Flybrian

Please direct all further posts to this thread: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - Press Release & Images Thank you!

Please direct all further posts to this thread: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - Press Release & Images Thank you!

Please direct all further posts to this thread: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra - Press Release & Images Thank you!

2007 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA: BREAKING NEW GROUND WITH INDUSTRY'S BEST PICKUPS Best-in-class horsepower, towing capability and fuel economy extend GM's legacy and heritage in full-size trucks 2007 PICKUPS AT A GLANCE Depth and breadth of lineup: • Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali light-duty pickups • Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups • Three cab styles: regular, extended and crew cab • Three box lengths – short (5 foot 8 inches), standard (6 foot 6 inches) and long (8 foot) • Eight diverse and efficient powertrain combinations • Five distinct suspension packages, including one for maximum trailering capability • Three Silverado trim levels; four Sierra trim levels, including exclusive Sierra Denali model • Light-duty payload capacities from 1,564 pounds (709 kg) to 2,160 pounds (980 kg) • Light-duty trailering capability from 4,300 pounds (1,948 kg) to segment-leading 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg) • Light-duty models arrive in fourth quarter of 2006; heavy-duty models in first quarter of 2007 Distinctive exterior designs: • All-new exterior designs with strong, confident appearance • Brand-differentiated designs with unique front-end appearances including unique hoods, front fenders, grilles and headlamps, and differentiated taillamps and pickup box designs • Refined appearance with tighter tolerances and reduced body gaps including 50-percent tighter gap between cab and box • Sleeker, more aerodynamic 57-degree windshield angle • Wider and lower stance • New 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models • Improved body-to-wheel proportions • Family of larger 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels Spacious and refined interiors: • Two all-new, distinct and spacious interior designs with superior craftsmanship • Pure pickup interior with unique instrument panel, seats, door panels, consoles, double glove boxes, trim and features on Silverado WT, LT and Sierra WT, SLE models • Luxury-inspired interior with unique instrument panel, seats, console, glove box, door panels, trim and features on Silverado LTZ and Sierra SLT models • Use of premium materials with lower gloss levels • Flush fits and close-outs that conceal seat hardware • Instrument panels positioned down and forward for increased visibility and spaciousness • Increased storage capacity in center consoles and glove boxes • Innovative underseat storage on pure pickup interior • Quiet interior achieved with extensive use of noise-reducing materials, spray-on damping, foam and seals Exceptional driving experience: • Segment-leading V-8 horsepower and fuel economy • Technically advanced Gen IV small-block Vortec V-8 family, including E85 capability, fuel-saving Active Fuel Management and variable valve timing • Wider front and rear tracks (3 inches front / 1 inch rear) • All-new, stronger and stiffer fully-boxed frames with hydroformed front section • New coil-over-shock front suspension • New rack-and-pinion steering system • New splayed rear shock arrangement • Improved brake system with new generation Bosch ABS system • Five uniquely tuned suspension packages, including enhanced trailering package • GMC Sierra Denali with exclusive 6.2L V-8 and six-speed automatic transmission Comprehensive safety and security: • Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with new rollover mitigation technology on crew cab models (available on extended cab models) • 360-degree perimeter of safety protection, including industry-exclusive rear impact sensors • Dual-stage frontal air bags with passenger sensing system • Roof-mounted head curtain side air bags • Strengthened chassis and body structure for superior crashworthiness • Frame designed for compatibility with smaller vehicles • Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist • Standard OnStar Unique features and options: • 170-degree-opening rear access doors on extended cab models with fully retractable rear power windows • Power sliding rear window (extended and crew cabs) • Theater-style folding rear seats for ease of loading cargo • Automatic locking rear axle • Innovative cargo management system with comprehensive array of accessories • Remote vehicle starting system • Enhanced DVD entertainment system with larger screen • New CD/MP3 radio family • Touch-screen navigation system • Heated windshield washer fluid • Rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers DETROIT – General Motors introduces its all-new, 2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra – comprehensively redesigned pickups that incorporate new exterior and interior designs, and powertrain, chassis and safety systems. The vehicles take GM's truck legacy to a new level. They lead the segment in performance, efficiency, capability, refinement and safety. The new trucks offer more power and better fuel economy than the vehicles they replace. Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are offered with three cab styles, three cargo box lengths and several specially tuned suspensions. All have distinct identities, including brand-exclusive sheet metal and design cues yet share fundamental traits that support segment-leading capability, quality and performance. "Nobody has a deeper well of truck experience than GM, and it shows in the all-new Silverado and Sierra with their segment-leading V-8 power, fuel economy and towing capacity," said Gary White, General Motors North America vice president and vehicle line executive for full-size trucks. "While power, pulling and payload used to define the full-size truck segment, today that's the price of entry and consumers demand more. Our new trucks feature spacious and refined interiors and a host of exclusive features. Simply put, they have what it takes to continue their leadership position in the industry." The broad range of configurations and models gives customers tremendous choice when selecting a vehicle to suit their needs, particularly with the heavy-duty models, which some competitors simply do not offer. Capability also is unmatched, with a strengthened chassis and enhanced towing package enabling the light-duty segment's best towing capacity of 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg). "There are no peers when it comes to the depth and breadth of GM's truck offerings," said White. "The new trucks represent a well thought-out range of models and capacities, meaning customers can find the exact truck they need, whether it's for work, personal driving or – as is more the case today – both." Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty models will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2006. Sierra Denali and Silverado and Sierra heavy-duty models are available in the first quarter of 2007. The heavy-duty trucks offer new sleek designs and spacious interior features like light-duty models, but with increased capability – including more powerful gas and diesel engines. Production of the new trucks is shared among several North American assembly plants, including Oshawa, Ontario, Fort Wayne, Ind., Pontiac and Flint, Mich., and Silao, Mexico. "The new trucks are all about choices – choices the competition simply can't match," said White. Bold and distinctive exterior designs Silverado and Sierra are sleeker and more aerodynamic, including a faster, 57-degree windshield angle, reducing wind noise and improving fuel economy. Wider, segment-leading front and rear tracks and a tailored wheel-to-body relationship provide a stance that is both muscular and agile. The trucks are more refined looking, too, with doors that extend over the rockers for a smooth, uninterrupted look, and lamps that have a jeweled appearance. Tolerances between panels are greatly reduced – including a 50-percent reduction in the space between the cab and cargo box. Complementing the trucks' three cab designs – regular, extended and crew cab – are three cargo box lengths, including short (5 foot 8 inches), standard (6 foot 6 inches) and long (8 foot). New features, such as 170-degree-opening rear access doors with fully retractable power windows on extended cab models and new theater-style folding rear seats, offer increased versatility. Additional design features include improved lighting, a stronger cargo box with more cargo capacity and reduced-effort tailgates. Chevy Silverado's design has a broad, chiseled "face," which accents a broad-shouldered stance and gives the Silverado a powerful, muscular presence. The front-end appearance, front fenders, power dome hood, bumpers, lamps and flared rear fenders are unique to the Silverado. GMC Sierra and Sierra Denali models are designed with a strong and refined appearance befitting the brand's professional grade philosophy, including muscular character lines and rounded edges. Sierra's front-end appearance, hood, bumpers, lamps and rear box design are unique to the GMC brand. The new trucks use a single-piece body side stamping and bolt-on door hinges, which foster significantly increased fit and finish. Build precision is seen in the flush, virtually seamless transition between the hood and front fenders, along with very tight tolerances around the grille, fenders and front bumper. The hood-to-fender gap is targeted at 4 mm. The grille-to-bumper gap has been reduced to 17 mm and the headlamp-to-fender gap to 1.5 mm. The tighter tolerances contribute to the trucks' improved aerodynamics. The pickup boxes have been redesigned with enhanced versatility, increased strength and greater capacity. A one-piece wheelhouse and inner box side adds strength and smoother, more integrated appearance. The boxes are 1.18 inches (30 mm) deeper in the front and 1.57 inches (40 mm) deeper at the rear, with stronger inner walls that offer improved performance when fitted with ladder racks, tool boxes and other accessories. New tailgate designs include locks and torque-rod assist for easier operation. A standard end cap on each tailgate features an integrated spoiler lip that enhances aerodynamics. A new, innovative cargo management system is available on all Silverado and Sierra models and is complemented by a range of dealer-ordered accessory packages. Three rails that run the length of the box sides and the forward box wall are secured with high-strength anchors and, unlike competitors' systems, incorporate upper and lower tracks. Four adjustable tie-down brackets are included with each system and can be located anywhere on the tracks, each rated for a load point of 500 pounds (227 kg). At the heart of a comprehensive accessories portfolio for the new pickups is a group of specific accessory products designed to integrate into the cargo management system. The rails enable the use of an overhead utility rack rated at 500 pounds (227 kg) loading capacity, a sliding diamond plate toolbox, a sliding bed divider, diamond plate side storage boxes or a bicycle mount. These accessories use either the upper or lower rails, allowing numerous combinations that can easily fit together or bypass one another as they slide along the rails. The tool boxes and bicycle mount use a codeable lock, enabling the vehicle key to be used for locking and unlocking these accessories. Segment-leading interior designs with superior craftsmanship The all-new Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra are quieter, more spacious and refined inside, with increased passenger comfort and storage space. They each feature two new and distinct interior designs that reflect their respective brand identities, including specific trim, appointments and gauge cluster appearance. Silverado and Sierra base and midlevel trim models include a functional "pure pickup" interior design theme with a contemporary adaptation of GM's ergonomic cockpit instrument panel design. In addition, this interior includes specific door panels with large door pull and release handles, new seat construction and configurations, unique center console and underseat storage systems, and two glove boxes (a traditional lower glove box and a covered upper storage compartment). New luxury-inspired premium interiors are standard on Silverado LTZ, Sierra SLT and Sierra Denali. They draw on the inspiration of luxury SUVs, offering richly appointed features, including a distinct instrument panel design, large-capacity center console (20.1 L), specific door panels, seats and other trim elements. Features on the premium interiors include power-adjustable heated bucket seats, leather surface seats, leather-covered steering wheel and selective chrome trim. GMC Sierra Denali models bolster the premium interior with enhanced luxury features, such as deeper-pile carpet, covered console storage and cupholders, unique wood grain trim accents, steering wheel design, gauge cluster and sill plates. Spaciousness in each interior trim level is enhanced with new, "low and forward" instrument panels that provide a more airy feel to the cabin as well as a panoramic field of vision. The instrument panels are mounted approximately 3.5 inches (90 mm) down and forward on the "pure pickup" interiors, while the premium interior instrument panel is located 5 inches (127 mm) down and forward. Both instrument panel designs are integrated into their specific door panels to create a swept appearance. The spacious interior and enhanced field of vision create an environment that enables better outward vision. Legroom, headroom and hip room also have increased. The recline angle and fore/aft travel