Flybrian

I guess I really shouldn't complain. Its been hot n' humid here lately, but the other night at about 2am, we hit a record low for July...

Keep in mind, this country hasn't had a mass-market advanced RWD car in decades. We had ranky old RWD ones (Crown Vic, B-body) and advanced FWD ones (LH-, G-body), but not both together...yet.

Seriously, if its about weight savings, a total of 24lbs in a car that's never going to see the racetrack is pretty ridiculous.

I liked the L-Series in its final years.

6 9 3

Welcome to Choppin' Competition #24! I've got a feva'...and the only cure...is more Zeta! A mere three hours after Holden debuted their next-generation VE Commodore, Statesman, and Caprice sedans, we're getting set to make them better...for the American market. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to take one of the four Holden VE sedans and Americanize it as a US General Motors product. Remember that the vehicles we're likely to see are a Pontiac, Buick, or Chevrolet, with the most likely models being Monte Carlo, Impala, G8 (Bonneville/Grand Prix replacement), GTO, Invicta (Buick sedan), or Riviera. The bodystyle you create is up to you. Size guidelines remain at 800x600, so please size your entry accordingly. Here's the link to the images to get you started: Holden VE Range The winner will recieve a GM-related prize and will likely be featured on the Cheers and Gears homepage. Deadline is Saturday, July 29th @ 11:59PM your local time.

FOR RELEASE: 2006-07-15 CONTACTS Holden's Flagship Statesman And Caprice Go On Show Sneak peek of Holden's prestige heroes before September launch The all-new Holden Statesman and Caprice flagship cars today made their international debut in Melbourne in a historic double reveal. The WM series Statesman and Caprice were unveiled alongside Holden’s VE Commodore to highlight the design and development breadth of Australia's first $1 billion car program. The surprise showing came before the official launch of WM Statesman and Caprice in September. Statesman and Caprice boast the highest ever level of unique design applied by Holden, with virtually every panel and interior feature different from Commodore. Holden invested another $190 million to develop the new generation Statesman and Caprice on top of the $1.03 billion VE program, underlining its importance to General Motors. WM will extend a long-standing role with senior Federal and State politicians, government officials, businesspeople and private buyers in Australia and overseas. The current Holden long-wheelbase cars have been the best-selling locally built prestige vehicles each year since 2000. Taking exports into account, they are Holden’s second largest-selling locally built vehicles. Holden last year exported more than 27,300 vehicles based on the current WL series Statesman and Caprice, more than seven times the number sold in Australia . The vehicles carried the General Motors brands of Chevrolet in the Middle East , Buick in China and Daewoo in South Korea as well as Holden in New Zealand . They led Holden to record vehicle exports of 60,518 for 2005. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, said the design differences between the all-new WM Statesman and Caprice and the VE Commodore were greater than ever before. Mr Mooney said Holden decided to reveal both ranges together to highlight the breadth of its design and development achievements. He said WM would elevate its position as one of the most spacious and accommodating sedans in the world for rear seat passengers. “This car delivers design themes worthy of its leadership of Australia's automotive hierarchy, a luxury vehicle setting its own path more than ever before,” Mr Mooney said. “The all-new WM Caprice is the most distinctive modern vehicle which Holden has had the pleasure of calling its own. “Virtually every panel is unique to WM. This car is now our biggest seller overseas which has allowed us to take the car to a whole new level. “You’re not buying a longer Commodore, you’re buying a stand-alone car. Caprice will be among the most spacious passenger cars in the world, designed, engineered and manufactured right here in Australia . “The space and comfort for rear passengers is particularly impressive and relevant for the buyer type and its proportions are truly stunning.” The Holden WM Statesman and Caprice will offer the high output Alloytec 3.6L V6 engine, delivering peak power of 195 kilowatts, and the Generation IV 6.0L V8 alloy engine delivering peak power of 270 kilowatts. Both vehicles will go on sale in September 2006. Pricing, full specifications and features will be announced closer to the start of sales.

