Flybrian

Who's the supplier? Logitech? Seriously, this makes an MDX look organized.

From a dealership standpoint, I don't see why anyone would be concerned with Jaguar or Land Rover. As mentioned before, I bet there are zero true standalone Jag/LR retailers and the 'eurocar' lots that typically sell these brands are a collection of low-volume marques supplemented by a high-volume one (Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW, etc.). As far as Mercury goes, I've thrown it out there in the past that Mercury and Lincoln have the natural layout to be moderately successful (or at least justify their existence), its only been the fault of Ford having absolutely no idea what to do with the brand. L-M dealers provide generally above average service and have a more upscale environment thanks to the presence of Lincoln. Mercury as a brand needs to be tailored as a 'ramp up' division to Lincoln, providing the smaller entry-level vehicles to contrast Lincoln's higher-end and lower-volume lineup. Of course, this is in an ideal situation where Ford knows what its doing.

You mean these people that appreciate and love their classic cars in their own way?

Direct Injection Connection Flint Engine South building GM's next generation engine THE FLINT JOURNAL FIRST EDITION Thursday, February 01, 2007 | By Todd Seibt FLINT - Imagine an internal combustion engine that cuts nasty tailpipe emissions, leans itself out in cruise mode - and can still kick gas when it's time to pass. Too good to be true? Actually, it's being built near you. Workers at General Motors Flint Engine South have already assembled a few pre-production versions of the next generation of GM's spark ignition direct injection 3.6-liter V-6 engines. They expect to start full production in April, for installation in the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, and the Cadillac STS. Those cars are built in at GM's Lansing Grand River complex. By the end of 2008, GM plans to build 200,000 direct-injection engines globally. By 2010, direct injection is expected to be in one out of every six vehicles GM builds in North America. Direct injection sprays fuel directly into the engine cylinder, where it mixes with air. As it vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel are cooled by the process, which allows a higher compression ratio normally found in high-performance engines. (Fuel injection, direct injection's predecessor, squirts fuel into the intake to the cylinders.) Continue reading at this link...

How 'bout...modeling them after the concept of selling cars?

Remember, too, that the H2s interior was very remeniscent of the H1's... Now with that gone and the H2 standing on its own legs, its time it got an upscale but uniquely rugged design of its own. Good jorb, GM.

If this occurs in three years, I demand you buy my another car.

And, to supplement that... GM cut 87 stores in '06 Amy Wilson | Link to Original Article @ Automotive News | February 2, 2007 - 7:11 pm LAS VEGAS -- General Motors trimmed 87 stores from its U.S. dealership count last year, a reduction of 1.2 percent. But although it still has too many dealerships, the automaker doesn't plan buyouts to reduce those numbers at a faster pace. "We don't have a lot of cash to invest in that," GM North America President Troy Clarke said Friday at the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Roundtable. He made reference to the closeout of the Oldsmobile dealer network, saying, "GM is a company who knows what that costs." GM's cash is better spent on new product investments, Clarke said. It will handle its reduction in part by encouraging dealers to work out consolidations among themselves. GM will try to help with agreements when possible but "won't take a real heavy hand with that." Clarke described the matter of reducing dealership numbers as one of "extreme problem-solving." GM won't lay out specific targets or mandates because there's no upside, he said. GM ended 2006 with 7,036 dealerships across its eight brands, a company spokeswoman said Friday. That compares with 7,123 at the end of 2005. Asked when GM would get more aggressive on dealership consolidation, Clarke replied: "I don't know. But it's not tomorrow."

Buick in a box!