of the front seat has been increased and power adjustable pedals are available, providing drivers a greater range of driving comfort. All interiors are refined and craftsmanship is highlighted by flush surfaces, tight gaps and tolerances on the instrument panel, center stack, clusters and other components. Most gaps on the instrument panels and clusters have been narrowed to 0.5 mm or less. Attention to detail was given to concealing fasteners and metal structural components of all seats. There is no exposed hardware in the interior or door sills. New, soft-touch and low-gloss finishes for the instrument panels and other trim pieces are used throughout. The color and grain of the materials were carefully selected to provide a premium look. Sculpted headliners of new woven fabric and door trim, as well as sculpted seat backs, enhance the perception of precision in the new interiors. Complementing the interiors' finely crafted look and feel is segment-leading quietness. All trim levels – even base work truck models – benefit from a comprehensive system that delivers a passenger environment almost devoid of noise. This is achieved with the use of strategically placed sound deadening and sound absorbing material in the body structure – including liquid-applied dampener on the floor and front-of-dash – as well as the inherent, vibration-minimizing traits of the stiffer frame and quieter attributes of the aerodynamically tuned exterior. Vibration-reducing powertain and suspension mounts (hydraulic engine mounts on vehicles with Active Fuel Management) are enabled by the firmer body and chassis structures, while the sleeker, 57-degree windshield and tuned exterior mirrors all but eliminate wind noise. Also, improved door sealing and a doors-over-rockers design help eliminate road and wind noise. Additional highlights of Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra interiors include:• A new, stadium-style rear seat with a 60/40-split design and folding center arm rest can be easily folded up to provide an uninterrupted load floor. Or, either section of the split seat can be stowed independently, allowing room for both cargo and a rear-seat passenger. • A "double" glove box, which includes a large-capacity, traditional glove box and a new, covered storage compartment above it, with a 3.4-liter storage capacity. • Models equipped with the luxury-inspired premium interior come with a single large glove box that offers approximately 25 percent more storage capacity. • The premium interiors include large center consoles with the segment's largest storage capacity: 20.1 liters of undivided volume. • The "pure pickup" interiors feature a 6.1-liter storage console and a new underseat storage bin built into a new 40/20/40-split bench seat. This 9.1-liter lockable storage bin, which includes an accessory power outlet, is located under the center seat cushion and is large enough to store a laptop computer. • The gauges have an analog display, with large, easy-to-read graphics. They are lit with ice-blue LED lighting, which provides crisp, bright illumination and a more upscale look. A driver information center is incorporated on the instrument panel. • A manual-control climate control system is standard on all models, with a dual-zone automatic system available. The dual-zone system allows for up to a 30-degree F difference in temperature settings between the driver and front passengers. • Power-operated rear side glass is featured on extended cab models. The windows lower completely into the rear access doors. • Power-operated back glass is available on extended and crew cab models. The window operates with the touch of a button located on the overhead console. • A large, power-operated sunroof is available on extended and crew cab models. The crew cab sunroof has a tilt/slide design, with a sliding sun shade and express open/close feature. The extended cab sunroof uses a spoiler-type sunroof design that slides back over the roof surface. • Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist provides audible warnings of objects behind the vehicle. • A heated windshield washer fluid system more effectively removes bug spatter and thin layers of ice and frost. When the system is activated, washer fluid is heated to 150 degrees F (60 C) or more. • A rain-sensing windshield wiper system uses an infrared sensor to automatically turn on the wipers when precipitation is detected. • A diverse range of radio systems, including single-CD, six-disc, MP3- and DVD-capable systems, are available. Several radios feature RDS technology, which provides enhanced information for participating FM stations. • XM Satellite Radio is available. • A rear seat entertainment system is available on crew cab models; it combines a dual-play radio system, rear-seat audio controls and a larger, 8-inch flip-down screen. • Two touch-screen DVD-based navigation radio systems are offered; one is specific for systems equipped with the rear-seat entertainment system. • A new generation OnStar feature that provides turn-by-turn navigation commands is automatically downloaded into the driver information center. Exceptional driving experience and segment-leading capability The fourth generation of the legendary small-block V-8 engine family is the power behind GM's all-new full-size trucks, delivering segment-leading horsepower and fuel economy through advanced technology such as Active Fuel Management (AFM) and variable valve timing (VVT). A FlexFuel engine is available – and partnered with fuel-saving AFM – giving customers the choice of powering their truck with E85 ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both fuels. GM's fuel-saving Active Fuel Management bolsters the trucks' capability with the segment's best fuel economy. Highway fuel economy for models equipped with the 5.3L AFM V-8 now are estimated at more than 20 mpg for both 2WD and 4WD models. Engine offerings include:• 4.3L V-6 (LU3), rated at 195 hp (145 kW) and 260 lb.-ft. of torque (353 Nm). • 4.8L V-8 (LY2), with iron block; rated at 295 hp (220 kW) and 305 lb.-ft. of torque (414 Nm)*. • 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LMG), E85-capable with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*. • 5.3L FlexFuel V-8 (LC9), E85-capable with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*. • 5.3L V-8 (LH6), with aluminum block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*. • 5.3L V-8 (LY5), with iron block and Active Fuel Management, rated at 315 hp (235 kW) and 338 lb.-ft. of torque (458 Nm)*. • 6.0L V-8 (L76), with aluminum block, variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, rated at 367 hp (274 kW) and 375 lb.