caddycruiser

No. Just ditched the 16" wheels for the regular Aura 17's, and a few detail changes like the rest of the Auras. Then again...there were NO '08 Aura or Malibu Hybrids literally except for a handful that sneaked through (and were never seen except for by a few people) to an exec here or there. Battery supply an other issues, I guess. But a whole model year of waiting...and still nothing. Hopefully for '09 they can actually produce Hybrids from day one because, even without the system being that spectacular, some people still would like them...me included.

I agree. It's now in the shadow because of the Aura and Malibu, which are arguably better done, and also how much it has been fleeted, but it is still a nice car. Odd, smooth and bland lines, but still strong. Not a huge standout, but as you said...out of this WORLD compared to the Grand Am and that disgusting (in feel as wel as looks) interior, 3.4L, etc. But oh well. Nothing big, but quite a lot of small stuff still, and should soldier on until something new replaces it. Thinking back...you know what's odd? I actually think the G6 has a higher quality feeling dash upper and doors as well as some trim than the 2 newer models do, particularly the Aura, and at least equal to the Malibu. It's just been hampered by the now ancient center stack and such.

Oh, and the power pedals are still a mystery. I highly doubt they'd actually drop them...and based on how the titling/arrangement of them was re-sorted for the end of the 2008 year, it may just be a terminology thing. Guess we'll see.

No. Actually, the ordering guides are always published around this time every year. Order cut-offs for 2008's across GM are next week, and then they actually open the system to start filling in 2009 orders at the end of the month, to start production (Malibu/Aura, at least) on June 16th. Typical model year.

Yes, there needs to be more everywhere. Not that we miss it, but another reason why mom is not driving a new Saturn right now...one dealer, and not exactly that close. Otherwise, great--but small--changes for the Aura. The 2.4L models that dealers get seem to be the only ones that sell quickly, so giving that engine more features, trims, and the 6-speed can only be a great thing.

It said this, but I think it's in the naming. On the actual order sheets, Repeater lamps, side-mounted is still listed as standard. I keep thinking this is just in the naming and a re-sort of features, but can't find them on the order sheets either. They did just make a change to the 2008's where they came with the 3.6L V6 package...but I don't see them now. Hmm.

Well, it's been killed off in the Aura and only shows up in random fleet order Malibus (not sure why), so it's going away slowly...but no one cares about the G6, so whoop, it stays with it.

Aura: Deletions (QPE) P215/60R16 touring, blackwall tires (QAD) P225/50R17 touring, blackwall tires (QD1) 16" 5-spoke machined alloy wheels (LZ4) 3.5L Variable Valve Timing V6 engine (NW9) traction control (MN5) 4-speed automatic transmission Exterior color (15U) Golden Cashmere Exterior color (40U) Cream White Exterior color (53U) Bronzed Pewter Exterior color (67U) Silver Pearl (19B) Black cloth New Features (QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires are standard on all models but XR V6 Sedan Exterior paint color (17U) Quick Silver Exterior paint color (50U) Polar White Exterior paint color (51U) Gold Mist Exterior paint color (92U) Silver Moss (UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system is included and only available with (PCM) Preferred Package on XE Sedan and standard on XR Sedans Changes ZZV69 is now the XR 4-cylinder model ZZX69 is the XR V6 model Aura Greenline: Deletions (QPE) P215/60R16 touring, blackwall tires (QD1) 16" 5-spoke machined alloy wheels Exterior color (15U) Golden Cashmere Exterior color (40U) Cream White Exterior color (53U) Bronzed Pewter Exterior color (67U) Silver Pearl New Features Exterior paint color (17U) Quick Silver Exterior paint color (50U) Polar White Exterior paint color (51U) Gold Mist Exterior paint color (92U) Silver Moss (UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system is included and only available with (PCM) Preferred Package (QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires (PFG) Wheels 17" (43.2 cm) twin-spoke machined alloy As talked about before, no more 3.5L and now the 2.4L is standard in both XE and XR trims--and gets the 6-speed on ALL, unlike the Malibu which still uses the 4-speed on some trims. Also, Bluetooth on everything. Pretty good, especially the XR-4 which a lot of people have been wishing for, and though some may carp about the 3.5L going away...everyone who drives a 2.4L Aura seems to love it, and it will only help with CAFE, etc.

