Flybrian

Yeah, this has more class than the 'real' Sebring.

SPY SHOTS! 2009 Chevy Corvette SS Room for Supercharger, Carbon Fiber Roof and More Link to Original Article and Spy Shots @ Popular Mechanics DETROIT — Here's our latest look at what the Corvette folks have been working up for the ultra-fast coupe class, the 2009 Corvette SS. At least SS is the name most used in referring to this 600-plus-hp, supercharged beauty. You might think it looks like today's Corvette, except for the tape over the fenders and the black covering on the hood. But you'd be wrong. Let’s go through the subtle—but very important—changes needed to make this a 200-mph car for the track. We think the hood covering hides a new bulge there—a necessary tweak to make room for that supercharger nestled near the vee at the top of the 6.2-liter V8 engine. There's also a solid possibility that the new hood on the new ‘Vette is made of carbon fiber instead of the traditional Corvette fiberglass. If so, that's a major move toward weight savings. Based on the black top we’ve seen on our spy shots of this puppy in blue and then again in red—though it’s new to the yellow, which we’ve also already seen—we feel even more strongly that the prototypes are already carrying carbon-fiber black roof panels. You might check out the stingy aero lip atop the deck in the rear. That’s new to the Corvette line, and a necessary accessory when traveling at high speed: At speed, the lip catches the air stream and forces the stream upward, creating a down pressure on the rear wheels (always good to have ultimate traction when moving at this car's hyperspeeds). That black lower rear fascia arrangement surrounding the exhaust tips also looks new to us. The rear view also shows new, stingy "mud flaps" that extend the fenders to cover the width of the Michelin tires. We told you before that Michelin and Goodyear were bidding for the tire contract for this vehicle, and so far it’s looking good for Michelin to take Goodyears off the Corvette for the first time ever. The Michelin sidewall details include "light load" and "outside" designations, with separate designs for each wheel. Rear wheels probably have an aspect ratio of 35 on 20-in. rims. Another detail near the fender is hidden beneath the black tape—probably two separate slots for air evacuation. Finally, we see the design of the wheels themselves once again. Behind the dual five-spoke design on the outside of the rims, there are 10 additional spokes set inboard. As with the carbon-fiber body parts, the wheel design offers ultra-light, unsprung weight to aid handling and ride and to cut down on the vehicle's overall weight. Boy, is this beauty gonna need it. —Jim Dunne

You look like you put reasonable thought into it and upon comparing myself, it looked plausible. Plus, I asked some folks; they agreed.

Actually, I've heard from folks that work with these 455s (V8Buick.com) that its best not to take off all the smogging equipment because it does give you a little better economy and most poigniently, these later-model 455s have lower compression to deal with unleaded gas anyway. You won't see a real massive boost in performance outside the exhaust. I really don't care for a monster rumbler or an asphalt-ripper anyway. I also hate some of these old boats from the 70s that just can't STFU even at low idle; it gets annyoing (and I don't mean a nice exhaust rumble like Ocn's Sierra; I mean plain loud and irritating). Totally not by bad. If it were, I wouldn't have bought a LeSabre. I'm just going to enjoy preserving one of the last old dinosaurs. Its such a great cruiser. All its needs is a tilt wheel.

Like Satty's mom, its been around.

Yup. Chrysler simply sold them the tooling.

Well, they're not announcing them anymore. They're gone from where I got them from.

???

Yeah, I'm an a-hole. Just doing some work on it today, though. Finally got it running smooooth with no surging or chugging at idle. New EGR valve, a few new hoses. Oh, and for the investors out there, buy stock in NEV-R-DULL because I plan on shining the chrome.

76,076 miles today. Tricked ya!

