mphmag

Remember when i kept telling people how great mitsubishi's were back in the AB days and everyone said they were going to go out of business? Nah. Oh and hybrid civic, about 30 miles around town. Computer is saying 23 mpg. WAH!

Kali hit us up in Myspace we're "mphmag" we need friends !

Vue is the green line. Hybrid version. It will look like the current refresh I'm sure. As for the other hidden release besides the Camaro. I'm not sure either. I'd expect trucks and other vehicles not announced for LA or NAIAS to be Chicago. Chicago is getting bigger every year and is always known as a "truck" show.

From MPH of course. http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00329 GM To Showcase Six New Vehicles at 2006 Detroit Auto Show Source: GM What They Say: "We understand that GM's success in North America depends, more than anything else, on building great cars and trucks," said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "The world's media will see us demonstrate the intensity of our commitment to build vehicles that delight our customers." What It Means: Talk about a "Bring It On" comment aimed squarely at the media. We know GM will deliver one vehicle at the show we'll all like. We'll hold our tongues on the other five. Full Release: DETROIT — General Motors plans to feature six new models, including two new concepts, for a number of its brands at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. "We understand that GM's success in North America depends, more than anything else, on building great cars and trucks," said Mark LaNeve, GM vice president, Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "The world's media will see us demonstrate the intensity of our commitment to build vehicles that delight our customers." GM will feature the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, one early example of Saturn's product revitalization. GM also will preview the upcoming 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid featuring the world's first two-mode full hybrid system in an SUV. For premium buyers, GM will show two additional versions of the standard-bearer for luxury SUVs — the Cadillac Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT. Two new concept vehicles also will be shown for the first time. There are no embargos for these two vehicles (the product information will be available at the time of the reveals). Here's a quick look at GM's 2006 NAIAS production vehicle collection: 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Two-mode Hybrid 2007 Cadillac Escalade EXT and Escalade ESV

http://www.mph-online.com/web/spyphotos/0030

http://www.mph-online.com/web/news/00227 New RWD sports concept. probably will never be built but will be fun to look at. not as fun as mph's coverage of it ;) Nissan News Bureau: Set to make its world debut in early January 2006 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit is the dynamic Nissan URGE concept. A pure, powerful sports car with motorcycle-inspired styling, the rear-wheel drive URGE features a quick, high-revving, small-displacement engine, 6-speed manual gearbox, brushed aluminum-alloy wheels, color-infused aluminum body panels and a driver-oriented cockpit with an integrated Xbox 360 gaming system. It was created by Nissan Design America, Inc., La Jolla, Calif.

