HarleyEarl

Exotic cars here are fairly commonplace, but a couple days ago a Le Mans Blue Z06 came roaring down the road, I almost messed myself. Sizzlin hot. I see them here more in Yellow or Silver. This color looked fantastic. You have to see this car in person...pictures don't even come close. Makes the regular Corvette look sedate. July 17, 2006 Test Drive: 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Review and photos by Paul Williams It's a good thing that accelerating too quickly isn't a traffic offence. We know the law is picky about speed, but acceleration - well, that seems to have slipped through. This is a fortunate oversight when you're driving the $89,900 2006 Corvette Z06, as in this car you can have a great time hurtling from 0-100 km/h in something like 3.8 seconds flat, and as long as you're not stupid or reckless, it's perfectly legal. Believe me, highway on-ramps have never looked so good. When you settle in at something like 120 km/h after seeming to appear instantly among lesser traffic, you can slip it into sixth, hit the cruise, and trundle along at 1,600 rpm while returning an economical 9.0 l/100 km in fuel consumption. You can do this for a while and generate a kind of gas credit, you see, to redeem at the next highway on-ramp. This is something to do with karma, I believe (my mind was somewhat altered in the days of "karma"). It's definitely something to do with physics, I'm sure of that. Celebrated Canadian race car driver, Ron Fellows, of Le Mans, ALMS and NASCAR fame has something to do with it as well. He drives the track version of this car, the C6-R (and drove its predecessor, the C5-R), and was directly involved in taming it for the road. This is a key thing to remember with the Z06: it's not a "base" car that's been tweaked for higher performance. Rather, it's the result of simultaneously developing one version for the track, and another for everyday driving (if you call a maximum lateral g-force of 1.04, and 505-horsepower under your foot "everyday.") Yes, let's talk about numbers for a bit. As I said, 505-horsepower (at 6,200 rpm); 470 lb-ft torque at 4,800 rpm; top speed about 320 km/h; 7.0-litre V8 engine ("Has this thing got a 427?"), 2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06. Click image to enlarge six forward gears, 275/35R18-inch front tires; 325/30R19-inch rear tires; 14-inch cross-drilled front rotors with six pistons; 13.4-inch cross-drilled rear brakes with four pistons; three-inch dual exhaust with quad bi-mode mufflers; 1,244 millimetres high (about four-feet); two seats, and one hatchback with room for quite a few bags. At 1,419 kg (3,130 pounds), the Z06 is also very light (lighter than a Porsche 911 Carrera). This is achieved by using carbon-fibre fenders and floor panels, a magnesium cradle for the engine and an aluminum body structure. It is, of course, a fibreglass body. That body has lines that must make other cars just want to run and park. If it were a person it would have the kind of sculpted, lean, healthy, powerful look that every gym rat craves. It is a body that causes people to look, point, give thumbs-up, or go all-wistful. My goodness, the Z06 is one fine looking machine. But while numbers and flashy looks give you an idea of this car's potential, they can't tell you how this potential is delivered. As a road car, the Z06 is unexpectedly docile at low speeds. When accelerating with restraint from a standstill, the shifter bypasses second gear, prompting you to go directly to fourth (it's not pushy about this; if you want to go to second, you do). It has plenty of torque for this manoeuvre, and it keeps the fuel consumption down. At 60 km/h in fourth, the engine is turning 1,500 rpm and things are all quiet in the cabin. The available Bose sound system seems worth the extra cost; the steering is light; the suspension very firm, and the ride is smooth on good pavement, although choppy on rough surfaces. You forgive it this indiscretion. However, as I intimated earlier, step on the gas in second gear, and really, all hell breaks loose. This engine emits a ferocious roar as the two-stage exhaust opens up, and it blasts to 5,000-6,000 thousand rpm