-ft. of torque (508 Nm)*. • 6.2L V-8 (L92), with aluminum block and variable valve timing, rated at 400 hp (298 kW) and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm)** – exclusive on GMC Sierra Denali. The engines are backed by proven Hydra-Matic electronically controlled automatic transmissions, including the proven 4L60 four-speed automatic, high-capacity 4L70 four-speed automatic and a new 6L80 six-speed with the Sierra Denali's 6.2L engine. Channeling the engines' power into usable capability and a refined, responsive drive experience are comprehensively redesigned chassis and suspension systems. The chassis and suspension systems deliver a smooth and precise feeling of control, particularly when driving on rough surfaces or with a full load. The chassis and suspension also support Silverado and Sierra's class-leading capability, including segment-best towing capacity of 10,500 pounds (4,763 kg) and a maximum payload of 2,160 pounds (980 kg). An all-new chassis, with wider front and rear tracks and new coil-over-shock front suspension design, is supported by tailored suspension packages that provide smooth, sure-footed ride and handling characteristics in all driving conditions. Features include: • A new, fully boxed frame that is significantly stronger and stiffer – 234 percent increased torsional stiffness and 62 percent increased vertical bending stiffness – with a hydroformed front section, enhancing both the smooth ride characteristics and crash protection. • Wider front and rear tracks – approximately 3 inches wider (76.2 mm) in front and 1 inch wider (25.4 mm) in rear – enable increased stability, as well as a smoother, more controlled ride, particularly when cornering or with a full load. • A new coil-over-shock front suspension is mounted to the frame via a high-strength, precise attachment system for exceptional rigidity and delivers a linear, responsive ride that enhances the trucks' fully planted driving feel. • New rack-and-pinion steering system delivers precise, responsive steering with enhanced on-center feel; it is mounted on the front frame section's engine cross member, the strength of which virtually eliminates slack or vibration in the steering system to enhance its crisp response. • A Hotchkiss-type rear suspension with splayed shock absorbers – angled outward and upright – provides more controlled damping and is a key contributor in the trucks' firmly-planted driving feel; it also enables increased payload and segment-leading towing capacities. • Exclusive Eaton automatic locking rear axle enhances sure-footed driving feel and instantly provides extra traction when needed. • Large-capacity brake system with robust apply system and standard next-generation Bosch ABS system provide shorter stopping distances, better pedal feel and quicker brake response • Standard StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard on crew cab models (available on extended cab) – a first for the segment – and incorporates rollover mitigation technology; it works with the ABS brake system to provide greater driver control in all driving conditions • Range of 17-, 18- and 20-inch wheels with tailored body-to-wheel relationship. The 2007 Silverado and Sierra are available with five suspension systems, each tuned to provide an optimized ride with smoothness, a greater feeling of isolation from the road and minimal body movement; all suspensions feature monotube front shocks. The suspensions include: • Z83 – solid, smooth ride • Z85 – enhanced handling and trailer towing • Z71 – enhanced off road capability • Z60 – maximum street performance (offered with 20-inch wheels) • NHT – maximum capacity trailering package In a first for the segment, GM's sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models. Partnered with the new brake system and four-channel electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability. 360-degree perimeter of safety protection Silverado and Sierra are built on new, stronger fully boxed frames that are designed to provide increased crush protection during a crash. High-strength steel reinforcements are strategically located on the frame to enhance crashworthiness. They also feature new compatibility brackets that ensure better interaction with lower-riding vehicles during a crash. Driver control is bolstered through enhanced dynamics, such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and rack-and-pinion steering – that deliver smoother, linear and more precise characteristics for a more confident, sure-footed driving performance. Additional safety features include: • New, roof-mounted head curtain side air bags inflate to restrain outboard passengers in both seating rows, offering protection during side-impact and rollover events; they are sized specifically to all three cab styles and each has its own dedicated inflator for optimized fill rates into each curtain. The air bags are integrated into the chassis and body structures for enhanced passenger protection. • Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM's passenger sensing system are standard on all models. • Segment-first front safety belt pretensioners with both front and rear crash sensors. • StabiliTrak electronic stability control system is standard on crew cab models and available on extended cab models – and is a first for the segment. Partnered with the new brake system and four-channel, four-sensor electronic brake controls, the system provides more precise, controlled ABS stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability. • A high capacity brake system with a new, four-channel ABS system provides superior stopping capability. ABS is standard on all models and is linked to the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system to help mitigate the occurrence of rollover events. • Four-wheel drive models feature the Autotrac active transfer case, which helps keep the vehicle sure-footed in slippery driving conditions. When shifted to the "Auto" mode, Autotrac engages all-wheel drive traction automatically. • An exclusive Eaton automatic locking rear axle also helps provide additional traction when needed, particularly when towing. • A new Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist system is available and provides visual (LED lights) and audible warnings of objects behind the vehicle. • A revised and easier-to-use tire pressure monitoring system is standard on all models. It alerts the driver via a signal on the instrument panel driver information center if a tire's inflation status requires attention. • A segment-exclusive factory-installed remote vehicle starting system is available on most models – a first for GM's full-size trucks – providing customers with the convenience of starting the vehicle during inclement weather or other situations. • Power-adjustable pedals complement increased front seat fore/aft travel to enable smaller-stature drivers to find an optimized driving position. All retail models come standard with the OnStar Generation 7 system, including a one-year subscription to the Safe & Sound plan. The OnStar service includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen and provides remote door-unlocking service (when the vehicle is equipped with power locks).

