Variance

Did I do bad? Well, isn't it reassuring to know that GM knows it, too?

It's a Datsun Fairlady 2000 roadster. It isn't a '53 or '56 though. Looks more like a '68.

C&D Comparison: Aura 4th out 6 But really, it isn't that bad for two reasons: It was only 12 points off from 1st place. It beat the Camry.

It's very modern-looking. The old board looked very mundane in retrospect.

GM Memo Outlines Comeback Challenges Where General Motors Corp. once boasted of its size and strength in the U.S. market, GM has now turned an increasingly critical eye on the weaknesses that threaten its fledgling turnaround. In an internal planning document obtained by The Detroit News, GM's global research unit takes an unusually candid and harsh look at the automaker's declining position and vulnerabilities in its home market. The confidential study prepared for GM's top management describes the company as "big but outdated," and warns that "our advantages of size and economies of scale are eroding." It also declares that "lack of flexibility is GM's chief disadvantage." And the document -- created by GM's influential Global Market and Industry Analysis division and marked confidential -- confirms what industry observers have said is the automaker's central challenge in trying to halt a decades-long slide in the U.S. market share. The Detroit News

Chrysler to Reveal Restructuring Plan Feb. 2007 Chrysler Group CEO Tom LaSorda presented the broad outlines of a plan to restructure the Auburn Hills automaker to DaimlerChrysler AG's management board Wednesday in Stuttgart, Germany, according to company sources. DaimlerChrysler is scheduled to announce the plan -- which some analysts view as its final attempt to fix Chrysler -- in mid-February. The plan is likely to be put to DaimlerChrysler's governing supervisory board on Feb. 13 for approval and could be announced that day or on Feb. 14 during DaimlerChrysler's annual results conference. The news conference will be held at Chrysler's headquarters in Auburn Hills for the first time since the 1998 merger. DaimlerChrysler spokesman Jason Vines declined to discuss details of the plan. But people involved say it's likely to include job cuts and the closure of at least two U.S. factories, including an under-utilized assembly plant in Newark, which makes sport-utility vehicles. The closures will be part of Chrysler's strategy to reduce production to match demand. In addition, Chrysler is expected discuss a revamped future product plan that includes more small, fuel efficient vehicles. Overall, Chrysler has seven teams working on various aspects on the plan designed to cut costs by $1,000 per vehicle. The Detroit News

Recall: 62,400 Chrysler Group Vehicles The Chrysler Group is recalling about 62,400 2007 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles in which the braking system may fail to work. The recall includes 62,369 model year 2007 Chrysler Sebring, Chrysler 300, Jeep Commander, Jeep Compass, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Nitro, Dodge Magnum, Dodge Charger and Dodge Caliber vehicles to re-program a brake system Electronic Control Unit computer. In affected vehicles, instrument panel warning lamps may illuminate and be followed by loss of Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), anti-lock brake system, traction control and speedometer functions. The problem could result in a loss of control. No accidents or injuries have been reported. Owners will be notified in February 2007. In the interim, customers who experience warning lamp illumination should take their vehicle to a certified dealer for inspection. Detroit Free Press

Northstar's right. Car and Driver.

BTW, I'm not betting on this seeing any sort of production.

Well, think about it: You get the attention of the Black, Native American, several Asian, and Caucasian communities all in one spokesperson. Tell me that's not the perfect combination.