before you know it, and continues to catapult you forward after you've snatched third gear at something like 120 km/h. Of course, there's plenty more where that came from. Cornering is razor sharp as the steering tightens up at speed, enabling the Z06 to change directions with unusual precision and control. Braking is equally sudden: its multi-pot calipers clamping on those huge rotors to bring the car down from triple digits right now. In short, this car does pretty much whatever you tell it to do, which means you could drive it off the showroom floor, down the highway, onto a racetrack, and be scary competitive (Ron Fellows told me this himself, and I believe him). The Bose has no chance against such a cacophony when the Z06 is doing what it was designed to do, and even when cruising on the highway, it's in a battle as the cabin is pretty noisy at the best of times. But really, what do you want to do? Listen to your tunes or listen to that wonderful engine? The hand-assembled "LS7" engine, by the way, has a cast aluminum block with aluminum cylinder heads, and racing-derived lightweight components, including titanium connecting rods and intake valves, to help boost horsepower and rpm capability. It's the most powerful small-block engine ever made by GM for a production car, and it really is a 427, so there's some definite history there. This engine redlines at 7,000 rpm. Don't get the idea that the Z06 is only a mechanical marvel, though. It has sophisticated electronics to help keep you on the road and pointing in the right direction. Its active handling system integrates chassis, brake and traction control systems (you can turn the traction system off, but really, if you're not accustomed to this kind of vehicle, you should leave it on). There are power steering, engine oil, axle brake, and transmission coolers, stiffer springs and stabilizer bars, Z06 specific shock absorbers and tires (Goodyear Eagle F1), and fabulous seats. In fact, the sport seats in the Z06 may be the most comfortable and supportive that I've ever experienced. Sit in one for a 1,000 km journey, and you'll emerge from the car feeling fresh and relaxed. No stiffness at all. Push the car in a corner so that the g-meter in the head-up display nudges 0.6, 0.7 and beyond, and the seat holds you securely in place. You want nit-picks? The cupholders in the centre console aren't Tim's friendly. Two large cups don't fit, and there's nowhere else to put one of them except on your lap. The driver's power-operated seat was a mystery to me. When leaving the car, sometimes it would travel all the way rearward to help with egress (fine) but after closing the door, it would travel all the way forward and stay there (strange). I'm sure there's a solution; I couldn't find it. The front licence plate fits into a holder that attaches to the bumper with two-way tape. It fell off (was fortunately recovered), but if you buy a Z06, and you're in a province that requires front licence plates, look forward to possibly drilling holes in your bumper. The front valance is perilously close to the road. If your house has a steep driveway, requires going over a curb or has any kind of obstacle to traverse, you may have to move. And closing the hatch would really benefit from a motorized lock so that to get it fully closed, you don't have to slam it or lean on it. Our Le Mans Blue car added a few extras for about five-grand. Auto-dimming mirrors, the Bose audio system, heated seats, seat mounted side impact airbags, power tilt/telescope steering column, universal home remote are a few of the 1SB package items that bring the Z06 to $94,800, if you so choose. Except for the airbags, these are creature comforts. Nice to have, but you get the same basic car without them. Acceleration, cornering, stopping in the Z06 will take you out of your hum-drum world and into the zone where your mind is sharp, your senses alight, your heart thumps and you've got a big grin on your face most of the time. It can hardly be called a four-season car in most parts of Canada, but compared with the six-digit prices of its German and Italian competitors, $89,900 for the Z06 seems a downright bargain. (CanadianDriver)

