Flybrian

1) These car carry lots of cargo, esp good for SWAT auxillary use. 2) They can go offroad. 3) They're strong, also good for SWAT use. 4) They're more conspicuous than slicktop or unmarked Crown Vics. CVs are fleeted to the point where people slow down for the rare civilian model. My city has two last-gen Tahoes - bone stock with standard issue Florida tags and LED flashers hidden behind deeply-tinted windows. People blow by them like nothing.

This contest's deadline has been officially extended (again) to Friday, December 8th @ 11:59PM. A few people have notified me that they've had a few problems uploading their entries, so anyone else, use this opportunity to put pencil to paper and get your entry in, too!

<span style='font-size:21pt;line-height:100%'>And the winners are...</span> 1st - Dart (42pts) 2nd - American_Revolution_2005 (34pts) 3rd - Blackviper8891 (25pts) 4th(t) - Burns (21pts) 4th(t) - RJBartrop (21pts) 5th - 04monteintimidator (18pts) 6th - Burns - (15pts) 7th - Dart - (10pts) 8th - 04monteintimidator - (8pts) 9th - 04monteintimidator - (7pts) 10th - Dart - (6pts) 11th - Dart - (4pts) 12th - Zulehan - (3pts) 13th - MDM - (2pts) 14th - Bearrunner44 - (1pt) 15th - Dart - (0pts) 15th - MDM - (0pts) 15th - MDM - (0pts) 15th - MDM - (0pts) 15th - SpecV - (0pts) Congratulations to Dart for his first 1st place finish and everyone else for their strong placing! Welcome to our competitions and we hope to see you enter many, many more! I must say this is probably my favorite sketch competition so far because of the sheer number a variety of the submissions. So many inventive designs. Congratulations to all and thank you to all who entered. We're still leaving the NG Small Pickup competition open 'till the end of the week to allow some last minute submissions. If you have an idea brewing in your head, get it down on paper or render it and submit it soon! The 1st-place winner receives a GM-related as well as having their concept featured on the Cheers and Gears homepage and Design Showcase! Check out the Showcase for all out past winners. Congrats and thanks again!

