Flybrian

Again, which of the competing large 6-7 seat crossovers offer fully selectable gearing?

FRANKFURT: 2008 Mazda6 Link to Original Article and More Photos @ Autoblog Frankfurt's IAA is just days away, and as the eventual deadline approaches, more and more info on new models are being leaked despite the best attempts of automakers to prevent it. This time 'round it's the new Mazda6, a mid-sized sedan set to go head-to-head with the new Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, among others. Let us be the first to say that compared to its aforementioned rivals, the new Mazda6 is miles ahead of the competition in terms of style and would even give some of the premium makes a run for their money. Some of the new features we can expect for the car include luxury items such as xenon headlights, LED detailing, heated seats and an engine starter button. If Mazda can maintain a similar price tag as the current model, the new 6 will turn out to be a sure-fire winner in the hotly contested mid-sized sedan market. The specifications are for European models, but the only major addition for U.S.-spec cars will be the option of a 3.5L V6 in addition to the base four-cylinder. The only official details we have so far is that the new car will weigh less than the outgoing model and will use less fuel and emit fewer CO2 emissions to boot. We'll bring you all the official details of the new Mazda6 when arrive in Frankfurt next week. Image Gallery

UPDATE No-go with the dealer on an AURA; he ended up getting a lease on a 2.8l 2007 CTS.

GM Anxious To Sell New Two-Mode Hybrid Transmission To Other Automakers Link to Original Article @ AutoNews Ford and General Motors could get a lot closer. The automakers have co-developed a six-speed automatic for front-drive cars. Now Ford is interested in using GM's Two Mode hybrid transmission, which debuts on the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon SUVs. Kuzak said Ford has been talking to GM about buying a version of the Two Mode for use in rear-drive trucks. No deals have been announced. GM is anxious to sell the transmission to other automakers to increase production and lower costs. GM also has a fwd version of the Two Mode slated for production next year in the Saturn Vue. That gearbox could replace the one in the current versions of the Escape and Mariner hybrids and be used in the upcoming Fusion and Milan. The GM transmission probably would cost less than the hybrid transmission Ford imports from Japan from Aisin AW and would offer better fuel economy. But Ford plans to go its own way on another technology: dual clutch manual transmissions. Ford is working with Germany's Getrag Corp. to bring the fuel-saving gearbox to North America around 2010. A dual clutch manual gearbox shifts electrically without interrupting power to the rear wheels. A 6 to 10 percent fuel economy saving over automatics is expected. Ford calls the technology Power Shift. Versions would be used in compact and mid-sized cars. Suppliers say Ford is developing a six-speed automatic transmission for Super Duty pickups.

Sounds like a company that got caught with its pants down.