Hey guys, As a member of the media I've been called liberal many times even though almost every company I've worked for has been conservative. In fact I don't even know if my current employer is liberal or conservative. To me it makes no difference to the product. As a critic when I covered music I was much more opinionated than I am about cars I cover now. There is much more "hard" evidence to the automobile industry than the music industry. Someone somewhere is going to like Ashley Simpson and there is nothing you can do to explain that is a poor selection of music to them. The problem with auto enthusiasts is they are always right too. The critic therefore must be wrong. I find it hilarious that many times people will tell me which car is better (miata vs solstice most recently) and they haven't even driven them both. Often they haven’t even driven ONE! That gets my panties in a bunch. At Autoblog I was very blunt about how I reviewed cars and could provide direct evidence for almost everything I wrote. With MPH we're still feeling our way with the new technology before focusing on online content. but the print magazine offers some of the wittiest insight around. It may be funny but often it is more transparent than anything you'd see in consumer reports let alone the other buff books. I think in the end this will turn more people on to the mag than the pretty design/photos/babes. As to GM itself. They are being overly defensive about their products. While I found the Impala SS a great ride boy is it boring on the outside. If it had been a compelling design people would have forgiven the FWD power. You can mess up in one place but not two. That’s why people gloss over the 300/Magnum/Charger’s horrible interior quality. Have you floored an SRT version yet? It’s quite amazing. Even the stock 300C was a dream to drive. We (the media and MPH in particular) do prop GM when they do things right. The Z06 tops our spins of the year. It beat out the Ferrari F430 and BMW M5. But the Solstice did not make the list while the Miata did. This isn’t because of some bias. There are a ton of great cars out there and GM is building very good cars. And an occasional great one. You don’t see people slobbering over the Toyota Avalon because it’s a Toyota. Most of those reviews were “Toyota builds another very good car you won’t mind paying for.” Nothing special. The Honda Civic I think is getting good press because of A) Great (or at least you can agree “distinctive”) Design. B). Hybrid Model C.) Si model and attractive coupe. Eddie says the Si is just awesome and tops the current RSX Type S in many respects. For under $20K! I saw Edmunds say it was the best FWD car they’ve ever driven. Sooooo…let’s not dash on the Civic thinking it is from a Honda bias. And lastly sometimes the bias is right. A Cadillac does not feel as upscale as any of the European nameplates it competes against. It just doesn’t. Sorry. The DTS is very close though. But still is not there. However, I just read a comparo in MT between the STS V and the Merc CLS AMG. It said they are almost identically priced. Actually the STS was $17K, that’s 17! Less than the Merc. I don’t care if you can afford $77K car, that is a huge difference and didn’t seem to matter to the reviewer. I would’ve pointed that out a bit better. So will you take the difference in quality for the price is the question. And that is an entirely different story. Ah I’m rambling now. Love this forum. Thanks for letting me vent so much. Dave

nah just the info is starting to come out this week but yes press days are Jan 4 and 5, with the show starting Jan 6-15.

the H3 is infinitely better than the Explorer from many angles. Good call there.

The Kabura will be a 2 seater I believe. But they're also saying it will be functional. So maybe some hatchback characteristics. I'm not sure. You could see 4 seats like the Mini.

One of Josh's numbers is right. I won't say which one. But it would be the one that would make people happier. but i think the torque numbers will be more interesting.

I think those finalists are f'ed up. The Solstice will win because of design and handling. But how did the fusion get in there? The civic remember has the hybrid and the Si. Everyone is raving about the Si. Kinda suprised new 3 series isn't there. As far as the truck the Ridgeline really should win. i was converted what can i say. and the new xterra seems to win the 4x4 guys over. The explorer however has gotten slammed by almost everyone and I found it sub par. Range Rover Sport maybe? Is this thing open to European models? I never follow these awards closely but I can't imagine these are the best out of whats out there.

Anyone think it'll be Challenger and Camaro on The 9th one right after another!!!!!!! Most times the last day (were their three days last year?) is the slowest or least important so I don't expect the hot models coming out then.

The O.C. I totally agree. I only got a few days in the Mazdaspeed6 but I loved it as a killer commuter. Totally stealthy, adult and a blast to drive (and great in the snow). Mazda is saying they did a lot of work on the powerplant to make it specific for the CX-7 application but basically think of it as the same turbo four from the Mazdaspeed tuned for more hp and torque a larger vehicle will need. The two door coupe could be the surprise hit of the show. Although I think the Camaro will really just blow everyone away and dominate mainstream coverage. Dave

KABURA RWD Sports coupe. http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00316 CX-7 details http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00315 Early thoughts, 244 hp turbo 4 cylinder, with 6 speed automatic and available awd in the CX7 plus the looks and nice interior of Mazda. It might be a huge hit.

Not the boring old CL spy photos seen last week. http://www.mph-online.com/web/spyphotos/0029 Enjoy!

