Flybrian

Somewhere, an intersection is missing signage... :rotflmao:

Those f@#kers sit right behind the sign when your cross north from North Carolina. Talk about a warm welcome. Sorry, but...yeah.

Quick hits: Ninety-Eight - More compliant ride, roomier, larger trunk, proven 3800 Series-II reliability. Intrigue - Better handler hands-down, more spirited performance, creamy twin-cam Shortstar, contemporary looks. For me, it would come down to equipment levels. Does either have leather? Full power seating? Etc? Actually, I won't lie, I'm a cheap-ass plus I like blue more, so I'd get the Ninety-Eight. Seriously. But that's me. If the Intrigue has PCS, chrome wheels, and a moonroof, then I'd be rollin' it like The X-Files Movie.

Uh. I hope not.

#1 Take decent pictures - preferrably not ones that I have to run through an FBI image enhancing lab and piece together like a puzzle. #2 Be reasonable - Just because you spent $6000 putting $h!ty equipment on a $300 car doesn't mean it is therefore worth $6300. #3 Think within means - People who shop Ferrari don't shop Craigslist #4 Keep it real - Don't try to sell woefully phony cars. #5 Know what you're selling - If you don't remember what kind of car you're offering, go out and read the name off of it. #6 Speak English - When selling a car to a large audience, don't use stupid cliquey terms that you and your other four broke, unemployed street racing buddies use to sound cool. WTF is an 'eg'? An egg? 'Extra Ghey?' I vote the last one.

Oh these were a result of those 'Make your Own Commercial' thing Chevy did for the Tahoe. It really backfired on these punks, though, because GM kept them up. They could've taken them down very easily, censoring them, but they didn't. It shows something.

Opel/Vauxhall To Introduce Low-emission ecoFLEX Models General Motors Europe Presents Extensive Environmental Strategy Berlin. General Motors Europe (GME) today presented an environmental strategy focusing short-term on reducing CO2 emissions and long-term on introducing new propulsion technologies. The strategy's key points: Opel/Vauxhall will introduce an ecoFLEX variant emitting lower CO2 levels in each model line; premiere at IAA in September GM will present HydroGen4, its next generation hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, at the IAA Cadillac will launch the BLS as bioethanol (E85) variant in fall 2007 Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet will offer E85 vehicles as of 2010 16 new GME engine families and ten transmission families by 2012 GME has intensively addressed the subject of emissions reduction and improved fuel economy for many years. This is evident in the current wide product portfolio, in which many vehicles meet or undercut the level of 140 g/CO2 per kilometer. As GM's largest brand in Europe, Opel/Vauxhall will unveil ecoFLEX models at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show (IAA) in September. These especially pro-environmental automobiles combine economy and driving enjoyment with low fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions in each vehicle class. The premiere model is a Corsa 1.3 CDTI emitting only 119 g/km of CO2, which will be launched in 2008. The Swedish premium brand Saab is also expanding its range of BioPower engines across its entire model portfolio this year. Cadillac will offer a similar E85 variant as of fall 2007, and in 2010, E85 vehicles are expected to be available for Opel/Vauxhall and Chevrolet. Between 2007 and 2012, GME will also introduce 16 new engine families with a total of 93 variants, as well as ten transmission families with 48 variants. Environmentally compatible from development to recycling "A vehicle's CO2 emissions are an important parameter, but by no means the only measurement of its environmental compatibility. That's why we are not restricting ourselves to the production of single, eco-friendly prestige objects. We want all GME vehicles to protect natural resources as much as possible throughout the entire life cycle, from development through to the recycling of materials. The start of Opel/Vauxhall's ecoFLEX environmental initiative at the beginning of June was an important step, as this campaign promotes the scrapping of old vehicles which do not meet today's environmental standards." emphasizes Carl-Peter Forster, President, General Motors Europe. More efficient engine technology and use of alternative fuels In order to further reduce fleet fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, GM is pursuing a strategy of short and mid-term objectives. Conventional internal combustion engines will be made more efficient and economical through continued development, and greater use will be made of alternative fuels. Eco-Turbo and CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) are the engine concepts at the core of ecoFLEX models. Engines with larger displacements are being replaced by new Eco-Turbo units with smaller cylinder volumes. The Eco-Turbo concept is used in both gasoline and diesel engines. Opel and Saab are pioneers in the use of alternative fuels in Europe with their successful CNG (Opel) and E85 BioPower models (Saab). GM's environmental strategy pursues a clear global objective of energy diversification and focus on more than one technology. E-Flex and fuel cells as propulsion systems of the future Presented this year, GM's E-Flex system enables multiple propulsion systems to be installed in a common, electrically driven chassis. Long-term, GM is working flat-out on the introduction of the hydrogen fuel cell – currently the only zero-emission vehicle option. GM has already invested more than one billion US dollars in this technology. The research department of the Fuel Cell Activities Center (FCA) is currently being integrated into regular production development, giving it a central role within GM. The GM HydroGen4 – the European version of the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicle – will be presented at the IAA and marks the next step toward fuel cell production readiness. A fleet of ten vehicles will undergo testing in Berlin as of next year.