Rebadging is also about perceived image. Some consumers perceive that Pontiac has a more suitable image for them. They may find that Chevy does not do it for them and they just might go to a non-GM dealership instead. It would be great if it were completely different than the Chevy, but I'd rather it existed then not and I would choose it over the Chevy.

I like that they are emphazing the Cadillac script. It is iconic and should be on each and every Cadillac model.

Totally agree. There's a nice blend of heritage, contemporary and Americana. I love it.

They sell very well here, as Pontiac is more popular here than Chevy. They look very good on the street.

Lustful Leanings Cadillac shifting marketing focus; cites 'startling' research findings By JEAN HALLIDAY | ADVERTISING AGE AutoWeek | Published 07/27/06, 3:03 pm et DETROIT -- General Motors' first work for Cadillac from new agency Modernista, Boston, aims to "put a little lust back into the brand." So said Liz Vanzura, marketing director of the luxury marquee, in unveiling new print work from the agency, which replaced Publicis Groupe's Leo Burnett, Detroit and Chicago. The car brand is dropping the former shop's "Break Through" ads after a four-year run. Vanzura said the new push aims to boost consideration of the Cadillac brand among three main targets younger than its current owners. She calls them "alphas," "hot moms" and "move-ups." "Our mission is to reignite people's love affair with Cadillac," she said. Cadillac still plans to keep its loyal older owners, and while it wants to attract more baby boomers, Vanzura said this group is the most difficult to reach because "they are really stuck on Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and BMW and see no reason to switch." She said extensive consumer research earlier this year revealed some startling findings: Many younger consumers knew Cadillac's Escalade sport utility vehicle but were unfamiliar with other models. Many didn't see the brand as having a vehicle for them. Vanzura said the new blitz will "romance" the brand's crested logo to show off its iconic nature. Gary Koepke, executive creative director and co-founder of Modernista, said the Cadillac print work has a three-pronged approach. Some work highlights the crest; other shows people, "to inject an attitude"; and the rest focuses on a single product to help build model awareness. Print is rolling out in August magazines, and TV spots are expected later in the month. In mid-August Cadillac for the first time will use wild postings in key markets. Vanzura declined to discuss spending but said it will be comparable to 2005. Cadillac spent $226 million in measured U.S. media last year, according to TNS Media Intelligence. The median age of Cadillac buyers across its lineup is 59, although Jim Taylor, the brand's general marketing manager, said it dropped from 64 since the 2002 model year, when the CTS sedan launched to replace the Catera. But Cadillac has a dilemma in trying to retain its older buyers while chasing younger ones. Cadillac is "trying to split its image" by keeping the DTS and STS sedans that appeal more to retirees, said Wes Brown, auto analyst with Iceology. Taylor said Cadillac has made good progress since 2002 in "re-establishing the heritage we had in our glory years." The 12 products launched since then brought back dramatic styling, improved quality and gone are the days of "large, floaty boats," he said. Cadillac reported that U.S. sales in the first half of 2006 slipped by 9% to 110,620 units. The Escalade model was the only one to post a sales increase -- up 25% to 18,874 units. Cadillac launched the redone 2007 Escalade during the Super Bowl this year

Camaro or GTO? GM Could Have Plans for New Holden Monaro Date posted: 07-27-2006 MELBOURNE, Australia — It looks as if there will be another Holden Monaro, although not for some time, says General Motors designer Michael Simcoe. But when it comes, it could have a Pontiac GTO or a Chevrolet Camaro for a sibling. Simcoe, in Australia for the VE Commodore launch, is quoted in Melbourne's Age newspaper saying: "There will be another Monaro eventually, but it won't be here in the next six months or year or so. It'll still be a little while." A new Monaro wouldn't be produced by itself, he said. "Clearly, we'd never want to do that," Simcoe told Age. "We'd want to find a sister vehicle to give us some volumes so that you could do the job properly." And that sister vehicle? Well, it could be another Pontiac GTO or, as the rumor mill has it, the next-generation Chevrolet Camaro, or maybe both, off GM's Zeta architecture. Holden spokesman Jason Laird refused to be drawn too much into the issue, saying only that Simcoe's comments are "fairly consistent with our position." He went on to add: "We'd like to do another Monaro, but there is no current program." What this means to you: Keep your eyes Down Under if you are interested in the future of GM's sportier offerings. (INSIDELINE)

Proposed Sky project by GM and Gravana. Reportedly will be 300 hp. Here are two official possibilites:

I just did a bit of research on the Benz 170. Apparently Hitler grew impatient with Dr. Porsche's prototypes and commanded Benz produce this car. 30 were produced. So Hitler had a hand in this one too, there's the reason it looks like the VW. Technically production of the 170 came first but the idea and protoypes of the VW predated it.

Blu, I don't know much of the history of this little Mercedes. Hitler reportedly came up with the idea of the VW Beetle in the early '30's. Amazing how much these two vehicles look like each other though. Here is the '37 VW Beetle prototype.

The Mercedes is a 1937.

That black Studebaker GT Hawk.....just simply timeless. Stunning.

It's more like he stole it from the Mercedes 170:

Cadillac: 'Life, Liberty, Pursuit' Brand hopes new ads will create buzz that lures younger buyers and luxury import owners. Brett Clanton / The Detroit News Say goodbye to Led Zeppelin, celebrity voice-overs and speeding silver cars. Cadillac has a new advertising campaign. Unveiled Wednesday, it carries the theme "Life. Liberty. And The Pursuit." and signals a new approach to growing General Motors Corp's top luxury brand after a recent turnaround at the division. The new ads seek to broaden Cadillac's appeal among younger buyers, import drivers and other target groups, and will try to reestablish the gold-standard image that once defined the historic marque. Launching early next month, the new ads replace a 3-year-old campaign that featured the Led Zeppelin song "Rock and Roll," narration by actor Gary Sinise and a revamped model lineup that was meant to mark a sharp break from the faltering Cadillac of the 1980s and '90s. Now that the brand is healthy again, Cadillac wants to move out of comeback mode and into attack position. "We have raised awareness and achieved good momentum with the Cadillac brand," said Liz Vanzura, Cadillac's global marketing director. "But now it's time to put a face on the brand and invite more consumers to experience what Cadillac has to offer." Since the launch of a 2001 turnaround plan, Cadillac has posted four years of consecutive sales gains, more than doubled its model lineup, improved quality scores and lowered the average age of Cadillac buyers by five years to 59. Altering negative perceptions But the brand still faces tough competition from foreign and domestic automakers, which are expanding offerings in the highly-profitable luxury category. And it will continue to fight negative perceptions formed during years when quality was lackluster and its vehicle lineup uninspiring. "When you think of Cadillac now, you probably still think of it as a big, gas-guzzling car," said Eric Smallwood, vice president of Front Row Marketing in Port Huron. Cadillac's central challenge, he said, remains to convince carbuyers that's no longer the case. Through June, Cadillac sales were down 9 percent, and its U.S. market share slipped to 1.3 percent, down from 1.4 percent a year ago, according to Autodata Corp. Ads target five key groups The outgoing "Break Through" campaign helped put Cadillac back on many shopping lists by highlighting the new, chiseled look of Cadillac models and trumpeting vehicle attributes. But the goal of the new ads is to make the brand more inviting so customers are drawn to the cars and trucks as much for emotional reasons as rational ones. "Our mission is to reignite a love affair with Cadillac," said Kevin Smith, a spokesman for the brand. To make the brand more approachable, Cadillac will put people back in print and TV ads and use different voices and music. By contrast, the previous campaign used the same song and celebrity pitchman from the time it launched at the 2002 Super Bowl. The new ads will be broadly aimed at customers Cadillac officials call "perpetual strivers," who fall into five groups: the young and ambitious "Move Up's;" the discerning "Alpha's;" the image-conscious "Hot Moms;" the import-driving Boomers; and the graying loyalists. The campaign also will put greater focus on the brand's wreath and crest logo, which has been updated with two shimmer points to make it look 3-D and jewel-like. The famous insignia will appear, without words, at the close of TV ads. And when Cadillac writes its brand name in print ads or elsewhere, it will now use a classic cursive script that recalls its heritage. New ad firm takes over The new campaign is the work of Boston-based advertising firm Modernista!, which in June took over the Cadillac account from Leo Burnett, a firm that under different names had controlled the business for more than 70 years. The move came shortly after Liz Vanzura, who had worked with Modernista! when she was marketing chief at GM's Hummer, arrived at Cadillac this spring. But Cadillac officials say they recognized that a change was needed in the brand's advertising months before Vanzura joined the team. Concerned that complacency could sap the brand's momentum, Cadillac's leaders began meeting last fall to discuss ways to infuse new energy into marketing, Smith said. "They said, 'Now's the time to look at what we can do next,'" he said

I believe Hitler gave instructions of what he wanted and Ferdinand Porsche designed it.

In there first year here in Canada they sold 4000 Smart cars, more than 3 times their initial estimate. I see them everywhere. They have almost become cult status here. I almost wonder if they are the new 'Beetle'...same essence of that iconic original.

yep, it was created to bridge the gap between Chevy and Olds. Here is the first known Pontiac race car in 1926. It still exists today.

This man evidently loved Pontiacs so much he had his tombstone carved that way. I can't tell which model it is. Pontiac Phoenix?

You are close....it was the Pontiac Buggy Company located in Pontiac, Michigan. The first Pontiacs had all metal roofs when most cars had fabric.

It was indeed Oakland and Pontiac was a initially a subsidiary of that company within GM. In fact another company had been called Pontiac earlier but didn't survive. Oakland was a offshoot of what company which dated back to 1893? Pontiac is considered the first niche vehicle. Why was it created? What was unique about the first Pontiacs? It may have been the reason Pontiac sold 76,742 cars in it's first model year, 1926.

What was the division called before it was Pontiac? What was it before that?

Well, close enough, it's the '53 Pontiac Pariesienne introduced at the '53 Motorama.

What car is this? Year, and full name.

Blu, I knew you would know it!