FOR RELEASE: 2006-07-15 All-New Holden Commodore Unveiled To The World Fourth generation of Australia's best-selling car range revealed Holden today unveiled the all-new Holden Commodore range, designed and engineered to extend a decade-long record as Australia's best selling car. The 2006 VE Commodore is Australia's first $1 billion car program and the most homegrown development project in almost 60 years of Holden vehicle production. The fourth generation Commodore is much safer, offers more technology and delivers more features and value than ever before. Interiors, exteriors and major mechanical features have been totally redesigned or upgraded, representing the most clean-sheet car program in Holden history. Holden spent more than six years planning and developing the new Commodore, the first generational change since the multiple award-winning VT Commodore was launched in 1997. Holden launched the Commodore in 1978 and has built 2.4 million Commodores for sale in Australia and export markets around the world. Holden’s sports performance hero SS model and prestige leader Calais were chosen to debut VE Commodore at an event in Melbourne. The all-new WM series Statesman and Caprice flagship models, representing Australia's most successful locally designed export cars last year, were also shown in an historic double reveal. Commodore’s design theme is enabled by an increased wheelbase which moves the wheels closer to the car’s corners, delivering a powerful European-styled stance on the road. The launch comes 75 years after Holden became part of the world’s largest automotive company, General Motors. It is also 150 years since the original Holden saddlery business, which grew to be today’s GM Holden, opened in Adelaide. GM Holden Chairman and Managing Director, Denny Mooney, today said VE Commodore was designed to excite buyers about Australian cars and enhance Holden’s future as the largest automotive manufacturer in the country. Mr Mooney said General Motors had invested more than $6 billion in Australia over the past decade, including VE, to protect Commodore’s market-leading position. The VE program totalled $1.04 billion and the WM Statesman and Caprice program $190 million, taking the combined cost to $1.23 billion. Mr Mooney said VE Commodore had potential for GM markets around the world, having been engineered from a global architecture for left-hand-drive requirements such as the Middle East. He said VE offered striking design, performance and refinement able to compete with the world’s best car brands. “VE Commodore delivers ultimate value to the Australian buyer. Its design is comparable to anything in the world and we made major advances in refinement and quality,” Mr Mooney said. “Our targets have been some of the most expensive and most carefully crafted cars around the world and this careful consideration of global expectations is what should make this car work. “We pored over every panel, the tiniest of details to place this car right up there in terms of refinement, quality and performance.” Mr Mooney said safety was a key factor in the new vehicle, with the acclaimed crash avoidance technology Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) standard and curtain airbags available on the entire VE sedan range. “The chassis is designed to accommodate a range of active and passive safety technologies as well as the crashworthiness expected in many different markets,” he said. “We have used more super-strength and high-strength steels than ever before in Commodore’s structure. Real world crash performance was a huge priority throughout its development.” Mr Mooney announced a revised model line-up for the new range, including a new name to Holden, Omega, to replace Executive and Acclaim. “We are also adding extra class with the introduction of a new concept, the V Series, to highlight our top-of-the-line offerings. This will commence with the SS V and Calais V,” he said. “The peak power of our advanced Alloytec V6 engines, made right here in Australia , will move up to 180 and 195 kilowatts respectively. “ The six-litre V8 will stamp its authority with peak power and torque of 270 kilowatts and 530 Newton metres which will really deliver the performance Holden buyers know and love. “We will introduce a new six-speed automatic transmission for V8 models, sharing it with GM’s premium cars such as Cadillacs and the Chevrolet Corvette. “We have introduced all-new front and rear suspension systems to provide outstanding handling without sacrificing ride comfort. The car’s microprocessing capability has more than doubled and allows us to provide new levels of safety and user-friendly features.” Mr Mooney said recent market changes and external factors such as fuel prices were best countered by ensuring locally built vehicles were able to mix with the world’s best. “The Australian car industry has a strong future while it continues to make globally competitive cars such as VE Commodore,” he said. “We’re proud of what we have achieved with the all-new Commodore. We know Australians still enjoy large cars and we know they want safety, roominess and style in their cars.” The Holden VE Commodore range will go on sale in August 2006. Pricing and full specifications and features will be announced closer to the start of sales. 2006 HOLDEN VE COMMODORE –HIGHLIGHTS Overview Australia's first $1 billion dollar car program. This compares with $600 million spent on the acclaimed VT range released in 1997 Combined with WM Statesman and Caprice, total program costs were $1.23 billion Most clean-sheet car program in Holden’s history More than 3.42 million development kilometres were driven during the program About 2.4 million Commodores have been built for domestic and export sales since the VB Commodore was launched in 1978 Holden Commodore has been Australia's best selling car each year since 1996, the year before VT was launched Model lineup The new Omega and V Series models feature in a revised Commodore lineup. Omega replaces Executive and Acclaim while the V Series adds new variants to the leading SS and Calais nameplates. Omega (new) – 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic Berlina – 3.6L V6, peak power 180kW, peak torque 330Nm, four-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic SV6 – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic or six-speed manual SS – 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual SS V (new) - 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic, six-speed manual Calais – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic Calais V (new) – 3.6L V6, peak power 195kW, peak torque 340Nm, five-speed automatic; 6.0L V8, peak power 270kW, peak torque 530Nm, six-speed automatic Engines Two variants of the advanced all-aluminium 3.6L Alloytec V6 engine will be offered The high output Alloytec will deliver peak power of 195kW @ 6500rpm and peak torque of 340Nm @ 2600rpm, up 5kW and 5Nm The Alloytec V6 will deliver peak power of 180kW @ 6000rpm and peak torque of 330Nm @ 2600rpm, up 8kW and 10Nm Increased output from the new 6.0L Generation 4 V8 engine to peak power of 270kW @ 5700rpm and peak torque of 530Nm @ 4400rpm, up 10kW and 20Nm. This makes the new engine the most powerful standard Holden ever produced Plans for a 3.6L dual fuel LPG Alloytec V6 engine later in the year. Transmissions Five transmissions will be offered, comprising three automatic and two manual transmissions. An all-new six-speed automatic transmission will be offered for V8 variants, shared with General Motors’ flagship Cadillac cars and the Chevrolet Corvette. GM 6L80E six-speed automatic transmission with Active Select (introduced in the Cadillac STS-V in the United States ) makes its Australian debut as an option in all V8 variants Tremec T56 six-speed manual in SS and SS V GM 5L40E five-speed automatic with Active Select in Calais V6 Aisin AY6 six-speed manual in SV6 GM 4L60E four-speed automatic in Omega and Berlina Safety Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) standard on all models Driver, front passenger and side impact airbags available on all models Occupant protection system designed for real world driving environment Curtain airbags available on all models - standard on SS V, Calais and Calais V; optional on Omega, Berlina, SV6 and SS Ultra-stiff body structure, multiple load path strategy, structurally optimised front and rear deformation zones Greatly expanded use of super-strength and high-strength steels in the body Technology All-new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems Zone-based front and rear park assist systems available on selected models Multi-function display reporting system Bluetooth standard on all models except optional on Omega Roof-mounted DVD systems available on all models Auxiliary plug in audio systems to accommodate MP3 devices Integrated navigation and telematics systems available later in 2006 History VE is the 14 th series of Commodore since the original VB Commodore was released in 1978. The VB Commodore was introduced as a replacement for the iconic Kingswood family. New generations of Commodore were introduced in 1988 with the VN series and the VT series in 1997. Commodore has been Australia's best selling car for each of the past 10 years, including the end of the VS series (1996), VT series (1997-2000), VX series (2000-2002), VY series (2002-2004) and the outgoing VZ series (2004-2006). It is Australia's best selling car year to date in 2006, a significant achievement given general awareness of the pending VE arrival. Power and torque figures as per ECE regulations ESP is a registered trademark of Daimler Chrysler AG