Chrysler considering dropping Mopar, Chrysler Transport Link to Original Article @ LeftLaneNews In an effort to get Chrysler's financial situation on the right track, the automaker has proposed dropping non-core assets in recent United Auto Worker contract talks. Chrysler has proposed shutting down or selling its high-performance parts division, Mopar, as well as Chrysler Transport, the division responsible for managing deliveries of supplies to Chrysler plants. According to Automotive News, the UAW opposes the divestments as Mopar and Chrysler Transport employ about 1,300 workers. It remains unclear if the divestments will remain as part of the final agreement.

GM offers dealers incentives In effort to halt sales slide, automaker will give retailers $250 for each sale through end of Aug Greg Bensinger | Link to Original Article @ DetNews | Bloomberg News General Motors Corp. is giving dealers cash awards in a bid to halt a 9.4 percent drop in U.S. sales this year, a program outlined in an internal GM memo. Retailers will get $250 for each sale made from Aug. 23 through the end of the month, the memo from Jim Bunnell, general manager of GM's Buick, Pontiac and GMC divisions, said. Dealers can use the money to boost discounts offered directly to consumers through most of September, GM sales and marketing chief Mark LaNeve confirmed Tuesday. GM raised incentives on large trucks this month after sales dropped 22 percent in July. The Detroit-based automaker said last week it slowed production at six North American truck plants because of the slump. "This seems to say the sales are shaping up worse than they thought they were going to be at this point in the month," said George Magliano, research director for Global Insight Inc. in New York. Chevrolet spokesman Terry Rhadigan and Saturn spokesman Michael Morrissey said the incentives apply to their divisions. LaNeve said GM has run similar programs as many as five times in the past 18 months as a means to control inventory. "We have an excellent opportunity to regain our momentum," Bunnell said in the memo. Sweet September Dealers may elect to use the $250 they earn in August to sweeten deals in September. The automaker will allow them to apply as many as four $250 "certificates," or $1,000, to the sale of 2006-to-2008 model-year cars and $500 to the sale of light trucks. GM shares fell $1.14, or 3.8 percent, to $29.18 at 4 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. They have declined 5 percent this year and 23 percent since June 30. "GM is saying, 'Let's get the dealers to really put their best selling muscle behind each sale now, and they'll have a little cash to help them close in September," Magliano said. Some Northeastern U.S. states are exempt from the program, according to the memo. In those states, dealers can discount by $1,000 some 2006- and 2007-model Buick LaCrosse and Pontiac Grand Prix sedans and GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier sport utility vehicles.

Because VW is cheap.

x 3

Wow. Sorry to hear about that, man. I know you loved that Monte. Avoid the G35. Most get thrashed by 'young professionals' and its pretty cheesy for an Infiniti. Also, I'd avoid the 300 because they're a dime-a-dozen. I'd want something less common myself. Running a V8 Monte Carlo through your insurer is a worthwhile idea. Yes, its a V8, but its also a Monte. 2006 Monte Carlo SS - 20222 - $19,700 Or be true to your name... 2004 Monte Carlo SS Intimidator - 24357 - $19,500

No, that color is really not flattering to anything. IONs had it. VUEs had it. Nothing should have it anymore.

$38,000 and no navigation. Wow. But very good walkaround, Cory.

Sexiliciousness!

GM Design Center - Conceptual Interior Elements In speaking of the future of interior design some months ago, General Motors stated that the black-tie radios seen in virtually every GM vehicle from the Aveo to the Lucerne were a "stepping stone" between the old, often clunky interior controls of the past and the fully-integrated designs coming in the near future. Today, GM released these computer-generated '2007 proposals' of radio/HVAC designs, instrument panels, and other interior design elements. Cars like the 2008 CTS are just the beginning of GM's future design language. And after seeing these, lets hope we caught a glimpse of it. As a note, the captions below are part official captions and part our speculation. 2007 GM Design proposed Scroll Wheel Key Fob 2007 GM Design proposed Fullsize Truck/SUV MCE Center Stack 2007 GM Design proposed Fullsize Truck/SUV MCE Center Stack 2007 GM Design proposed BRX Center Stack 2007 GM Design proposed Chevy Reconfigurable Cluster 2007 GM Design proposed Pontiac Advanced Cluster 2007 GM Design proposed Cadillac Reconfigurable Cluster Stalk Sketch Ambient Lighting Theme Sketch

A GUten Tag would make PCS happy.

