Variance

The Honda "Mr. Opportunity" ads are just plain annoying. There's just something that irritates me about something that tries to be amusing but fails miserably. The Avalanche photo thing was just as you said: a matter of poor execution. In addition to what you noted, IIRC the Avalanche looked grossly disproportionally larger than the field it was in. It looked like it was the size of a blimp in comparsion to the field in was in (or on, rather). The Compass ads are really out there. What the hell are bobbleheads symboling? That would have to be one to buy that thing? The DCX "Dr. Z" ads are my favorites out of the ones you list. Zetsche IMO, came across as pretty amusing with his overall "jauntiness": his jaunty German humor, jaunty German accent and of course, his jaunty German moustache. I don't have a problem with these ads themselves but rather the confused message they send to the public (touched on in my previous article). I actually think the Toyota ads touting the American features have cooled. It may be because they don't have any really brand-new product currently but at any rate, I think they may be backing off on that a tad. Nice write-up, Tama.

Bentley Flying Spur Datsun 310EX New Escalade ESV

September Update GM Seneca: Listed as a name for a truck. DCX Snakeskin: ? Trailhawk: ? again. Nissan Bevel: ? PX/WX/EX/DX35: Pontential names for Infiniti's entry-level SUV. M40/50/55/60: The Infiniti M's getting the new VQ35HR and a new V8 possibly for the 2008 model year. However, if they've registered as high as "M60" could there be a high-performance version? All-Mode 4x4: Nissan's 4WD system name. Toyota Highrunner: The lovechild of the Highlander and 4Runner?? Drams: ? "The Pursuit/Passionate Pursuit of Potential": New Lexus tagline? Honda Gen MX: ?

Duh, completely forgot about Hendrix and Kravitz. Never knew about de la Rocha, though.

Not sure how strange a question this is but here goes... I was wondering have there been any mainstream black rock or metal bands? ("Black" as in race.) I figure if there have been white rappers, black rockers can't be too out of the question, can they?

Wow, talk about complete disagreement. It didn't gain that much weight, I don't see what's "derivative" about the greenhouse and I think it looks more aggressive than the previous generation -- particularly the front end, which speaking of which, does not look all that much like the M. Even if it did, what's wrong with having a family resemblance?

The GS will be getting the 4.6 V8 soon. The power ratings in the GS aren't known yet.

Dare I say, it looks pretty...good? Only a couple of things I don't like: 1. The rear door cutline does not look right. The disparity in shape between the window and door makes it look funny. 2. The windows look at bit too tiny.

The Doctor is Out... ...at least temporarily. The Dr. Z advertisments have been put on hold while DCX plays up their 0% financing ads. Rest assured, Chrysler says the doctor will be in again. Read "Auf Wiedersehen, Doc: Dr. Z Ad Campaign Bites the Dust" @ Edmunds

I got one: the 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special.

[Devil's advocate] You know, it isn't out of the question that the QX has improved in quality. Is it a better vehicle than the Escalade? I don't know; I've never driven either one. Personally, I don't really dislike the QX's styling (aside from that questionable humpback roof). It's tons better than the LOL-inducing Navigator's. [/Devil's advocate]

August 2006 Sales: Audi of America AUBURN HILLS, Mich., - Audi of America, Inc. today reported August 2006 sales of 7,115 units, an increase of three percent compared to year ago sales. Through the first eight months of 2006, Audi dealers have sold 54,575 vehicles, an increase of 5.4 percent over the same period a year ago, and an annual record pace for the brand. AUDI U.S. SALES UP 3 PERCENT

Edmunds Evalution: 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport Infiniti has left the car's size, layout and winning combination of luxury, performance and price essentially unchanged, while improving every aspect of the vehicle. A neat trick, one that has earned the gang a few rowdy nights at the Grand Ol' Opry, and one that will keep the G35 on the top rung of the midsize-performance-luxury-sedan market. Read "Full Test: 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport" @ Edmunds

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 Honda CR-V Unlike its predecessors, the 2007 Honda CR-V doesn't feel much like a budget SUV. It's smooth and stable, attractively furnished and equipped with virtually every convenience a young mom (or dad) could want. Read "First Drive: 2007 Honda CR-V" @ Edmunds

Edmunds Evalution: 2007 Acura MDX Considering base MSRPs of a comparably equipped BMW X5 3.0i ($44,470), the Porsche Cayenne ($42,200) and the Volvo XC90 V8 ($46,400), we think the MDX is priced just right. With all its unexpected performance, standard safety and interior features, plus Acura's attention to detail and reputation for longevity, the 2007 Acura MDX is the current midsize SUV standard for the others to chase — in spite of the metallic grille. Read "First Drive: 2007 Acura MDX" @ Edmunds

Hey, if you're going to be forced to drive a family hauler, you may as well be able to haul ass while doing it.

