HarleyEarl

GM to Double Number of Crossover Entries by 2009 Text courtesy of General Motors Corporation Opel Antara and Chevrolet S3X under development already General Motors will double its number of entries in the rapidly growing crossover vehicle segment to 14 during the next four years, Bob Lutz, vice chairman of product development, said today. Crossovers, which combine the best features of cars and sport utility vehicles, have become increasingly popular with owners of all types of cars and trucks as fuel prices have increased. GM estimates that crossovers will account for more than 2.5 million sales in the United States this year, and could grow to 3.5 million units by 2010. "GM is in the midst of an aggressive rollout of new cars, and we are starting the introduction of a whole new lineup of more refined, more fuel-efficient full-size trucks," Lutz said. "But we also see great opportunity in strengthening and expanding our family of crossover vehicles." GM today offers seven crossover vehicles in the United States and Canada: The Chevy Equinox and HHR, Pontiac Torrent and Vibe, Buick Rendezvous, Cadillac SRX and Saturn VUE. GM led the industry in crossover sales in the United States last month, and is contending for industry crossover sales leadership for 2005. Growth in the crossover market in the United States and Canada opens up opportunities for other GM brands as well. At the premium end of the market, GM is developing crossovers that will compete in the emerging compact luxury segment. As crossovers become increasingly popular in Asia and Europe, GM also will use its global vehicle development capability to develop a new family of small crossovers that will compete in most of the world's major markets. These will be in addition to compact crossovers already under development for Chevrolet and Opel, which have been shown publicly in concept versions as the Opel Antara GTC and Chevrolet S3X. "GM's strength has always been the breadth of its portfolio," Lutz said. "We expect our growing family of crossovers will help us remain a leader as this market continues to expand."

For many years GM had a badge on their cars, stating it was a body by Fisher. What did that mean?

Isn't that the truth....'gov't save us from ourselves'!!!