Toyota Takes A Swipe at GM’s E-Flex Link to Original Article @ Green Car Congress | 4 September 2007 Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is positioning its emerging approach to plug-in hybrid vehicles—based on augmenting the battery pack of a conventional hybrid and altering the operating strategy—as an approach superior to that of the series-hybrid architecture of GM’s E-Flex systems, as represented by the different versions of the Chevy Volt. The rationale, outlined by Toyota Executive Vice President Kazuo Okamoto in a presentation about the company’s technology strategies to investors in Tokyo on 3 Sep, is that once current parameters such as driving range, required battery size and charge time are factored in, the augmentation of the existing parallel-hybrid platform makes the most sense. The prototype Toyota plug-in is based on a Prius with a 2.6kWh NiMH battery pack supporting an all-electric range of 13 km (8 miles). The gasoline (flex-fuel) version of the Chevy Volt, targeted for production in 2010, is spec’d to have a 16kWh li-ion battery pack that supports a 40-mile all-electric range. The presentation, Challenges for Sustainable Mobility, outlined a number of Toyota technology efforts including advanced gasoline and diesel engine work and alternative fuels (biofuels, hydrogen and electricity). The investor presentation followed Toyota’s announcement in July that it has developed a plug-in hybrid vehicle and had become the first manufacturer to have such a vehicle certified for use on public roads in Japan. Toyota will conduct public-road tests in Japan with eight units of the Plug-in HV to verify electric-motor-only cruising ranges and optimal battery capacity. While doing so, it plans to provide the government with data for formulating testing methods for emissions and fuel efficiency and to consider TMC’s measures for promoting plug-in hybrids and the use of electricity. In addition, Toyota is also providing plug-in hybrid prototypes to the Advanced Power and Energy Program at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the Institute of Transportation Studies at the University of California, Berkeley (UCB), as part of its on-going sustainable mobility development program with the two UC campuses. Toyota and French utility EDF reportedly will announce an agreement this week to develop recharging points to serve the plug-in hybrid cars Toyota plans to roll out in a few years’ time. Toyota has already expressed concerns on the record about after-market conversions of existing hybrids to plug-in hybrids. Also, at the recent 2007 Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Michigan, Toyota told the audience that a number of serious hurdles stand in the way of getting plug-in hybrids on the road, and that even if the vehicles do make it to market, a battery-powered plug-in may be no more efficient in reducing carbon dioxide emissions than the current charge-sustaining gas-electric hybrids on the road today. In August, reports contended that Toyota was going to delay its deployment of lithium-ion batteries in high electric-mileage hybrids because of safety concerns with its batteries, which use cobalt oxide cathode materials.

STOP HAVING PERSONAL CONVERSATIONS IN PUBLIC!!!!! J/K

He's trading up from a 2002 SL2 with 34,5xx miles worth about $6,000 trade-in on KBB. I know Saturn is advertising a... Some questions since I've never physically purchased a Saturn nor dealt with leases myself: 1) Would a large up front amount positively affect the montly lease payments, i.e. $5,000 vs $2669? 2) Think a Saturn retailer has some wiggle room for a demonstrator XR (I know they have one) or a more well-equipped XE ($22-23k) to work it down to ~$200/mo? Any other lease/Saturn-specific advice would similarly rock. I really sold him on liking the car, so this is just the next step. Thanks!

No, its not. Cadillac should "surpass and become the benchmark" by using the same kind of powertrains their competion uses, regardless of their capabilities or performance. Makes sense.

Did Tucker engineer this, because it can't back up. Oh, and if you drive it far enough into the distance, it ends up at Camino's house.

It didn't work. Clicky

Three more models to follow Alfa 8C Comptezione in 2009 Posted by Sam Abuelsamid | Link to Original Article @ AutoBlog A month after announcing that Alfa Romeo would finally return to the US market next year with the 8C Competizione, more information about further products is now coming out. Maserati North America will be acting as the US distributor for the Italian brand when three more models join the lineup in 2009. The gorgeous 8C will have very limited availability with only the final 99 samples of a 500 car production coming to the US at a steep $200,000. The other models will be somewhat more accessible probably in BMW territory. The three car lineup will be topped by the 159 sport sedan in front and all wheel drive configurations. Joining the 159 will be the Brera coupe and the open top Spider. The Spider uses the Brera platform with a shorter wheelbase. Existing Maserati dealers will be the first to get Alfa franchises. -------------------- General Motors has or once had some loose connection with Alfa-Romeo, right? Because I would cheat on GM for these cars. 159 Brera Brera Spider

Don't blame China; blame the American corporations and consumers that want to save fifteen sents on a toaster oven they drove 20 miles to buy, then complain about gas prices over a $5.49 cup of coffee. As a side note, my father owns his SSEi and I own both the Olds and LeSabre. Three cars, completley paid for. I'll happily drive my 128,000 miles 11 year-old Oldsmobile while friends and folks my age are leasing themselves into unimaginable debt with brand-new luxury cars and sport utilities.

Suburban looks so much better. Two years ago, I'd make the same trade, but not today. Also, calling a little B.S. on OnStar (never paying for it ever again) and a big B.S. on HUD. I'm simply disappointed that GM puts it about three expesnive cars, just like those poopfaces at BMW does. Five years ago, I could get it on the LeSabre, Park Avenue, Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Rendezvous. Now, I can get it on an expensive Corvette, and expensive STS, or an expensive Acadia. No thanks. Such a wonderfully advanced feature needs to be standard equipment on every Cadillac, Buick, GMC, and high-end Pontiac.

