Flybrian

Welcome to Choppin' Competition #42! The Aero-X concept shown above was meant to preview a new direction for GM's Sweedish division, a vision that included dynamic, bespoke styling that enhanced SAABs appeal while remaning distinctly original. Elements of the Aero-X manifested itself in the recently-revealed 2008 9-3 line, including the more aggressive front fascia and ice-block taillamps. And while niche players have traditionally survived on one model alone, today's market demands diversification. The 9-3 reamins fairly popular, but the 9-5 and 9-7X were tepid performers at best. Your task, should you choose to accept it, is to design a reinvigorating SAAB vehicle. We already know that a future flagship 9-5 will arrive in a few years on Epsilon II while a NG Theta-based crossover could wear the 9-4X badge. Rumbings have also been heard over the past few years of a Sonett roadster joining the lineup. Those are but three ideas for future product and you are free to create anything you like in any segment, from compact to fullsize and and bodystyle. Keep SAAB styling cues in mind, but feel free to modify them or dig through SAAB's history for something innovative. You may use any vehicle as your starting point, but remember that the final product must be a SAAB. Some Picture Sources... -SAAB @Autodeadline* Size guidelines remain at 800x600, so please size your entry accordingly. Please do not submit your images as Bitmap (.bmp) files. The winner will recieve a GM-related prize from C&G! Deadline is Friday, July 7th @ 11:59PM your local time. Good luck and have fun! *Instructions for accessing high-resolution images through AutoDeadline: Replace the bold, orange section of the URL... (http://gm.wieck.com/forms/gm/*query?silverado&Source=all) ...with the make/model/etc you're searching for. Replacing 'silverado' with 'lesabre' will bring up downloadable hi-res images of the Buick LeSabre.

No problem.

The Amanti is really a joke of a car. I remember testing the first generation for laughs and boy was I rewarded with them. Sluggish, wallowy, hillariously-useless info screen. I'm glad to see the 'next'? generation upholds that traditional of mind-numbing pointlessness. I do like the dig at Buick, though. The Amanti beats the Lucerne...in any way? Excuse me? Someone obviously doesn't know how to mash the hammer if an Amanti beats a V8 Lucerne, which is not only fast but composed and quiet throughout acceleration. Lucerne is also less-strained on the highway even with the 'old' 4-speed. Also, for just under $30k, one can get a V8 CXL. Step up to the CXS and get a plethora of features the Amanti dreams of like...looks...and relevent equipment. Again, look at that huge Casio radio display. WTF is that about? I've seen one these on the road and it was a rental. Surprising? No. I would also be surprised to see any more of them, too. Its really one of the very few cars that a) has zero redeeming value and b) should absolutely not exist except for laughs.

He should have mentioned C&G! j/k!

Acadia Takes The Lead GMC crossover is expected to be new plant's top seller By RICK KRANZ | Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek LANSING, Mich. - General Motors expects the GMC Acadia to be the best seller among the three new crossovers it builds near here. The 2007 Acadia and Saturn Outlook and the 2008 Buick Enclave share GM's new front-drive Lambda vehicle architecture and are built at GM's newest assembly plant in Delta Township, Mich. Through May, 28,264 Acadias were sold, compared with 12,694 Outlooks and 1,905 Enclaves. Enclave production started in April. The base Acadia has a $29,990 sticker price, and the Outlook starts at $27,990. Both prices include shipping. "I think the GMC is No. 1 for a lot of reasons," said Pete Nico, vehicle line director for Lambda. "People walking into a GMC dealer expect to pay that kind of money or a lot more for a vehicle," said Nico, who was interviewed at a GM event last week near here. The Outlook, a large crossover, is Saturn's most expensive vehicle. "People walking into a Saturn dealer are not necessarily walking in to buy this big of a vehicle," Nico said. "It will be a learning experience for that buyer." Nico said he expects the Acadia to account for about 40 percent of production, with the rest divided between the Outlook and the Enclave. Nico estimates that 5,000 to 6,000 Acadias will be exported annually to the Middle East. The Delta Township plant has capacity to produce 180,000 units annually on two shifts, said Randy Thayer, the plant manager. Acadia and Outlook production began in November. Published reports had said that GM planned three shifts for the plant. "We wanted it, but GM decided that too many things were going on, and they wanted to put it on hold for now," said Craig Johnson, UAW Local 602 vice president, who attended the event. Thayer said GM invested $1.3 billion in the plant complex and $500 million on the Lambda product program.

Hoisted by my own petard. :rotflmao:

Please, please, please count me in for the following... And I have the feeling the Queen's Choice will be a Fiero.

Seen the 30sec spot a few times.