You can bet Flying will. I really can't wait for that issue. VLJ Shootout! The VLJ market is going to get very crowded very quickly with no less than eight entrants besides Honda slated to recieve certification before 2009. The success of the entire field depends heavily, IMO, on how the FAA handles type certification and integration of point-to-point 'air taxi' style jet flights into the current air traffic control enviroment. Its a challenge. Most of the VLJs on the market today, including the Citation Mustang and Eclipse 500, outrange the HondaJet and does so at half the price. Embraer and Cessna have the brand cache and some, like the ATG Javelin... ...speak for themselves and are at least a mil cheaper than this proposed cost. The Adam A700 seats the same as the HondaJet, but again, undercuts it by about $1.5mil. I hope for Piper's sake this pays off. They have good experience with turbines and God knows they don't need another bankruptcy. As far as the "patented over-the-wing engine-mount configuration," color me confused because this has been done many times before with Soviet rough-field transports and the German VFW-614 regional jet. I'll shut up now.

Yes, the European Union is just as bad (if not worse) when it comes to many products.

Honda Launches Mini Jet Link to original article @ TCC Honda Motor Co. will begin taking orders for a new jet this autumn as it caps off a 20-year effort to get into the aviation business. Satoshi Toshida, senior managing director of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., said the Japanese builder of cars, motorcycles, and watercraft plans to build the new aircraft in the United States and hopes to deliver its first finished aircraft to customers in 2009 or 2010 at the latest. The delivery date depends on the Federal Aviation Administration's approval process. The company is now looking at a number of potential sites for the aircraft plant, Honda officials said. The starting price for the seven-passenger aircraft will be about $4 million. Toshida said Honda is entering into a business alliance with New Piper Aircraft Inc. of Vero Beach, Fla., which plans to help sell, service and certify the new HondaJet. Piper is one of the best-known names in general aviation and has a broad sales and service network. "Aviation has been an important dream of Honda for more than four decades," said Toshida. "Our goal is consistent with the philosophy of other Honda products - to provide convenient and efficient transportation that will make people's lives better. We are excited now to enter a new dimension of mobility." "Honda is a company with a rich heritage of bringing high-quality, innovative products to market," said James K. Bass, president and CEO of Piper Aircraft, Inc. "This business alliance is a perfect fit given the commitment both Piper and Honda have to providing our respective customers with world class products and services. Piper is very excited about this alliance and the way it complements our vision for the future." -Joe Szczesny ----------------- I was actually excited to hear rumors circulating about a year or so ago about Piper getting into the VLJ market, but I thought it would be with an indigenous design. Oh well...