Feel free to replace the LaCrosse with the Enclave; I'll gladly take your unwanted LaX Super.

NHTSA issues new airbag regulations David Shepardson | Detroit News | Washington Bureau WASHINGTON -- Motorists will be protected by both head and torso side airbags by 2013, under a new regulation adopted today. The rule unveiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires automakers to install side curtain and side torso airbags by Sept. 1, 2013. It goes beyond what automakers pledged to do in 2003, when they voluntarily agreed to install side head airbags -- but not side torso airbags. The 291-page regulation will save more than 300 lives per year and 260 serious injuries per year -- a smaller estimate than when NHTSA initially proposed upgrading the standard in 2004. That's because by 2013 all vehicles will be required to have anti-rollover technology, called electronic stability control. NHTSA rejected most requests by automakers to water down the testing requirement for the new side impact standards. It left in place a requirement to use a smaller crash-test dummy that better represents a short woman driver and kept a proposed new pole-crash test. NHTSA said the regulation will essentially require "a two-sensor-per-vehicle window curtain and separate thorax side air bag system." Complying with the regulation will add $243 per vehicle, but NHTSA says based on reviewing automakers' product plans, the new requirements will only add $33 per vehicle, or $560 million a year, to what the car companies were planning to do anyway. "With these rigorous new regulations, we are building on the strength of innovative and lifesaving side-impact technologies that are already available to new car drivers," said NHTSA administrator Nicole Nason. Automakers in 2003 agreed to add side airbags to all vehicles by Sept. 1, 2009. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the trade group that represents the Detroit Three, Toyota and five other major automakers, noted they have been committed to installing side airbags. "This is another instance where automakers were ahead of the curve on safety. Automakers saw the safety benefits from side air bags, and even though there were no requirements to install side air bags in vehicles, we have already put them in 84 percent of new autos," said Dave McCurdy, the alliance's CEO. "Alliance members believe this final rule will allow automakers to continue with the industry-initiated, voluntary agreement to install side air bags in all vehicles by Sept. 1, 2009." The group also praised the new rule. "Safety is the industry's number one priority. We commend NHTSA for its thorough review and analysis of the scientific data to ensure that the final rule will protect drivers and passengers in real-world conditions," McCurdy said. The new rule will do much for head protection -- noting that 41 percent of deaths in side impact crashes are from head injuries. The new requirement will reduce the fatality risk by 24 percent. The requirement goes beyond what automakers had volunteered, which was to install side airbags in vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less. NHTSA will require the heaviest vehicles weighing more than that to have the head/side air bag combination by Sept. 1, 2013. Smaller vehicles must have them by Sept. 1, 2012. When NHTSA proposed upgrading side protection standards in May 2004, it said it hoped to have the final rules in place by 2005. That delay drew criticism from the previous NHTSA administrator, Jeffrey Runge.

The G6 page makes me want to drop acid. Okay, yeah, typo.

When you turn the ignition key, does the steering column shake? That's another Koren econobox trait.