Deletions Model (2ZF69) G6 1SV Value Leader Sedan (QC1) 16" (40.6 cm) steel with bolt-on wheel covers (QPE) P215/60R16 touring, blackwall tires (PCM) GXP Preferred Package (JF4) Power-adjustable pedals (VPZ) Regular production accessory, Chrome Appearance Package Exterior color (40U) Ivory White Exterior color (67U) Liquid Silver Metallic New Features Exterior color (17U) Quicksilver Metallic Exterior color (50U) Summit White Exterior color (51U) Gold Mist Metallic Exterior color (92U) Silver Green Metallic (PDZ) Sport Package 2, includes (LZ4) 3.5L Variable Valve Timing V6 SFI engine, (PFF) 17" (43.2 cm) painted cast aluminum wheels, (QAD) P225/50R17 touring, blackwall tires, (F83) 3.05 axle ratio, Hydraulic Power Steering (HPS), (T96) front fog lamps and (T43) rear spoiler. (PDZ) is available on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan (PCN) Sun and Sound Plus Package, includes (UBK) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, (CF5) power sunroof and either (PFE) 17" (43.2 cm) Chrome-Tech cast aluminum wheels on GT models or (P79) 18" (45.7 cm) 5-spoke, flangeless Black Chrome-Tech wheels on GXP models. (PCN) is available on GT and GXP Sedan & Coupe models (MH8) 6-speed automatic transmission, electronically controlled with overdrive, includes Driver Shift Control (included with {PDX} Sport Package 1 on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan) (QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires (standard on G6 Sedan) (FXK) 2.89 axle ratio (included with [PDX] Sport Package 1 on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan) (UE0) OnStar, not installed (available for Fleet or Government order types only on G6 Sedan) Changes (PDX) Sport Package 1 contains new content. On 2ZG69 G6 Sedan, (PDX) includes (FX3) StabiliTrak, Dynamic Control System, (MH8) 6-speed automatic transmission, (T43) rear spoiler and (FXK) 2.89 axle ratio. On 2ZH67 GT Convertible, (PDX) contains (LZ9) 3.9L Variable Valve Timing V6 SFI engine, exhaust outlets with dual chrome tips, (M15) 4-speed automatic transmission, (FR3) 3.69 axle ratio, (C68) front automatic air conditioning, (QR2) 18" (45.7 cm) 5-spoke, bright Chrome-Tech wheels and (AG1) 6-way power driver seat adjuster (PCM) Preferred Package, available on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan, contains new content, which now includes (K34) cruise control, (AP8) extended-range remote keyless entry, (AP3) Remote vehicle starter system, (JA7) leather-wrapped brake handle, (VY7) leather-wrapped shift knob, (UK3) steering-wheel mounted audio controls and (N34) leather-wrapped steering wheel (PCJ) Sun and Sound Package is now only available on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan and now includes (UBK) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer, (CF5) power sunroof and (DD7) inside rearview auto-dimming mirror with compass display and driver and front passenger visor vanity mirrors (was available on GT & GXP Sedan and Coupe models in 2008) (PCQ) Premium Package is now available on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan and contains new content. (PCQ) now includes front bucket leather-appointed seats, (AG1) 6-way power driver seat adjuster and (KA1) heated driver and front passenger seats (U2K) XM Radio is now standard on G6 Sedan (was available in 2008) (AP3) Remote vehicle starter system is now standard on GT models and GXP Sedan and Coupe models and is included and only available with (PCM) Preferred Package on G6 Sedan (AP9) Trunk cargo nets is now standard on GT and GXP Sedan and Coupe models and available on G6 Sedan (was available and part of [PCQ] Premium Package on GT models and [PCM] Preferred Package on GXP models and G6 Sedan in 2008) (DD7) inside rearview auto-dimming mirror with compass display is now included and only available with (PCJ) Sun and Sound Package on G6 Sedan and is now standard on GT Sedan and Coupe models (Replaces manual inside rearview mirror) (K34) Cruise control is now included and only available with (PCM) Preferred Package on G6 Sedan (was standard in 2008) (B37) Front and rear carpeted floor mats is now standard on GT and GXP models and available on G6 Sedan (was available and part of [PCQ] Premium Package on GT models and [PCM] Preferred Package on GXP models and G6 Sedan in 2008) (T43) rear spoiler is now standard on 2ZH69 GT Sedan (was available in 2008) (PFF) 17" (43.2 cm) painted cast aluminum wheels is now standard on GT Sedan and Coupe models (was available on 2ZG69 G6 Sedan with [PDX] Sport Package in 2008) (PFE) 17" (43.2 cm) Chrome-Tech cast aluminum wheels is now available and part of (PCN) Sun and Sound Plus Package on GT Sedan and Coupe models (was standard in 2008) http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...6863&type=0