2007 Holden Statesman Press Release Information Here

2007 Holden WM Caprice Press Release Information Here

2007 Holden VE SS V Press Release Information Here

2007 Holden VE Calais V Press Release Information Here

Welcome to the Choppin' Competition #23 Voting thread! Remember, artists who entered must vote for someone other than themselves. Those that do not vote or vote for themselves will be asessed a two (2) point penalty. Voters, please nominate three (3) entries in this format: 1st place 2nd place 3rd place Each first place vote earns 3 points, each second place vote 2 points, and each third place vote 1 point. Voting begins now and will end Satruday, July 22, 2006 @ 11:59PM. Only those votes cast during that time will be counted. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 VOTE----------------VOTE----VOTEVOTE----VOTEVOTEVOTE--VOTEVOTEVOTE-- -VOTE--------------VOTE---VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE--- --VOTE------------VOTE----VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- ---VOTE----------VOTE-----VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- ----VOTE--------VOTE------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE---- -----VOTE------VOTE-------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE---- ------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- -------VOTE--VOTE---------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTE---------------- --------VOTEVOTE----------VOTE----VOTE--------VOTE--------VOTEVOTEVOTE--- -----------VOTE----------------VOTEVOTE----------VOTE---------VOTEVOTEVOTE-- Good luck to all who entered!

So...so we done?

The 2000-2004 Mustang was overrated because - damn - it just got old by that point. But that's as far as I'd go. I also prefer even the old Silverado/Sierra to the F-150, but the F-150 is a very respectable truck and isn't hyped as much as say, the Titan. Damn, was that thing overrated by everyone.

Going once, going twice...

Different market segment - sport sedan vs. fullsize sedan. You know this.

