HarleyEarl

January 6, 2006 2006 Cadillac DTS Road Test by The Car Family *** Specifications and prices contained in this article are based on US products *** Performance Sedan Cadillac has fired a shot across the collective bows of the European and Asian luxury sedan builders with a revamped and much improved DTS Performance Sedan. Priced at US$50,500 with the high output Northstar V8 2006 Cadillac DTS (Photo: General Motors) and packed with oodles of standard equipment befitting a luxury automobile, the Cadillac straddles the oomph of the BMW, the ride of the Mercedes, the interior of the Lexus, and the handling of the Jaguar. Add to this mix the best interior lighting ever, great headlights, good visibility, a capable 292 horsepower engine and throw in a sharper image exterior and you have the best domestic made luxury car available. Still, there are a few shortcomings such as an automatic transmission that isn't always sure which gear to select when passing, a dismal fuel mileage rating, and brakes that feel wooden and made us wonder if it just wasn't our particular test vehicle. If you want room for five, or perhaps six, a huge trunk, an isolated ride, good acceleration, a handsome interior and quality sound system the DTS needs to be driven. Mom's view: This is a big car and it takes a big space to park and the front wheel drive means your turning radius is large. Cadillac knows this and provides a sonar type parking warning system with dash top readouts to warn you of your proximity to objects. The bigness is also responsible for a softer ride and a relaxed fit type of atmosphere in the passenger cabin. There is ample room for four golf club sets in the trunk, a 2006 Cadillac DTS (Photo: General Motors) variety of useful cabin storage bins, and terrific interior lighting. The light leather adorned interior is very nice and the seats are comfortable, but not all that supportive. On the other hand they are heated, cooled, and even offer a massage. Safety wise you get pretty much everything. There are six standard air bars, ABS, and a variety of other electronic aids as well as one year of OnStar, a tire pressure monitor, and even remote starting for those cold mornings. The heater worked very well, but the heated seats weren't as quick. Cadillac also offers what they call dual-depth front-passenger airbag that varies its inflated volume based on the severity of the crash and the passenger's seating position. Driving the DTS is simple enough given its potent engine and good visibility, but the brake feel wasn't to my liking, as it required too much leg pressure. I also prefer cars with a bit more bit to them and so the lush ride didn't light my fire. I would definitely go with an optional suspension-tuning package. However, those who are used to American luxury vehicles are going to be at home in the DTS. If you want more handling and performance look to the STS and smaller Cadillacs. This is a car for those who like to cruise and enjoy life. Even the rain sensing windshield wipers can take the drudgery out of having to worry about wet weather and the sound system was terrific. With General Motors offering great deals you can probably buy a DTS for tens of thousands less than a comparable European or Asian competitor and you with the optional 4.6 liter V8 and its 292 horsepower they aren't going to be pushing you into the slow lane. Dad's view: The pricing of this Cadillac is considerably less than the competition and yet, on paper, offers the same or more in every department. The problem is that the DTS is still front wheel drive whereas all the competition is rear wheel driven and thus more responsive. To offset this Cadillac has stuffed the DTS with a wonderful array of 2006 Cadillac DTS (Photo: General Motors) equipment. The optional DVD works well, but you have to spend time learning the system before hitting the road. The satellite radio works on XM, not our favorite, and the engine is plenty potent as it gets you to 60 mph in less than eight seconds. Of course, you pay for this as we only got 15 mpg in mixed driving. We believe they just might be the newness of our test car as the government reports 17/24 mpg. I felt that this Cadillac was comparable in all ways to the Lexus LS except for its handling and in some areas the Cadillac had the advantage such as initial cost, acceleration, and available six passenger seating. Even the notable Lexus interior dash lighting failed to better the DTS's clean white-on-black dials and red indicators. College going male's view: An excellent sound system with AM/FM/XM/and a 6 CD changer that would be the prefect place to listen to my CD at www.simple-thoughts.com. The radio reception was superb and the XM radio worked well, but the selection information was very difficult to read when you were using the GPS. When you use satellite radio and the nearly 200 stations you need to be able to quickly check what is on. With the GPS map on the monitor all you get is a small readout that is difficult to decipher. I usually like big luxury cars and the DTS was no exception. It was actually peppy and the noise from the engine had a type of gruffness that clearly indicated it was not just capable of polite cruising. Handling was smooth and not the floppy type that old Lincolns and Cadillacs used to be famous for. The back seat has ample foot and headroom, the trunk opens wide when you use the remote, and the back-up lights can illuminate a football stadium. Young working woman's view: Too large for me, but it had some strong attraction due its many features. You can get a heated steering wheel, dual zone temperature control, heated and cooled seats, remote start, a trunk that has nearly 19 feet of storage, side-mirror turn-signal repeaters, 2006 Cadillac DTS (Photo: General Motors) a PCS phone-integration kit that can access digital, analog, or PCS service, self-leveling rear suspension, xenon headlights, and some fun options such as GPS with voice recognition and adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance on the highway. Considering the competition the Cadillac is doing well. It is clearly not as well fitted out as the foreign made products, but it is better priced and provides a soothing ride. There are two engines available, one with 275 horsepower and one with about 20 more. I would test drive them both and see if you need the more potent and expensive option. I also would go with the performance suspension option and its 18-inch wheels. I would strongly have liked a large side mirror on the right door and some of the buttons were not clearly marked such as the driver's computer readouts. As I looked at this DTS with its European exterior styling that camouflaged its ample size, I was amazed at how well Cadillac has done to make its products so easily recognizable from any angle. It also does not have that old boy look to it. Driving at night I was taken by the excellence of its headlights. They are second only to the Infiniti's and I would much prefer this DTS to the Q45 in all other areas except acceleration. Family conference: The best large American luxury sedan, the DTS is a much better car than its predecessors. With a better transmission, a bit better refinement in its handling, and putting the drive wheels in back could make this a world class sedan. For a list of all vehicle websites go to www.reacheverychild.com and click on business.

