Flybrian

Keep refreshing, guys, keep refreshing

SATURN HAS AN ALL-NEW OUTLOOK New crossover SUV offers great looks, eight-passenger seating and refinement NEW YORK – Saturn today unveiled the all-new Outlook crossover SUV at the New York International Auto Show. Outlook offers seating for up to eight and combines the capability of an SUV with carlike driving characteristics. Its contemporary styling represents the new face of Saturn design. Engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability, the Outlook is the latest all-new product that is expanding Saturn’s product lineup. It joins the Sky and Sky Red Line roadsters, Aura sedan and Vue Green Line hybrid, all of which hit Saturn showrooms this year. The Sky already is on sale. “Saturn’s portfolio of vehicles has never been broader, more diverse or more refined,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Outlook blends a new dimension of capability with optimal proportions, a stable stance and distinctive design .” Outlook features a body-frame integral design than enables lower step-in heights and generous interior space. Outlook offers three rows of seating, with the third row capable of comfortably seating adults – and with usable storage space behind the third-row seat. Access to the third-row seat is made easier with an articulated, industry-first Smart Slide ® second-row seat feature. Powering the Outlook is the GM 3.6L V-6 VVT. The engine features variable valve timing, designed for high fuel economy, low emissions and exceptional smoothness. The uplevel XR model (with dual exhaust) provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kw) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The single-exhaust XE model is rated at an estimated 265 horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft (331 Nm) of torque. The engine is backed by a new, fuel-saving Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission. Outlook is available in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models. Production of the Outlook will begin in the fourth quarter of this year at GM’s new Lansing Delta Township ( Mich.) assembly plant. Design The Outlook features Saturn’s striking new design language, which was first introduced on the Sky roadster. It has an instantly identifiable face, highlighted with a bright grille bar that is flanked by large, jewel-like lighting elements. The headlamps use projector beam technology to deliver bright, precise lighting. High-intensity discharge lamps are available. The profile of the Outlook is sleek and aerodynamic, with a sporty, tapered roof line. The rear glass wraps around the corners and is angled slightly toward the roof, enhancing the vehicle’s flowing lines. Distinctive chrome-highlighted horizontal tail lamps, a rear spoiler with LED center high-mounted stop lamp and chrome door handles are design cues that reinforce the Outlook’s premium appearance, while large 18-inch wheels and tires (19-inch wheels are available) contribute to the vehicle’s optimal proportions. Interior Like the exterior design, Outlook’s interior exudes style and refinement. A carlike “low and away” instrument panel enhances the feeling of openness in the front-row seats and provides a commanding view out of the windshield. The instrument panel and other interior elements feature high-quality, low-gloss materials and tight tolerances. Outlook can be configured for seven or eight passengers, including two front bucket seats, a 60/40-split second-row bench (three passengers) or two second-row captain’s chairs (two passengers) and a 60/40-split third-row bench seat (three passengers). Leather seating surfaces are available. GM’s industry-first Smart Slide feature is standard on all second-row configurations, allowing quick and easy access to the third-row seating area. The second-row seat cushion flips up while the seatback slides forward, effectively compressing the space occupied by the seat. It operates with one hand and enables adjustable fore/aft positioning of the second-row seat. When adjusted rearward, the second-row seat provides more legroom for taller passengers; when adjusted forward, it provides more storage space. Outlook also offers generous cargo room, including an estimated 116.9 cu. ft. (3310.6 L) when the second- and third-row seats are folded. In fact, Outlook even offers an estimated 19.7 cu. ft. (557.9 L) of cargo space behind third-row seat when it’s in its upright position – capacity many other SUVs and crossovers cannot come close to matching. Also, a covered rear cargo convenience center allows items to be stored out of sight beneath the rear cargo floor. In addition, Outlook’s second- and third-row seats fold flat for even more cargo-carrying capacity. Chassis and suspension Outlook rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks – a combination that enables an exceptionally smooth ride and stable handling. Sharp ride and handling reflexes also are supported by independent front and rear suspensions. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design, which also has an isolated mounting system that reduces noise and vibration transmitted to the passenger compartment. A strong body-frame integral structure is the foundation for Outlook’s responsive chassis systems. The structure is reinforced in numerous areas with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. It also uses dual-phase steel is select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Safety Saturn Outlook is designed to protect passengers before, during and after a crash. A strong structure is the foundation and it is augmented by a wide stance and low center of gravity that reduces the likelihood of a rollover. Outlook’s responsive four-wheel independent steering system also enhances safety by providing stable ride and handling characteristics. Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes are standard. Outlook is equipped with six standard air bags: two dual-stage frontal air bags for the driver and front passenger, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two head curtain side-impact air bags that cover all three seating rows. The head curtain air bags are among the longest air bags in any production vehicle. Complementing the air bags is GM’s rollover sensing system, which can preemptively activate the side-impact air bags if sensors determine a rollover is imminent. In the event of a rollover, the air bags stay inflated longer to provide increased occupant containment and because rollovers are typically longer in duration than non-rollover crashes. Outlook also comes standard with OnStar Generation 6 (with a one-year Safe and Sound plan), which features the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. AACN makes crash data available to participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate live-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. Comfort and convenience Rounding the appeal of the Outlook is a wide range of attractive optional and standard equipment, including ultrasonic parking assist, power liftgate, remote vehicle start, heated windshield fluid, DVD entertainment system and DVD navigation system.

PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS: 2007 SATURN OUTLOOK Overview Models: Saturn Outlook FWD and AWD Body style / driveline: Crossover SUV / front-engine; front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive Construction: Body-frame integral EPA vehicle class: Sport Utility Vehicle Manufacturing location: Lansing Delta Township Assembly Plant, Lansing, Mich. Key competitors: Ford Freestyle; Honda Pilot; Toyota Highlander Engine Type: 3.6L V-6 VVT Displacement (cu in / cc): 217 / 3564 Bore & Stroke (in / mm): 3.70 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6 Block material: aluminum Cylinder head material: aluminum Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 valves per cylinder; variable valve timing Fuel delivery: sequential fuel injection Compression ratio: 10.2:1 Horsepower (hp / kw): 265 / 198 @ 6600 rpm w/ single exhaust (est.) 267 / 199 @ 6600 rpm w/ dual exhaust (est.) Torque (lb-ft / Nm): 244 / 331 @ 3200 rpm w/ single exhaust (est.) 247 / 335 @ 3200 rpm w/ dual exhaust (est.) Recommended fuel: 87 octane Max. engine rpm (fuel cutoff): 6900 rpm Emissions controls: dual close-coupled converters; 2 pre- and 2 post-oxygen sensors Estimated fuel economy: 17 / 25 / 23.4 (FWD) 16 / 24 / 22.4 (AWD) Transmission & Power Take Off Unit (PTU) Manufacturer: GM Powertrain Type: Hydra-Matic 6T75 6-speed FWD/AWD automatic transmission Gear Ratios (:1): First: 4.48 Second: 2.87 Third: 1.84 Fourth: 1.41 Fifth: 1.0 Sixth: 0.742 Reverse: 2.88 Final drive ratio: 3.16 (FWD) 2.73 (AWD – PTU) Chassis/Suspension Front: Coil-over strut; direct acting stabilizer bar; full perimeter isolated cradle Rear: Linked H-arm independent suspension; coil springs with mono tube shock absorbers mounted on isolated sub-frame Steering type: Hydraulic rack-and-pinion; straight ratio and variable effort Steering ratio: 16.1 Steer wheel turns, lock-to-lock: 2.89 Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): 40.4 / 12.3 Brakes Type: 4-wheel disc Rotor diameter (in / mm): front: 12.8 x 1.1 / 325 x 29, ventilated rear: 13 x 0.8 / 331 x 20, ventilated Anti-lock braking system (ABS): Bosch 8.0 Chassis Controls: ABS / ETC / ESC w/rollover mitigation Wheels/Tires Wheel size and type: 18 x 7.5-in; cast aluminum (std) 19 x 8-in; cast aluminum (opt) Tire size and type: P255/65R18 ALS blackwall (std) P255/60R19 AL3 blackwall (opt) Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase (in / mm): 118.9 / 3020.7 Overall length (in / mm): 200.7 / 5097 Overall width (in / mm): 78.2 / 1986 Overall height (in / mm): 72.8 / 1846 (w/roof rails); 69.9 / 1775.5 (w/o roof rails) Front Track (in / mm): 67.1 / 1704 Rear Track (in / mm): 67.1 / 1704 Curb weight (lb / kg): 4722 / 2142 (FWD) 4936 / 2239 (AWD) Min. ground clearance (in / mm): 7.4 / 189 (FWD and AWD) Interior Seating capacity: 7 or 8 Headroom First row (in /mm): 40.4 / 1024 (w/o sunroof); 38.5 / 978 (w/ sunroof) Second row (in / mm): 39.3 / 996 (w/o sunroof); 38.3 / 973 (w/ sunroof) Third row (in / mm): 38.4 / 975.3 (w/o sunroof); 38.4 / 975.3 (w/ sunroof) Legroom First row (in / mm): 41.3 / 1049 Second row (in / mm): 36.9 / 937.2 Third row (in / mm): 33.2 / 843.2 Shoulder room First row (in / mm): 61.9 / 1574 Second row (in / mm): 61.1 / 1551 Third row (in / mm): 57.8 / 1468 Hip room First row (in / mm): 57.8 / 1468.1 Second row (in / mm): 57.9 / 1470.6 Third row (in / mm): 48.3 / 1226.8 Cargo volume Second and third row folded (cu ft / L): 117 / 3313 Second row up, third row folded (cu ft / L): 68.9 / 1951.2 Behind third row (cu ft / L): 19.7 / 557.9 Capacities Fuel tank (gal / L): 22.0 / 83.3 Engine oil (qt / L): 5 / 4.7 Transmission fluid (qt / L): 9.5 / 9.0 (Dexron VI only) Cooling system (qt / L): 11.85 / 11.18 Max towing capacity (lb / kg): 4500 / 2041 GCWR(lb / kg): 9500 / 4309 (FWD) 9700 / 4400 (AWD) GVWR (lb / kg): 6398 / 2908