Wagoner Wins A Round Financial results buoy CEO’s assertion that turnaround is working.by Joseph Szczesny (2006-07-31) Link to original article @ TheCarConnection.com Richard Wagoner, GM's embattled chairman, appears to have shored up his position thanks to a stronger than expected showing by GM during the second quarter. The second-quarter results, despite the $3.2 billion loss the company posted, showed that the company's turnaround efforts are paying dividends. The second-quarter results were widely seen as a vindication of turnaround effort GM has mounted despite some criticism from Jerry York, who is now a member of GM's board and is the chief lieutenant of Kirk Kerkorian, GM's largest private shareholder. Last month, Kerkorian and York began promoting a proposed GM alliance with Renault/Nissan, which is led by Carlos Ghosn, widely regarded as the auto industry's turnaround expert. Wagoner, while publicly supporting a study of the possible alliance with Renault/Nissan, also has said that unlike Kerkorian and York, he does not believe that GM needs any kind of alliance to succeed. The GM chairman and CEO has emphasized in recent weeks that GM's current turnaround plan is working and the product offensive the company unleashed with the introduction of its new full-sized sport-utility vehicles is paying dividends. The second quarter also is likely to let the air out of some of the rumors that have floated around GM since last winter that Wagoner is on its way out. Wagoner has given no indications that he is preparing to leave. Meanwhile, GM insiders have dismissed the suggestion by Kerkorian and York that Ghosn could put a GM turnaround on the fast track. Second thoughts Ghosn, meanwhile, also appeared to be having some second thoughts about the GM alliance that he had earlier this month. The Renault/Nissan chairman promised a decision on the Renault/Nissan alliance with GM by October 15. He also indicated that he was not interested in an alliance with at any price. The alliance would only succeed only if it created new value and if the gains are ten times the risks, he indicated during an appearance in Paris. The remarks prompted analysts to suggest that such expectations are unrealistic. In addition, if a tie-up did occur it would not affect Renault's goals for 2009, he said. Ghosn's reputation as a magician suffered a setback last week when both Nissan and Renault reported double-digit declines in profits. The CEO had been bracing for a disappointing quarter and had joked with reporters during a visit to Detroit that they had better use the opportunity to write negative stories about him now because they results would improve later this year. Renault posted a 36-percent drop first-half year net profit of $2.06 billion, down from $2.74 billion in the same period the year before. Renault's operating margin for the six-month period came in at 2.7 percent, above analysts' expectations of 2.5 percent, but well down from 4.4 percent in the first half of 2005. In an interview with a French financial newspaper, Ghosn said that Renault was performing far below its potential. "I consider 2006 an empty year," Carlos Ghosn was quoted as saying in an interview published Friday in the French financial daily, Les Echos. "Frankly, we are very, very far from Renault's potential," he said, adding that the company had been hit by slow demand and a deteriorating product mix. Nissan Corp., meanwhile, reported its operating income dropped 25.7 percent in the first fiscal quarter to $1.34 billion and operating income from the Japanese automaker's North American operations dropped 45.5 percent in the April-June quarter. "As we predicted, the first half is proving to be challenging as we face significant headwinds and only one new model introduction," he said. Ghosn noted that during the second half the year, Nissan will launch a total of eight new vehicles, which will help reverse the sales decline that the company experienced during the first half of the year.