Just posted on the ordering guides. Regular Malibu: Deletions (15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color (40U) White exterior color (53U) Amber Bronze Metallic exterior color (67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color (JF4) Power-adjustable pedals (QPE) P215/60R16 touring blackwall tires (NZ6) 16" fascia spoke painted Sterling Silver wheels Front side marker lamps New Features (17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color (50U) Summit White exterior color (51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color (92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color (UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface) (QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires Changes (PDC) Power Convenience Package now includes (AG1) driver 6-way power seat adjuster, (AP3) remote vehicle starter system and (UPF) Bluetooth for phone (P22) 17" fascia spoke, painted sterling silver wheels are now standard on LS and 1LT models (FX3) StabiliTrak stability control system with brake assist and Traction Control is now standard on all models (LE5) 2.4L DOHC 4-cylinder engine is now standard on LTZ (MH8) 6-speed automatic transmission is now available on 1LT and standard on 2LT and LTZ (PDQ) HFV6 Engine Package is now available on LTZ and includes (LY7) 3.6L V6 SFI engine, (MH2) 6-speed automatic transmission, dual chrome exhaust tips and (NVH) hydraulic power steering (HPS) http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...6629&type=0 Malibu Hybrid: Deletions (15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color (40U) White exterior color (67U) Silverstone Metallic exterior color (JF4) Power-adjustable pedals (QPE) P215/60R16 touring blackwall tires (QD1) 16" flangeless aluminum wheels Front side marker lamps New Features (17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color (50U) Summit White exterior color (51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color (78U) Golden Pewter Metallic exterior color (92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color (QGG) P215/55R17 touring, blackwall tires (PFE) 17" ultra bright aluminum wheels (K05) Engine block heater http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...6630&type=0 Looks good! Odd that the 6-speed has expanded, but is still kept from the LS and optional on the 1LT, but that's still a huge expansion and a good thing regardless. And Bluetooth on nearly every model! Not restricted, which is shocking. ______________________________________________________________ Cobalt: Deletions Sport Coupe (1AM37) and Sport Sedan (1AM69) models (15U) Sandstone Metallic exterior color (39U) Blue Flash Metallic exterior color (95U) Ultra Silver Metallic exterior color (52*) Neutral interior color (US9) AM/FM stereo with 6-disc in-dash CD changer (NZ6) 16" fascia spoke wheels (K05) Engine block heater New Features (17U) Silver Ice Metallic exterior color (51U) Gold Mist Metallic exterior color (92U) Silver Moss Metallic exterior color SS Turbocharged Sedan model (1AP69) (UPF) Bluetooth for phone, personal cell phone connectivity to vehicle audio system and HMI (Human Machine Interface) (UUI) AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback and USB port (UAF) Reconfigurable performance display (WTC) Tire sealant and inflator kit standard Available spare tire and wheel, includes jack Changes (UE1) OnStar is now standard on all models Dual-stage frontal driver and front passenger air bags RPO code is now ASA on LS and LT models The RPO code for the ECOTEC 2.2L engine is now LAP and includes Continuous Variable Valve Timing (MX0) Automatic transmission is now the standard and only transmission on 1LT Sedan and 2LT Sedan (TV5) Performance Appearance Package is now called Sport Appearance Package and now includes (T43) rear decklid spoiler, (T37) front fog lamps, (QBU) P205/50R17 blackwall tires, (PFE) 17" polished aluminum wheels, chrome exhaust tip, front and rear body-color sport fascias, body-color lower rocker moldings, White-faced sport gauges, (UK3) leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio and cruise controls, (UPF) Bluetooth for phone and leather-wrapped shifter lever (NZ0) 16" machined-face aluminum wheels are now packaged on 2LT Improved seat bolster material with soil repellent http://eogld.ecomm.gm.com/NASApp/domestic/...6689&type=0 Nothing too big for the Cobalt...but nice minor things, I guess.

Dear God...and I can only imagine how the person who owns it defends turning his blah 90's Buick into that. "I liked the new Charger Daytona so much, I thought..." Just shoot yourself, please, and get it over with. Then again, with me, same goes for people who put chrome wheel lip moldings and/or chrome door edging on every vehicle they buy...especially a lot of new vehicles that it looks continually worse on. Somebody likes all these things...and they're all out there driving beside you

Sounds just like my recent Malibu saleslady. Mom wanted silver or (shocked me...still) black, and the black offered is Black Granite metallic. Pure black is always great, as long as you're a careful detailer...otherwise, stay away...and the Black Granite also looked great, but I've yet to fully settle on it. That said, speaking with the saleslady as we searched for different color combos, and her own son recently having bought a Black Granite Malibu himself, she said "You know, it's a nice color, but I don't really like it because it's not that really crisp, pure look of regular black." I agreed, but like both. One thing, to me as a detailing fanatic, that stood out was the SLIGHT potential for a little more forgiveness in slight marring, spiderwebbing, etc. with the metallic. All will still show (white included), but not as extremely as pure black. So, for you...YES, go totally new and different with color :AH-HA_wink: The fun is just WHICH one...hmm...