Preview: smart fortwo Stuttgart, Dec 20, 2006 -- For the very first time on US soil: the new smart fortwo, celebrating its USA premiere at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit (January 7 to 21, 2007). The new smart fortwo will be available in the USA beginning in the first quarter of 2008. The car shown in Detroit is an European version of the new smart fortwo. Model lines to be available in the United States will be announced at later date. smart, like Mercedes-Benz and Maybach, is part of the Mercedes Car Group. The exhibition stand is directly opposite Chrysler and Dodge in Oakland Hall (inside Cobo Center). Written in large letters on the stand are the words "Coming to the USA in 2008". And right in front of it, a smart fortwo with red bodypanels and a silver tridion safety cell. The new smart fortwo can do everything that the current model can do - but better. This means that the new smart fortwo is even more comfortable, even more agile, even safer and even more environmentally friendly than its predecessor. And from the first draft it is designed to meet USA customer needs and registration standards. The right car at the right time It is time for the smart fortwo to make an appearance in the USA; fuel prices are rising, and city traffic is increasing by the day. In short, the smart fortwo is the right car at the right time. On the other side of the Atlantic, the two-seater quickly became a popular vehicle following its launch in October 1998. The same is sure to hold true in the USA. More than 770,000 customers have chosen the first generation of the smart fortwo – often to replace a larger car with the lively two-seater. Because the smart fortwo is something special and stands out from the crowd, and because it is simply fun to drive. Apart from this, the vehicle concept is also highly practical – especially for people who live in cities or urban areas. On most journeys a car carries just a single occupant, and because people make faster progress through the city in a smart fortwo. And because with a smart fortwo, people can make faster progress through city streets and they do not even need to search for a parking space – the smart fortwo can easily fit between in very limited space – they can find one right away. As early as 2002, the smart fortwo was included in the permanent collection in New York’s Museum of Modern Art – the only vehicle there that is still produced today. The five other models to attain this honor were the Cisitalia, Jaguar E-Type, Willy’s Jeep, Ferrari Formula 1 and Volkswagen Beetle. The right distribution partner With Roger Penske and UnitedAuto Group, smart has the right distribution partner to bring the smart fortwo to the US market in 2008. smart USA is currently reviewing market data to determine dealership locations – no specific locations have been identified to date. Dealer organizations will be announced during the second half of 2007. UnitedAuto Group, Inc., headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, operates 319 dealers with 41 different brands and 27 repair workshops. UAG specializes in the sale of new and pre-owned cars, financing, insurance and supplying spare parts and also offers a maintenance and repair service for all the brands it offers. [source: DaimlerChrysler]

Edmunds Long-Term Intro: 2007 Chevy Tahoe LT Following the untimely departure of our Jeep Commander from the long-term fleet, we felt obligated to choose another full-size SUV as a replacement. A new platform, redesigned exterior and improved interior made the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT a suitable choice. It only seemed appropriate that it was also equipped with 4WD. [...] We haven't yet taken the Tahoe on any off-road adventures to test the capability of its 4WD and 3.73 rear axle; although the truck did just square off in a comparison test, complete with a tow-test, with the Ford Expedition. Not to mention we'll begin posting our experiences on the long-term blog page soon. With the holiday season upon us it's only a matter of time before the tales of long drives and family vacations start rolling in. Edmunds

Tiger to Become Spokesman for Other GM Brands? Tiger Woods might one day stump for General Motors brands other than Buick. The broader role could be part of an aggressive marketing effort to revive the Buick, Pontiac and GMC brands in 2007. A new GMC crossover vehicle, the Acadia, is arriving in dealerships. Buick dealers will get a similar vehicle, the Enclave, next year. Pontiac, meanwhile, might receive a new entry-level car similar to the G5, John Larson, GM's general manager of Pontiac-Buick-GMC, said during a recent event here. The brands' sales are down so far this year (see box), although GM's drive to trim fleet sales accounts for some of the decline. The new products provide the Buick-Pontiac-GMC channel with opportunities to expand advertising beyond traditional TV and print to grassroots and alternative forms such as drive events and Web advertising, Larson said. That would help GM reach younger buyers, he added. Autoweek

Toyota to Overtake Ford in 2007 Ford Motor Co. (F.N) expects Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. (7203.T) to unseat it next year as the second biggest company behind General Motors Corp. (GM.N) in the American car market, a position Ford has held since the 1920s, the New York Times said on its Web site on Thursday. Citing internal Ford projections, the paper says the projections show that company officers believe Ford will permanently fall to third place as soon as January. Ford, which is struggling to restructure itself under a plan called The Way Forward, predicted in September that its market share within two years would bottom out at 14 to 15 percent of the market, making it smaller than Toyota is now, the paper said. New York Times

Look on the right side under the heading "More Photos".

