Variance

Looks like you don't have to bother now...

The header's back to normal...

Can the forum host (Invision Board) do anything?

I don't but I see what they did. I'd just like to know how.

I got your PM Ted but it said your box was full or you didn't have PM permission... As to what you asked, the "Editor/Reporter" status is pretty limited. I can't edit anybody else's posts. The most I can do is lock threads I start.

You don't have to sit in it to see what it looks like. Most of the comments have been about the looks not the quality.

Reg, what is it going to take to convince you it's a new platform? Just because they look similar (and not all that similar, at that) doesn't mean anything. The outer body of a car has little to do with the platform.

His condition's been upgraded to "stable".

Toyota: 9.8M Sales in 2008 Toyota set a goal of selling 9.8 million vehicles worldwide in 2008, a 20 percent jump from last year, as it hones in on ailing General Motors' crown as the world's top automaker. The fast-growing Japanese automaker also raised its profit forecast for the quarter to September, saying it was cashing in on robust sales overseas and a weaker yen. Read "With eye on GM, Toyota plans 20 percent sales boost" @ Yahoo

I believe if a variant of a model is not available for sale at the time of judging, it isn't taken into consideration. In other words, the LS would be evaluted and judged as if the hybrid version didn't exist.

Will Chrysler Restructure as Well? DaimlerChrysler Chairman Dieter Zetsche said Tuesday that the automaker will cut output by 90,000 vehicles in the third quarter -- up from previous estimates of about 75,000 -- and another 45,000 in the fourth quarter to bring dealer inventories more in line with consumer demand and make room in showrooms for new models that will roll out later this year. Zetsche also said the Auburn Hills-based automaker may have to take more drastic cost-cutting measures in the wake of last week's announcement that Chrysler will lose $1.5 billion in the third quarter, more than double its July estimate of $600 million in red ink, and report a loss of $1.2 billion for the year. Read "Is Chrysler next?" @ The Detroit News

Spied: 2008 Jeep Liberty The new Liberty seems to be shedding its soft, somewhat feminine appearance for a look that's more tough and in line with current Jeeps. One could describe it as a plus-sized Patriot. Read "FV Report: 2008 Jeep Liberty" @ Edmunds Straightline *Update at post #7.

Horsepower Meets Hertz -Variance September 20, 2006 No, this isn’t an article about the Shelby Mustang GT-H. Rather, it’s a look at the state of technology in vehicles today. Me, I’m a bit of a tech head. I want the latest and fastest computer. I want a big plasma screen TV. I can take pictures on my thin cell phone while talking on my Bluetooth headset. I love seeing and experiencing advances in technology because to me new technology – in most cases -- means progress and if there’s one thing I like, it is progress. (I’ll come back to my “in most cases” caveat later.) In addition to being a technology fan, I also consider myself a car enthusiast. So when there’s new technology being developed for cars, it’s always of interest to me. Modern Age Motoring Miracles... It’s incredible the amount of convenience even mainstream modern cars offer compared to those of just a decade ago. Here are some of my favorites: *Keyless entry and start: Even some the cheapest cars have this feature as at least an option. No more fumbling around with keys; just pull the door handle, plant your seat in the seat, press a button and you’re off. *Navigation systems: I’d kill to have one of these in my car. No longer to people have to put up with oversized, unintelligible and impossible to refold paper maps. Mapquest, you say? That can’t automatically offer a detour like the more advanced systems can based on traffic conditions. *General engine technology: Direct injection, displacement-on-demand, hybrid powertrains – all things that are great advancements in automobile technology. They allow us to drive vehicles that allow us to get more from less. Thanks to technologies such these, modern engines are more powerful while being more economical. Who can argue with that? But probably most importantly.... *Safety advancements: Whether it be passive (frontal, side, head curtain, hell -- even knee airbags; active head restraints) or active (anti-lock brakes, traction control, stability control, rollover prevention systems) safety is a vital part of the automobile. Modern technology has made it so vehicle occupants (and even those who aren’t occupants) have a greater chance of walking away from accidents or avoiding them altogether. However, not everyone feels all of this new age tech is such a great thing. ...or Newfangled Contraptions “Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards.” Aldous Huxley said that. Now, I have no idea when he said that. I don’t even know who he is. The point is, though, that there are some car guys out there that would readily agree with him....whoever he is. I can’t say they don’t have something of a point. Modern vehicle technology does have its negatives: *It can make things pricier when equipment goes wrong. *Come to think of it...there’s more stuff to go wrong. *It makes things more difficult (if not impossible) for the shadetree mechanic. *It drives up the cost of new cars. I do think it can get excessive at times. Do you really need a 7-speed transmission with two reverse speeds? Are you going to die if your car can’t parallel park itself (though admittedly I try to avoid it as much as possible)? Infrared imaging at night does have its pluses but really, it doesn’t do much better than what a combination of good car and street lighting does already. But I think the biggest argument against all of this technology is that it detracts from the overall driving experience (mostly the safety-related tech). Electric/active steering setups can feel loose and artificial. Stability control can sap the fun out of spirited driving (and they can’t always be fully deactivated). Pedestrian safety systems don’t allow you to splatter the tool who decides to cross the busy street in the middle of it as apposed to at a crosswalk. And then there are simply those purists that think things like A/C, power windows and engines that don’t need a choke or crank to start are frivolous luxuries. These are all valid arguments and concerns but... Sorry, Grampa As I said in the beginning, I’m a guy who loves his technology and his cars. Overall, I don’t feel modern technology has negatively affected the modern car that much. Cars are safer, stronger, faster, more economical and (despite the nanny technologies) more fun than ever. There will always be those who oppose advancement and change and for them I have this quote: “You can't expect to hit the jackpot if you don't put a few nickels in the machine.” Flip Wilson said that. And I do know who he is...sort of.

