Flybrian

Flybrian's Random Car Showcase Presents... The 1993 Cadillac Sixty-Special Through boredom and...well, just boredom, I bring you the first in likely many little 'diaries' of a completely random car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Throughout Cadillac's history, the Sixty-Special moniker was used to denote trims of the Series 60 Cadillac that were in some ways - well - special. The very first model to bear the name was the 1938 Sixty-Special, featuring a longer wheelbase, lower ride height, and no runningboards. Over the years, Sixty-Specials typically had slightly extended wheelbases, more chrome decoration, a top-tier Cadillac model, or simply the highest trim level of the Fleetwood. In 1987, the Sixty-Special nameplate returned, this time gracing a six-inch stretch of the front-wheel drive C-body Fleetwood sedan. In 1993, Cadillac revised their lineup, bestowing the Fleetwood name of the rear-wheel drive Brougham successor and renaming the former front-wheel drive Fleetwood the Sixty-Special. For these last four years, fender skirts fit flush over the rear wheels and the 4900 V8 was supplemented by speed-sensitive steering, revised suspension, and traction control. Inside, French-stiched leather was optional on the standard Sixty-Special, as well as second-row drop-down lighted vanity mirrors and a built-in parcel shelf tissue box. But a truly special option made available only in the final year (1993) was the ULTRA package. Selecting the ULTRA package would set you back $3550, but traded standard 6-way power leather seats for luxurious, heated 22-way adjustable Italian leather seats. Other '93-only options included a heated windshield. Only 5,292 were manufactured for its last year as a standalone model in 1993 and only 688 were equipped with the ULTRA package, making this quite a rare car indeed.

Two anecdotes to think about. Friend of mine had a 2005 Sonata rental from Enterprise once. He went curb-hopping, blew out a tire, bent the rim, and cracked the wheel cover when he was visiting up here. I took him to Hubcap City and we picked up a 15" Elantra steelie and a millimeter-from-bald tire for $40 and change. I found out Sonata wheels are apparently more like 15.5" plus the wheel cover was totally different. Enterprise never found out. Ever. When I worked at the local airport, we dealt with Enterprise all the time. They'd call (usually a Monday morning or Friday afternoon) and ask if we had any of their cars. I mean, like, "Is there a tan LeSabre there? Is there a dark red Taurus? A silver Altima? A white Toyota? A gray Caravan? No? Okay, thanks." Once, someone turned in DeVille and it sat in the parking lot for a week and a half before they picked it up...and they only did it because I called them. As long as the 17"s weren't bling-bling chrome (and provided they fit the lugs), I highly doubt they'd know the difference. Seriously.

HUMMER is not a copy of Jeep. I'm not breaking out the family tree again to prove this.

This Al Pachino soundboard was made for telemarketers.

Oh what a feeling: Kim's Japanese car blitz February 19, 2007 - 4:03PM North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has ordered the seizure of all Japanese-made cars in the communist country after he spotted a broken-down model blocking a road, a press report said today. The order came on January 1 when Kim visited the embalmed body of the North's founding leader Kim Il-sung, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, in a sign of his growing discontent with Japan's hardline stance on North Korea. It quoted unnamed sources as saying Kim's sudden order might be connected with Japan's push for sanctions against North Korea following its first-ever nuclear test last year. "After he paid tribute to the Kumsusan Memorial Palace on January 1, he saw a Japanese car that wasn't working blocking the road and gave a National Defence Commission edict to seize Japanese cars," a source was quoted as saying. The commission is the North's highest decision-making body led by Kim. It remains to be seen whether North Korean authorities will be able to implement the order fully, because most of the cars operating in the country are Japanese, Yonhap said. Japan has intensified pressure on North Korea after the secretive nation tested missiles in July and a nuclear weapons in October. Japan's sanctions included banning a North Korean ferry, which served as a major trade conduit between the two countries, from entering Japanese waters. It has also adopted a series of measures against a pro-North Korean residents' association in response to its suspected role in the North's weapons programs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You know what they say - no one is all bad. Kidding.