News Ragtops escape roof-crush rules: NHTSA says convertibles can't share standards with fixed-roof vehicles HARRY STOFFER | Automotive News RICK KRANZ | Automotive News Posted Date: 11/9/05 Federal regulators want stronger vehicle roofs to protect people in rollover crashes, but they have no plan to protect occupants of convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it cannot hold convertibles, including retractable hardtops, to the same roof-crush requirements as vehicles with fixed roofs. The agency also has decided against convertible-specific rollover rules, such as requiring roll bars. There has been a sharp increase in convertible offerings in the past decade, and existing roof-strength rules exempt convertibles. Several import automakers have added rollover safety equipment voluntarily. Although concern has mounted over rollover deaths in SUVs, convertible rollover deaths are a nonissue for NHTSA, the insurance industry and some automakers. The 94 fatalities attributed to 87 convertibles that rolled over in 2004 accounted for fewer than 1 percent of about 10,000 U.S. rollover deaths last year. "We've been asked the convertible question many times, and we don't see a higher pattern of injury losses," said Kim Hazelbaker, senior vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute, a research organization for auto insurers. Safety lobbyists and regulators say convertibles' low center of gravity makes them less prone to rollover. New standard NHTSA's proposed overhaul of its standard for "roof-crush resistance" will require increased roof strength for most vehicles. The rules are an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injuries in rollovers. They are primarily aimed at vehicles with a high center of gravity such as SUVs and pickups. The agency is accepting comments until Nov. 21 for the new standard, the first revision since 1971. As proposed, the standard will cover vehicles -- except convertibles -- with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. The rule would take effect no earlier than the 2010 model year. Although federal rules do not affect convertibles, German and Swedish automakers have taken the lead in protecting convertible occupants in a rollover. While there is no vehicle standard in Europe regarding occupant protection in convertibles, European automakers have been proactive over the past 15 years. They have addressed the rollover issue on two fronts. First, they have strengthened the A-pillars and windshield frame to withstand a rollover. Second, they have engineered one of two different roll bar systems into the rear of the passenger compartment: 1. Stationary roll bars 2. Mechanically or electrically operated hoop-style roll bars that pop up when the system senses a potential rollover. The roll bars are positioned behind the front seat in two-passenger convertibles and behind the rear seats in four-passenger convertibles. The top of the bar can in some cases be 10 inches above the headrest. Some protection The roll bars would not meet the new rollover standards. But automakers offering them say they offer some protection. Volkswagen began offering roll bars in its convertible in 1980. Mercedes-Benz followed in the 1990 model year. Audi, BMW, Porsche, Saab, Volkswagen and Volvo offer such protection, as does Honda in the S2000 roadster. One analyst believes other automakers who make convertibles should follow their lead. "This may be one of the times where the OEMs should take the lead and say this is the right thing to do," said Michael Robinet, vice president for global forecast services of CSM Worldwide in Farmington Hills, Mich., referring to automakers that fail to offer roll bars. Convertibles without roll bars include the Toyota Solara, Chrysler Sebring, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Pontiac Solstice and Lexus SC 430. Chrysler's PT Cruiser has a "sport bar" positioned above the passenger compartment, but it is there to provide structural integrity, not rollover protection. The Nissan 350Z and Mazda MX-5 Miata appear to offer roll bar hoops, but they are not engineered to provide protection in a rollover. "It is not something that we can legally call a roll bar," says Jeremy Barnes, a spokesman for Mazda North America Operations. "They are two structures that sort of look like roll hoops behind the driver and passenger's head. They do add to the structural integrity of the vehicle, but they are not there specifically to protect the driver and passenger's head in the event of a rollover." A spokesman for Nissan North America offered a similar response. Not too pricey Such rollover safety equipment is not tied to premium-priced vehicles. The least expensive of these European convertibles is the base 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle convertible, which stickers for $22,535 including shipping. That four-passenger vehicle features mechanically operated hoops behind the rear seats that automatically pop up when the vehicle senses a rollover. "It is something that we think is a selling point for the car," said Tony Fouladpour, a spokesman for Volkswagen of America. "It is something that we think the customer of a German-built car expects, a little bit extra, especially in the area of safety." Intuitively, convertibles look less safe in a rollover. But they are less likely to be involved in rollovers, says Hazelbaker of the Highway Loss Data Institute. Aside from their low center of gravity, convertibles often are extra vehicles in a household, used only on weekends and rarely taken out in bad weather, he says. So, for insurers, "from a risk standpoint, that's pretty good business," Hazelbaker says. NHTSA intends to keep testing for roof strength by pressing a heavy metal plate on the top of a vehicle directly behind the A-pillar. Under the NHTSA proposal, the roof must resist a force equal to 2½ times the vehicle weight. The current standard is 1½ times vehicle weight. Legal roadblock No traditional convertible can meet either the current or proposed standard. Federal law says that NHTSA cannot regulate a vehicle type out of existence, says NHTSA spokesman Rae Tyson. That means it cannot apply the standard to convertibles. A growing range of vehicles -- convertibles with a retractable hardtop -- will be treated as convertibles by NHTSA. That means they would be exempt from the proposed roof-crush standard. The reason is that the A- and B-pillars are not permanently connected. Among the vehicles that would be exempted are the Cadillac XLR; Mercedes-Benz CLK, SLK and SL; Volvo C70; and Pontiac G6 due early next year. Gerald Donaldson, senior research director for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, says his organization has never urged rollover protection in convertibles because it never had a good opportunity -- until now. The organization, a coalition of consumer groups and insurers, is analyzing the roof-crush proposal but has not decided on its response, Donaldson says. But simply requiring roll bars for convertibles would probably not be sufficient because occupants' heads would likely still hit the ground, he says. Alan Shapey, a New York lawyer who has handled rollover cases, has sent highly critical comments to NHTSA criticizing the roof-crush proposal. Shapey said convertible rollovers have not been a hot topic because they occur infrequently. But he supports convertible-specific rollover regulation such as permanent or pop-up roll bars. Roof edict could be called 'Wrangler rule' The federal government wants to expand the reach of its roof-crush rules aimed at protecting passengers in rollover crashes. But the move would cover just one additional model: the Jeep Wrangler. DaimlerChrysler AG spokesman Max Gates says the company does not believe the Wrangler, as currently designed, would pass a roof-crush test. Gates said in an e-mail that Wrangler's "sports bar is not designed and engineered as a protective device, such as roll bars on some sports cars and racing vehicles." A redesigned Wrangler is expected next year, while new roof-crush standards will not take effect until the 2010 model year at the earliest. It is not known whether the next-generation Wrangler would meet roof-crush resistance standards. In proposed roof-crush rules, "open-body type vehicles" with structures between the A- and B-pillars no longer would be considered convertibles. They no longer would qualify for the exemption that convertibles get from roof-crush testing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposal cites the Wrangler as one example. But officials acknowledge they know of no other that meets the same criteria. Steve Kratzke, NHTSA's associate administrator for rule making, says the purpose of the change was not to target the Wrangler. Other similar vehicles could be introduced at any time, he adds. Safety activist Gerald Donaldson predicts automakers will "go nuts" over that provision. He is senior research director at Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, a coalition of consumer groups and insurers. Barry Felrice, director of regulatory affairs in DaimlerChrysler's Washington office, says his company has not decided how to respond. Kratzke explains the rationale for extending roof-strength requirements to Wrangler-like vehicles this way: "If a vehicle has a fixed, rigid, structural member that's connected, it's not unreasonable for that vehicle to meet roof-crush standards." -HARRY STOFFER

