avant1963

Thanks to Scott to stop this stupid spin. Here's the problem: How do you guys expect the general public to dismiss the BS media hatred for domestic automakers when many here eat it up. Stop it. Once again... thanks Scott.

When I was at press days at the 2005 New York Auto Show I set up my laptop in the Media Center. For those that do not know how these things work, they open a big room, give you power and internet connection and squeeze as many members of the press as possible in here. I was sitting next to the burgeoning Forbes Auto and AP, and this is how I saw it: Those that cover these things for the big "news" outlets have no clue about cars. I watched as one woman (about 45-50 years old) being sent out to press conferences and coming back with slightly wrong info about cars she had no clue about (proabably covered the local school board meeting the next day). The guy that was the "head-honcho" for this operation was asking basic questions about the debuts that no one around him could anser, but anyone from this board could in their sleep. I almost said something when wrong info was being disseminated, but I was so disgusted over what I was seeing, I said screw it! People that have no clue about this industry are the ones that cover the industry for the general press.

Wake me up when this fails. What? I hardly closed my eyes. This is almost as good of a badge-job from the old Stratus/Cirrius/Breeze and Spirit/LeBaron/Acclaim

Some examples of prices changes on Chevrolet vehicles: # The new base price of the 2006 Cobalt LS coupe will be $12,990 including shipping charges. That is $1,500 less than the current base price of $14,490. # The new base price of the Impala LS will be $20,990, $1,000 less than the current base price. # The Silverado regular cab WT will be repriced to $16,990, down $2,275 from the current base price. The Crew cab version of that truck will be repriced to $25,490, $2,500 less than the current base price. http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...ct=newsletter08

http://gmtv.feedroom.com/iframeset.jsp?ord=886190 Bob's a little confused between the 1969 and 1970 (never happened anyway add the 1/2) Camaros verses 67-69, but he seems under the weather in this, so I forgive him. Great little video piece.

I take that back, the Mitsubishi concept for this year has the most gawd-awful rear end. Looks like baby has a big load in his diaper.

I really can't stand the new Eclipse. The design is all over the place and the rear just looks rediculous (including the clear plastic and chrome spoiler) but cut the roof off the damn thing and there you have the largest, most dis-porportionate, ugliest rear-end design ever on a car (my opinion). It looks like the front end of this car should be pointing up with all that weight in the rear. Ugh. This is a car company I wouldn't have missed if they retreated from the US market last year.

I hate the new Toyota droopy headlights and taillights. Looks bad on the Avalon and now even worse on this.

Just played a little game with the ION and new Sentra. Roofline/greenhouse exact. Saturn has a little legnth on the Sentra. Ugh.

Gauges on the console is for anyone who has ever sat in a 1967-69 Camaro. That's where the gauge pack was located.

Please continue discussion on the official thread: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...st=0#entry70755