A very solid vehicle, overall. The 3.4L does have the well known intake gasket/bolt, etc. issues that drive people nuts and away from GM when they aren't aware of the problem, and keep running oil & coolant together until it blows, but that can be dealt with and has been said to have been fixed on later 3.4L's. The Ultra, though, is the BEST Rendezvous ever made, with the 3.6L, all one color, nice wheels, interior touches, and what I like most. Otherwise, I would also look into some '06-07 CX/CXL models that had the newer 3.5L with more power (anything helps, as the 3.4L wasn't bad...but far from lively in the Rendezvous), OR the rare optional 3.6L on CXL trims. That'd be my order: 1) '04-06 Ultra with the 3.6L 2) '05-06 CXL with the 3.6L 3) '06-07 CX/CXL with the 3.5L 4) '05+ others, 3.4L, etc. An ex boss bought an '03 CXL with the 3.4L that was great, despite her lack of upkeep (well...maintenance was done, but horrifically dirty, tons of miles, etc.), and my grandfather bought an '03 CX 5-seater (PERFECT for him...and exactly what he wanted) from his neighbor with 50k on it. No problems and drives much nicer than the mint Aerostar it replaced, aside from winter/all season luggy tires the neighbor put on it which hurt the ride and noise...weirdest thing. Otherwise, all original, aside from having more than one set of wheel bearings (from reading...another VERY common Rendezvous/Aztek thing, for whatever odd reason), all is well. No engine work yet, but I warned him of the intake gasket and he's watching it.

Our 2LT 4-cyl is still essentially the only one we "see" around home, since buying it in January. And still gets questions, stares, etc. As said, it isn't OVERLY easy to just walk on a typical lot and pick out one from their 10 (most are now getting to the average of 5 at one time, at least for a couple of hours), but that isn't a bad thing, necessarily. Do Honda and Toyota dealers have lots FULL of every Accord & Camry combo available? Yes. Do they discount them all nicely? Yes. But resale has already been established, and no matter what, it seems to stay. The Malibu, based on all the old ones, has had next to no resale and been pumped out in its gloriously bland and subpar form in WAY too high of numbers. So now, keeping it at the levels that you can order one and get it in the usual time, sometimes find exactly the right one on the lot, or be able to do a dealer search/swap/etc. in a few days (like we did), it isn't a bad thing. It does turn some people off, yes, and they'll go elsewhere because lots don't have 20-30 just sitting there waiting for them to pick one out of the catalog and go. BUT, it also adds to the emotional pull of the car, that it's a practical and affordable sedan that happens to be a looker and drive wonderfully, but also not as garden variety as others. Helps keep the desire up, and also values. So it's all just about balance. Right now, even with a few people turned off by not being able to get one in 5 minutes, big deal. For everyone else, it adds to the desirability and the car is so good, they're fine with a little wait. But it's also a volume product, and still, given some more time, dealers WILL have more of them and supply will even out after the rush has calmed, all hopefully just to the right levels. I know a salesguy at a large Chevy dealer in the Philly area (they tend to have the most Malibus at any one time and on the way than ANYONE nearby), and they can move a few a day. Interestingly, of the combos, he said they can never have enough 1LT's (no shock...just like the typical Accord LX or Camry LE, and RIGHT at the $20-22k sweet spot), and Black Granite is the color they have the most interest in. LTZ's are still seen as hot commodities, but really, most dealers have at least 1 or 2 and they aren't the first thing to sell. Our dealer, for instance, traded the Black/Brick LTZ they had just sitting around for our 2LT, and now they have another identical LTZ (the only one they've had for a while) that's been sitting yet again.

Or as suggested by the Holden guy...what's wrong with G8 Ute? That still gives it more Aussie flair. ST or Ute are my tops. The question about how it will actually do in the US market is my main question too...I was born right as the El Camino was killed off, and was never sure how it was truly perceived and sold. That remains for the G8 truck...I love the G8 sedan and see the uses of the G8 truck...but really? It's a hmm...not many people (that I know of) who would want/buy a 2 door car with a truck bed. Fun, cool, V8, etc. but very, very niche. What does everyone else think of the REAL prospects of this, coming to a Pontiac lot near you soon? Limited number niche product? Higher volume and popular? In between? A product no one asked for or wants? What about the El Camino...was it really a popular car or a joke punch line?