I would imagine if Bentley made a wagon, it might have this look and attitude...love this car...wish it was here and GM made it.

New Chrysler 300C 3.0 CRD by StarTech 262 hp / 193 kW Concurrent with the sales start of the Chrysler 300C 3.0 CRD StarTech (www.startech.de) already offers not only an exclusive accessories program but also StarTech SD6 performance tuning which increases power output to 262 hp / 193 kW. The StarTech tuning kit consists of a computer-controlled auxiliary control unit complete with wire harness and installation instructions. It can be installed in less than 30 minutes by any authorized Chrysler dealer. The StarTech SD6 module for the new 300C 3.0 CRD costs 1,589 Euros and offers impressive power gain at a bargain price. The new engine mapping increases power output of the 3.0-liter V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine from standard 218 hp / 160 kW to 262 hp / 193 kW at 4,000 rpm. Even more important in everyday driving is the jump in peak torque from standard 510 Nm to 580 Nm, available between a low 1,600 and 2,800 rpm. These impressive figures are also reflected in the performance of the Chrysler 300C 3.0 CRD. The sprint from rest to 100 km/h is shortened from 7.6 (Touring: 7.9) seconds for the production car to 7.2 (Touring: 7.5) seconds with StarTech SD6 tuning. Top speed increases to 235 (Touring: 232) km/h. StarTech recommends the addition of its stainless-steel sport exhaust system as the perfect complement to the performance tuning. The sport exhaust features the two characteristic oval StarTech chrome tailpipes and not only produces a more powerful yet unobtrusive exhaust note but also optimizes power yield. The extensive StarTech individualization program for the 300C is also available for the new common-rail model. The StarTech aerodynamic-enhancement kit lends both body styles an even more striking appearance. The front of the top-of-the-line Chrysler model receives an attractive facelift with the StarTech chrome grille with matrix design and the StarTech front spoiler. The spoiler is attached to the production bumper and has more than just cosmetic effects: Its refined shape reduces aerodynamic lift with benefits for directional stability at high speeds. The elegantly shaped StarTech side sills offer an interesting feature: Upon activation via the keyless-entry remote or by pulling on a door handle five LED-lights on either side illuminate the ground next to the vehicle. The StarTech roof spoiler visually extends the roofline of the sedan. The StarTech rear spoiler lip on the trunk lid reduces lift on the rear axle at high speeds. For optimal integration of the two oval tailpipes of the StarTech stainless-steel exhaust system the designers created custom-tailored elements for the rear apron. Another important contribution to the exclusive StarTech design is made by the 20-inch wheels and by the vehicle's lowered ride height. The one-piece StarTech Monostar IV 9Jx20 light-alloy wheels with sporty yet elegant five-spoke design are fitted with tires in size 245/40 ZR 20 in front and in size 275/35 ZR 20 on the rear axle. The StarTech sport springs lower the ride height of the 300C 3.0 CRD by some 40 millimeters and are precision-calibrated to the production shock absorbers to combine more agile handling with excellent ride comfort. Sill plates with illuminated StarTech logo, high-quality additions to the wood trim, Alcantara door panel elements and armrests, or aluminum shifter, StarTech. The StarTech upholstery shop fulfills even more exclusive requests from individual customers. Among the specialties are precision-crafted fully leather interiors made from especially soft and breathable Mastik leather and Alcantara as well as the state-of-the-art StarTech multimedia package. The in-car entertainment system comprises a custom-tailored roof console with retractable 10.2-inch screen and an integrated DVD player. The sound is transmitted by two wireless infrared headphones.