CHEVROLET CAMARO CONCEPT: CAPTURING THE TIMELESS SPIRIT OF CAMARO * Thoroughly modern interpretation of the classic sport coupe * Dramatic design, responsive performance DETROIT – Combining dramatic design and exciting performance, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans. The Camaro Concept embodies the performance and passion that have made first-generation Camaros some of the most sought-after collector cars, updating the formula with a fuel-efficient powertrain, sophisticated chassis and contemporary design execution. The goal is to make the sport coupe relevant to younger enthusiasts while retaining its appeal to its current fans. “Millions of people of all ages fell in love with the Camaro for all of the right reasons,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “Camaros were beautiful to look at and offered performance that could rival expensive European GTs. Yet they were practical enough to drive every day and priced within the reach of many new car buyers.” Though only a show car at this point, the Camaro Concept is intended to explore customer reaction to design and engineering elements that might lead to an all-new version of the Camaro. The long hood, short deck and wide stance of the Camaro Concept leave no doubt that it is a serious performance car. Those looks are backed up by a 400-horsepower aluminum small-bock V-8, a six-speed manual transmission, and a sophisticated chassis with four-wheel independent suspension. Like its forebears, the Camaro Concept would be practical enough for everyday use. It features fuel-saving features like Active Fuel Management™ cylinder deactivation technology, yielding highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or better. Its overall size is a comfortable fit for city streets and suburban parking lots, and its back seat provides occasional seating for two adults. Lean, muscular design Because of Camaro’s powerful heritage, the GM Design team chose a theme that pays homage to the original Camaro, while being instantly recognizable as an all-new car. Said Bob Boniface, director of the Warren Advanced Design Studio, “The fact that the Camaro has been out of production for a number of years made it particularly important that the Camaro Concept honors the Camaro heritage in the right way.” The 1969 Camaro, considered by many to be the best first-generation design, was a significant inspiration. But as GM design teams in Warren, Mich., worked on alternatives for the Camaro Concept, they also turned to the latest Corvette and to aircraft like the YF-22, seeking a design that encompasses the spirit that made the 1969 Camaro great, but interprets that spirit in a fresh, exciting way. “The overall proportions, long hood and powerful fender forms say, ‘This is a front-engine, rear-wheel drive performance vehicle,’ ” said Tom Peters, design director, rear-wheel drive performance cars. The prominent front grille and hood bulge hint at the power of the Corvette-inspired V-8 engine. Large wheels and tires, exposed high-performance brakes and prominent fender shapes signal that the Camaro Concept has the handling and braking to go with the powertrain. The cockpit of the Camaro nestles between sharply defined fender forms, a design element inspired by fighter planes and the new Corvette. And like any high-performance vehicle, the clean, purposeful design is integral to the aesthetic. “The Camaro Concept isn’t just a styled shape,” said Peters. “The design incorporates what the vehicle needs to perform to its optimum level.” The same purposeful design is reflected in the interior of the Camaro Concept. The gauges and splash of orange trim hint at classic first-generation Camaros, but the overall design and execution reflect the no-nonsense functionality that drivers expect from a high-performance Chevrolet sports car. Performance for the real world The Camaro Concept features the latest generation of GM’s legendary small-block V-8. The 6.0-liter LS2 engine features an aluminum block and heads for light weight, and Active Fuel Management™, which shuts off four cylinders to save fuel when the engine is lightly loaded. This concept version of the LS2 is rated at 400 horsepower, yet it could also deliver more than 30 mpg at highway speeds. The Camaro Concept’s six-speed manual transmission provides a wide spread of ratios for aggressive acceleration off the line, confident passing and merging and efficient highway cruising. Modern sports cars are about more than just straight-line speed, so the Camaro Concept features a sophisticated rear-wheel drive chassis. Its independent front and rear suspension features progressive-rate springs and gas-pressurized dampers. Four-wheel vented disc brakes with 14-inch rotors provide confident stopping under all conditions. Enhancing both the performance and appearance of the Camaro Concept are unique five-spoke cast alloy wheels, 21 inches in the front and 22 inches in the rear. An American icon Designed in the mid-1960s, the first-generation Camaro captured the optimism of an era. The Baby Boomers were in their teens, rock-and-roll and Motown ruled the airwaves, and American culture was sweeping the globe. Like the Impala, Chevelle and Sting Ray, the new Camaro showcased Chevy’s strength of bringing stylish, high-quality cars to a mainstream audience. Its dramatic proportions and graceful lines recalled both the Corvette and the Italian Gran Turismo cars of the era. And its powertrain lineup, which soon included both the potent Z-28 small block and big block 396s and 427s, gave the Camaro the performance to go with its looks. But what really made the Camaro an American icon was that it was accessible to millions. Chevy sold more than 699,000 Camaros in its first three years. So for every Z-28 taking the checkered flag at the track, there were thousands of less exotic Camaros cruising the drive-ins, picking up the groceries, or taking the family on vacation. “The Camaro Concept is designed to have that same broad appeal, with unmistakable style, spirit and performance,” said Welburn. Vehicle type: two-door, four-passenger rear-wheel drive sport coupe Wheelbase (in / mm): 110.5 / 2806 Length (in / mm): 186.2 / 4730 Width (in / mm): 79.6 / 2022 Height (in / mm): 53 / 1344 Track (in / mm): 63.8 / 1620 front; 63.3 / 1607 rear Engine: 6.0-L V-8 LS-2, 400 hp / 298 kw, with Active Fuel Management™ Transmission: six-speed manual T56 Suspension: four-wheel independent: MacPherson strut front, multilink rear, progressive rate coil springs, gas-pressurized dampers Brakes: four-wheel disc, 14” rotors with four-piston calipers Wheels: cast aluminum, 21” front, 22” rear Tires: 275/30R21 front, 305/30R22 rear Chevy Performance Vehicles - Camaro Concept Chevrolet

Lincoln will be an Acura fighter, not a Caddy/BMW/Lexus/MB fighter. We pretty much know all the new Lincolns will be FWD/AWD much like Honda's lux-fighter. This car looks like it can sit next to the RL on the Acura dealer lot. This statement is both good and bad. Good for Lincoln/Ford and those that are looking for this kind of Lux car. It's good that Ford sees a vision for Lincoln. It's bad for those of us that remember the Lincoln of old and wish they would have stayed with American styling and to fight with Caddy for the standard of the world. This car is good looking, but not distictive Lincoln looking. This was classic Lincoln meets the future. I don't see this style here.