Buick has always been, for many years, a status vehicle in China. Chinese Buick Regal

This truck is already available. This is a special version for the auto show.

Van conversions - NAIAS GMC Savana: Chevy Express:

wow, you guys found some really oddball squad cars.....fun! I've posted these before probably..but here's a couple:

Ya...come to daddy. Chevy Kodiak CK4500 Pickup.

Rumor is that BMW is going to revive the English nameplate, Triumph. And base it on the Mini platform.

Morgan 4/4 70th Anniversary Published: January 6th, 2006 Filed under: Morgan, Morgan 4/4 70th Anniversary, new models Discuss (0) Send to friend Print There are many motor manufacturers who can claim 70 years of continuous production, but it is only the Morgan Motor Company who can make this claim with the same model! Launched back in 1936 the Morgan 4/4 remains in full production today. To celebrate this unique achievement, the Morgan Motor Company has unveiled a special model. Appropriately named "70th Anniversary", just 142 cars will be built - two cars for every year of its production life since launch. Each car individually marked with the year it honours, and finished in period style. With the specification subtly changing through the decades with period colours, trims and hood styles, the standard specification of fold flat windscreen, vintage dashboard, sheepskin bonnet strap and drilled steel wheels with chrome hub caps, all add highly visual links to the past. A strong galvanised steel chassis carries coachbuilt bodywork of aluminium panels over an ash frame, built to the same tradition as the 1930s. The 70th Anniversary limited edition cars have been fully tested and developed to meet all of the latest crash and emission standards with the latest 4/4s being powered by the super efficient 1.8 litre 125 bhp Ford Duractec engine. Charles Morgan, Director and Grandson of the Company’s founder said "we are really proud to celebrate this anniversary. We have made nearly 10,000 4/4s over the years. The fact that we have kept the essence and character of the car, whilst keeping the functionality and safety totally current is a testament to the original design, and the skills and ingenuity of our engineers at the factory in Malvern." The 142 Anniversary cars will be priced at Ј27,950 including VAT, production runs from January to November 2006. Further details can be found on the Morgan Motor Company web site.

To me the Buick does not suit a 25 year old demographic...it comes across as older...not in a bad way...just not a hip image for someone in their 20's. To me the Chevy has a more youthful vitality.

I like this car way better than the Mustang...better proportions. I really like the rear....glad to see full width tailights making an appearance...always liked that look.

Impala SS...without question. Much car for the money.