...yet sexy. "Pointless" is pretty much the definition of a supercar.

GTA: Vice City (PC version) with real car patch, I assume.

Newer, bigger and better pics here: http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/09/19/spi...rsche-panamera/

Think of it as shiny gunmetal.

Paris Preview: Lamborghini Gallardo Nera Lamborghini at the Paris Motor Show will present the new special edition Gallardo Nera — a limited-production version of the popular super coupe. [...] The Nera is something of a showcase of Lamborghini's personalization choices available to all Gallardo customers. The vehicle features a glossy black paint scheme with matte black inserts. The Nera has the same 520 horsepower V10 engine as the standard Gallardo, and the standard all-wheel-drive system. A total of 185 units will be produced. Read "Lamborghini Unveils Gallardo Nera" @ Leftlane News

Presenting the HHR Fall Limited Edition DETROIT - Chevy announced the HHR Fall Limited Edition, a limited-production model with a striking, all-black appearance, including unique "black chrome" trim on the grille, door handles and 17-inch wheels. Only 4,000 examples will be built. The HHR Fall Limited Edition is based on the popular HHR 2LT package, which includes the FE3 Sports Suspension Package. An Ebony interior with cloth seats is standard; leather-appointed seating is available. It is available for immediate ordering, with an MSRP of $20,265. "The Fall Limited Edition model adds depth and excitement to the HHR lineup," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Since its launch, customers have responded to the HHR's combination of great styling, great fuel economy and outstanding value - attributes that have made it one of Chevy's hottest new vehicles." Indeed, Chevy HHR has exceeded expectations. Sales are on track to carry it to more than 100,000 units for the 2006 calendar year - far more than the 60,000-unit projection. "The HHR is one of the most personalized vehicles on the market, and the Fall Limited Edition gives customers a custom look - especially with the unique, black chrome accents - right from the dealership," said Peper. Black chrome is a special, tinted chrome finish featuring Lacks Enterprise's Spinelle™ Metal Finish. Its multicoat metal tinting process creates a unique, color-tinted appearance that maintains the depth and reflectivity of traditional chrome. Fall Limited Edition details The special and specific content of the HHR Fall Limited Edition includes: *2LT trim with FE3 Sports Suspension Package *Seventeen-inch black chrome wheels *Black exterior color *Black chrome grille *Black chrome door handles *Black chrome rear beauty bar *Black chrome body-side stripe *Black-painted outside mirrors *Black-painted running boards *Tinted headlamp and fog lamp lenses *Black-painted roof spoiler *Leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls and accent stitching *Ebony interior - cloth standard; leather available. HHR 2LT standard equipment includes: *Ecotec 2.4L DOHC engine with 149 horsepower (111 kW) and 152 lb.