Sad because the SRX is really great, too.

Cadillac at the 2007 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva European premiere of the all-new CTS Sedan New interior and powertrain options for SRX crossover New Escalade has arrived in Europe All-wheel drive available for STS with Northstar V-8 engine New Sport package for BLS High-performance STS-V and XLR-V available in April GENEVA - Cadillac will open the next chapter of its 21st century product story, as the 2008 CTS sedan makes its European premiere at the 2007 Salon International de l'Auto in Geneva, Switzerland. The new luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in the United States, in late summer of 2007, with European sales to follow in the fall. "The all-new CTS has a mission to bring the striking design of a concept car, the performance of a sports car and sophistication of an elegant sedan right into the heart of the luxury market," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "Cadillac is injecting more dramatic character into the normally reserved luxury sedan category." With a design inspired by Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept car, the new CTS reinterprets the brand's traditional grandeur in a very contemporary design. CTS employs lessons learned from Cadillac's acclaimed V-Series of high-performance cars, combining sports car-like performance with the poise of prestigious luxury sedans. Advanced direct-injection gasoline technology helps deliver an estimated 223 kW (300 horsepower) with good fuel efficiency and reduced emissions from its new 3.6L V-6 engine. The all-new CTS chassis was developed with extensive testing around the globe, from famed German raceways to roads in China and the United States. Cadillac's first-generation CTS built a strong record of success on many levels, beginning with its debut in 2002. There are about 275,000 CTS owners worldwide, and industry researchers say they are among the most satisfied in the automotive market. SRX receives exterior, interior refinements The SRX luxury crossover enters 2007 with exterior refinements and a completely redesigned interior. The all-new cockpit is more luxurious and spacious, featuring a new instrument panel, hand-wrapped upper trim, console, center stack, door trim, wood trim, analog clock and steering wheel. The instrument panel and door trim use Cadillac's new cut-and-sew interior process. The vehicle's new cockpit is hand-built, in the same painstaking fashion Cadillac applies to the limited-production STS-V and XLR-V models, bringing elite craftsmanship into the heart of the luxury marketplace. New for 2007 is the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission, which provides increased performance and fuel efficiency. First introduced on Cadillac's acclaimed STS-V and XLR-V Series in 2006, the new transmission is now standard for the all-wheel-drive V-8 model. A new and competitively priced rear-wheel-drive V-6 model also enters the SRX lineup. Next-generation Escalade debuts The all-new 2007 Cadillac Escalade, the next generation of the iconic luxury SUV, establishes new levels of power, style and elegance. Based on General Motors' all-new full-size SUV architecture, the '07 Escalade features new powertrain, chassis, safety and interior systems. These integrated systems deliver a powerful, efficient luxury SUV in the segment, led by a new 6.2L all-aluminum V8 engine with variable valve timing technology, delivering 301 kW (409 horsepower) and 565 Nm (417 lb-ft) of torque. The Escalade has a sleek, clean and athletic form with improved aerodynamics. It is instantly identifiable and incorporates styling cues from Cadillac's landmark Sixteen concept vehicle, including a more detailed signature grille, front fender vent ports and chrome accents. A feature-packed, spacious and all-new interior is a cornerstone of the