Opel Presents Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition Limited special edition model with high-performance package Rüsselsheim. At the start of the fourth round of the OPC Race Camp, Opel unveils the Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”, a limited special edition version of the successful three-door model. The “Nürburgring Edition” emphasizes the connection between the racetrack steeped in tradition and the Opel brand. The Nürburgring, and in particular the legendary Nordschleife, are rightfully known as Opel territory, as this is where Opel production cars are extensively tested during their development stage. Manuel Reuter first highlighted the OPC models’ performance power in 2005, when he set a circuit record with the Astra OPC in this vehicle class. With the special Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”, Opel now raises the connection to the Nordschleife to a new level. The “Nürburgring Edition” is particularly eye-catching thanks to the sporty white lacquer, large rear spoiler, as well as exterior mirrors and B-pillars in carbon look. The racing circuit’s red signet also adorns the B-pillars. The second-generation IDSPlus2 chassis is familiar from the Vectra and Zafira OPC models and ensures even greater driving dynamics in the Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition”. Weight optimized white rims, a two-millimeter wider track and ultra high performance tires complete the high-performance package. The interior features special full leather trim, carbon-look décor and a badge on the glove compartment with engraved serial number. An image of the race track is also engraved in the head rests. The special edition’s 177 kW/240 hp 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine takes it from zero to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and to a top speed of 244 km/h. The front-wheel drive model comes with a sportily tuned six-speed manual transmission. “The special edition model is a tribute to the Nürburgring and our customers, who have made the Astra OPC the best-selling OPC model of the current generation,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Adam Opel GmbH. The special edition Astra OPC “Nürburgring Edition” goes on sale in the first quarter of 2008.

Corsa OPC Sets Circuit Record on Nürburgring Nordschleife Manuel Reuter sets new supermini record of 8m47.99 minutes Third record for Opel OPC model after Astra and Zafira Rüsselsheim. The Nürburgring Nordschleife, nicknamed the “Green Hell”, met its match today in the shape of a standard production Corsa OPC. After 20.8 challenging kilometers, the stopwatch showed 8m47.99 seconds – a new record for a supermini. Manuel Reuter set the officially confirmed circuit record during level four of Opel’s popular motorsport initiative called “OPC Race Camp”. The former Opel works driver and current head of the innovative racing driver talent search showed the candidates just what the 141 kW/192 hp top-of-the-line Corsa OPC is capable of. Reuter has already set class records on the legendary Nordschleife with the Astra OPC and Zafira OPC. Manuel Reuter, who is involved with the chassis tuning and post launch modifications to OPC variants, said: “You can sense that this car had its final tuning here on the most demanding racing circuit in the world. The Corsa OPC reacts directly to driving commands and remains fully predictable even well into the car’s physical limits.” The Nürburgring, and in particular the famous Nordschleife circuit, is Opel territory, as development engineers from Rüsselsheim regularly test and optimize the driving dynamics of new models there. The Corsa OPC, which has been on sale since March and already exceeded the planned annual sales target of 3000 units, also offers top class everyday driving fun away from the racing circuit. The sporty top version of the fourth-generation Corsa has a 1.6-liter turbo engine, which accelerates the car from zero to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. The Corsa OPC has a top speed of 225 km/h, and its maximum torque of 230 Nm can be temporarily increased by 15 percent via the Overboost function. The Corsa OPC’s only conservative trait is its fuel consumption – just 7.9 liters per 100 km.

GUte

That's the thing - I don't know if every other car in this segment has a true manuamatic-style setup or simply an 'electronic shifter.'

G8 Ute