FOR RELEASE: 2006-12-05 Redesigned 2007 Chevy Police Tahoe Is The First SUV Designed From Its Inception As A Law-Enforcement Vehicle The dramatically redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Police Tahoe delivers more power, enhanced ride and handling qualities, and more safety features than its 2006 counterpart. It also delivers a great deal of utility, cargo room, visibility and go-anywhere capability. But those attributes are only part of the 2007 Police Tahoe story. What distinguishes this vehicle is the fact that it is the first SUV designed from its inception as a law enforcement vehicle. That designation delivers a great many benefits to law enforcement agencies. “Like the 1999 Chevrolet Impala Police vehicle – the first car in automotive history to be designed from its inception as a law enforcement vehicle – the 2007 Police Tahoe includes a number of law enforcement-specific enhancements. These enhancements were achieved during the design phase, with the result being that the Police Tahoe is available to law enforcement agencies with a number of features that set it apart from retail Tahoes,” said Bruce Wiley, GM manager of law enforcement and specialty vehicles. Compared to its retail counterpart, Police Tahoe is lower to the ground for improved handling, especially at high speeds. The front and rear suspensions feature stiffer springs and shocks and there’s also a stiffer jounce bumper that is more ideally suited for police loads. Police Tahoe also features a fully integrated electrical system for 2007, making it easier for upfitters to install such police-specific equipment as light bars and police radios. “When we say that we design our police vehicles with the needs of law enforcement agencies in mind, we mean it. For example, Tahoe’s electrical system is designed the same as the Impala, and both vehicles now function and upfit the same and can share some wiring harnesses. The result is easier upfits and lower costs to law enforcement agencies,” Wiley added. Enhanced powerplant Police Tahoe’s standard Vortec 5.3L V-8 engine receives a number of enhancements for 2007. It delivers more power – 320 horsepower (238 kW)* and 340 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm)*. That’s 25 more horsepower and an additional 10 lb.-ft. of torque than the 2006 version of this engine. The Vortec 5.3L represents the newest chapter in GM’s small-block’s 50-year history and features Active Fuel Management technology, resulting in improved fuel economy. When combined with other vehicle-wide features, including improved aerodynamics, the small-block V-8 helps give the Tahoe the segment’s best fuel economy. Preliminary testing with 5.3L-equipped models shows unadjusted combined fuel economy ratings of 20.5 mpg on 2WD models. The 5.3L Vortec can operate on fuel that contains up to 85 percent ethanol. E85 reduces reliance on fossil fuels and it’s a clean, renewable resource that benefits farmers, because it’s derived from corn. The 5.3L V-8 is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Built for speed Because of the high speeds typically encountered by law enforcement vehicles, Police Tahoe gets H-rated, P265/60R17 blackwall Goodyear RSA steel belt radial tires (compared to S-rated on production models). These are mounted on 17-inch steel wheels. Police Tahoe also receives heavy duty cooling – thanks to a higher capacity radiator and engine oil cooler –and heavy duty brakes with ABS, providing added safety for braking under specific conditions. For an additional level of safety, security and peace of mind, all 2007 Police Tahoe models feature a tire pressure monitor, alerting the driver if any of the tires begins to lose air pressure. A tire pressure monitor is also included in the spare tire and must be activated prior to being placed on the vehicle. For underbody protection, Police Tahoe features a Skid Plate Package that includes a front underbody shield that starts behind the front bumper and runs to the first cross-member. The Skid Plate Package protects such vital vehicle components as the oil pan and other key drivetrain components. A 26-gallon fuel tank, 160-amp alternator, a heavy duty 730 CCA battery with run-down protection and extended-life spark plugs are standard on Police Tahoe. Dual 730 CCA batteries are also available. Superior ride and handling The 2007 Police Tahoe is built on GM’s new full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a new, fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and an all-new, premium interior system that bolster the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wider front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel. Tahoe’s engineers paid extensive attention to detail to ensure a quiet driving experience. It starts with a new, stiffer frame, which reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the fully boxed frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also help reduce vibration. Enhanced safety and security The ’07 Chevy Tahoe is designed to be among the industry's safest and most secure vehicles, with a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. New features include a standard dual-stage driver and front passenger frontal air bags; optional roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows; and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes. Crash avoidance is bolstered through enhanced design and driver control dynamics, such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering. The vehicles are built on a stronger and stiffer, fully boxed frame that contributes to enhanced crash energy management. The front frame section has been designed to optimize crush progression, resulting in improved energy absorption efficiency. Enhanced utility “Since September 11, 2001, the operating methodologies of police and fire municipalities have changed. They are looking at new and innovative ways to utilize police and emergency response vehicles, to carry more equipment, expand communication capability and address issues created by the need to carry tactical and hazardous material gear,” Wiley added. “The Chevrolet Police Tahoe is capable of meeting the rigors of all these needs.” Even with its second-row seats fully upright, Police Tahoe delivers an incredible 60.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity for such items as gun cases, haz-mat equipment and other gear and materials that law enforcement officers may require to do their jobs. The second-row seats may be individually folded forward, adding even more cargo capacity. Second-row seats come with inboard headrests and reclining seatbacks. With both second-row seats folded, Police Tahoe delivers a cavernous 108.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Fiscally responsible A number of municipalities are turning to vehicles such as the Chevrolet Police Tahoe because it’s a fiscally responsible proposition. Although the initial cost is higher than that of a sedan, the increased capability and durability, longer lifecycle and higher residual value can combine to make Tahoe the more cost-effective choice, said Wiley. The Police Tahoe joins the Chevrolet Impala Police Vehicle, Chevrolet Tahoe Special Services and Chevrolet Express Prisoner Transport Van in GM’s lineup of law enforcement vehicles. Every vehicle GM offers to law enforcement agencies is “road ready,” meaning they can be delivered completely equipped and ready for use.

Nope. Six-seater!

The radio antenna style should help. Also, you can consider this car a sort of a hybrid.

Balthazar, I found your Shangra-La. Vintage Chevy, Ford, Mopar, AMC Parts Lot The listing title is a cataclysmic understatement.