Auto reviews TONY SWAN: Muscular SUV sets the tone '06 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS is fast, practical January 5, 2006 BY TONY SWAN FREE PRESS SPECIAL WRITER The base price for a rear-drive SS, not including the $710 destination charge, is $32,890. A loaded SS model is $39,175. (General Motors) Related articles: • Chevrolet's SS (Super Sport) models 2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS Front-engine, four-wheel-drive midsize SUV. Rating: *** (out of 4 stars) Reasons to buy: Big V8 punch, big V8 rumble, good all-around work ethic. Shortcomings: Laughable fuel economy, strange vehicle concept. Base price: $32,890 As tested: $39,175 Standard equipment: Antilock brakes, StabiliTrak stability control system, four-speed automatic transmission, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, keyless remote entry, cruise control, tilt-telescope steering, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 20-inch aluminum alloy wheels. SPECIFICATIONS AS TESTED Engine: 395-h.p. 6.0-liter V8 Fuel economy: 14 m.p.g. city, 17 highway Curb weight: 4,842 pounds Wheelbase: 113.0 inches Length: 191.8 inches Width: 74.6 inches Height: 67.8 inches Where assembled: Moraine, Ohio Key competitor: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 As a child of the muscle car age, I'm indelibly sensitized to the rumbling power pulses of a good ol' American V8 engine -- the bigger the better. The rational me recognizes this as a syndrome, rooted in an automotive era that emphasized big displacement eights as the domestic auto industry worked hard to make torque junkies of us all. The campaign certainly worked on me. And like hearing the voice of an old lover, the sound of one of those engines rekindles old emotions. The Chevy TrailBlazer SS has just such an engine. Light it up, stab the throttle a couple times, and there's that commanding baritone: Whooma! Whooma! Whooma! My my my. Now, you might observe that there's another V8 option in the TrailBlazer inventory, the 5.3-liter edition. But that one doesn't sound like this one, nor does it deliver like this one. The 5.3-liter engine generates 300 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, which sounds pretty potent -- until you hitch it to about 2.5 tons of SUV. That's when you need real muscle, and that's what the 6.0-liter provides: 395 horsepower, 400 pound-feet. Sound like a Corvette engine? Yes it does, and it's the key distinguishing feature of the TrailBlazer SS. There's lots of precedent for the Chevy SS tradition, dating to the days of my torque-addicted youth. The initials stand for Super Sport, and the script first appeared on a handful of Chevrolet Impala coupes back in 1961. There were several V8 engine options-- no six-cylinders, please-- but the real zinger was the new 360-horsepower 6.7-liter 409. Though there have been hiccups and hiatuses over the years, the SS tradition has persisted and is experiencing something of a renaissance at Chevrolet. There are eight SS models in the 2006 Chevy lineup, and the notion of high performance has been expanded beyond the eight-cylinder class. But the TrailBlazer SS is clearly the big kahuna. Perspective: This is certainly not the first hot rod pickup or SUV to emerge from Detroit. Chevy offered a 454 SS pickup in the early '90s, a tire-shredder in the most extravagant SS tradition, capable of spinning its rear wheels until air showed through the tread. The same could be said for the recently discontinued Ford Lightning and the current Dodge Ram SRT-10. And if the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 isn't quite a tire-shredder -- as with my test subject, that trait is inhibited by mass and four-wheel drive -- it marches to the same beat. The commonality among all these trucks is go-power, at the expense of utility. Despite all their muscle -- in fact, probably because of it -- super-truck towing capabilities and load ratings tend to be generally lower than more conventional editions of the same vehicles. That's where the TrailBlazer SS differs. Its load ratings are consistent with the other V8-powered versions of this same vehicle (besides the TrailBlazer, there's also the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier), as is its towing capacity, a robust 6,700 pounds. And of course the extra muscle equals plenty of hustle. The TrailBlazer SS rumbles to 60 m.p.h. in 5.5 seconds and covers a quarter-mile in just about 14 seconds. Pretty spry for a vehicle that weighs in north of 4,800 pounds. Consistent with the SS formula, there's more than muscle to this package. A little more starch in the suspension, to sharpen responses, though not enough to render ride quality unpleasant, and a little more grip. Aside from that basso profundo exhaust note, 20-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, three very modest SS badges, and a few other minor trim details, the TrailBlazer SS is hard to distinguish from one of its less muscular cousins, until you check the window sticker. The base price for a rear-drive SS, not including the $710 destination charge, is $32,890, a sum that would put you in a top-of-the-line long-wheelbase TrailBlazer EXT with four-wheel drive. If you go for a loaded SS with four-wheel drive, like my test vehicle, you're looking at $39,175. That's a tougher number to digest, for sure. And while we're discussing digestion, I have to say I find the whole notion of high-performance sport-utility vehicles very tough to swallow. The idea of trying to achieve brisk acceleration and athletic reflexes in vehicles such as this is like getting ready to run the 400-meter high hurdles by putting on cowboy boots and strapping about 50 pounds of rocks in your backpack. If your prime objective is speed and agility, there are all kinds of cars that will do a better job, delivering distinctly better fuel economy and a distinctly higher fun-to-drive factor. That said, even at top dollar the TrailBlazer SS stands out among the muscle SUVs, primarily because its bag of tricks is more comprehensive than the more overtly macho machines, making it far more useful as an everyday proposition. Unlike others, Chevy product planners haven't forgotten the utility part of the sport-utility equation. So if you must have one of these illogical brutes, get one the one that has function, as well as ferocity. As little as I like to admit it, in this day and age, man does not live by whooma alone. TONY SWAN is executive editor of Car and Driver magazine. He was Free Press auto critic from 1993 to 2000 and remains a regular contributor.

