HarleyEarl

I think this Kia concept looks muscular and aggressive. The production model will be most likely toned down....they usually are.

It's the Mitsubishi Gallant here. Just being introduced in Australia as the 380 and has a different frontend.

I love the concept-X......very sexy, hot. Such an improvement over their current sedans.

KiaKCV-III Concept Kia Considers Adding Inexpensive Roadster to U.S. Lineup Date Posted 09-28-2005 KIRKLAND, Wash. — Peter Butterfield, president and CEO of Kia Motors America, is pushing the Korean manufacturer to add a stripped-down, sub-$20,000 two-seat convertible to its U.S. lineup to evoke a sporty brand image. Butterfield told WardsAuto.com that the car would be "very, very stripped. No carpets; maybe rollup windows, if you had windows at all; really light; fun to drive; doesn't even have a radio; without an electric top." It would be a car that buyers could accessorize, he said. Kia showed a small concept roadster, the KCV III, at the 2004 Detroit Auto Show. Butterfield said no program to produce such a vehicle has been approved. But Kia has said it wants to double its U.S. portfolio to 12 vehicles by 2010. What this means to you: Everybody wants brand recognition but so few have it. This is the key to Kia's success in the U.S. (InsideLine)

Rearview of Concept-X: InsideLine: X Marks the Spot for Mitsubishi's New Lancer Evo Date Posted 09-28-2005 TOKYO — Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution, one of Japan's hottest cars, will undergo a major ground-up redesign within two years. And the deeply sexy Concept-X show car, to be revealed at October's Tokyo Motor Show, points the way. Just weeks after Mitsubishi unveiled the similar-but-different Concept-Sportback at the Frankfurt show, it will show its Concept-X four-door sedan — the Concept-Sportback is a five-door hatch. Both go with Mitsubishi's aggressive new-age styling that borrows cues from a jet fighter. Underneath lies the company's modular new C-segment platform. Under the hood, the Concept-X goes with a brand-new four-cylinder, dual-overhead variable cam, 2.0-liter, intercooled turbo. The transmission is a six-speed, direct-shift-gearbox-style (DSG) automanual with steering wheel paddle shift. The suspension is strut/multilink, and to save weight, several Concept-X body panels are made from aluminum. Riding on 20-inch tires, the Concept-X also debuts "super all-wheel control," the next generation of the Lancer Evo's stunningly effective, computerized all-wheel drive. Mitsubishi deliberately has made the Concept-X cockpit simple and functional, so as not to distract the driver, while aluminum highlights enforce an upscale look. Mitsubishi will do one final minor change on the current Evo IX in 2006 before the all-new, eagerly awaited Evo X hits the blocks in 2007. What this means to you: Mitsubishi is ready to rock with Concept-X.

Yes, but what about this Hemi trike?....

The little that one can see of this Chevy...it really shows promise. I think this car will be sold under a variety of badges.

What Toro is that? I just vaguely remember it.

Now I can afford an Escalade...just one payment and I'm done. Lovin' the dash, pure luxury:

I think Hybrids are the fashion of the day. Even the head of Nissan indicates they are a bad business proposition. They are a PR exercise and a money loser for companies. Toyota is quite genius in using this as a ploy to look all green and tree hugger friendly, while they make gas guzzlers like the Sequoia. Just wait until these batteries have to be replaced....or in accidents, people being showered with acid. Everytime I hear the word Hybrid, I just want to barf.

Yep, I love GM....but we have been saying these same things for awhile. I think GM is starting to see the seriousness of it all....they can't just coast on being the biggest anymore.

David, you crack me up!.....I want to touch those fun bits too. The Z06 is just the stuff of legends and to get this kind of mpg is incredible.

I read somewhere that they are positioning themselves to compete directly with Audi.....the plan is to gradually raise prices to around Audi levels.