"Hey, Vern, you seen that new Ack-ruh 'round here?" "T'ain't here no mo', but I sure SHAWD it!"

The letter "V" itself is more powerful and impactful than the letter "F." Its strong (VEE) as opposed to being softer (EFF). And as far as F1 racing goes, Lexus' "racing" heritage is maybe two years old.

There should be a way to do it by going through the passenger-side wheel well. People on the Aurora forum I'm also on posted pictures of it and the only real hard part is wrapping the belt around one of the lower pullies. A stupid way? Maybe. But to me, no more stupid than going through the same area to change the headlamp on a vintage Z. That has got to be Cadillac-related. Seriously. Parts for the Aurora (and Riv) are expensive, but not to that level. Of course, your Seville is the older K-body, so parts are likely quite different in many areas. I believe G- is more of an upgraded and more 'user-friendly' K-body in terms of evolution, hence why parts aren't that much. My rear air shocks cost $60 for the pair and the struts are probably $300 for both. Make some sort of cheesy-ass Mafia short with XP. Involve his Lufthansa Heist limo somehow and blow up the Seville.

Lexus LexusLX Lexspeed!

Well, after reading that opinion, it and fifty cents will buy me a Coke. Read what I said again.

Heh. Sorry, not really. I think the last real good-looking Japanese coupe I like was the old Lexus SC. Pretty gorgeous car. Acura's big Legend coupe was also pretty nice-looking.

I don't know where the battery is located on a K-body offhand, but on G-cars, its under the rear seat. Very easy to access. In general, again, I don't see why any sort of regular maintenance would require dropping the engine. In fact, as ridiculously tight as it is, its not that big of a challenge to even change the serpentine belt on one of these cars. Sure, it looks bad, but again...I really don't see the need to remove the engine assembly unless its a problem so severe, well, I wouldn't want to car in the first place, regardless of drivetrain. The only time the engine was dropped from my car was to replace a transmission speed sensor and frankly, that's not something I'd want to do myself. I remember you mentioning this, too. The compressor motor isn't that expensive nor difficult to repair. Yes, a lift would be ideal, but not necessary. The other associated gear (air hoses, air shocks) are stupid simple to DIY.

Frankly, I could care less which wheels turn on my car as long as the rest of the car is good. If you haven't noticed, I do like the B-body offerings for what they are - massive boats - and I also dislike Ford's '98+ Panthers because I feel they're inferior not only to the now dozen-year-dead GM cars, but to contemporary fullsize cars, too. You can readily see by the numbers I post and the experience of seeing one that the 1998 reskin improved nothing over the preceeding car. The option packages are a joke, the interior room is ridiculous, and the badge-job between the Ford and Merc are shameful. Simple fact is this - GM and Ford built the best old-school car it could for the early 90s, Ford just simply didn't care to try anymore after the market dwindled. And the difference is, Ford arguably gave up on cars in general during this time. GM didn't, which leads me to... ...the fact that the mid-90s+ GM lineup of vehicles was probably the most well-rounded of any manufacturer. I won't post the litney of different models, but suffice it to say, if you couldn't find a car that was the right size, price, and loaded how you wanted, you need to ride the bus. In fact, the lineup was so extensive that models ate into each other's market. Your statement was 'rugged luxury' in 1997. Anyone who buys a Town Car because its 'rugged' is looking at spending maybe $980 for one that runs long enough to get it to the demolition derby. Whether you realize it or not, your statement hits the exact reason why the B-bodies died and Ford stopped giving a crap about their cars. The concept of 'comfortable luxury' was supplanted by 'rugged luxury.' A Town Car is not rugged; its a barge and drives like old people f@#k - slow and sloppy. A sport utility conveyed the 'new' luxury, the luxury that combined traditional leather-and-wood with the ability to take that quality off-road.

Can a Japanese import car brand ever make anything nice? I don't but much if any stock in these conceptual renderings. The best they can do is indicate what detailing may be present on the car itself. Remember also that the Accord will be sold in el-cheapo budget trims with 4cyls and dinky wheels. How well any of this 'advanced' styling translates into the real car will surely be something to wait-and-see about. And for the record, the current Accord coupe is probably the most attractive imported 2-door on the market. Of course, there's pretty much only the Solara and next to the Solara, the Merkur X4T72XLGTGTOSSEi is attractive.