I won't redirect you to this one but if you want to support the cause go here: http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00314 Anyway here's the full story: Mark Your Calendars: 2006 Detroit Auto Show Press Conference Schedule Announced Source: North American International Auto Show Remember, mph will be all over the 2006 Auto Show with the earliest looks at the concepts, new models and the backstage happenings. We can't wait for the holidays to be over. NAIAS 2006 Exhibitor Press Conference Schedule Press conferences will be held on exhibitor stands unless otherwise noted. THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. Sunday, January 8, 2006 7:00 am Media Credential Office Opens / Oakland Concourse 8:45-9:10 am ASC / Michigan Hall 9:20-9:45 am Johnson Controls / D2-15 10:00 am Show Floor Opens 10:15-10:30 am NAIAS Co-Chairs Opening Ceremony / Michigan Hall Stage 10:30-11:00 am North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards / Michigan Hall Stage 11:30 am-12:15 pm Ford Motor Company / Cobo Arena 12:25-12:50 pm Lexus / Riverview Ballroom 1:00-1:25 pm Infiniti 1:35-2:00 pm Hyundai 2:10-2:35 pm General Motors 2:45-3:10 pm Chrysler Group 3:20-3:45 pm Mercedes-Benz 3:55-4:20 pm Audi 4:30-4:55 pm Honda 5:05-5:30 pm Mazda / Mazda Stand 5:40-6:00 pm College for Creative Studies / Location TBA 6:10-6:35 pm General Motors Monday, January 9, 2006 7:30-8:30 am Lincoln Mercury / Cobo Arena with Breakfast 8:45-9:10 am Nissan 9:20-9:45 am BMW 9:55-10:20 am Chrysler Group 10:30-10:55 am General Motors 11:05-11:30 am Ferrari 11:40 am-12:05 pm Mitsubishi 12:15-1:15 pm Ford PAG / Cobo Arena with Lunch 1:25-1:50 pm Toyota / Riverview Ballroom 2:00-2:25 pm MINI 2:35-3:00 pm Acura 3:10-3:35 pm Maserati 3:45-4:10 pm Kia 4:20-4:45 pm Subaru 4:50-5:10 pm Lamborghini Tuesday, January 10, 2006 9:00-9:25 am Rolls-Royce 9:35-10:05 am Chrysler Group 10:15-10:40 am Geely / Concourse 10:50-11:15 am Johnson Controls / D2-15 11:25-11:50 am Michelin / Michigan Hall Stage 12:00-12:25 pm General Motors 12:35-1:00 pm EyesOn Design Awards at the NAIAS / Michigan Hall Stage 1:10-1:40 pm Allstate / Michigan Hall 1:50-2:15 pm Denso / W2-62 2:25-2:50 pm Alpine / O2-44 3:00-3:25 pm AAA Motorsports / Michigan Hall

I could almost see just getting one of the new Yukons instead of spending the money for this, and then being in the shop. http://www.mph-online.com/web/prtranslated/00306

Seems GM really needs to sell a lot of vehicles in 2006!!!! http://www.mph-online.com/web/news/00216 Sierra and Silverado coming 13 weeks early!

Congrats on your new baby Josh. Just in time for 8 degrees like here in Chicago.

theres still a site showing it linked to by leftlanenews. how do we tell GM who to go after? i figure I should help since I had to go through this with the challenger thing. DT

thaaaaaaaaaaaaaank goodness it wasn't an MPH cover. Phew. From what I hear these were "early" so not sure if it's close to what will end up in detroit. That said, if it looks anything like this and they make it in black I'll be buying my first GM.

http://www.mph-online.com/blogs/0078 David Merline writes Chevy a note about the Malibu SS in the test fleet.

good question on the engine since it says turbo putting out 200 and not the 4 cylinder toyota engine 190 hp from the elise/exige that I don't think is a turbo. i doubt its ecotec though

O.C. Sounds like you may have a winning formula for a new magazine! And there are quite a few websites out there that come from that point of view and do a great job. However, MPH is for the guys that like the icky girls. And really we have the backseat betty and a few other girls scattered around here and there. it's not like they're everywhere...ok they are everywhere sorry.