 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit out of Self Test Range P1713 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit P1714 Shift Solenoid '1' Mechanical Fault P1715 Shift Solenoid '2' Mechanical Fault P1716 Shift Solenoid '3' Mechanical Fault P1717 Shift Solenoid '4' Mechanical Fault P1718 Transmission Fluid Temperature Sensor Circuit P1720 Vehicle Speed Sensor '2' Signal Error P1729 Transmission 4x4 Low Switch Error P1740 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Mechanical Fault P1741 Torque Converter Clutch Control Electrical Fault P1742 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Shorted P1743 Torque Converter Clutch Failed On - TCIL is On P1744 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Mechanical Fault P1746 Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit Open P1747 Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit P1749 Electronic Pressure Control Solenoid Circuit Low P1751 Transmission Shift Solenoid 'A' Mechanical Fault P1752 Transmission Shift Solenoid 'A' Circuit Shorted P1754 Transmission Coast Clutch Solenoid Electrical Fault P1756 Transmission Shift Solenoid 'B' Mechanical Fault P1757 Transmission Shift Solenoid 'B' Circuit Shorted P1761 Transmission Shift Solenoid '3' Mechanical Fault P1762 Transmission SS3/SS4/OD Band Fault P1765 Transmission 3-2 Timing Solenoid Valve P1767 Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid Circuit P1771 Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Open to Transmission Control Module P1772 Throttle Position Sensor Circuit Shorted to Transmission Control Module P1780 Transmission Control Switch Circuit P1780 Overdrive Off Switch not Cycled during the Self Test P1781 Transmission 4x4 Low Switch out of Range Fault P1783 Transmission Fluid Temperature High Input P1788 3-2T/CCS Circuit Open P1789 3-2T/CCS Circuit Shorted P1794 Powertrain Control Module Battery Direct Power Circuit P1797 P/N Switch Open or Short Circuit P1900 Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Intermittent P1901 Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent -RBB

Well, that's one way to become a #1 automaker... -RBB

If it makes you feel better, they're only a few hundred pounds heavier than the new Vue. :wink: -RBB

-RBB

It's like a transindental-meditative philisophical conundrum: If Fly bought a Toyota, would he run into himself? -RBB

Saw a Silverado Hybrid yesterday - first one I'd seen on the road. Also, got a call from my dad last weekend. He's retiring and moving to Satty's neck of the woods (actually a bit south of there, to Table Rock Lake). Said he had some power tools that didn't sell in his yard sale and asked if I wanted them. Being a fan of power tools, I said sure. 'OK, I'll be over in a bit'. He rolls up in a brand new red 2WD 2007 Silverado C2500 extended cab. *Nice* rig. He got the 6.6L Duramax with the Allison tranny and the LT2 package. He's absolutely loving it so far. It's got effortless power, and he's averaged about 20 MPG, not bad for a 3/4 ton truck. This is his first diesel, and I don't think he'll go back to a gas engine any time soon. -RBB

From Motor Trend: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1...ze_matters.html Also from Motor Trend:http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1...edge_suzuki_xl7 http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1...2007_gmc_acadia Also, from this comparo: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1...ze_matters.html And from other Motor Trend articles:http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1...edge_suzuki_xl7 http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suvs/1...2007_gmc_acadia -RBB

Where does the G5 fit in, then?-RBB

Didn't you see the Delorean in there? You know you want you some of that. What about an RX-8? -RBB

http://houston.craigslist.org/car/323773748.html -RBB

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...amp;cardist=226 http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...&cardist=40 http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...amp;cardist=169 http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...amp;cardist=822 http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_...amp;cardist=362 -RBB

? -RBB

OK, that's it. My next RWD V8 muscle car will be a Toyota. -RBB