Preview: HUMMER H3 Open Top Concept DETROIT – The 2007 HUMMER H3 has an available oversized power sunroof for an open-air feel, but the H3 Open Top concept goes a step further with ASC’s unique sliding fabric “Infinivu” roof system. The expanded opening provides a nostalgic, safari-style experience in a thoroughly modern midsize SUV. The look and fun factor are classic, but the ease of operation, durability and weather resistance are strictly contemporary. Black chrome finish on the numerous H3 Chrome Appearance Package items available from HUMMER Accessories offsets the sparkling silver paint. Inside, the primary upholstery material is Townsend lambskin leather with Gatsby Green accent stitching. Vehicle highlights Unique, uni-directional sliding fabric “Infinivu” roof system from ASC Fixed header, back glass and door 20 x 9-inch Rozzi EGO chrome wheels Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 325/50R20 tires Custom Townsend lambskin leather upholstery with Gatsby Green accent stitching, Opal Gray trim and Ebony carpet Black chrome door panel trim OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation system [source: General Motors] Demo @ World Car Fans

Preview: Mercedes-Benz Concept Ocean Drive Detroit, Dec 20, 2006 -- At the North American Auto Show Detroit, Mercedes-Benz is adding to its reputation as a pioneer and design trendsetter among premium carmakers with the presentation of its Concept Ocean Drive four-door convertible. This study is a one-off creation by Mercedes-Benz which revives the tradition of large luxury convertibles. Not having to work to a design brief or production specifications left the designers free to get on with the job of developing the world's most comfortable and elegant convertible. The Concept Ocean Drive is an aweinspiring jewel on wheels. As a four-door convertible, it belongs in a luxury genre that has almost disappeared from our roads. Like the luxury convertibles of years gone by, this showpiece from Stuttgart features the maximum in elegance, lifestyle sophistication and exclusiveness. To put it another way, it represents automobile culture at its most attractive and desirable. The one-off special has an all-new body with an almost classic flavour and with clearly defined lines and vibrant two-tone paintwork which are exceptionally charismatic. Although on one level the Concept Ocean Drive displays the restraint of an elite and aristocratic automobile, it is also an open invitation to go on a "top-less" cruise along the world's finest ocean promenades. Luxurious, exotic materials have been crafted with consummate skill to create a showpiece of unparalleled perfection. Mercedes-Benz design studies – a stylistic journey into the future The Concept Ocean Drive isn't just designed to inspire dreams and fantasies; it also serves a very practical purpose. Because design studies are always a good opportunity for designers to play around with less familiar themes, to see things from new angles and to explore new ideas. Not just a pure design exercise, they are also a way of stimulating a closer dialogue with customers and of trying out new ideas on the general public. This helps the designers get a feel for future styling trends and to develop and implement new design idioms. The unique luxury convertible design study from Stuttgart turns a "dream car" vision into reality. At the same time it is also an affirmation of the design excellence and values of the Mercedes-Benz brand, including the brand's traditional basic principles like excellent build and quality, comfort, effortless superiority, value retention and safety. These values have now been joined by three further key messages: passion, fascination and innovation. The Mercedes-Benz design philosophy both perpetuate proven styling themes associated with the brand and at the same time combines them with new and surprising ideas and forms. Styling conveys effortless superiority and elegance Apart from the four doors, the outward distinguishing marks of the concept car include a very large and upright radiator grille, LED headlamps and taillights, two-tone paintwork and a striking interplay between taut lines and large, restful surfaces. This lends the one-off special an air of effortless superiority, power, elegance and forward-flowing energy. The long side-window opening which, typically of a convertible, is not interrupted by a B-pillar or window frames, ensures seamless continuity between the exterior and the interior, even when the top is up. Extensive use of high-value materials –such as finest-quality leather, 3D-effect materials and large bird's eye maple trim panels (in the interior and even on the soft-top compartment cover) – and many other thoughtfully designed interior details, highlight the luxurious, unique character of this design study. Top-level engineering The design study is based on the twelve-cylinder Mercedes-Benz S 600, on ac-count of this model's long wheelbase. The technical highlights include: the innovative soft-top mechanism resulting in smooth operation and fast closing times; the innovative AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, which is featured on all four seats, allowing occupants to enjoy top-down motoring even in the colder months of the year. Needless to say, the on-board equipment also includes top-level Mercedes-Benz innovations, some of which are unique worldwide – including Brake Assist PLUS, the innovative PRE-SAFE® brake system (in combination with radar-based DIS-TRONIC PLUS) and the PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system. [source: DaimlerChrysler]

