Clownzilla

It looks like they are going to use a similar center (similar, not same) as their other vehicles. I think the Chrysler corporate center stack looks pretty boring but it looks well refined (at least it looks that, never got to feel one). Have to say, it looks good in the charger though!

Wait, I just noticed that they took out the HUD! That's a mistake!

I'm in favor of the change. Being a employee of a SAAB dealer, I have had the chance to take a 9-3 home on a few weekends. Let me tell you, that SAAB info center is dangerous. The thing is difficult to use and takes your eyes off of the road for to long (it did look VERY cool though, especially at night). The other problem I had with it was the phone pad. The pad is actually used in Europe with a bluetooth phone, but the USA version has to be used with the expensive OnStar phone service (although I do think that the other OnStar features are worth the cost). This will be a good move for the 9-3, regardless of what people think about the GM-ized look.

I think a big problem is there are quite a few people in the USA (and media) that want's to see the USA fail. Why, I don't know. So I think when Toyota reaches #1, everybody will talk about HOW Toyota is number one, and why GM is not. As I said earlier in this thread though, there are still many true Americans left that will embrace GM and their rebound.

This Bob Lutz quote reminds me of a commercial I saw on TV several months ago. It showed a guy going to his refrigirator and somthing bad happened to it (can't remember what), then the tag line of the commercial was somthing on the line of "Don't you wish Toyota made more than cars". Toyota is and has been for a while the "practical" choice for a vehicle. Well, there are MANY people left in this country that are true Americans, and walk down a path of emotion and adventure. GM needs to tap these people by making cars that dosen't give a $%#^ about what the Japanese, Koreans, and Germans make. GM needs to make their own rules again and force the other makers to make the tough decision to jump into the ring with the giant.

Keep the rear bucket seats! When they announced that the final vehicle will not have that, it made me.......

$54,900 for a base 9-3 conv. does not sound right. I know there are apperently extra features, but $54,900! Also $34,900 is crazy for the 9-3 sedan! I hope this is Canadian $$$$.

I would rather Mr. Lutz say, "GM will be GM's hot brand this year".

Yeah, it's a concept drawing, but given the Aero-X concept + this concept drawing, many of us SAAB fans (and even those that are not) can see some SWEET stuff brewing from that "dead" Swedish brand.

Well, GM needs to make EVERY vehicle they build flex fuel ready (even Cadillacs and SAABs). You know, I read an article about a week ago (can't remember where) with a head Toyota employee stating that E85 is not the solution for the USA. Hmmmmmmmm............wonder why they would say that. Anyway, I think if GM and Ford want to stick it to Toyota and Honda, they will bring E85 out in full force. If the government does not want to help out with the production and distribution (which it seems that way), there will be plenty of American loving (and profit loving) business' to take charge. You know, just think what inexpensive fuel would do to the hybrid "wonder". Plus, how will it look when the public finds out that Toyota or Honda could care less about our countries farmers, which are the roots of our democracy!

Nice! I do kind of like the pointed front end though (makes me thing fighter jet). By the way, where did you get this sketch? This is the first 9-5 sketch I have seen.

Well, if the UAW strikes then they better go after Toyota and Hyuindai plants, because it is a LONG boat ride to China!

I borrowed one from my dealership for a few days and the engines got GREAT gas mileage, but could not move worth %$^&!

Well, I have to agree with you. Hummer needs a flagship "big-wig" vehicle. Plus, I think Hummer's top vehicle should not be affiliated with the military in any way. Now, I AM NOT GETTING POLITICAL, but seeing all of the news on the military H1 vehicles getting blown to bits by bombs does not make a good advertisment for the civilian version. Now, I know that the average civilian dosen't face life and death every day, but all the negative news does affect the publics opinion on Hummer. Hummer needs a rugged, high class vehicle that will still stay true to the Hummer name. Anyone up for a SUV above the Escalade for Cadillac?

I don't like the style of either of them. The best BMW (and the most joyful) I have seen was my ex-girlfriends (back in college) 1989 bright red BMW 318i. I LOVED the way it looked and drove. Yeah, I warned her of the CRAZY repair costs, but she didn't care (as a lot of BMW buyers). I think BMW is starting to forget what fun styling is. I also think that BMW is forgeting the Driving Machine portion of their slogan. I don't want all of this tech crap! The 1989 318i was a CAR, not much to it. It was solid and fun though!

The only Non-US car I would ever buy (excluding Ford and GM nameplates, Volvo, SAAB, Jaguar, etc.) would be a VW. Never driven one, but the GTI appeals to me a LOT more! Any VW appeals to me a LOT more than ANY Japanese vehicle! VW just has a higher class vehicle. Just my opinion though.

I ask the same question! Although I kind of like this car (even though it is too expensive), I can't see why a person would buy this over the superior Audi A8. Especially when your talking about cars this expensive.

Once enough business' get on the E85 tidal wave, then good ol American competition will not allow a gas station to charge a premium.

If GM and Ford can get together on this, you will see E85 spread out more. Although, I don't care if your Democrat or Republican, I think there are way too many politicians with deep oil pockets. Getting the government to help us will be a gigantic hurdle. What we need is a politician run for a high post that has one agenda in mind "Make E85 the standard".

It would be smaller than my current car too, but would be something fresh in my garage.

EXACTLY! I think this car would take a suprising amount of sales from the Yaris and Fit!

Well, Toyota can "help out" the supplier because they have major cash! GM has to find new suppliers that will lower prices so they can survive! Listen, if suppliers keep doing this, I'm sure the Chinese will be very happy to supply GM with ANYTHING they need.

I have always thought those Suzuki X90's looked neat (although I don't tell anybody that ). Also, the Isuzu VehiCross! Different, but I think they were the best looking SUV made! Too bad Isuzu could not pull it through further!

The key to hydrogen is when you can build the cars for a mass market. One car is a start though.

Ouch! Below the belt!