avant1963

This is a good primer on what will become our Red Lines here in the States. Four OPCs in Italy... http://www.wheels24.co.za/Wheels24/News/0,...1831017,00.html

Roger, I did all the negotiations though email. I told the internet manager that I was going to walk in with my GM Card #, the keys to the Grand Am and nothing else and I wasn't going to pay any more than what we agreed on. We walked in, took the car for a test drive and there was no pressure. Due to an error in MV fees, the payment actually went down $2 a month. I will definately be back there for either a Solstice or a GP GXP in the spring.

I thought it was funny that Tony Stewart (NASCAR-Home Depot) has a 70's Caddy hearse that he drives as his everyday in Indiana. I think ever since the ECTO-1 I have had an unhealthy obsession with the hearse designs.

I got you all beat. I was here when it was just me. Talking to myself about GM. Then a few loners found the board and we were able to be GM nerds together. Sooo, so long ago. Sigh. P.S. My Honda can beat you white trash Viper. You all SUXXORS! 26's ar MaD tYtE!

Guess what 2006 GM vehicle this is off of: [attachment=95:attachment] [attachment=96:attachment] It's my new 2006 G6 GT with all the trimmings. Yes the 2003 Grand Am GT went bye-bye for the G6 and the the G6 is sooooooo much nicer to drive than the GA. I'll take better shots tomorrow in the light. It's a Crimson Red GT with the Leather package (taupe), Panoramic sunroof, remoter start, power pedals, wing, chrometech wheels... Good deal when the GM Card double the rebate from $1000 to $2000. I leased it for three years like the 2003 GA. I'll let you know how it goes, but it is definetely geared better than the GA and feels a lot more powerfull than the 3.4 thanks to that.

Oh, how cute The Aveo Spring Edition will include: 5-door LT in Maui Blue Power Sunroof Foglamps 6 disc CD changer/MP3 Six speaker sound system Satin chromed A/C control cover Limited release 15-inch wheels All for only $995 option That's the best Spring Edition deal going. [attachment=94:attachment]

Even more... The SSR Spring Edition will include: Special (or not) Sunburst Orange paint Certificate of authenticity (woo-hoo) Limited edition badging Only $395 No big deal here... [attachment=93:attachment]

Funny, Equinox isn't included in the Spring Editions...

Special editions from GM... The Trailblazer and Trailblazer EXT Spring Edition will include: LS - only $1,430 option Silver blue metallic or Red Jewel tintcoat paint XM Sunroof 17-inch wheels P245/17 white outline lettered tires LT - only $1430 Silver blue metallic or Red Jewel tintcoat paint XM Bose speakers Sunroof Running boards P245/17 white outline lettered tires [attachment=92:attachment]

This is exactly what GM needs to start doing - ala Scion and PT, making special editions. The HHR Spring Edition will have: Special Victory Red paint Silver decal Two-tone Ebony/Grey seats Body colored running boards Foglamps and a host of options [attachment=91:attachment] Production will begin early 06 and will be limited to 2300 units.

I met Dave a the NY Auto Show this year in front of the Trailblazer SS. He was chatting with the booth girl. I was hessitant to just walk up to him and say "Hi", but did anyway. We talked about the Z06, he knew CheersandGears (of course) and he started talking about blogging since he was just getting started on the FastLane blogs. I'm at a car show talking to a guy who regularly shakes down Corvettes at the 'Ring about blogging. I'm a nerd. Dave's influence will be missed.

This top shows the biggest design flaw of the Solstice, the trunk. Now with the hard top on, those that live in the NE that would buy the top aftermarket for the winter have a completely useless trunk. I wondered why GM designed the Solstice top/boot/trunk like they did. Did they think it looked cool that it was an opposite clamshell like the hood? This design makes the Miata superior when it comes to living with the car everyday. The Miata allows the driver to drop the top without getting out of the car (and if you think this isn't a big deal, try living with a convertible like me for 8 years. The convience of the power top on my Camaro (especially since I was able to disable the "only works in PARK" device) allows those quick top-ups when it starts to suddenly rain waiting at a red light or rolling slowly in traffic. If I had to get out of the car each time I needed to put the top up/down I would use the top a lot less) and the fact the Miata has a useable trunk makes it a much more useable (but not as attractive) everyday car. I watched a Solstice owner use the top, and it is easy, but to access the trunk with the top up, you have to detach the two buttresses, push the top back and then open the trunk. Poor, poor design to get to a storage space that could barely hold three bags of groceries. Try doing that in a downpour. I love the Solstice, but this poor execution makes me think more than twice with replacing my Z28 Convertible (that I use as an everyday car to get me back a forth to work 60 miles a day) with one. Since the interior space is pretty small, if I had to bring my laptop to work, I would most likely want to put it in the trunk, but with the Solstice steps, that might not be practicle. Just some random bitching about an otherwise awsome vehicle. And the SEMA car looks great for what purpose it was designed for.

I heard from a mechanic that VW is making "special" oil pan plugs that only VW dealerships will have the "key" for starting in 2007 assuring that anyone that buys a VW will HAVE to get it serviced at a dealership. Not sure of the validity of the claim, but if true, reason number 7,540 not to buy a VW.

Don't forget the Toyota Corolla numbers include the Matrix. Automotive news currently estimates that 77,163 Matrixes have been sold in 2005. That brings the ACTUAL Corolla sales to 188,263, to a TENTH (not SIXTH) place. Also the Camry sales have the Solara sales added in. Auto News does not separate the sales. Toyota is shady in everything they do.