:AH-HA_wink: PSSSSSSST! Before we get to the good stuff, allow us to welcome you to our new subforum dedicated solely to America's sports car. In Zora's Corvette Hub, you'll find the latest developments on future models like the hi-po ZR1 info below as well as current and past 'Vette discussion. As with the Camaro Center and Volt-ometer, we recognize that these groundbreaking cars are especially important to our readers and will strive to bring you the best coverage no matter what aspect of General Motors you take an interest in. Now, onto the show! ************************** Corvette Blue Devil (finally) gets a name - ZR1 Posted Today 02:31 PM by Todd Lassa | Link to Original Article @ Motor Trend Chevrolet's 650-horsepower Corvette, developed under the codename "Blue Devil," will be called ZR1. That badge will appear on the January 2008 Detroit show car, and on the production version set to go on sale later next year as a 2009 model. GM has been developing this car for several years, using a supercharged version of the new 6.2-liter small block V-8 used in the 2008 Corvette(pictured). GM also considered such names as Z07 and Super Sport for the ultra-low-volume car. Price will be much higher than the 505-horsepower Z06, and Chevy will continue production of that car when the ZR1 launches. --------------- Chevy first used the ZR1 moniker for a reported eight cars built in the 1971 model year with a 370-horsepower, 350-cubic-inch (5.7-liter) small block V-8. The option cost $1,010, while a 425-horse 454 was $1,221. The '71 ZR1 came with no special bodywork or badging. Chevy revived the name in 1990 for a 32-valve Lotus-designed, Mercury Marine-built 375-horsepower quad-cam V-8. That car had a wider tail to accommodate P315/35ZR17 Goodyears on 11-inch wide wheels and was built through the '95 model year. Badges included a hyphen, as in ZR-1, which doesn't fit GM RPO nomenclature. GM has never confirmed nor denied rumors that "ZR" stands for "Zora's Racer." The blown 6.2 also looks like the engine that will power the next Cadillac CTS-v, rather than something based off of GM's new high-feature overhead cam V-8 debuting in '09.

You could try selling it to CarMax and hope they don't find out its held together with construction paste, bailing wire, and God's good graces long enough to give you a grand or two. I really feel no remorse letting a place like that who typically bilks people on overpriced lease turnbacks and ex-rentals get it up the rectum now and again. I wouldn't feel right pawning off obvious junk on someone whose intention is being a decent automobile. If they know they're buying a pile, Vaya con Dios. But do please be upfront to anyone looking for a car and not knowing what they're getting. I'm voting your plan down.

One Sunset Blue, one Light Platinum, one Thunder Gray Chromaflair (I think?) Anyone want pics? If so, I'll take some Thurs.

Why's it gotta smell? :AH-HA_wink: Grand Prix most likely, possible with G6. I doubt it with Trailblazer, though, because rental managers are rejecting midsize SUVs; people either rent the biggest or a van.

Trailblazer...up?