GM Adds 5-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty to GM Certified Used Vehicles No-Deductible, Transferable Warranty Provides Consumers Value, Peace of Mind DETROIT - General Motors today announced that it will provide consumers with a fully transferable five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible, on all GM Certified Used Vehicles, the industry's top-selling manufacturer-certified used vehicle brand. "Last fall, GM unveiled the best new car and truck coverage of any full-line manufacturer in the nation, letting customers know that every one of our 2007 light-duty vehicles delivers a superior level of quality," said Troy Clarke, GM group vice president and president, GM North America. "We're very pleased to now offer that same level of confidence with every GM Certified Used Vehicle from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile and Pontiac." The new GM Certified Used Vehicles five-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible, available on all 2002-2006 GM Certified Used Vehicles, is effective from the vehicle's original in-service date. The fully transferable limited powertrain warranty covers more than 900 components related to the engine, transmission, transfer case (if applicable) and final drive assemblies on all GM Certified Used Vehicles sold in the United States. GM Certified has also extended its 24-hour roadside assistance plan to the earlier of 100,000 miles or five years. GM Certified Used Vehicles also provides a three-month/3,000-mile bumper-to-bumper comprehensive limited warranty, vehicle history reports, a stringent 117-point vehicle inspection and a 3-day, 150-mile customer satisfaction guarantee on all GM Certified Used Vehicles. "This is another proof point that GM's turnaround is gaining momentum, and a clear sign of our confidence in the quality and value of our cars and trucks," said Brian McVeigh, general manager, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. "Our GM Certified Used dealers have been asking for this because it adds a real point of differentiation for our program," McVeigh added. "GM Certified Used does an outstanding job of bringing in new customers, and this enhancement will only add to that." The new GM Certified 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty with no deductible applies only to GM Certified Used Vehicles (Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Oldsmobile and Pontiac) brands. Saturn Certified Pre-Owned vehicles are expected to announce a similar program later this year. Cadillac Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, Saab Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles and HUMMER Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles operate separate programs - each of those programs has a 6-year/100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty effective from the vehicle's in-service date. To drive even more consumers to its Certified Used Vehicles, GM is adding Cars.com, one of the industry's leading automotive websites, to its online listings program, The addition of Cars.com effectively doubles GM Certified's Internet footprint in terms of online vehicle listings. In addition to comprehensive content, advice and automotive reviews, Cars.com lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers one of the industry's best selections of new and used vehicles online. GM Certified Used Vehicles listings will also appear on Cars.com's partner sites, including MSN Autos, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, and more than 200 local media sites. Cars.com, MSN Autos and kbb.com combined represent visits from 66 percent of all automotive Internet users. Consumers can go to www.gmcertified.com to learn more about GM Certified Used Vehicles, locate the closest GM Certified dealer or search the industry's largest available certified pre-owned inventory, with 60,000-plus vehicles.

He also disliked the Avalanche. Remember the rumors floating around saying it may not be replaced on GMT-900? Of course, I'll most painfully remember the cost-cutting and decontenting of formerly standard equipment, like ABS, seatback map pockets, and trunk lock cylinders.

The closest to mass air transportation we'll see in our lifetimes are the proliferation of VLJs and perhaps tiltrotors that offer quicker point-to-point connections.

My Aurora has an 8-way with lumbar, our Bonneville, our '99 Regal had it, our Toronado... Again, forget about any competitors for now. GM has done/does it in other leser vehicles. Again, even te vehicles the Enclave is replacing had this feature. It just doesn't make sense.

Its also the fact tha Chinese cars suck in pretty much every regard.

So did Hitler.

'tard much?

If a HUMMER must be burdened with an illegible analog clock, let it have a massively-oversized bezel and an olive drab green face like an outdoorsy watch.

What car in this class is not a sporty car? The Solara? Soft sporty. A V6 Mustang? Sporty. An Accord coupe? Sporty. Nothing is a real sports car here. "But — let's be honest now — it's just an everyday driver." What? That's not a good thing? Wasn't a car like the Firebird too unrefined, to bulky, too harsh to be an everyday driver, i.e. a great sports car, but unfortunately not liveable? And its a chick car. So what? The Grand Am was a chick car. Likewise, all smaller midsize coupes are chick cars. Accord coupe? Chick car. Solara? Fat-middle-aged-chick car. V6 Mustang? Helllllllo Chickville. So, basically, its the fastest, the roomiest, a very good handler, and a suprising value with its equipment level. Yet why is this review tainted now and then with ill-conceived 'buts.' But...its a chick car. But...its too civilized. But...its a damn fine car. No, that last one was mine.

I still stand by that Buick shouldn't merely match its competitors; it should surpass them. And forget the competition. Other models in the stable have what the Enclave doesn't, including the vehicles its replacing. That's unacceptable.

Whoever wants to take pictures and video, let me know ASAP so we can get them up on the frontpage as soon as you upload them!