new Escalade, and it sets a new standard for refinement. The warm and inviting interior is complemented with premium materials. The Cadillac Escalade went on sale in Europe at the end of January. STS adds all-wheel drive The STS luxury performance sedan delivers sophisticated luxury in a contemporary package. For 2007, Cadillac is making available all-wheel drive - in combination with the Northstar V-8 engine - to meet the growing demand for this technology. New for 2007 is the Hydra-Matic 6L50 six-speed automatic transmission that provides increased performance and fuel efficiency; it is standard on AWD and RWD V-8-equipped models. The new transmission features a generous 6.04:1 overall ratio that delivers strong launch acceleration yet provides "tall" overdrive ratios that decrease engine rpm to enhance fuel economy and reduce noise levels while cruising at highway speeds. Estimates by GM engineers have shown an approximately 7-percent improvement in 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) times and up to a 5-percent improvement in fuel efficiency. BLS range expands The 2007 Cadillac BLS range will be extended by the BLS Sport, which features 18-inch wheels and lowered sport suspension. The revised chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort, and is designed to take full advantage of the BLS range's powerful engines. The front-wheel-drive BLS offers expressive design combined with outstanding ride and acoustic comfort. It also marks a new era in Cadillac's history by offering an optional direct-injected, common rail turbo-diesel engine that is fitted with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter. Like the turbocharged gasoline engines (129 kW / 175 hp; 154 kW / 210 hp; and 188 kW / 255 hp), the turbo-diesel (110 kW / 150hp) offers the dynamic performance customers have come to expect from Cadillac. All BLS models equipped with manual transmissions have six speeds. For all gasoline and diesel models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern. The BLS Sport interior is highlighted by the use of stylish aluminum trim instead of wood and the circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. A three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and analog clock in the center stack are standard. Optional refinements include leather seating surfaces. XLR-V and STS-V combine power, performance The supercharged 2007 Cadillac XLR-V and STS-V are Cadillac's most intense expressions of power and performance. Both high-performance vehicles feature Cadillac's cut-and-sew approach to interiors, with extensive use of leather-wrapped interior surfaces created by craftsmen who cut, wrap and sew leather components individually. Each supercharged Northstar V-8 engine powering the XLR-V and STS-V is hand-assembled by a single expert craftsman to exacting standards at GM's Performance Build Center in Wixom, Mich., USA. The 2007 Cadillac XLR-V is a landmark car in Cadillac's long history. XLR-V elevates the performance and luxury attributes of the brand's growing V-Series lineup to the fullest extent; it is the quickest, most agile and most exclusive Cadillac model ever offered. The supercharged Northstar V-8 engine delivers 331 kW (448 hp) and 561 Nm (414 lb.-ft.) of torque, elevating the luxury roadster into the exclusive club of vehicles that are capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in less than five seconds. The 2007 STS-V has the sophistication of its STS sibling, but with the uncompromising performance driving experience for which the V-Series is known. The STS-V delivers 350 kW (476 hp) and 595 Nm (439 lb.-ft.) of torque - and is the most powerful Cadillac ever. Like the XLR-V, the STS-V is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in less than five seconds. Both XLR-V and STS-V will be in European Cadillac showrooms in April.