The mystery has apparently been solved: http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=644381

Chrysler Has No Firepower ...plans, that is. Not anymore. Chrysler Group is letting the flame go out on its Firepower concept, the Hemi-powered “grand tourer” that stoked performance ambitions for the auto maker’s core brand. “We’re not doing Firepower,” Trevor Creed, senior vice president-design, says. “We just couldn’t find a viable way to do it.” Reeling from the effects of bloated inventories, which led to a $1.5 billion third-quarter loss and an internal drive to shave $1,000 per vehicle-production cost, Chrysler is refocused on profitability. Against this backdrop, the auto maker has said no product will enter its pipeline unless it has realistic profit potential. This approach killed the Jeep Gladiator concept earlier in the year, which debuted alongside the Firepower at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. And it even caused the Dodge Challenger concept – a can’t-miss product in the eyes of most industry observers – to undergo rigorous scrutiny before the auto maker declared it would build the muscle car in 2008. Ward's Auto

I don't want to sound too negative but that grille looks really oversized and that reverse right angle shaped crease on the front corner is giving a "pieced together" look, like a trim kit that's part integrated and part stick on. I hope it comes together better when the whole thing is shown. On a side note, in comparison to this, the STS is looking blander by the minute.

Preview: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept The Acura 'Advanced Sports Car Concept' will make its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the division announced today. The concept provides a glimpse at the next generation Acura exotic sports car. As a part of the global commitment to the Acura brand, Honda Motor Co. Ltd.'s President and CEO Takeo Fukui will be delivering the keynote remarks at the Acura press conference. Additional details on the Advanced Sports Car Concept will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 7th at 1:20 pm the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. [source: Honda Motor Company]

Edmunds Evaluation: Ford Expedition v. Chevy Tahoe While the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe LT is a nice piece, with a much appreciated dashboard makeover and stout towing performance, the lack of a stowable, adult-friendly third-row seat and a higher price caused it to trail behind its arch-nemesis when the results were tallied. And even though this is an all-new truck, important subsurface chunks of it feel outdated. Yes, the unanimous judges' decision went to Ford's 2007 Expedition Limited, with its well-sorted steering and handling, controlled ride, very good towing performance and an adult-sized third-row seat that, importantly, folds flat into the floor. And with a sticker price low enough to let one indulge in a few more options or a down payment on a trailer and ATVs, it's hard to go wrong. Edmunds

I trust you meant "attract". Attacking buyers doesn't sound like a good business move, IMO. Anyway, some companies just don't have the capacity or capabilities in their facilities to produce new and old versions of the same vehicle. Personally, I don't holding on to old generation past 5 years a la Ford Ranger and Crown Vic makes a good impression.

2007 IIHS Subcompact Crash Test Results Subcompact cars, an increasingly popular choice among drivers, fared poorly in new crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Not surprisingly, the small cars did especially poorly in crashes with large SUVs and trucks, according to results released today. But deaths in small cars also were higher in single-vehicle crashes, compared to larger vehicles. The only small vehicle to get good safety marks across the board was the subcompact Nissan Versa, which is slightly larger than competing mini or B-car vehicles, but is marketed alongside the others. Five of the seven cars tested by the insurance institute got at least one poor rating, including the Honda Fit (rear crash), Chevy Aveo (rear), Scion xB (side), Toyota Yaris (side) and Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio (side and rear). Only the Versa and Yaris with optional side air bags avoided a poor rating. BMW's Mini Cooper wasn't tested this year; the redesigned model will be tested next year. The 2006 model had no poor ratings. The Detroit News

Spied: 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT-8 I'll say this for the Chrysler Group, even though they've made recent products that make various Chinese cars look good, they haven't screwed up their LX line of vehicles. Take for example possibly one of the hottest wagons in the world... Dubspeed Driven