Glad to see that DCX can make some use out of old 1988 GM-10 door handles. I don't know why they went and putz'd with the front bumper. It throws the whole deisgn off, IMO.

You have to be a fan of tha Maxima styling, and I, sir, am not a fan. For those looking for the same deisgn in small (Sentra), medium (Altima) and large (Maxima), this is for you. Ford learned that this kind of copy-cat styling was not a barn-burner for thier trucks, and I don't think Nissan will have a hit with this either. "Where have I seen this design, oh, the Maxima. Whoop-de-do!"

We all have to come to terms with these facts: 1. How many Jeep sales do you really think are based on "Trail Rated"? 30%? A little more? How many Jeeps sold in 2005 will travel the Rubicon? Actaully go off-road? My sister-in-law has a Liberty. Why did she buy it? It was cheap and cute. It has never been off-road and doubt she knows what Trail Rated is. That is buyer the Compass/Patriot is targeting. It's cute and usefull and probably priced well. 2. You can't stop the FWD-ification of Jeep. By this time next year, there will be not one, but two unibody FWD car-based Jeeps. Live with it. 3. This is a very smart financial vehicle (see point 1). This will grow Jeep sales without canibalizing sales of other DCX vehicles. There will probably a slight drop in Liberty sales, but I see this thing (including that thing it calls a front bumper) aimed at the female/light driver (like my sister-in-law) that will trade off-road prowess for better fuel economy (her Liberty is a gas pig). If GM was smart, they would get a Wrangler-fighter for HUMMER in the next year or so, but we know the company isn't that quick to react to some possible Jeep refugees. As long as Jeep keeps the Wrangler true-to-form (which the 2007 seems to do) then Jeep shouldn't fear unibody too much from the sales/financial arena.

Looks better in a color. I'm glad to see Ford designs getter more attractive. If GM and Ford can but together a killer lineup for late 2006-07 we can stop this domestic slide and maybe convince some people TO HAVE PRIDE IN WHAT YOUR OWN COUNTRY PRODUCES. The USA has to be the biggest self-loathing country. The rich hate the coutnry that made them money, hate the people that work for them to make them money and teach those around them to hate. Blows my mind.

Remember we all said that last year when pictures of the Commander were leaked. This sadly, is the real thing.

One thing I just realized... the EXT still has a "trucky" rear bumper. While all the other GMT-900s we've seen have intergrated rear bumpers, the EXT (and I'm assuming the Avalanche and 900 trucks) have a regular separate truck bumper. Nothing wrong with it, just pointing it out.

I never said that it was ugly, just that it looked "off". IN black it looks better because the black plastic strip on the roof is disgiused, but the very square look and tall/thin style is not flattering. Will it sell, sure because it is different and usefull. Will Dodge need a real four door/coupe also, you betcha.

Grand Prix GXP - Better value than the Impala if your into the performance set. Better brakes, HUD, TapShift and looks the part. And my week with the car sold me. BUt if I HAD to pick between the SS and Lucrene, it'd be the SS.

ALL-NEW CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT SPORT UTILITY TRUCK DEBUTS AT NAIAS DETROIT – Debuting at the North American International Auto Show, th e all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT sport utility truck expands the Escalade family of vehicles with a new look that’s still instantly recognizable as a Cadillac. With elements of a luxury SUV and pickup truck, the Escalade EXT has attracted new generations of buyers to Cadillac and helps introduce the next step in the brand’s ongoing renaissance. Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Escalade EXT features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kw)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* Cadillac Escalade EXT will be available in the summer of 2006. It also will be sold outside North America , thus strengthening Cadillac's global portfolio. Escalade EXT has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics while appearing smaller in stature. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents. Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade EXT’s flowing design and bolster the refined feeling. All major sheetmetal and body components are new and feature crisp, taut lines. The sleek, toned look includes a faster windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.36 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise. All-new interior styling is a cornerstone of the new Escalade EXT. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout. The cabin also is more spacious, with an instrument panel that is lower and moved forward in the vehicle. This interior comes in two colors: Ebony and Cashmere . The vehicle features a unique instrument panel, instrumentation gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting, Nuance leather-covered seats, leather-covered door trim and center console, fabric-covered interior pillars and available heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel. Escalade EXT also includes an available 8-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with large 8-inch flip-down screen. A segment-first Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system is integrated into the new family of radios that play DVD audio/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio. A new 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kw)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)* is exclusive to the Escalade family. This all-aluminum engine uses v ariable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine. A new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. A stronger frame and chassis support the more powerful powertrain and enable exceptional responsiveness and ride and handling smoothness. A new, fully boxed frame offers 49 percent increased torsional stiffness and a 35-percent improvement in beaming frequency, compared to previous models. Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new Bosch ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works with the StabiliTrak stability control system’s new rollover mitigation technology. This software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle “tip-up” and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events. Escalade EXT is designed to be among the industry’s safest and most secure vehicles, with numerous safety systems and crash-avoidance technologies. New occupant protection features include head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and an industry-first 360-degree front safety belt pretensioner activation system. Escalade EXT comes with the Generation 6 OnStar system (with a one-year Directions and Connections service plan). It includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar Advisor, who will check on the occupants and summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen (ability to locate stolen vehicles varies with conditions).