New Opel Meriva World premiere in Bologna Text & Photos courtesy of General Motors Corporation 11-08-2005 New Design, New Engines and Enhanced Technology New: 1.3 CDTI high-tech diesel (75 hp) and 1.6 TWINPORT gasoline engine (105 hp) Premiere in segment: Halogen cornering and curve light (AFL) Meriva OPC with 180 hp 1.6 turbo expands Opel’s sport model range The Opel Meriva goes into 2006 with new design and new engines, plus an extended range of technological features, including cornering and curve light (AFL – Adaptive Forward Lighting), available for the first time in the minivan class (“small monocabs”). The Meriva, which has sold over 500,000 units since its debut in May 2003, leads its segment in terms of registrations in Germany and Europe. The new edition of the multi-variable minivan can be ordered now, with prices starting at 14,520 euros. The compact five-seater makes its premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 3 – 11) and will be available at Opel dealerships in February, as will the all-new high-performance version, the Meriva OPC. The Meriva’s distinctive new design elements at the front and rear - like the grille with wide chrome crossbar - now even more clearly reflect Opel’s dynamic design language. Interior highlights include new upholstery with fresh colors and chrome accents, underlining Opel’s high-quality standards in this class. Optional leather/fabric or all-leather upholstery is also available. With a new 1.3 CDTI, high-tech entry-level diesel and a 1.6-liter engine with fuel-saving TWINPORT technology, additional highly-efficient power units enhance the Meriva range. The new 1.3 CDTI engine with common-rail injection, four-valve technology and swirl control, produces 55 kW/75 hp. It features a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard. The 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC, familiar from the Corsa and Astra, was named ‘Engine of the Year 2005’ in the 1.0 – 1.4-liter displacement category by automotive jounalists from 26 countries, thanks to its refinement, responsiveness and low fuel consumption. It takes the Meriva to a top speed of 157 km/h and only requires an average of 5.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The Meriva 1.3 CDTI is available from 16,235 euros. The second new engine in the Meriva range is the 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC, also used in the Astra and Zafira. With a power output of 77 kW/105 hp, it delivers five horsepower more than the previous 1.6-liter gasoline engine; but with average fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers, it is around six percent more economical than its predecessor. The Meriva 1.6 TWINPORT reaches a maximum speed of 181 km/h, and prices start at 15,445 euros. In addition to the new grille with wide chrome crossbar, the Meriva’s face is defined by the bumper with large central air intake, side air intakes and integrated round fog lamps. The new edition’s rear features a chrome strip and dark tinted tail lights. The interior is upgraded by new upholstery with modern design and colors, new décor trim strips on the instrument panel and doors, chrome décor on the interior door handles, gear shift and hand brake lever, as well as new instrument graphics. In addition, all Meriva variants are available with an increased range of technological features. As the first car in its class, the Opel minivan is now available with AFL halogen cornering and curve light, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. The optional mobile telephone installation is now available with Bluetooth interface and voice control. New standard equipment includes a power release trunk and welcome light function – headlamps and interior lighting can be turned on by remote control for 30 seconds, leading the way to the car in the dark. In May 2003, Opel opened a new dimension in the compact class with the Meriva. Thanks to its FlexSpace concept the five-seater still sets standards with its interior versatility. FlexSpace offers optimum freedom in interior configuration, enabling quick and easy transformation of the Meriva from a five-seater into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater with generous storage space, without the cumbersome removal of seats. With ample interior space and compact dimensions (length: 4.05 meters), the Meriva is not only ideal for city traffic, but also provides spacious comfort on longer journeys. The high-performance version of the versatile minivan, the Meriva OPC, is new to the range, with prices starting at 23,000 euros. The newly developed, 132 kW/180 hp, 1.6-liter ECOTEC turbo engine ensures powerful performance. It takes Opel’s new sports van from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, and accelerates it to a top speed of 222 km/h. The Meriva OPC makes its world premiere at the Essen Motor Show from November 25 to December 4.

