pow

V10 is coming once the Gallardo gets FSI.

Most youngsters (the people Toyota are targeting, I assume) wouldn't be caught dead in a Dodge Ram Van. New cars, regardless of how affordable they are, at least can have modern design and cool technology. I mean, yes, you could play your iPod via cassette adapter, but.... you know.

That's why Cahhhh-taulk is so awesome on weekend mornings. Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! and Prairie Home Companion round things off.

Cool. Maybe something like this... Or... Or... The Model T... oyota. The world needs more iconic cars for all people... something that's reasonably priced but looks good everywhere... i.e. MINI and Prius.

Oh, where art thou Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Help represent the other side of "middle America".

Sorry I didn't see this thread until now... car accidents are always traumatizing (sp?). Her friend suffered a concussion but she's fine now?

Same with the entire HUMMER forum. Only viewable to people who log in.

Damn... no. 6. Just, wow.

Exactly. This is their version of the ES350. Enthusiasts hate it, but consumers buy 'em. It's the same reason why Arnages (old-money customers) coexist with Flying Spurs (new-money customers) in Bentley dealers.

I love the XLR (non-V) styling... and I think many people would like the exotic nature of it. The XLR doesn't have the depth to compete against $100K SLs and even 6er cabrios, but it does have a chance against Z4s, SLKs, and TTs, IMO. Lower the price (~$50K), give it a refresh, offer a 3.6 DI V6, re-name it, and call it a new car. It'll target an audience different than the Corvette's, and it'll certainly be more profitable than 3,000 a year (+ $10K off MSRP). BMW and Merc each sell 12K Z4s and SLKs a year.

I preferred their old system which didn't rely on a mathematical scoring system at all. There was one section that graded steering, comfort, brake feel, refinement, build quality, ride, etc, and then an independent final score at the end. First place went to the car they felt was best holistically for the segment. That's how the SRX beat out the Cayenne, FX45, and Touareg, because they justified that even though it had the worst technical performance numbers, the real-world driving experience and practicality mattered more for such an SUV. That's how their awards (10Best, 5Best trucks, etc) work, and most people seem to be in consensus with those results. Building a car to excel at a formula never works.

Imperial gallons + European cycle = nowhere near that MPG in real-world US driving

Not with an AURA-quality interior, it won't.

In a side crash, forces push the vehicle sideways, which mitigates some of the crash impact. The CR-sponsored 38-mph test did not properly account for that movement.

Suburbs of CA

That's not bad... although it's $2800 more than the Acadia, you do get Xenons and a power liftgate, which are worth $850 in the GMC.

Too much Chrysler and too little Daimler. It looks like a higher-quality Sebring.

I still remember last summer... paying $3.79/gal for premium.

I wouldn't call it a sports car, but then I don't consider an M3 to be one, either.

They could always.... .... void their warranty!

Filled up for $2.79/gal premium today... so I'm guessing regular would be $2.59/gal.

The idea that the CTS "earns" its sale only through merit is hilarious. If that were the case, why would merit-seekers intentionally buy second best? Reasons for buying a Cadillac are as influenced by style, image, recognition, and loyalty as with any other brand. Our 80-year-old neighbor owns a vinyl-roofed CTS because she "wants a Cadillac" and the CTS is the most affordable one for her. I see tons of CTSes with limo tints and big chrome "dubs", probably purchased by people who like the "bling" Cadillac brand image. Style-seekers exist for all brands and "coolness" influences most all car buys. Why else would GM have "GM Style" events and billboards all over the place? But anyway, mere observations are always clouded by bias. Unless I see some study that asks "Are you vain? Are you image conscious? If so, what car do you drive?", your statement that "BMW buyers are style-seekers" holds no more truth than saying "Cadillac buyers are merit-seekers."

Seat back angle.

The case for unethical American businesses are just as strong... so these nation generalizations are all pointless.

Didn't notice this thread... so this reply might be a bit late, but FWIW, I find the backseat of the 3 more accomodating/comfortable than the backseat of the CTS. It might have to do with less intrusive footwells, etc, and I notice a lack of headroom more than a lack of legroom.