Me too!

Lutz Talks Back Part I "Hey Bob...what's up with all the concept cars that never go into production" In the first of what promises to be several installments where Vice Chairman Bob Lutz talks face-to-face with the camera to respond to some boiling questions about the present and future of GM, its divisions, and individual products, Mr. Lutz answers the perennial question of what the heck is the deal with stunning concepts not being produced? In short summation... Velite - 'Prioritized out' as a result of increased spending towards fuel-efficiency and alternative fuel/propulsion Bel Air - Not a 'compellingly-beautiful car' to fund. Sixteen - No. Period. From a 'public image' and 'sensitivity' standpoint - as well as recent CAFE decisions - a Sixteen would not be a 'prudent' decision. However, Lutz did offer encouraging words that a luxury flagship is still in the cards, just do away with the expectations of sixteen-cylinder grandeur. In fact, the Chairman himself acknowledged the sub-CTS was a size Cadillac should be looking at. Finally, Mr. Lutz reinforced the ideal that GM is the one organization that fosters more concepts to production than anyone else in the industry, mentioning the H2, Solstice, SKY, and Centieme as dream cars that became reality. So, what do you think? Disappointed yet? I know I am, especially for my freshly-snuffed hopes of seeing Velite and Sixteen. Let Mr. Lutz know what you think by leaving a response on his blog here... Bob Lutz Answers FastLane Questions ...and make sure you mention where you're from...Cheers and Gears! As mentioned above, this will be one of several video installments released by FastLane. We'll bring you the others in this series as they're released. The second video is slated to be posted in about a week.

Still better than the Town Car. In any case... ...were front-wheel drive and did not look it.

The Avenger is doing wonderfully. I here you can get them for like $130 a week. Oh, you can buy them, too?

The Tundra face will make it hideous no doubt.

Spycam: Next-gen Toyota Sequoia Link to Original Article @ MotorTrend The next-generation Toyota Sequoia, the king of Toyota's SUV family, has been snapped for the first time up close and personal by the Brenda Priddy spy crew. Codenamed 200L, the all-new vehicle is based on the new Tundra platform and is being designed to go head-to-head with GM's GMT 900 family of large SUVs. Expect the Sequoia to offer the same engine options as its Tundra sibling -- the 4.7 and 5.7-liter V-8s. According to Priddy, both the SR5 and Limited (front view) trim models were being tested of this new beast, which looks plenty big enough to rival the interior room of the GM offerings and clearly has Tundra DNA in its design. Judging by the trailer that is hitched up to the Limited example, expect it to rival The General's SUVs in towing capacity as well. Of course, with Toyota pressing its advantage on the hybrid front, we'll be interested to see what fuel-saving technologies, if any, it will employ on the new Sequoia. GM has been making news lately with its plans to hybridize its full-size SUV fleet, and it will be interesting to see what Toyota will do to counter the move. Production of the new Sequoia is expected to begin sometime around the end of the year, with its auto show reveal rumored to be at next February's Chicago Auto Show. Expect to see it on showroom floors by spring of 2008 at the latest. Still unclear is if it will be a 2008 or 2009 model year vehicle.