2007 SATURN OUTLOOK STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE NEW YORK – The 2007 Saturn Outlook is built with attention to detail and is engineered to provide an ideal balance of style, size and capability. Built on GM’s new front-wheel drive truck architecture, Outlook incorporates compelling exterior styling, along with a flexible and refined interior space, a comprehensive safety package, carefully tailored powertrain and chassis systems, and good fuel economy. Outlook’s exterior designers worked with GM’s aerodynamics experts to craft a drag-defying shape that would not only look great, but also enhance fuel economy and acceleration. Experimentation in GM’s wind tunnel and with computer modeling led to the integration of a large front air dam, as well as air deflectors in front of the rear wheels, which reduced drag by shielding the underbody, suspension and tires from airflow. The vehicle's drag was reduced further by optimizing the tire-to-body relationship. By minimizing the size of the wheel openings around the tire package, there is less opportunity for air to pass between the tire and body – reducing the amount of drag. Additional time also was spent on working the shape of the wheel flares in relation to the tires to improve air flow. The result of this comprehensive aerodynamics quest is a coefficient of drag of just 0.361. Structure details A robust body-frame integral structure enables tight body panel fit and serves as the foundation for a responsive chassis system. The body structure is reinforced with high-strength steel, including a stiff steel cross-car beam welded across the floor between the B-pillars. Dual-phase steel is used in select areas, such as the lower engine compartment rails. Dual-phase steel is strengthened in the paint oven and offers easier formability, reduced mass, greater strength and better crash energy absorption than most high-strength steels. The Outlook’s structure also incorporates a new integrated structural front-end sub-assembly, which uses the bottom frame rails as the primary load-bearing structure. This facilitates easier assembly, because the front of the structure is completely open until the front-end assembly is attached. And, because the lower rails carry most of the load, the upper rails’ design enabled greater exterior design flexibility. Another benefit of Outlook’s body-frame integral structure is lower entry/exit height. Despite the vehicle’s SUV-like front-end height, the front door step-in height is 18.9 inches (480 mm); the rear door step-in height is 19.8 inches (503 mm). Entry to the third-row seat is eased with wide rear doors and GM’s industry-first Smart Slide® second-row seat feature. Ride and handling A strong structure is the foundation for the Outlook’s responsive driving experience. The vehicle rides on a long, 118.9-inch (3020.7 mm) wheelbase and wide, 67.28-inch (1709 mm) front/rear tracks. The wheelbase-to-track proportion lowers the center of gravity and helps the Outlook deliver smooth, carlike ride and handling characteristics. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar that helps provide a more immediate feel during turns. Isolated mounting points for the suspension help reduce noise and vibration. The rear suspension uses a compact, linked “H” design, which also has an isolated mounting system. This suspension design enables the handling prowess that comes with an independent suspension, but with minimal floor pan intrusion – a feature that helps the Outlook offer generous passenger and cargo space. It also allows for a high load-carrying capacity. Outlook has a 4,500-pound (2,042 kg) towing capacity, when properly equipped. Outlook also features standard power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, with variable-effort steering available. The suspension and steering system meet the road via standard 18-inch wheels and tires, with 19-inch wheels available. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard. The Outlook also offers the following features that enhance ride and handling, as well as safety: • StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology • Traction control • Tire pressure monitoring system Powertrain GM’s 3.6L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT) and a new Hydra-Matic 6T75 six-speed automatic transmission is the Outlook’s standard powertrain combination. The 3.6L V-6 VVT is a sophisticated, dual-overhead camshaft engine jointly developed at GM technical centers in Australia, Germany, Sweden and North America It was first introduced on Cadillac’s CTS sedan and SRX crossover. The engine uses full four-cam phasing, rapid data processing and torque-based engine management to optimize power, economy and emissions performance. In the Outlook, the 3.6L V-6 VVT produces an estimated 265 horsepower (198 kw) and 244 lb.-ft. of torque (331 Nm). The uplevel Outlook XR model, with dual exhaust, provides an estimated 267 horsepower (199 kW) and 247 lb.-ft. of torque (335 Nm). The four-cam phasing operation of the variable valve timing system ensures linear delivery of torque across the rpm band, while features such as electronic throttle control deliver crisp, immediate response and feedback. The engine uses electro-hydraulic vane-type phasers to rotate the camshafts relative to the cam-drive sprockets, allowing infinitely variable combinations over a range of 50 degrees. Additional engine features include: • High-flow aluminum cylinder heads • Four valves per cylinder • Dual-stage variable intake manifold • Sequential dual spray port fuel injection • Coil-on-plug ignition system • Electronic throttle control with integrated cruise control The aluminum-intensive 3.6L V-6 VVT also is designed to deliver its performance with smoothness, quietness and durability. The camshaft chain drives are nearly silent during operation. Other elements, including the cam covers, intake manifold and direct-mounted accessories, are designed to reduce or eliminate conventional points of noise, vibration and harshness. A long operating life is driven by heavy-duty and special components, such as a forged steel crankshaft, polymer-coated pistons and oil jets that drench the bottom of the pistons in cooling, lubricating oil. A new Hydra-Matic 6T75-E electronically controlled six-speed automatic transmission backs the 3.6L V-6 VVT. It is an advanced transmission with clutch-to-clutch shift operation for front- and all-wheel drive vehicles. Clutch-to-clutch operation allows for reduced complexity and compact packaging. A wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio helps the transmission deliver both performance and fuel economy, enabling up to 8 percent improved performance and up to 4 percent improved fuel economy when compared with current front-wheel drive four-speed automatics. # # #