If Gm can't get this little weenie car to do better than this gas mileage (worse than a civic or corolla), the Fit and Yaris will run circles around it. What is the 2007 Chevy Aveo? The 2007 (model year) Chevy Aveo is the next generation of the 4-door sedan. When will the Aveo 5-door model be updated? The current plan is to update the Aveo 5-door during the 2008 Calendar year. When will production of the 2007 Aveo begin? Production is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2006. When will the 2007 Aveo be available in Chevrolet dealerships? The 2007 Chevy Aveo is scheduled to arrive in dealerships in the third quarter of 2006. Where will the 2007 Aveo be manufactured? All Aveo models are manufactured in South Korea by General Motors Daewoo Automotive & Technology. What is the projected volume for the 2007 Aveo? Chevy Aveo currently leads the Economy Segment in the U.S. market, outselling competitors like the Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio. Expect market leadership to continue with the new Aveo. Current manufacturing capacity for the Aveo is around 70,000 units annually for the U.S. market. Who is the target customer for the 2007 Aveo? The Aveo is designed for young, spirited, freedom-seeking buyers between 20 and 30 years of age. Consumers will most likely include young college graduates, young professionals building a career and young families starting out. Why is Aveo so important to Chevrolet and General Motors? Aveo's role is to attract younger, diverse and first-time new car buyers into the Chevrolet family. Aveo currently has more first-time new buyers than any other Chevrolet vehicle. And Aveo is among the strongest Chevrolet vehicles at conquesting non-GM buyers. What are the competitive vehicles for the new Aveo? The Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Scion xA are the current competitive vehicle set. What is the level of change between the 2006 and the 2007 Aveo? Some of the key differences will be improved ride and handling, more upscale appearance and more accessories. What new features can be expected on the 2007 Aveo? New features will include perforated leatherette seating, steering wheel audio controls and a 6-disc CD changer. What are the key interior differences between the 2006 and 2007 Aveo? There will be available perforated leatherette seating and a greater choice of interior trim. Will Aveo maintain the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty? Yes, the 2007 Aveo will maintain the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. What key safety features will be available on the new Aveo? Dual-stage front air bags with passenger sensing and seat-mounted side-impact driver and front passenger air bags. What safety ratings will the new Aveo offer? Safety ratings will be excellent. Stay tuned to chevylaunch.com for more details as they become available. What engine will be offered in the 2007 Aveo? A 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder with Variable Geometry Induction System (VGIS) increases low-end torque by 10% with the use of a long intake runner that has a bypass valve that's actuated in heavy-rpm/heavy throttle conditions. Will OnStar and XM Satellite Radio be offered on the new Aveo? At this time, the 2007 Aveo will not offer these features. The availability of OnStar and XM Satellite Radio is undergoing development for Aveo. Will the 2007 Aveo be iPod compatible? All cars are compatible with the use of an FM transmitter. The 2007 Aveo sound systems are still under development, including the viability of an input jack that would provide iPod capability. Will there be Chevy Accessories offered for the 2007 Aveo? Yes, factory-installed Chevy Accessories will be available, including a Special Edition Package that includes a body kit, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip and 16" wheels and tires. What are the projected fuel economy numbers for the new Aveo? The 2007 Aveo is estimated at 24/34 (EPA city/highway) for the automatic transmission and 26/35 (EPA city/highway) for the manual transmission. This is the same as the current Aveo. Can the 2007 Aveo be dinghy-towed? Unfortunately, not at this time. This is a capability that's being worked on.

Just some previews of what the press said at a recent 2007 Yukon drive: Media Drive Feedback The following are quotes from key media members following the recent Yukon media drive. “The 6.2 (liter engine) is great and I love the 6-speed, buttery-smooth powertrain.” — Mark Williams, Truck Trend “Vehicle is balanced and stable, you feel well planted to the road.” — Bob Gritzinger, AutoWeek “The interiors are spectacular — like you're in a luxury car, not a truck.” — John McCormick “It's clear that everybody's done their homework on these vehicles. Ride, isolation, noise reduction — better in every way.” — John Stewart, Four Wheeler

A copy of what they handed out at the CA Auto Show with some new pictures:

Looks like a concept from the mid 80's

My workplace held a little “car show” for employees to drive their cars into the campus and show them off. While some of the cars were in no means a “show car” including a Prius, Insight, a bright green Hyundai Accent and a new Sebring convertible (huh?). Some of the well-paid employees brought in their Diablos and 911s but the most interesting rides were an XLR and a 1970 BOSS Mustang. That was until, as I was walking towards the entrance a silver Solstice was driving in. This was the first Solstice that I have seen on the road and it looked incredible. The guy driving it had a huge smile on his face and I asked him if he was one of the first 1000. Sure enough it had the dash plaque and he had just picked it up that morning and drove it into work. The guy I was walking with asked if the Solstice was slotted in the Corvette category and when I told him it started at $20,000 he said it looked like it was a lot more money. The guy parked it next to a Boxster (made the Porsche look silly) and it had as many people looking at it as the two Diablos did. It was a $22,500 car with air, power, ABS, etc and he said that he placed money down on it a year and a half ago (traded a 1985 Firebird on it for his down payment… how much could that be worth?) and was able to get a certificate from The Apprentice. He said he paid invoice for it, so some dealers aren’t fleecing buyers. I can’t wait to see more on the road because this car is definitely a winner.

Yeah, just ask the owners of the Lexus ES/Camry that didn't get the non-responsive accelleration corrected in an actual recall, as Toyota used a "service bulletin" to try to fix them. Service bulletin should be used for silly problems, not something like that. Not sure if this was ever truely recalled. http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000920023135/ http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000480035567/ http://www.autoblog.com/entry/1234000530039835/ (Make sure you read comments of all the ES.Camry owners that did not get satisfactory dealer response and swear off owning another Toyota).

They can't sell that Civic here because it is just an ION Coupe in the front. Looks like the headlights are interchangeable.