FRANKFURT: 2008 Ford Kuga FRANKFURT PREVIEW FOR NEW FORD KUGA CROSSOVER COLOGNE, Germany, September 5, 2007 – Ford is releasing the first details of its new Kuga crossover at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the car will be previewed ahead of production early in 2008. The Kuga will be previewed alongside the new Ford Verve Concept small car and other exciting new products yet to be revealed on the show's first press day, September 11th. The All-New Ford Kuga in Brief Stylish Ford Kuga crossover will be previewed at Frankfurt Motor Show in near production form ahead of sales launch in early 2008 Inspired by the iosis X Concept that was revealed at the 2006 Paris Motor Show Kuga is the latest showcase for Ford's 'kinetic design' Impressive on-road driving dynamics with substantial off-road ability Model range features 'intelligent' 4WD and FWD systems Powered by Ford's acclaimed 2.0-litre 136 PS Duratorq TDCi diesel engine Benefits from strong Ford Focus lineage First crossover designed and developed in-house by Ford of Europe To be produced at Ford's Saarlouis plant in Germany Ford of Europe's product portfolio is expanding again – and in another new direction. The new Ford Kuga is an exciting 4WD crossover that combines style with technology and promises impressive on-road dynamics coupled with substantial off-road ability. The new Ford Kuga will go on sale throughout Europe during the first half of 2008. "When we unveiled the stunning iosis X Concept car at the 2006 Paris Motor Show I promised that in less than two years we would enter this segment with an all-new vehicle developed and built in-house," said John Fleming, President and CEO, Ford of Europe. "In delivering that promise, the commitment we also gave in Paris two years ago to add new and exciting niche vehicles to a newly energised Ford of Europe portfolio was also kept," Fleming added. "Kuga offers a rare blend of a wagon and SUV features together with coupé-like sporting qualities," said Stephen Odell, Vice President for Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "A major element of our strategy to return the Ford of Europe business to sustained profitability is the introduction of exciting new products – like Kuga – that attract new customers to the brand," explained Odell. "The S-MAX proved to us that there is demand for vehicles which offer the customer universal usability for work, leisure and family roles and where "driving pleasure" is also very important." Unmistakably a Ford One of the challenges of the Kuga development team was to give the vehicle Ford's acknowledged driving quality while at the same time delivering substantial off-road ability. For this reason, the Ford Kuga will be available with an intelligent four-wheel-drive system which contributes positively to normal road use and helps give the vehicle an almost sporty dynamic ability. The fact that the Kuga will also be available as a front-wheel-drive only version simply emphasises the crossover concept of the vehicle. Kuga's powertrain will feature Ford's established and highly fuel efficient 2.0-litre, 136 PS Duratorq TDCi common-rail diesel engine mated to a Durashift 6-speed manual transmission. Further details of the Kuga powertrain will be released closer to launch in early 2008. Kuga Design - Standing Out "Our kinetic design form language is very flexible and is giving an exciting look to all our new vehicles," said Martin Smith, Executive Design Director, Ford of Europe. "The iosis X Concept demonstrated how kinetic design could be adapted to the C-sized crossover segment of the market. All the expressive design elements of iosis X are clearly visible in the production vehicle. The new Ford Kuga is a dramatic addition to the Ford portfolio which develops our brand significantly." Kuga closely follows the proportions and basic dynamic forms of the iosis X. This relationship is enhanced by the paint finish in the same unique 'Ice White' body colour and the bold wheel arches are filled with the same alloy wheels, as seen on iosis X which will be available to customers as a 19-inch option. Strength and athleticism in the design are key attributes of Ford's 'kinetic design' philosophy. Kuga demonstrates this through its dynamic lines, full surfaces and muscular presence. This athletic form language is highlighted with the bold kinetic graphics such as the trapezoidal front grills, rising belt-line and kick-up of the rear window graphic and the dramatic swept back headlamp shapes. For the production Ford Kuga the coupé-like roof profile of the iosis X Concept has been adjusted to a slightly higher silhouette offering comfortable accommodation for five people. The luggage compartment is accessed via a split tailgate and this, together with the divided rear lights, ensures the maximum full load width is available for loading and unloading. Finally, the rear end design of Kuga also incorporates the graphic elements of 'kinetic design' such as the high mounted tail lamps, facetted rear glass and sculptured rear bumper. The rear bumper neatly integrates the tailpipes into the contours of the diffuser. Kuga Interior – Space and Comfort The interior of the new Ford Kuga has a spacious feel – and not just because of the large panoramic glass roof fitted to the preview model and available as an option in production. The clean, ergonomic design of the instrument panel and centre stack converge into a voluminous centre console for maximum accessible storage. These interior components contribute to a comfortable surrounding for the driver and front seat passenger. The high seat and shoulder line position of the doors offers the opportunity for maximum glazed areas to give a light and airy environment for passengers and provides the driver a commanding view of their surroundings. The materials chosen for Kuga's interior also demonstrate the close links to the iosis X Concept. In Kuga we see once again technical materials, fine leathers and striking orange piping. The Ebony interior is set off by a centre console and details in the door which also feature the piano-white finish from iosis X. All these elements together show how Ford intends to enable Kuga customers in the future to personalise their vehicle. A hint of the technology coming in Kuga is seen in the new Blaupunkt navigation system which incorporates a 7" colour display to also show images from a rear view camera incorporated into the tailgate. This new feature, to aid reversing manoeuvres, will find its way to the production version of the Kuga. "We're very excited about Kuga, and believe that its blend of great looks, compact exterior dimensions, superb on-road driving quality, spacious and high quality interior and good off-road ability will allow it to stand out from the crowd," said Fleming. "We can't wait to see it on and off road early next year." Image Gallery

More like, No Matter What Anyone Thinks About You.