Time to buy Barbie's HUMMER.

Wow. When I read that, I thought you posted it in the wrong forum - as in, that's real data not a concept. Impressive work!

Viper, Cherokee, Liberty, Caliber, well-equipped Chargers, that's it. MOPARs of the mid-90s looked far, far better, especially the Chrysler lineup which just exuded class in all its vehicles at that time.

C'mon...really now...Olds!

Exactly. B-P-GMC is simply a sales channel that helps the dealers who sell the shrunken Buick and Pontiac lineups sell enough. You're never going to see a Pontibuick GrandSabre or whatever. I know in more rural areas, dealerships sell Chevrolets, Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, Buicks, GMCs, and even Cadillacs on the same lot and have done so for years.

You're kidding, right?

Behind Renault? Surely you jest. Renault's designs are so boring and derivative, save for the wildly absurd Vel Satis. Citroen is arguably the French styling leader here with Peugoet a close second.

Wagons ho, mate! Toby Hagon | Link to Original Article @ The Age | February 16, 2007 Last-generation VZ Commodore wagon will be succeeded by a VE-based station wagon The traditional Aussie wagon appears to have a future, despite a shift away from wagons by a number of manufacturers. Ford is forging ahead with a wagon version of the next generation Falcon, due in showrooms early in 2008. Ford Australia president Tom Gorman confirmed the wagon would definitely play a part in the new-look Falcon range that's expected to be displayed at next year's Melbourne motor show. The Falcon wagon will join a Commodore wagon - due late in 2007 - as the only two locally-manufactured wagons based on a sedan. "We think there's a place for the wagon for the foreseeable future," says Gorman. "We still see us playing in that segment. The Falcon wagon continues to be very strong ... it's a tool of trade vehicle for a lot of people." The revelation comes as wagon sales continue to slip and buyers turn to four-wheel drives. Only a few years ago all four local manufacturers - Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi and Toyota - offered a wagon in their large car portfolio. Not only have Toyota and Mitsubishi stopped producing wagons locally, but they have also dropped some of their other wagon offerings, including the Corolla. Like many manufacturers, Toyota is relying on vehicles such as the RAV4 and next-generation Kluger - due late in 2007 with a two-wheel drive variant - to appeal to those looking for a wagon. While fleets and families will welcome the return of some fresh wagon metal, it appears they will have two distinct choices with the large locally-made wagons; Holden and Ford seem to be heading different directions in the design and intended function of their vehicles. Neither company is giving away details of their next generation wagons. Holden's VE Commodore wagon is expected to deliver a more sporty appearance and driving experience than is typical of locally-produced wagons. The compromise is that it may not have the interior space Commodore wagons have had in the past. That will come partly because the VE Commodore wagon is believed to be reverting to the regular Commodore platform, rather than the long-wheelbase platform used in the Statesman/Caprice as it has done for almost 20 years. The Commodore wagon is expected to have a sleeker look inspired by some popular European wagons. One source says its rear design looks similar to the Opel Vectra wagon in Europe; hardly surprising given Opel and Holden are both part of the General Motors family. The decision to build the Commodore wagon on the short wheelbase also opens the door for a sporty SS version, something that hasn't been around since 2004. Ford's Falcon wagon, on the other hand, is believed to be more of a tool of trade vehicle, with the emphasis on practicality, price and load-carrying ability. Whether Ford retains the current wagon's archaic leaf-spring rear suspension - which is cheap to manufacture and good for heavy loads but average for handling - remains to be seen. But the Falcon wagon is expected to offer impressive interior space aimed at appealing to fleet buyers and those who need load-lugging ability. Ford will continue to pitch its Falcon-based Territory wagon to families and private buyers, who typically prefer a more stylish vehicle. Indeed, private buyers - always the most difficult market to attract to the fleet-oriented Falcon and Commodore large car segment - prove important at some stage during a wagon's life span. According to Santo Amoddio, the managing director of Glass's Information Services (the bible for used car values) used Falcon and Commodore wagons hold their value better than the sedan variants, which have experienced poor resale in recent years. "There's good secondary demand for those sorts of cars on the used car markets, particularly by families but also with tradesman," says Amoddio, who points out that the boom in four-wheel drive sales has seen demand for second-hand wagons drop. As for which strategy will prove more effective - Ford's or Holden's - that's up for debate. Or perhaps each will find its place in the more competitive automotive world.

'48 Tucker

The C-MAX is a true 5-seater and smaller than the S-MAX. You think any marque here is convoluted, well, here's Ford Europe's MPV lineup...Fusion - 5-seat C-MAX - 5-seat S-MAX - 7-seat Galaxy - 7-seat

3-spokes are better for sportier, performance cars. 4-spokes are better for larger cars designed for cruising.

"THEY'VE BEEN WATCHING OUR TRUCKS!" That's my favorite

Kevin Harvick and #29 Monte Carlo Win Daytona 500 A hard-charging Kevin Harvick nosed out Mark Martin at the finish line Sunday to win the Daytona 500 as a multi-car crash was taking place behind them. Martin had the lead, but the race stayed green and Harvick won by two one-hundredths of a second.Chevrolet takes the first four out of five places and half of the top twenty positions. The top Toyota (Dale Jarrett's #44 Camry) ran 23rd. Click here for all the details.