A terrible deal...but at the same time, NO one in that kind of situation should be stupid enough to even be shopping for a Tahoe, a few years old or not, and then signing on a paper full of high interest, balloon payments, etc. Yes, I know people don't understand terms and get taken advantage of...but there's a line to be drawn at the level of stupidity, and they pole-vaulted over it. Yet another one of those situations that really makes you respect what a salesperson has to deal with daily, even if you think they're slimy (some are...but still).

Hah, I've seen one now, at the grocery store. AND, oddly enough, my '08 Malibu driving mother was with me when we saw it, and said "Hey, that's a LOT better than before. I like that." I think the scoops, wing, etc. really look like ricer 'r us, but for whatever reason, even she liked it...more than a regular G6. And so does my "old car only" brother, who apparently also dislikes the regular G6 "because it looks like a Pontiac Solara without the wing and stuff". I think the regular car is blah and has goofy proportions, so I guess the extra parts make it a bit more distinctive if anything. Odd, just odd. It is bizarre how the G6 GXP package now harkens back to the dark 80's and 90's of Pontiac...something they were supposedly never going back to.

Hmm...that didn't take long, but it wasn't "needed" in the first place. The Optima is an extremely well done sedan, and is professionally reviewed that way all the time, but still isn't on a lot of people's radars. Where did these pics come from?

Agreed. Should be a big enthusiasts draw and then--if steadily and properly marketed--attract a lot of other people who like the sport vs. utility factor. Of interest, looking to a blog I do daily where the main guy focuses on "the everyday driver and cars", he really likes the idea, and so far the generally very skewed commentary (unless it's a Honda, Nissan, Toyota, etc.) is positive: http://thehollywoodextra.blogspot.com/2008...port-truck.html

Okay enough of the life talk. As for this G8 truck...I can see the coolness, and we've all known about it for a while. I just still can't help but be skeptical about the real-world reaction to it. Maybe it really will take off, but the whole car/truck market is very odd and has yet to do well, so we'll see. Then again, nothing a proper price AND marketing can't help immensely...even if it calls for making people feel like they're living a bit "in the Outback" by buying such a vehicle.

Yes, well known and stated from GM, I believe, in various media sources. Basically that the LTZ would get it first to finish out the year...and then everything for '09. I'm curious to drive one, especially knowing mom's current 4-speed 2LT and enjoying it. Still not an overt fan of the LTZ's interior, so another 2LT (or 1LT) with the 2.4L and 6-speed is still at the top of my new car list in months to come.

For the end of the 2008 model year, yes. But for '09 and beyond, ALL of them will have the 6-speed. Ah, someone else who thinks like I do :AH-HA_wink: Coming from a V8 Suburban, our 2LT 4-cyl is FABULOUS. Should be very appropriate and actually noticeably improve things. The current 2.4L/4-speed is nothing to snuff at and very responsive all around, but does have a bit of the widely spaced gears vs. makes it rev out more, that hurts mileage a bit--mostly around town. Nothing objectionable, but what we've noticed in 2 months with ours. Then again, the 3.6L/6-speed combo used in various applications is still carped on for being set-up too sluggishly and feels lazy, so it will be interesting to really see what the calibration is like that GM settled on for the 4-cyl. The 2.4L/6-speed is rated at 1mph higher for both city and highway, which makes sense. The 2.4L has great spunk and refinement...so a more usable gear set should only help things, and the few reviewers that have driven the combo have said the same.

Yesterday, driving to school, saw a black '09 Jaguar XF crusing down the street with some slight filth. First saw the front and went "Hey!", but as I proceeded to look at it...was unsure. I really like it, especially things like the interior, but the aura it puts off is not Jaguar...or at least what I'm used to them being.

Precisely! You can still be a huge fan, but that doesn't mean it's all you can or ever will buy. Coming from an Avalanche, WOW, what a cool move! Always loved the Z, and TOTALLY understand wanting something different and to be a 100% customer elsewhere for once. Always wondered on the thoughts of a lot of sales and service people in that regard. Here's to many fine miles of and continued many great years with the GM dealer :AH-HA_wink:

Well, Bob Lutz sat himself in the back before...so it isn't that bad. It's similar to the sedan, but more enclosed in. But really, if you're buying a coupe, the rear seat is generally not a concern in the least. If it's there and inhabitable, well, just icing on the cake.