This recalls those 'fuel walkout for a day' e-mails that sound great but would never work even if done.

IMO, the blacked-out parts of the Ralliart concept looked like Paul Walker ran out of $$$.

You can, with an All Access Membership. Only $29.95/month billable to your credit card or bank account. Ask Sixty8; he's got folders of bookmarks full of porn sites.

I've seen quite a few Commanders. Interestingly, they're rentals from Dollar. Seriously.

Kinda like their mind-numbing promotion a few years ago - The Mitsubishi Zero! Zero! Zero! Event. You know...Zero ...Zero ...Zero.

Let's compare to one of these cheesy American luxury cars with "too many gee-whiz gadgets that are bound be a repair nightmare" (-Edmunds.com). Hmmm... Thinking... Absolutely no electrical failures in six years of ownership of a Bonneville, again one of these chintzy Yank cars that fall apart. 107k miles, too. Oh, and it cost one-third of the S500. Of course, its a Pontiac, so its about 1/11th the car. And yet no issues. The respect Mercedes has was certainly earned over the years. No doubt the classics and oldies are excellent cars - elegant, strong, powerful, many of them timeless in quality and design. However, the technology bug bit them in the past few decades and bit them hard. Too many gizmos, too many systems that not only can but often do fail for utterly no reason. Compare to Cadillac. Caddies have always been laden with electronics and many times they do fail, yet their reliability is superior to Mercedes and the cost of the parts (and cars) aren't that expensive in realtion. Add to that the fact that MBs have become bland, blase, part of the background and yet the pricetags keep climbing. Who wants to pay $50,000-100,000 for an uninspired bankruptcy-from-repair-bills waiting to happen? There's a reason Mercedes dropped their free maintenance program. They probably wouldn't be making 15 lines of cars and SUV 'things' if they had to keep fixing them.