2008 Peugoet 4007 & Citroen C-Crosser * *This is a rebadge of our Mitsubishi Outlander CITROËN'S C-CROSSER TO BE UNVEILED AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW Citroën's bold, innovative and versatile C-Crosser is to make its World Show debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. Citroën's first ever SUV will then go on sale in Europe later this summer. With its strong styling, flexible 5+2 seating configuration, powerful yet environmentally friendly diesel engine (capable of virtually 40mpg on the combined cycle), together with its 4-wheel drive capability, the C-Crosser will complement Citroën's range and offer a vehicle to appeal to drivers with a love of outdoor pursuits. The C-Crosser's exterior styling radiates vitality and robustness with the front of the vehicle dominated by the familiar Citroën chevrons that stretch across the multiple-ribbed bonnet to unite with the streamlined headlights. The chunky wheel arches, elegant chrome detailing and striking two-tone wheels further emphasise the C-Crosser's muscular design. Citroën's impressive, new generation 156bhp 2.2HDi engine produces a massive 380Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, the engine has strong green credentials with its low fuel consumption, ultra-clean Diesel Particulate Filter System and ability to run on 30% bio-diesel. To ensure an optimum blend of comfort, road holding and off-road capability, drivers have a choice of three transmission settings that can be changed depending on road conditions and driving style. Drivers can switch between two-wheel drive, electronically controlled four-wheel drive and a lock setting for low-grip conditions, all of which can be selected using a control mounted on the central console. Occupants benefit from the versatile second and third row of seats, which feature an easy-to-use modular design allowing seating changes to be made quickly and effortlessly to provide a flat floor and vast load space. The vehicle's generous dimensions offer comfortable passenger space, over 20 storage compartments and a large boot with a useful split-opening tailgate for easy loading. This tailgate optimises the advantages of the flat boot space so heavy objects can simply slide in. Opening in two sections, the lower part is able to support up to 200kg, allowing it to double up as an al fresco seat, perfect for owners with a love of outdoor pursuits. To further enhance passenger comfort the C-Crosser offers a selection of optional hi-tech equipment, including a useful reversing camera which assists with manoeuvring and parking in tight spaces. Located above the number plate, the camera is automatically activated once the vehicle is shifted into reverse and the image is displayed on the smart navigation screen. Citroën's managing director Xavier Duchemin commented; "The C-Crosser will add a new dimension to the already diverse Citroën range and ensures that we have a vehicle to suit all our customer needs, whether it be an SUV, a compact MPV or a supermini." 4007 C-Crosser

2008 Mazda2 All-new Mazda2 to Debut at the 2007 Geneva International Motor Show Hiroshima, Japan, 13th February 2007. Mazda Motor Corporation will showcase the world premiere of the all-new Mazda2 (known as the Mazda Demio in Japan) at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, 6 March through Sunday, 18 March 2007. Officially titled the Salon International de l'Auto de Genève, the Geneva Motor show press days are March 6 and 7, and the public days are March 8-18. Mazda will hold its press conference on Tuesday, 6 March at 14:15 CET. The all-new Mazda2 is more than just a model freshening of the current Mazda2. In 2002, the Mazda6 heralded the arrival of Mazda's new generation of Zoom-Zoom vehicles, and now the Mazda2 becomes the first of these to evolve to the next level. As such, the new Mazda2 represents the progression of Mazda's Zoom-Zoom brand promise.

I sure wouldn't mind this... Its really hard to find a GS with low-mileage.

Honestly, this thing is just unattractive. Bland, boring. Keep it.

Look at the sales angle: Buick is being combined (if not already) with Pontiac-GMC dealerships, so when you walk onto a lot, you're really seeing a complete lineup of vehicles, from entry-level (G5) to fullsize luxury (Lucerne). In fact, taking that into account, here's the near-future GM lineup Chevrolet - 7 cars, 3 pickups, 4 SUVs, 1 van Pontiac - 5 cars, 1 SUV Buick - 2 cars, 1 SUV GMC - 2 pickups, 1 van, 4 SUVs Cadillac - 4 cars, 4 SUVs Chevrolet - 15 vehicles B-P-GMC - 16 vehicles Cadillac - 8 vehicles Not so bad after all, especially since having a smaller lineup means a better individual product.