The Maxx is just so odd-ball...Chevy can do better than this....

I have always like the current Monte....and this new one even better...I like that it has closer ties with the Impala...heck I'd even be happy if they called it the Impala coupe.

I am curious about when something like this gets started....when did the idea germinate....and why?....'Honey, should I paint designs all over the 'Vette'?....

I have seen quite a few of these new Civics on the street and they look very good. They look more upmarket than they are. They are going to be hugely successful. I like them. Unfortunately the Cobalt sedan pales in comparison...suddently it looks dated.

Have you seen the latest GMC commercial?....I especially like the part where it goes into 380 degrees around a Denali pickup with great hot music playing. I kind of got aroused, made me want one of those very sharp, sexy trucks. I hope GM does more of that....make me want to buy it. Bonus commercial item: I just saw a coolant commercial...of course can't remember the name because it was so blatantly sexy and I was distracted. A hot well-endowed mama comes over to the car and begins to pour in some liquid while a male voice mentions something about a 'jug' of coolant.....as the model leans in and displays her ample cleavage...now that's how to sell sex, I mean coolant. Hard sell, or soft?......make mine hard.

I just saw one the other day driving by me on the street...has such 'FU' presense on the street....I still like the angularity of it...stands out from many soft, rounded designs that is still in vogue.

I'd like to see baby blue come back...with the big chromy rims...looks smashing on almost any car. I agree that pale buttery yellow looks so good. Certain colors go to another level when trimmed in chrome. White for instance just looks so good with sparkling chrome trim, wheels and 'jewelery faceted' headlights.

Tube Steak Boogie Boys

While out today, standing at a street corner waiting for the walk light, I heard this throaty whail from a car behind me, and not having seen it, immediately I thought that sounds like an Infinity G35 Coupe....sure enough turned to see and it was. It has a great throaty warble to its exhaust. Some others I like are the new Corvette and the Mustang as well as the Audi 4(8cyl). Of course I just love the sound of an eight.

I was walking along sidewalk enjoying the sunny, warm day when I glanced over at this new Jeep Commander sitting in the disabled spot of the parking lot of a retail store. The store was for the handicapped to outfit their vehicles for their special needs. Suddenly the vehicle started and shot forward about 8 ft like a bullet...jumped over a curb and stopped against a sign. The elderly couple looking like they were 80 years old camly backed up and drove away. Now if they had been facing the store window and a pedestrian had been there, someone would have been hurt or killed. Now, it begs the question, should the elderly and disabled be tested to a higher standard than others?...testing their reaction times and driving judgement..on an annual basis?

I think we know a little too much about Mary Kay products and cars.lol.

...maybe 'foolish' was too strong a word, I meant slightly awkward, out of place....it may be just my own perceptions of skateboarding. I equate it with young kids I guess.

My favorite is when guys wear shorts with dark knee high socks and dressy shoes. I just crack up at the sight....would be even worse if they were also on a skateboard.

Just an update for any Calgary Solstice fans wanting to check out this car in the flesh, the car here in the showroom at McKay Pontiac is being picked up by the buyer today. I stopped in and asked how long it would be on display....the customer only agreed to a couple days.

Great, now we are talking make-up tips.....by the way, Croc, how do I get some of that gel?

I used to buy a new car almost yearly sometimes two in one year, have really slowed that down. I was notorious for driving by a dealership, see a hot car on the lot and within an hour was driving away in it. I even did that while on holidays in another city.

I had to chuckle last night after seeing a Toyota minivan commercial. A guy and his six friends were out golfing and of course they needed a 7 seater van. Like guys are going to rush out and buy a soccer mom van to carry all their buddies to the golf course.

More and more I see guys that are in their mid 30s and up, on skateboards and they often look slightly foolish to me. It seems like a young person's thing...am I wrong in this?....just a fun topic to see how you all see this.