New Corsa for Europe, not US By JULIAN RENDELL AutoWeek | Published 07/25/06, 1:01 pm et Link to original article @ Autoweek.com Saturn desperately needs a good small car, but it won’t be based on the European-built Corsa hatchback from General Motors’ Vauxhall subsidiary. That was the word from the recent British International Motor Show in London, where the global launch of the all-new Corsa was backed by a high-powered visit from GM headquarters by CEO Rick Wagoner and vice chairman Bob Lutz. GM product czar Lutz said the new Corsa wasn’t engineered with the United States market in mind, so it won’t pass crash tests: “It would take two years and be too expensive, so we’ll wait until the next generation,” says Lutz. That’s the car being engineered in Korea by a joint Daewoo/Opel team; it won’t be in the market for five years “at the earliest,” Lutz says. Lutz also took pains to point out that GM already has a top seller in the U.S. small-car market with the Korean-built Chevrolet Aveo. “Other carmakers, like Toyota, have been forced to follow us, but they get the credit,” he chided. Wagoner faced the press with questions about the Renault-Nissan alliance, just days after his dinner meeting with Carlos Ghosn: “If it makes value for GM shareholders, we’ll do it.” GM’s global Corsa launch put the British show on the international calendar for the first time since 1998 when the Jaguar S-Type and Rover 75 debuted. Other global debutantes at this year’s show included the Jaguar XKR, BMW M6 convertible, Land Rover LR2 (Freelander outside of the United States.) and the Seat Leon Cupra R. Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Nitro made their Euro-debuts.