Cadillac reveals more details of new BLS Wagon Bio-ethanol fuel option available for 2008 in BLS Sedan and Wagon New two-stage turbo diesel engine with 180 hp / 132 kW Expressive design combines elegance and versatility DETROIT - The Cadillac BLS Wagon will make its world premiere at the IAA International Motor Show, 13 to 23 September in Frankfurt, Germany. In addition to its first offering of a station wagon, Cadillac is announcing it will offer an alternative, bio-ethanol-fuel engine for the BLS Sedan and Wagon. Both moves demonstrate Cadillac's commitment to continued growth in the European market. Sales of the BLS Wagon throughout Europe will commence in November 2007. The bio-ethanol-powered BLS will be available at start of sale. Bio-Ethanol power option for BLS The BLS Wagon and Sedan models will be the first Cadillac models to be offered in Europe with the option of low-emission, bio-ethanol engines. Bio-ethanol is in use today in the USA and Brazil as an alternative to traditional gasoline fuels. The BLS with Bio-Ethanol power will go on sale in November 2007. New diesel engine The front-wheel-drive BLS Wagon is offered with the same range of power units as the BLS sedan, giving the choice of a turbo-diesel and three turbocharged gasoline engines. In addition, a powerful 1.9L four-cylinder two stage turbo-diesel engine with common-rail direct-injection delivers 132 kW (180 hp) and 400 Nm of maximum torque. Depending on engine specification, the BLS Wagon offers the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a five- or six-speed automatic transmission. For BLS models equipped with an automatic transmission, a standard Sport Mode button allows the driver to select a sportier transmission shift pattern. The range of gasoline engines includes two 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged units developing 129 kW (175 hp) and 154 kW (210 hp). A high-tech, 2.8L V-6 developing 188 kW (255 hp) features a twin-scroll turbocharger and variable phasing of the intake camshafts. Expressive Design and Versatility As the first station wagon in Cadillac's 104-year history, the BLS Wagon marks a new milestone for the brand. Clear, crisp and sharply defined contours, characteristic Cadillac design features, a striking wedge shape that is emphasized by the tapered lines of the side windows all make the Cadillac BLS Wagon an appealing new entry in the midsize station wagon segment. "The BLS Wagon is an appealing addition to the Cadillac portfolio for customers seeking dramatically designed luxury vehicles that offer versatility and performance along with outstanding ride and handling characteristics," said Cadillac General Manager Jim Taylor. "We think it will do well in many European markets where consumers desire a high degree of versatility and functionality in their vehicles." From the front bumper and Cadillac hallmark V-shaped chrome-plated grille, to the trademark vertical tail lamps with the latest LED technology and rear bumper, the Cadillac BLS Wagon measures 4716 mm, compared with 4680 mm for the BLS sedan. At 2038 mm wide (including exterior rear view mirrors) and 1543 mm in height (including roof rails and roof antenna), the BLS Wagon combines a compact, sporty shape with a high degree of versatility and functionality. Luxurious Interior The BLS Wagon interior is highlighted by a three-spoke leather steering wheel and an analog clock in the center stack. The circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. State-of-the-art infotainment systems include high-quality audio units from American sound specialist Bose, a DVD navigation system with touch-screen operation, a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone system with a hands-free kit and remote controls on the steering wheel. The Cadillac BLS Wagon offers plenty of interior space to support a wide variety of luxury and leisure interests. With the rear seats in use, the boot measures 419 liters loading space, with an additional 12 liters below the floor. With the rear seats folded down, the total amount adds up to 1285 liters of flexible and versatile cargo space. Comfort and driving dynamics The chassis of the BLS Wagon has been developed to provide both the agility and comfort customers expect from a Cadillac. Fine tuning of the McPherson struts in front and a four-link rear axle ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising ride or load capacity. BLS Wagon available in Europe in November 2007 The Cadillac BLS Wagon will be in European Cadillac showrooms in November 2007, shortly after world début at the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt, (13 - 23 September 2007). It has four levels: Business, Elegance, Sport and Sport Luxury. The standard "Business" trim level offers 16-inch alloy wheels, Cadillac's StabiliTrak electronic stability program engine immobilizer, front, side and head curtain airbags, driver trip computer, three-spoke leather steering wheel with control buttons, cruise control, air conditioning, a seven-speaker audio system with CD player and "Piano Black" interior decor trim. The intermediate trim level "Elegance" features additional standard equipment, including, wipers with rain sensors, eight-way power seats, dual-zone climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels. Red walnut wood veneer trim enhances the interior decor. The Cadillac BLS "Sport" adds 18-inch wheels and lowered sports suspension for the front MacPherson struts and four-link rear axle. The chassis tuning ensures dynamic handling performance without compromising comfort. The BLS Sport interior is highlighted by the use of stylish aluminum trim instead of wood and the circular instruments have white numerals and red needles on a black background. The "Sport Luxury" level is available in combination with the 2.8 V6 engine and the 1.9 Turbodiesel engine. In addition to the "Sport" content, it includes Bi-Xenon headlamps, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with memory function and wood trim, instead of aluminum trim.