Show Reflects Diversity of L.A. Auto Market Posted on 1/3/06 3:30 p.m. CST Advertisements hyping this year's Greater Los Angeles Auto Show feature two cars: the $1.2 million, 1,001-horsepower Bugatti Veyron supercar and the Honda Civic Hybrid — a seemingly disparate pair of rides that, collectively, sum up the quintessential and often fantastical L.A. driving experience. The show's general manager Andy Fuzesi noted that Southern California itself represents the market's extremes, as the largest market both for exotic cars and hybrids. The 2006 Veyron will make its North American debut at the show, which will be open for media and industry previews Jan. 4 and 5, and then daily to the general public Jan. 6 - 15 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. "California as a whole [accounts for] 10 percent of the total U.S. car sales," Fuzesi said. "And with the bulk of the population of California being in southern California, this represents the single-largest automobile market in the U.S. And beyond the number of cars, what's again significant about it is it tends to be the trendsetter. It tends to show where the market is going in the future." If that's the case, then at least the flashiest part of that market is going fast. In addition to the Bugatti, 2006 exotics taking continental bows in L.A. include the Ferrari F430 Challenge; the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder; Porsche's Cayman S; the coach-built Fisker Latigo and Tramonto; and the Dutch Spyker C12 LaTurbie and C8 Laviolette. There are also more high-end limousine-style rides scheduled for display, such as the Maybach 57S, Ferrari's four-door 612 Scaglietti and the Maserati Quattroporte GT. At the other, greener end of the show's poster cars is the Civic Hybrid, which pairs an inline-four-cylinder, 1.3-liter i-VTEC engine with an electric motor and can drive some 600 miles on one tank of gas. Saab, the once iconoclastic Swedish company now owned by General Motors, will also deliver a green concept car — the 9-5 Aero BioPower, which is fueled by bio-ethanol. Audi will bring its first-ever sport utility vehicle entry, the Q7, both as a 2006 production model and in hybrid concept form. Inside those two extremes are several more vehicles scheduled to appear in Los Angeles. Mazda will debut its CX-7 crossover, powered by a 244-hp four-cylinder turbo with a six-speed-automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz will exhibit the 2007 S-Class sedan, powered by a V-8 said to deliver about 400 hp. BMW is bringing its ultra-performance M6 coupe, while Volkswagen will show the 2007 Eos convertible, a new five-seat production model with cornering headlights and a retractable hardtop. Chevrolet's display will include the 2007 Aveo sedan and Suburban, plus a Corvette Z06 Daytona Pace Car. GMC will have a 2007 Yukon XL, while Pontiac goes performance with the 2007 Solstice GXP, powered by a turbocharged Ecotec four-cylinder. Toyota will bring the Yaris, a subcompact to replace the Echo. Known in Japan as the Vitz, the Yaris has been sold for seven years in Europe, where it has won awards. Elsewhere, the second-annual Design Los Angeles challenge will feature ideas that look good on paper but are unlikely to ever make their way to showrooms. Designers from 10 mostly local studios — many automakers maintain creative offices in southern California — conjured up utopian vehicles intended for "An L.A. Adventure," an intentionally nebulous phrase selected by show organizers to allow wide latitude for designer interpretation. Entries range from the GMC Pad, a postmodern mobile home clad in "Star Wars"-style white panels, and the Scion Exile, an exotic featuring a removable trunk locker, to the Maybach California Gourmet Tourer, a three-wheeled glass-booth limousine packed with a fridge, wine racks and an espresso maker. Andre Frey, a senior designer at Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design of North America who conceived the vehicle, said the moveable feast was inspired by California's vineyards, then expanded to include fine dining as well. "The cars are purely for entertainment value," Frey said. "But of course some of the ideas or concepts, if they are valid — we can always use them one way or another." Those concepts are too wild even for the relative frontier atmosphere of Kentia Hall, which hosts the show's aftermarket exhibition. The exhibit features performance, styling and electronics frills, plus assorted tricked-out vehicles modeling the gear. This is the 99th anniversary of auto shows in Los Angeles; the first happened at a downtown skating rink in 1907. Producers say that in recent years the show has drawn about a million visitors annually and has filled up all available exhibition space. International prestige, however, has lagged, as have the number of world and North American debuts made available to the West Coast masses. But that's all due to change. Beginning in 2006, the auto show will occur every November rather than January, separating the L.A. show from Detroit's North American International Auto Show, which is held the second week of January. The shows' close timetables now make for hectic schedules for executives, exhibition planners and publicity coordinators. Fuzesi said manufacturers have been seeking a schedule change for some time, and are already hinting at their expanded plans for November 2006. "It's going to really change the status of the show, and there's going to be significantly more debuts of vehicles, and media attendance and coverage," Fuzesi said. "It may be one of the most significant things in the show's history — the date change and all it's going to impact." — Reported by Jeremy Rosenberg, cars.com