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/news/new-volk...many-127638.php

http://www.jalopnik.com/cars/news/b9-tribe...test-127878.php

2006(?) Chevrolet Epica exposed:

FOR RELEASE: 2005-09-28 Saab Announces Prices for 2006 9-7X SUV DETROIT, Mich. -- The 2006 Saab 9-7X comes to market this fall with new levels of luxury and refinement and manufacturer's suggested retail prices that continue to represent superior value in its segment. The six-cylinder 9-7X 4.2i and the 9-7X 5.3i V8 are priced at $39,240 and $41,240, respectively. Both prices include a $720 destination charge. Linear and Arc model designations have been eliminated on the 9-7X for 2006. For 2006, Saab's first-ever SUV adds 15 horsepower to its 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine for a total of 290 horsepower. Displacement on Demand is added to the 300 horsepower 5.3i V8, making it the first and only entry in the midsize luxury SUV segment to offer this fuel-saving technology. StabiliTrak stability control system, a power moonroof (available now with the rear seat DVD system) and an auto-dimming inside rearview mirror are standard equipment on both 9-7X models for 2006. Three new colors are also available - Winter White, Graphite Grey Metallic and Lingonberry Red Metallic. As in 2005, the well-equipped 6-cylinder 9-7X features standard all-wheel drive, Saab-tuned sport suspension, leather-appointed heated front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear side-curtain airbags with rollover sensor, OnStar, XM Satellite Radio, 6-CD Bose audio system, integrated roof rails and dual-zone automatic climate control. The 2006 5.3i V8 adds standard xenon headlamps, headlamp washers and adjustable pedals, as it did in 2005. These features are also available in the optional "Prestige Package" on the 4.2i. Saab loyalists will feel right at home in the 9-7X, which has the familiar cockpit-inspired instrument panel, signature sliding-plate HVAC vents, 9-5-style in-dash cupholder and center console-mounted ignition. The 9-7X is just one part of the most aggressive product development offensive in Saab's 58-year history. It joins the 9-3 Sport Sedan and Convertible and the all-wheel drive 9-2X, as well as the upcoming Saab 9-3 SportCombi and a freshened 9-5 Sedan and SportCombi. A new 250-hp 2.8-liter Turbo V6 will be standard in all three 9-3 Aero models in 2006. "The 9-7X is a very important vehicle for Saab," said Jay Spenchian, general manager of Saab USA. "About forty percent of current Saab owners already have an SUV of another make in their garage, while nearly 30 percent of Saab owners have left the brand for an SUV in the past. With the 9-7X, Saab will be able to take advantage of the continued growth in this segment." On top of that, the Saab 9-7X SUV represents outstanding value for the money, especially when compared with the Volvo XC90. Not only has the 9-7X more headroom, legroom, towing capability and engine torque, it is also priced at over $8,000.00 less than a comparably equipped XC90 V8. Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-2X, 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden. For more information, please visit www.saabusa.com. # # # http://media.saab.com

http://www.autoextremist.com/index.shtml

http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/050928-1.htm September 28, 2005 Subaru B9 Tribeca earns 5-Star crash test rating Cherry Hill, New Jersey - Subaru announced that the new 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca earned the highest rating in the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca received 5 stars in the frontal and side-impact crash tests for both the driver and passenger seating positions. The test results are measured from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest. The NCAP side impact crash tests are conducted at 38.5 miles per hour, and full frontal barrier impacts at 35 miles per hour. The 2006 Subaru B9 Tribeca features a "Ring Frame Reinforced structure" with a front-end structure that disperses collision energy in three directions. This design forms a series of "rings" around the passenger compartment. As well, the B9 Tribeca features standard front seat side-impact airbags for thorax-area protection and side curtain airbags (front and middle rows) for head protection. Active front head restraints are employed to help reduce potential whiplash injury in a rear collision. A safety brake pedal system and impact- absorbing driver's footrest are also used to help reduce lower leg injury in a frontal collision.

YOU ARE RIGHT!!...so much elbow and knee room....so many possiblities.

Glad to do it...I always wanted to be an automotive designer myself. Here is another resource: http://www.cardesignnews.com/

I honestly think, GM's biggest problem is marketing, or the lack thereof. They used to be masters at it.

That mirror thing on Japanese vehicles for their domestic market is odd. They used to have dual mirrors far ahead on the front fenders.

It just shows, because they are getting older, doesn't mean they just want to drive Buick Centurys. More and more the stereotypes of aging are being debunked. I love that they don't let age or the expectations of age dictate to them what they enjoy in cars.