-ft. of torque (205 Nm) *Antilock brakes *Air conditioning *AM/FM stereo radio with CD player and MP3 playback *260-watt Pioneer premium seven-speaker sound system, including subwoofer *Leather-wrapped shift knob *60/40-split folding rear seat *Fold-flat front passenger seat *Power windows and locks *Power-adjustable driver's seat *Driver information center with oil life monitor *Remote keyless entry *Speed-sensitive intermittent windshield wipers *Electrochromic mirror with compass. Factory-installed remote starting is available with the optional four-speed automatic transmission. OnStar and XM Satellite Radio also are available, as are a host of GM accessories designed to complement the HHR driving experience. Efficient and safe The HHR is one of the segment's safest and most efficient vehicles. It delivers 30 miles per gallon on the highway and can travel up to 450 miles on a tank of gas. Since its launch, HHR has received five-star crash ratings - the highest rating awarded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program. The five-star ratings were awarded for the driver and right-front passenger in a frontal crash, as well as five-star side-impact crash ratings for front seat and rear seat passengers. The HHR also was the highest-rated SUV for the 2006 model year in NHTSA rollover testing. Style and functionality HHR is a four-door vehicle with a rear touchpad liftgate. Its high roof evokes the look of the innovative 1949 Chevy Suburban, while other exterior cues carry unmistakably Chevy elements, such as the gold bowtie grille badge and round taillamps, which are reminiscent of earlier Corvettes. The HHR features an open interior that provides the spaciousness and cargo capacity of an SUV. It has easy-to-maneuver dimensions and room for just about any lifestyle interest. The rear seats fold flat, providing 57.7 cubic feet (1,634 L) of storage space without having to remove a seat. With the rear seats up, the straight roofline and rear liftgate maximize cargo capacity, offering 25.2 cubic feet (638 L). Reconfigurable and convenient storage compartments accommodate everything from groceries to surfboards. Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. Source: General Motors

2007 N. American Car & Truck of the Year Finalists Here are the nominees: 2007 North American Car of the Year Short List Chrysler Sebring Dodge Caliber Honda Fit Infiniti G35 Jaguar XK/XKR Lexus LS 460 Mercedes S-Class Nissan Altima Nissan Versa Saturn Aura Toyota Camry 2007 North American Truck of the Year Short List Acura MDX Acura RDX Audi Q7 BMW X5 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Chevrolet Silverado Dodge Nitro Ford Edge GMC Acadia Honda CR-V Hyundai Santa Fe Jeep Wrangler Mazda CX-7 Saturn Vue Green Line Toyota FJ Cruiser The winners will be announced in December. Read "North American Car & Truck Of The Year Finalists Revealed" @ Winding Road

Chrysler Cutting Production by 135K DaimlerChrysler AG's U.S. arm Chrysler is cutting production by 135,000 units in the second half of 2006 to reduce a glut of unsold trucks and sport utility vehicles after a failed summer sales effort, the company said on Tuesday. Read "Chrysler cuts output in bid to reduce inventory" @ Yahoo

Any guesses on how well this'll compete with the Mazdaspeed3?

Toyota to Increase Overseas Production by 40% Toyota Motor Corp. is quickening its quest to unseat ailing rival General Motors Corp. as the world's biggest automaker and widen its lead over Ford Motor Co. with reported plans to boost overseas production by 40 percent to 5 million vehicles by 2008 and blueprints for higher output in North America. Read "Toyota moves to top GM with reported plan to boost U.S. output" @ The Detroit News

Spied: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS Photos the Chevrolet HHR SS have been out before, but the cobbled together bodies made them look more like research projects than production models. Our latest shots are a little different, however, as they were taken just outside the Nurburgring test track in Germany. Read "FV Report: 2008 Chevrolet HHR SS" @ Edmunds Straightline