Youd be surprised how many older folks miss the S- and L-Series wagons. I don't understand the 45,000 units reference. It appears to be in reference to the Astra, which seems to be lowballing it extrodinarily. If it refers to the Vectra wagon, it seems reasonable. We're talking $3500/month.

C'mon. You know its cool. $500 Aurora

Yeah. Sorry. That's really not that hot. Plus, she looks digital.

By the way, why do rich people wear really crappy clothing?

If it really comes down to it, Japan as a country cannot physically feed itself. Meaning, they make more than they do Good for them. And also look at it this way - our typical white collar middle-middle-class work-a-day average citizens buy - not aspire to buy, but buy - Japanese cars. Japanese citizens aspire to buy classic American cars. Don't know if you've ever seen an import/export directory of cars from Japan, but getting your hands on a '59 Cadillac? Hoo-boy. You're a pimp.

The modern Mary Kay DeVilles actually have a pretty decent pink pearlescent paint job.

Sadly, most Bonnevilles of the mid-90s were SEs or SLEs instead of the performance-oriented SSE and SSEis. I find the 2000 model year improved much by reducing the cluttered mess o' buttons that littered the late-90s SSEs and SSEis, especially the suspension setting and seat control buttons, which had simply become ridiculous. I actually don't mind the droopy rear as long as it had a spoiler. On both the '92 and '00 Bonnies, the spoilerless decklid was a styling no-no. The faux vent windows are a nice styling touch in that - combined with a thinner, blacked-out A-pillars - it gave it the look of having a cantalievered roof.

Wow. Its the Summer Event and they have those horrible snowish colors. Nice. Not.

Oh yeah. I was just commenting on the split headlamp cluster, which is something done already on the Aveo except its solid amber, not 'cleared.' Also, note the horizontal chrome bar in the grille of the Chery. See how the line would extent to bisect the headlamps? Gee, what car company did something similar to their midsize entry and got mocked like Sissy Spacek on prom night because of it?

Do you even know we have a C&G Store? If not, check it out! C&G Company Store C&G CafePress Store Would anyone be interest in purchasing products such as... Calendar featuring members' cars - photographs would be selected by voting; those who win would be included in the calendar. Design Showcase merchandise - T-shirts, mousepads, and other items featuring sketches and 'chops from our Design Showcase. Here's an example... This particular shirt retails for $11.49. Remember, all profits go directly to supporting C&G and its activities (site upgrades, purchasing spyshots for your viewing, etc). Any suggestions or comments on this at all?

If you look at the progression of Cadillac advertisements (including this latest movement), it makes perfect sense. The older, staid commericals followed by the Break Through hard-rocking spots for the middle-aged set, followed by the hip contemporary nature of these latest spots.

Wanna bet the Aveo holds up better than a B-29 Superfortress or whatever that is?

Well, we wouldn't apparently be getting those headlamps on our version. And...

Nice fake C-pillar 'window' treatment. More rolling jokes from overseas. What year is it going to come over this time, Malcolm? 2007? 2008? 2009?

ORLY?

Complete article at GMTruckBlog.com Click the link at the top of the page for more pics/info.