Championship Z06 and Indy Pace Car Replica Special Editions CHICAGO – Corvette enthusiasts in search of a unique ride have much to consider this year with the introduction of two special-edition models: the Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 and the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica Corvette Convertible. The special-edition Corvettes are distinguished by unique interior and exterior appointments and will be offered in limited, pre-determined quantities. In other words, when they’re gone, they’re gone. "Chevrolet and Corvette have a long, storied history at Indianapolis, and the new pace car special-edition commemorates that heritage with what will surely be an instant collectible,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Ron Fellows is also a part of Chevrolet’s racing heritage, and he has been instrumental in the remarkable success of the Corvette Racing team in the American Le Mans Series. The special signature-series Z06 model that bears his name will forever link him to one of the greatest eras in factory racing, which has produced six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers championships, and counting.” Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 Marking his championship tenure with Corvette Racing’s GT1-class domination in the ALMS, Corvette racing living legend Ron Fellows is celebrated with a specially prepared 2007 Corvette Z06 production model. All are distinguished by Arctic White paint (including the door handles) that is accented with a racing-style fender stripe and Ron Fellows’ autograph. The front fender graphics are reminiscent of the identifying graphics of the Corvette GT1 race car. They feature double Monterey Red Metallic stripes with Machine Silver borders and Fellows’ autograph in a contrasting Victory Red shade, along with the callouts of the championship years when he was at the wheel. There is also a maple leaf logo motif incorporated with the graphics, a nod to Fellows’ Canadian heritage. Indeed, the red-over-white color scheme of the car’s paint and graphics represents Canada's colors. This special Corvette Z06 is the first signed special edition in Corvette’s 54-year history, and is the first Arctic White Z06 ever offered. Only 399 are planned for production: approximately 300 for the United States, 33 for Canada and 66 for other export markets. Exterior cues include a full-width racing spoiler and a unique windshield banner. Additional standard equipment includes the well-equipped 2LZ package and chrome wheels. Special interior appointments include: Red seats, center console, door panels and instrument panel Red, leather-covered armrest with a Corvette-signature “cross flags” logo that is hand-signed and numbered by Ron Fellows Tech pattern interior trim An accomplished road racer, Ron Fellows is inextricably woven into the Corvette Racing team’s success. He helped test and develop the first Corvette C5.R race car and recorded the team’s first win in 2000. Fellows also grabbed the ALMS GTS class championship in 2002 and shared that position in 2003 and'04. Fellows has been a part of all six consecutive ALMS GT1 manufacturers championships for Chevrolet, and was voted the most popular ALMS driver in 2004 and'05. Additionally, he has slipped behind the wheel of NASCAR Nextel Cup Chevy Monte Carlo SS race cars when the series hits road courses. He’s also scored a pair of NASCAR Craftsman Truck series wins, three NASCAR Busch Series wins, 19 SCCA Trans Am wins and was the GM Player’s Challenge champion in 1989. The Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 will be available this spring. It carries an MSRP of $77,500, including destination. OnStar and the navigation system are the only options; and when equipped with them, the price is $79,945. Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replica Corvette Convertible A 2007 Chevrolet Corvette convertible will pace the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 27, 2007. As it was selected as the Official Pace Car, Chevrolet will supply several identically prepared and uniquely trimmed Corvette convertibles – in new Atomic Orange paint with distinctive gold ribbon graphics – that will serve in the official pace duties of the race, as well as supporting activities. Five hundred production replicas of those official cars will be offered to the public – all of them convertibles. They’ll be available beginning this spring. The distinguishing features of the pace car replica convertibles include: Atomic Orange exterior color, including door handles Indianapolis 500 exterior graphics – including gold ribbon graphics that flow outward from the front fender vents and “ Indianapolis 500” door logos Special Indianapolis 500 fender badges Z06 rear spoiler New aluminum “split-spoke” wheels in Sterling Silver Ebony seats with embroidered Indianapolis 500 logos Interior trim plate and pods painted Atomic Orange Atomic Orange engine covers All of the pace car replicas are equipped with the Corvette’s standard LS2 small-block V-8 and Z51 performance package. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with the six-speed paddle-shift automatic optional. The navigation system with Bose audio, as well as OnStar, is standard. Pricing for the pace car replica convertible is $66,995 MSRP, including destination. The paddle-shift six-speed automatic is the only option, which brings the price to $68,245. The performance-bred Corvette handles its official pace duties in nearly factory-stock trim, with little more than race track-required safety equipment and strobe lights added – as well as, of course, the eye-catching graphics. In years past, many Indy pace cars required extensive modification to perform their on-track tasks. The 2007 Corvette’s powertrain and suspension, including the 400-horsepower (298 kW) LS2 small-block V-8 engine, are more than adequate to maintain the speed, acceleration and handling required to lead the pack around the famed “Brickyard” race track. This year marks the ninth time Corvette has served as the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500. The previous years were 1978, 1986, 1995, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. It also is a record fourth consecutive turn for the Corvette, as well as a record 18 th time for a Chevrolet, to be selected as the pace car. Production replicas were not offered every time the Corvette was selected as the pace car. In fact, 2007 marks the first time Chevrolet has offered a regular-production replica since 1998. But along with the regular-production models, several dozen copies of all the pace cars have been used for official activities in support of their respective Indianapolis 500 races, such as parades. These cars – known as “festival” cars – have become prized collectibles, along with the limited-edition regular-production replicas.

Too bad. I still like the Grand Prix. Nowadays, its so unique, so out there, so 'f@#k you, I'm the Grand Prix, bitch.' It seems like you'll never find a dashboard crazy like this in another car again... ...and that's actually a bit sad.

In my opinion, yes. I've had nothing but good experiences with Mobil 1 full synthetic. I use Extended Performance since my car's high-mileage. My father's Bonneville has always had Mobil 1 synthetic in the pan aside from whatever was factory fill. Almost 120k on the clock and absolutely zero engine problems.

The Passat tankead like whoa.

The interior does not retard sales by that much. Lack of awareness does. I've seen one Aura-specific commercial that's just of some dizzy broad driving around the countryside proudly proclaiming something about 'that's why I like my Saturn' or some other equally vacuous drivel. Nevermind that it was an Aura XE! $h!ty ad. Period. That, and its a Saturn.