Durakon Expands Application of Its Paint Film Technology With General Motors Durakon Expands Application of Its Paint Film Technology With General Motors LAPEER, Mich., Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Durakon Industries, a leading provider of thermoformed products and paint film technology to the automotive industry, announced today that General Motors will begin high volume application of the company's thermoformed paint film rocker panel. Over the past several years, Durakon has been a leading industry supplier focused on developing and introducing exterior automotive parts produced by combining thermoforming with paint film technology. Combining these technologies with substantial investments has resulted in a number of important benefits for OEM's over traditional injection molded painted parts. These advantages include enhanced durability, reduced tooling and piece costs, accelerated time to market, and an environmentally friendly atmosphere. "Our initial efforts and products were directed at niche vehicles or lower volume applications and those earlier results were impressive and lauded by the industry," said Ed Gniewek, Chief Executive Officer of Durakon. "This decision by GM to expand use of our thermoformed paint film products to its high production Lucerne model reflects the level of design, technology and quality that we have been able to deliver to the industry on a consistent basis." It is expected that 250,000 rocker panels will be produced annually for GM and provided in 12 color pallets. • Get Discount Invoice Pricing • Low Rate Financing • Find a Local Dealer • Search for Used Cars "The program with GM had a very successful launch as a result of the collaborative efforts between Durakon and the GM Engineering, Purchasing and Vehicle Operations personnel," said Len Damico, Vice President of OEM Sales. Durakon's thermoformed paint film products are also in use on the Jeep Liberty Renegade, the 9-7 Saab and the Chevrolet SSR. The Society of Plastics Engineers have recognized Durakon and its OEM customers by presenting a number of awards over the past several years for technical achievements and commercialization successes in thermoforming and application of paint film. In addition to its paint film process, Durakon is the largest producer of cargo covers to the automobile industry. The company currently supplies twin- sheet thermoformed cargo covers and side storage boxes to the OEM market as well as bedliners, tonneau covers and cargo management systems for the Aftermarket. Durakon is one of the world's largest and most successful thermoformers of cargo management systems and the company's thermoformed products have been extremely well received by the automotive industry. Durakon thermoformed and paint film products have won prestigious awards from the Society of Plastic Engineers and Frost & Sullivan for functionality, aesthetics and durability. About Durakon Durakon is the world's leading supplier of vehicle protection products and cargo management systems and a leader in paint film decorated products. Durakon products include bedliners, tonneau covers, roll-out cargo bed trays, storage boxes and thermoformed paint film products. Durakon's brands include Duraliner®, AllStar®, Patriot®, CargoPro®, and Duracover(tm). For more information about the Durakon product line and newer technologies such as paint film technology, contact Durakon at (248) 324-0118 or visit the website at http://www.durakon.com.