DETROIT – The 2007 Cadillac Escalade ESV, debuting at the North American International Auto Show, is the largest member of the Escalade family. Combining power, size and strength with trademark Cadillac styling and technology, the full-size Escalade ESV has strongly positioned Cadillac in the large luxury SUV market. The vehicle is 21 inches (53.4 cm) longer than Escalade, and that translates into more premium seating and cargo-carrying capability. It features all the same elements and features as the Escalade, but adds an extra DVD system with large 8-inch flip-down screen for third-row passengers. Based on General Motors’ all-new full-size SUV platform, the ’07 Escalade ESV features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver the most powerful full-size SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V-8 engine with variable valve timing technology delivering 403 horsepower (301 kw)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* Cadillac ESV will be available in the summer of 2006. It also will be sold outside North America , thus strengthening Cadillac's global portfolio. Escalade ESV has a sleeker, cleaner and more athletic form with improved aerodynamics while appearing smaller in stature. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from the landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and layers of chrome accents. Details in elements such as wraparound fascias, styled mirrors and integrated running boards enhance Escalade ESV’s flowing design and bolster the refined feeling. All major sheetmetal and body components are new and feature crisp, taut lines. The sleek, toned look includes a faster windshield angle of 57 degrees, which flows gracefully into the roofline. This also improves aerodynamic performance to a segment-best 0.36 coefficient of drag, which helps improve fuel economy and reduce wind noise. All-new interior styling is a cornerstone of the new Escalade ESV. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials and a distinct layout. The cabin also is more spacious, with an instrument panel that is lower and moved forward in the vehicle. This interior comes in two colors: Ebony and Cashmere . The vehicle features a unique instrument panel, instrumentation gauges with white needles and blue light inlays with continuously lit, white-LED backlighting, Nuance leather-covered seats, leather-covered door trim and center console, fabric-covered interior pillars, available heated and cooled front seats and heated steering wheel. Escalade ESV delivers convenience with a new industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat, and a power-assisted rear liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button. Escalade ESV also includes an available 8-inch touch-screen navigation system, as well as a DVD system with a large 8-inch flip-down screen. A segment-first Bose 5.1 Digital Surround Sound system is integrated into the new family of radios that play DVD audio/video, CD audio/video, MP3s and XM Satellite Radio. A new 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kw)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)* is exclusive to the Escalade family. This all-aluminum engine uses v ariable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine. A new Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. A stronger frame and chassis support the more powerful powertrain and enable exceptional responsiveness and ride and handling smoothness. A new, fully boxed frame offers 49-percent increased torsional stiffness and a 35-percent improvement in beaming frequency, compared to previous models. Larger, four-wheel disc brakes and an all-new Bosch ABS system help ensure braking performance. ABS works with the StabiliTrak stability control system’s new rollover mitigation technology. This software algorithm technology uses sensors to proactively predict vehicle “tip-up” and apply appropriate brake force to help prevent such events. Escalade ESV is designed to be among the industry’s safest and most secure vehicles, with numerous safety systems and crash-avoidance technologies. New occupant protection features include head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and an industry-first 360-degree front safety belt pretensioner activation system. Escalade ESV comes with the Generation 6 OnStar system (with a one-year Directions and Connections service plan). It includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar Advisor, who will check on the occupants and summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen (ability to locate stolen vehicles varies with conditions).

Jon Bon Jovi - Even though IMDB says he was born in Perth Amboy - but he grew up in Sayreville, NJ. Remember when MTV gave away his boyhood home? Yeah, that made a mess of this town. Joe Thiesman grew up in the next town over, South Amboy.

Follow this one that I never understood, even as a little kid: Michael Knight has an evil twin. Michael Knight's face was totaly reconstructed after a car crash. Michael Knight's evil twin looks exactly like him, except with the "evil" mustache. Wouldn't Michael Knight's twin look like him BEFORE total facial reconstruction?