Mitsuwhoshi?

I can recall an '05 Elantra with 12k miles that I had to return because the a/c simply died four hours after I got it. Yet Hyundai is a rising star?

Sixty8, enjoy your birthday whip...

I liked it when Mercedes demonstrated three '07 S-Classes with radar-assisted braking and ran them all into each other. Overkill. Like None Other.

I'm considering lasers, force fields, stuff like that. I thought maybe a cloaking device, but if people hit me when my car is 18-feet long, blue, and visible... Ocn, Left side is fine. It was more of a swipe than a broadside and the impact was spread across the four sheetmetal panels of the car with the major damage concentrated on the two doors. I dropped it off at Robert's Collision Center in Clearwater a few hours ago. They did the repair work after my run-in with the Mustang (or actually, its run in with me). They do, imo, great work and since they're a Geico XPress shop, it shouldn't be too long. The adjuster did a quick walk-around with me and conjectured the two doors will likely need to be replaced completely as well as the front fender (again...) while the very small crease on the rear quarter look repairable. No structural damage apparent right now, which is fantastic. Bobo is right on the money. This is why I will always buy a large car and why I have strong hopes that whatever replaces the G-bodies will be at the very least as structurally sound as them. I can't say enough how simply solid these cars are and even though the damage looks incredibly bad, the doors still latch properly and the windows still work with just a bit more wind noise since the frameless glass is thrown out of alignment. Needless to say, I'm very impressed. Trina, nope. Mid-30s. Just another idiot racing around the parking lot. Note to all - DO NOT RACE AROUND PARKING LOTS BV, negatory on another car. As said before, perhaps a LaCrosse Super, Lucerne, or midsize truck is in the future in addition to our fleet, but I'd never give my Olds up unless it was absolutely irreperable. Right now, I'm driving my father's car - the SSEi - and he's got the rental, a white 2006 Dodge Ram SLT club cab. Its actually quite a handsome truck, though the wood is just hillarious inside. Cloth seats, PW, PL, PM, CD player, and A/C - an ideal truck. He'll be driving that more as he can use it for work. I prefer the inherent hotness of the Bonnie anyway. Will update when I get the car back. Thanks for all the kind words, guys! P.S. I'm disappointed no one has posted this yet...

Omnis are cool, aren't they? Calibers really don't look so bad on the outside at least. Haven't been up close and personal with one yet.

A Tundra sideswiped me in the parking lot of a mall. I was parked in a designated parallel parking space against a curb between two other cars. The worst thing is, I saw it happen while walking back to my car. The Tundra comes peeling around a corner, almost hits an Odyssey driving parallel to how my car is facing, and clips me instead. Needless to say, I was completely beyond pissed. My saving grace were the fifteen witnesses who saw it happen as it occured right in front of one of the mall's entrances. It ended up with the girlfriend of the guy driving the Tundra (in the passenger seat) getting arrested for some outstanding DUI warrant. Weird. All squared away with Geico; I'm no dummy about that. First thing tomorrow, its rental car time and I get to drive this ghastly pile to class, then up to the same collision center I went to last time. Oh, and no, I was the only one with my car at the time. I'm fine. In an alternate reality, the Tundra driver is in a coma thanks to me...heh. Thanks guys.

time someone's hit me. I'm beginning to lose count.

Yeah. The PT Cruiser is 'coming' and the midnight at the Isuzu Oasis is listed.

Brookville, PA.

6 13 10 1

Cory, I thought you've matured beyond that phase. I don't enjoy flashbacks to the early days of C&G.

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Wow! So many! 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!

Welcome to the Sketch Competition #3 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 four (4) entries in this format: 1st place 2nd place 3rd place 4th place Each first place vote earns 4 points, each second place vote 3 points, each third place vote 2 points, and each fourth place vote 1 point. Voting begins now and will end Saturday, April 15, 2006 @ 11:59PM. Only those votes cast during that time will be counted. This time, the 1st and 2nd place winners will recieve a special GM -related prize from Cheers and Gears! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

For those that insist on character attacks and those that insist on retaliating in kind, two wrongs don't make a right and stupid really is as stupid does.