Again, you're comparing apples with oranges here. But since you want to play, let's make it reasonable and compare Roadmaster sedan sales with Aurora sales. And we'll throw the Riv in for fun. Not bad for a dying market. And now this bogus affordability argument. This is more your opinion than anything rooted in reasonable fact. Your assessment that no 'enthusiasts' buy FWD Bonnevilles is also an insult to many. May I remind you that an enthusiast is not defined by what he drives, but by his passion for it. I consider Brougham-Holiday to be a far greater enthusiast than your typical BMW or Mustang owner regardless of the fact that he owns what is arguably the vehicle least likely to be deemed an 'enthusiast' car, a Cutlass Ciera. First, if someone wanted rugged luxury in 1997, they'd buy an Expedition Eddie Bauer. Second, the modern Town Car is a rather big insult to the luxury market given that its unsophisticated, space-inefficient, underpowered, and lacks many, many, many luxury features. Compare a '98 TC to a '98 DeVille - see? I even give you a leg-up - and its obvious what the better luxury car is. Sales figures show it, too. Last, the sensible consumer would instead buy a Grand Marquis which in 1997 was still a classy automobile. But go check on out today. Not only does it look generally the same on the inside, but its a pretty shoddy car. Again, I'm not sure what exactly this has to do with anything. I know you had bad experiences with your Seville, and that's fine. Buying a car used opens you open to lots of flack in the reliability department, especially for all you guys up north. But these maintenance bitches you constantly expound upon, I don't understand at all. Its a surprisingly easy motor to do basic to moderate maintenance on. The far, far older 3800 is actually more time-consuming in certain aspects even though the engine is 'simpler' and the space under the hood is greater.

No. Because I have no idea what has (or hasn't) been done those past quarter million. Honestly, if my car racked up that many miles, I'd just keep it in the 'family' because its never going to be worth that much to anyone other than you. No one who can afford to maintain a car properly would buy it and those that would buy it - i.e. the poor - would just trash it up.

Nice Monte hump.

Uh...all of Chrysler's FWD vehicles in the 1980s were based on the K-car platform in some way or another. This is a fact. Saying every FWD GM car from the 90s is a W-body is ignorance. Again, if you don't consider The H-/C-/K-/G-bodies a step up from the W-bodies, I have no idea what exactly you're smoking this evening. These cars - especially the latter three - had more engineering, more thought, more design, and more sophistication than any B-body. This, again, is a simple fact. 1996 Cadillac DeVille - 117cuft1996 Buick Roadmaster - 114cuft 1996 Chevy Caprice - 114cuft 1997 Buick Park Avenue - 111cuft 1996 Ford Crown Victoria - 111cuft 1996 Pontiac Bonneville - 110cuft $37,000 is a nice figure that clearly originates from your ass. Rivieras based at $28,195 in 1995. A 325i cost $38,450. But your comparisons have no merit because you're talking about cars that would never be cross-shopped. Also, you really think an SLP Firehawk makes 'fiscal sense'? A Mustang Cobra? Man... So, you choose two flagship luxury cars and compare sales to three cars with much lower transaction prices, one bolstered by an absurd number of fleet sales. Try all the H-/C-/K-/G- bodies. Add up the numbers. Better yet, add up the actual transaction prices. You'll find they are all much, much higher than any Roadmaster or Fleetwood commanded. After all, if there was such a vibrant market for those cars, they wouldn't have shuttered the plant, would they?

Both of you guys are at 80%.

CURE FOR WHAT AILS SINUS BAD FIT GOOD

The main distraction in cell phone usage is the same as it is while holding a conversation with multiple people in the car. The actual task of dialing and operating a phone would not increase the distraction rate anymore than figuring out how to get an Audi to stop massaging your ass and play a radio station other than !La Cantina Grande de Musica!. And again, some people are better about maintaining focus that others.

What exactly do you know about photography?