LA 2006: Saleen debuts Sport Truck S331 Saleen, a manufacturer of limited edition, high-performance vehicles, today marked a “new paradigm in sport truck performance” with its debut of the pre-production Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck S331, at the LA Auto Show. The S331 is a modded and upgraded Ford F-150. Steve Saleen, president and CEO of Saleen, said, “We set out to produce the perfect high-performance truck. The Saleen Sport Truck integrates higher horsepower, superior suspension, and aggressive styling with the best in functionality.” “Our sport trucks are the perfect answers for individuals whose lifestyles take them from the beach to the mountains to the country club, all in a day,” Saleen said. “They are also the perfect sport trucks for individuals who are passionate about what they drive — they’re for individuals who require sports-car-like handling and performance, yet whose lives require the utility of a pick-up truck. These Saleen Sport Trucks are exceptionally versatile high performance vehicles.” On Target “Trucks account for half of all new vehicle sales in America. Our certified dealers and countless consumers have been requesting us to manufacture a high-performance Saleen truck. By introducing both the 3-Valve and the Supercharged Saleen Sport Trucks we believe that we are right on target with the market. The big difference is that the new Saleen Sport Trucks will give consumers the extreme performance, expressive styling, exceptional value, and the exclusivity that comes from the experience of driving and owning a Saleen — all in a fully-functional truck,” Steve Saleen continued. Both Saleen Sport Truck models will start in the Super Cab style and will feature a 5.4L, 3-valve SOHC V-8 engine, and are scheduled to be available at certified Saleen dealers in July as 2007 models. Haulin’ Attitude The Saleen Supercharged Sport Truck packs a punch at 450 bhp @ 5200 RPM, and with 500 lb-ft of torque @ 4000 RPM which is due in part to the unique, patented, high-flow Saleen Series VI integrated twin-screw supercharger. Here, air is compressed through the twin screws and then runs through the dual-stage, water-to-air intercooler, which reduces the intake air temperature. With this cool, dense air, the Saleen Powerflash performance calibration system radically increases the power and performance. In recognizing the trend of consumers wanting more choices, the Saleen Sport Truck will be offered as a normally aspirated, 3-Valve Sport Truck, which offers 325 bhp @ 5000 RPM, and with 400 lb-ft of torque at 4000 RPM. Sounds Like Thunder Every thought has gone into taking the Saleen Sport Trucks’ performance to the extreme. Both the 3-Valve and Supercharged trucks are equipped with a unique integrated Saleen exhaust system with twin side pipes, which produce a unique appearance that enhances power, performance, and sound. Because of the increased horsepower and distinguishable Saleen sound, the engineers at Saleen have affectionately named the truck, “Thunder.” Saleen Racecraft Suspension Designed to raise handling to new levels, Saleen Sport Trucks are equipped with Saleen Racecraft suspension. The front systems include N2 struts with linear-rate coil-over springs, a tubular anti-roll stabilizing bar and urethane pivot bushings throughout. Because it’s all about performance, calibrations are specifically set to a high-performance level. The rear Saleen Racecraft suspension consists of a live axle, leaf springs and N2 shocks. The overall Saleen suspension system reduces load transfer which improves handling under braking and hard cornering. The truck’s overall styling is complete with front and rear Saleen seven spoke, 23″ forged wheels, on high-performance BFG 305/40 series tires. For responsive braking the Saleen Sport Truck comes equipped with power assisted 4-wheel ABS brakes. The front brakes have 15.0″ slotted and vented disks with Saleen ABS 6-piston calipers, while the rear brakes are 13.7″. In total, the Saleen Racecraft suspension elevates performance without sacrificing the quality of the truck’s ride, its load, or towing capacity. A Real Looker Great aerodynamics and exceptional styling are engineering feats that have been Saleen hallmarks for decades, and the aero and styling of the Saleen Sport Trucks are truly exceptional. The Saleen Sport Trucks’ superior aerodynamics come from specially designed injection molded components made from Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), built to withstand the demands of the truck. All Saleen front and rear fascias, side skirts are uniquely Saleen — built to be rugged and durable, yet stylish and performance enhancing. The stylish Saleen front grille is also designed for improved aerodynamics. The Supercharged Saleen Sport Truck integrates a unique hood with exhaust venting grille. The Saleen Sport Truck also has side fender vents, rear spoiler, and attractive tailgate panel. Interior Design No longer just for utilitarian uses, the racing-derived, totally upgraded interior of the Saleen Sport Truck has double-stitched leather sport seating throughout. The exclusive interior also incorporates a jewel-like instrument panel, featuring a twin-gauge pod display, integrated silver panels and bezels, double-stitched leather console armrest, and Saleen race-style pedals. Raising the bar, Saleen will begin offering a number of Saleen Sport Truck options. These options will further enable owners to uniquely personalize their Saleen Sport Trucks. Some of the Saleen options that will be available include: HID headlamps, bedliners, tonneaus, tow packages, motorcycle, bike and gun racks, sound and entertainment systems, GPS, ski racks, and heavy-duty toolbox, and as you’d expect, there will be nothing standard about the Saleen options. Timeline The 2007 Saleen Sport Truck is scheduled to be in full-scale production in both Irvine, California and Troy, Michigan facilities in July 2006, and will run true to the manufacturer’s pedigree, which has been standard with every Saleen S281 Mustang and S7 supercar. Each Saleen Sport Truck is fully-certified and carries a 3-year, 36,000 mile warranty through Saleen, and will also possess the Saleen production bumper number, as well as an interior dash plaque. Pricing Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 3-Valve Saleen Sport Truck with standard equipment is expected to start in the high $30,000’s, and the Supercharged version is expected to start in the high $40,000’s.