This, but no Scirroco. Ohkay...logical. Whore yourself out, VW.

Buick dealerships sell authentic ventiports as show here and will even professionally install them for you. However, some amatuers like this stick 'em on willy-nilly. The ugly square, triangular, or rhomboid portholes can be bought anywhere.

From GM FastLane Blog

Wow. Very much appreciated, Balthazar! I will defintiely let you know.

New Saturn Vue helps keep boat trailers, campers under control Enhanced StabiliTrak with Trailer Sway Control highlights long list of safety equipment Detroit - Hauling summer toys such as personal water craft, campers and all-terrain vehicles is now safer and easier with the Trailer Sway Control program on the new 2008 Saturn Vue. The innovative feature is integrated into the vehicle's standard StabiliTrak system. When the system detects that the trailer is swaying, it applies the vehicle's brakes, independent of the driver applying the brake pedal, to help stabilize the vehicle. The StabiliTrak indicator light will flash on the gage cluster to signal the driver to reduce vehicle speed. If trailer sway continues, StabiliTrak will reduce engine torque to slow the vehicle. Common causes of trailer sway include improper trailer weight balance, excessive vehicle speed, uneven road surfaces and strong side winds. Trailer Sway Control is part of the Vue's comprehensive array of standard safety equipment that also includes six air bags, active front head restraints, collapsible foot pedals, antilock brakes and OnStar. Vue XE AWD (3.5 V6), Vue XR FWD (3.6 V6) and Vue XR AWD (3.6 V6) can tow up to 3,500 lbs. Vue XE FWD (2.4 L4) and Vue Green Line hybrid (2.4 L4) both have 1,500 lb. towing capacities. While the Vue's Trailer Sway Control system improves vehicle safety, drivers still need to operate in a safe manner. Before trailering, drivers should consult their owners' manual for complete information on towing safety and the capability of their vehicle.

Demolition Derby! Just kidding. My plans include 1) Getting it here (duh) 2) Making it as mechanically reliable as can be 3) Repair a/c and radio/speakers 4) Make any cosmetic improvements I can Eventually... 5) Reupholstery 6) Repaint sheetmetal and dye top a dark green or blue No timeframe, just when I feel like it and can. My girlfriend knows a shop that'll probably do the paint and bodywork as well as interior fixing on the cheap and since this is neither a show car nor my beloved Aurora, a decent look is fine by me. Oh, and yes, a 455 baby!

YOU JUST GOT IT!!

Ohkay....

Kevin Spacey

Rustamino!