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited If you're willing to trade refinement and power for agility on the trail and a convertible top, the Unlimited may be worth the dough. After nearly a full day behind the wheel we're convinced of two things: The Jeep Wrangler will remain a niche player, and we'll never rely on a photographer to make our travel plans ever again. Read "Full Test: 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara" @ Edmunds

Edmunds Evalution: 2007 Mercedes R63 AMG 4Matic In many ways, AMG accepted its biggest challenge in doing the R63. Teaching a beast like the R-Class to dance, making such an abundantly heavy car seem light on its feet, is really quite a stunt. But they pulled it off. Next up for AMG: world peace, time travel and figuring out women. Read "First Drive: 2007 Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG 4Matic" @ Edmunds

Edmunds Evalution: 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line Rather than the scalpel it could have been, the Sky Red Line remains the blunt, somewhat distant car the base Sky is, just with an extra dose of power. Nevertheless, we expect that most Red Line customers will overlook the car's dynamic shortcomings and be tempted by the curb appeal and speed that can be had in exchange for its $27,895 base price. Read "First Drive: 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line" @ Edmunds

August 2006 Sales: Subaru of America CHERRY HILL, N.J., Sept. 1, 2006 -- Subaru of America, Inc. August sales were up two percent as compared to the same period last year, posting 17,809 total units for the month. Subaru Impreza sales jumped dramatically up 47 percent in August, while total sales for the brand are up three percent year-to-date from the previous year. SUBARU OF AMERICA SALES RISE (Word Document)

August 2006 Sales: American Honda Motor Co. TORRANCE, Calif. 09/01/2006 -- American Honda light truck sales increased 10.5 percent for August and set an all-time record with sales of 69,385 light trucks. American Honda year-to-date sales are up 5.3 percent to 1,044,284 units, while sales for the month are down 6.7 percent to 151,253 units based on the daily selling rate. Honda Reports Record-Breaking Truck Sales

August 2006 Sales: Mitsubishi Motors North America CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) today reported August sales of 10,954 units, an increase of 0.1% over last August's total of 10,945. Another Sales Increase For Mitsubishi Motors In August

August 2006 Sales: Volkswagen of America AUBURN HILLS, Mich., September 1, 2006 – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announces its highest monthly sales volume for 2006 with 23,420 retail deliveries for August. This represents a 1.5% increase over August 2005. Volkswagen maintains its marketplace momentum, as year-to-date sales are running 14.7% ahead of 2005. VOLKSWAGEN POSTS AUGUST 2006 SALES

August 2006 Sales: Nissan North America NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 1, 2006) – Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) reports sales of 89,848 units in August, which is a decrease of 6.3 percent from the prior year. The Nissan Division sales decreased by 3.2% over last year, while the car segment increased by 4.8%. The Murano had its best August ever with sales of 6,440 units. The Infiniti Division posted a sales decline of 26.4 percent versus the prior year. Nissan North America Announces August Sales

Pricing: Chrysler Sebring and Aspen Chrysler took time out today to announce the pricing of its two newest models, the Sebring sedan and Aspen SUV. The Sebring will start at $18,995 for the four-cylinder model that uses the company's 2.4-liter World Engine producing 173 horsepower and 166 ft-lbs. of torque and mated to a four-speed (boo!) automatic. The Sebring will also be available in a Touring model that starts at $20,195 and comes with the same four-speed auto and a 2.7-liter flex-fuel V6 producing 189 hp and 191 ft-lbs. of torque, as well as the range topping Limited model that starts at $23,995 with a new six-speed automatic and the 3.5-liter V6 making 235 hp and 232 ft-lbs. of torque . The engines seem to get decent mileage with the four-cylinder and smaller V6 each delivering 30 mpg or more on the highway and the 3.5-liter V6 returning a respectable 28 mpg. The Chrysler Aspen, which the company refers to as the "300" of SUVs, will start at $31,490. Two models will be available in both two- and four-wheel drive: the "E" Package and the "J" Package. The Aspen Limited "E" Pacage gets the 4.7-liter V8 and a five-speed automatic. While the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 is on option with the "E" Package, the mighty motor comes standard on the uplevel "J" Package along with wheels upgraded to 20-inches instead of 18, running boards, a power rear liftgate and rear back-up system. The Aspen Limited "J" Package also comes with a two-speed transfer case and skid plate group for when you want to get rough and tough in the backwoods with your "300" of SUVs. More at... Read "Chrysler prices Sebring sedan and Aspen SUV" @ Autoblog