The base model is a significant part of what I say because it seems the vast majority of the ones out there are either base 300s or Great American 300s, which is simply a base with slightly more decent equipment. Again, I don't understand how within the ranks of Chrysler, its possible to have a Dodge model be cheaper yet more equipped than a Chrysler model of the same car. It eludes common sense. Its easy to have the entire 300 series match the hype - give the decontented trim to Dodge. Done, next chapter. It seems as if the aura of this car exceeds the car itself. Explain the mediocre base model and the inconsistant equipment level. Again, speaking in term solely of overratedness, I feel the car doesn't deliver. I agree its significant, but again, because of what it represents, not the car itself. Let me say it this way: if there were already midpriced RWD sedans that aren't livery fodder (Ford), the 300 wouldn't mean as much. I truly believe the follow-on models by Chrysler's competitors will far exceed the existing 300, especially in design. One merely has to look to the Charger to see a more consistant, thoughtful styling result.

The overall blockiness and vast empty spaces turn me off. A luxury car of the 300s acclaimed lineage should include alot more authentic detailing rather than a huge patch of metal trim, a throwaway round analog clock (what car doesn't have one?), and cheesy fake door handle wood. You mentioned the tortiseshell steering wheel trim. Everyone has. The fact that its probably the single most oft-mentioned aspect of the 300s interior design says volumes to me. As a car in general, its a fine interior, but again, this is in relation to overratedness. Its a solid B, not the A people want to give it, IMO. 190hp may be fine for 2.7l of engine, but so what? 200hp from the Acura TSX's 4-cyl mill is great in and of itself, but put it in a DeVille and be lucky if you can idle with the a/c on. As you yourself said, its not appropriate for a car that large. Chrysler should know this from the previous LH cars. Again, this is in the area of overratedness and I think the entire base 300 as it exists knocks the whole line down a notch. Bam. People act like the 300 is the Second Coming, yet the same attention isn't lauded on the superior Charger. Identical platform it may share, but the execution is better. Dodge promises you attitude, brutishness, and a little bit of trash and dishes it out in copious amounts, even in the base Charger SE which - again - undercuts the base 300 while delivering more for the money in power, equipment, etc. Chrysler promises you, well, "The Refinement of Presence" for $24.5k. Last time I checked, that didn't consist of wheelcovers, a hood prop, 4-speaker stereo, and a 190hp gutless wonder under the hood. 'Refinement' costs you another $4,000 for the 300 Touring. Or, for $26k, you can get 'refinement' over at your Buick store. For that $24.5k, you don't get a 300; you get a Newport with a 300 badge...at best. Overpromise and underdeliver. That's the definition of overrated. Now, if Dodge/Plymouth would carry the POS base model while the 300 starts out with the Touring trim, it wouldn't be as overrated.

There's this total lame ass pizza delivery n00b in Missouri tooling around in some Ford Frusion or something. Why would you want to drive a car named after yogurt? What a knobgobbler.

Is this the same MSN who runs MSNAutos who still has a picture of the Grand Prix GXP concept car up for the Pontiac Bonneville GXP? Exactly...

A little under FOUR HOURS left!

Uh-oh.

Welcome to Sketch Competition #7! General Motors' Buick division stunned us in early 2000 when it showcased the LaCrosse concept car. Named for the athletic sport and its ability to cross the boundaries between sedan and utility, the stunning deep crimson concept left us eyes agap at Buick elegance reborn - a large chromed grille, elegant lines, full-width taillamps, ventiports, and a sweapspear. Buick stunned us again in 2004 with the production LaCrosse. Arguably an all-together competant automobile, it also featured a chromed grille and respectably elegant lines, but many feel much was lost in the translation. Perhaps it was Buick's faux pas to name the car after the concept that shared only that monkier. The current LaCrosse will be succeeded by an Epsilon II-based midsize vehicle. Your job is to create a production car that can help Buick recapture its essence and lead it into the second decade of the 21st century Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to sketch the next-generation Buick LaCrosse. Your sketch should include at minimum 2 (two) of the following: -3/4 Front View -3/4 Rear View -Interior View Remember, people will be voting based on the overall presentation of your entry, so the more views, the better, including ones not specifically listed above. Aside from 800x600 size guidelines, remember this must be a midsized Buick-branded vehicle. The current LaCrosse is a sedan, so its successor will include one as well, but don't feel limited to just envisioning a sedan. Many other bodystyles could easily compliment a LaCrosse sedan. Of all nameplates in existance, Buick easily has the richest history of design. You may look to the recent or distant past for inspiration or chart new waters ahead, its up to you. The winner will recieve a Buick-related prize! Deadline is Wednesday, August 2nd @ 11:59PM your local time. Good luck!