Dodge Reprises Another Classic With 2006 Challenger Concept Date posted: 01-04-2006 AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Dodge designers say they drew on the 1970s model for inspiration but stretched the new 2006 Challenger concept and made it a "genuine four-passenger car." The rear-wheel-drive Challenger concept sits on a 116-inch wheelbase, 6 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the original. Dodge resurrects the original Challenger "performance hood" and its twin diagonal scoops — now with functional butterfly-valve intakes — on the new concept. The front end features the signature Dodge crossbar grille and four deeply recessed headlamps. In the rear are twin-rectangle dual exhausts. Dodge designers skipped the racing-type gas cap, hood tie-down pins, louvered backlight, and body-side striping, saying, "Such assorted bits would detract from the purity of the monochromatic body form." The black interior draws on Dodge's current SRT cars and includes hefty seat bolsters and a floor console with a "pistol grip" shifter. The Challenger is powered by a 6.1-liter Hemi engine that makes 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. What this means to you: Hee-haw. Get ready, Daisy Duke. Your new ride has arrived!

Drop-Top Hummer to Make Detroit Debut Date posted: 01-04-2006 SOUTHGATE, Mich. — Auto supplier American Specialty Cars (ASC) will introduce two open-top concepts at the Detroit auto show next week, including the Hummer H3 Cosmos, the first convertible version of the popular SUV. ASC says the Cosmos has a fabric-top system that can open the truck's cabin to the elements or cover just the passenger or cargo areas. ASC's second concept, which has yet to be announced, will feature a panoramic sunroof. Last year, ASC worked its convertible magic on the Chrysler 300C, creating the Helios, a four-door convertible that drew much attention at the 2005 North American International Auto Show. What this means to you: Good news for sun worshippers. ASC may offer the Hummer convertible system as an aftermarket conversion package at some point.

(auto123)

Perfectly described. I too like this car in photographs, but when I see on the street, it doesn't translate well.

Here's a recent speculation on the new Scirocco:

Sixty8....never saw that post either....I guess great minds think alike.

Here is a minivan prototype that was worked on....never made it to production.

Blu, thats it!....it reminded me of something....even maybe buses from the 50s.