GM To Invest $100 Million In New York Plant For Diesel Engine Production TONAWANDA , N.Y. – General Motors Corp. will invest $100 million in its Tonawanda engine plant to produce an all-new, 4.5-liter V-8 Duramax high-output diesel engine for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra light-duty pickup trucks and the HUMMER H2. The engine fuel efficiency improves by 25 percent when compared with gasoline engines. Environmental benefits of the new engine include a 13-percent reduction in CO2 versus gasoline engines, and at least a 90-percent reduction in particulates and NOx when compared to diesel vehicles today. The investment includes a 200,000-square-foot facility renovation, new machinery, equipment and special tooling to bring diesel engine technology to New York. In addition to the $100 million facility investment, GM will invest an additional $41 million for vendor tooling, containers and investments at other locations necessary to support the Tonawanda operations. Construction is slated to begin later this year and production of the 4.5-liter V-8 diesel engine is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2009. The project will retain about 150 hourly jobs. “GM is transforming its product portfolio to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and the 4.5-liter V-8 diesel is an integral part of that transformation, as well as a component of GM’s strategy to diversify vehicle energy sources,” said John Buttermore, GM Powertrain vice president of global manufacturing. “This will be one of the most efficient and technically- advanced diesel engines, providing a 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and 13 percent reduction in CO2 emissions over gasoline engines in this segment – and it does all that while still providing the performance attributes required by customers in the areas of towing and hauling loads.” The investment announced today is in addition to a $300 million investment GM announced in January for production of an all-new, DOHC V-8 engine to power GM’s luxury cars and SUVs. Production of that engine also begins in 2009. “GM’s investment in the Tonawanda plant, totaling $1.6 billion in the last 10 years, is a significant vote of confidence in our employees and UAW Local 774, who have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to benchmark performance that is contributing to the company’s turnaround,” Buttermore said. The GM Powertrain Tonawanda plant management and UAW Local 774 leadership successfully negotiated a competitive operating agreement that improves operational effectiveness. The agreement also addresses processes and methods that improve production quality, efficiency and safety of the operations. Buttermore also thanked New York ’s leaders on the federal, state, county and local levels, including New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, Erie County Executive Joel Giambra and Tonawanda Supervisor Ron Moline, for providing the business case to support GM’s investments in New York. “General Motors has been part of the fabric of the Western New York economy for almost 70 years,” said Governor Spitzer. “The company’s expanded investment in its Tonawanda plant is a testament to the area’s highly skilled, highly motivated workforce and the role that manufacturing will continue to play in the revival of Upstate New York.” The 4.5-liter V-8 Duramax high-output diesel engine will be GM’s first engine to use a selective catalytic reduction NOx after-treatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve the Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards. It will be compliant in all 50 states, making it one of the cleanest diesels ever produced. It is expected to deliver class-leading power and torque, and fulfill multiple vehicle applications with ratings in excess of 310 horsepower and 520 lb.-ft. of torque. GM Powertrain’s Tonawanda engine plant opened in 1938 and has produced nearly 68 million engines. The plant covers 3.1 million square feet and employs 1,565 hourly and 260 salaried employees, with an annual payroll of $200 million. Currently, the Tonawanda engine plant builds the 2.2-liter Ecotec engine that powers the Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR; the Inline 4- and 5-cylinder engines that power the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickups and the HUMMER H3 SUV; the 3.5- and 3.9-liter high value V-6 engines for the Pontiac G6 and the Chevrolet Malibu and Impala; and the 8.1-liter big block V-8 engine that powers Chevrolet Kodiak and GMC TopKick medium-duty trucks – as well as marine and industrial applications.

GM Plans First Light Duty V-8 Clean Diesel for North America High-efficiency V-8 scheduled for pickup trucks under 8,600 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight and HUMMER H2 Low emissions, high performance and excellent fuel economy Expected to deliver class-leading torque, power and refinement Manufactured at the GM Powertrain Tonawanda engine plant TONAWANDA, N.Y. – General Motors Corp. will introduce a new, state-of-the-art 4.5L V-8 Duramax turbo-diesel that improves engine fuel efficiency by 25 percent, reduces CO2 emissions by 13 percent and cuts particulates and NOx emissions by at least 90 percent for North American light duty trucks and the HUMMER H2 built after 2009. The premium V-8 diesel is expected to deliver class-leading torque, power and refinement while maintaining a significant fuel efficiency advantage over comparable-output gasoline engines. The new dual-overhead cam, four-valve V-8 diesel engine will fit within the same space of a small-block V-8 gasoline engine. This compact size is made possible by using integral cylinder head exhaust manifolds, integral cam cover intake manifolds and a narrow block. “This new GM light duty diesel is expected to become a favorite among customers who require excellent towing ability and fuel efficiency,” said Tom Stephens, group vice president, GM Global Powertrain and Quality. “It will meet the stringent 2010 emissions standards, and it will be compliant in all 50 states, making it one of the cleanest diesel vehicles ever produced.” Environmental benefits of the new engine include a 13-percent reduction in CO2 versus gasoline engines, and at least a 90-percent reduction in particulates and NOx compared to diesel vehicles today. This will be GM’s first engine to use a selective catalytic reduction NOx aftertreatment system with a diesel particulate filter to help achieve the Tier 2 Bin 5 and LEV 2 emissions standards. Technical highlights of the engine include aluminum cylinder heads with integrated manifolding; a variable-vane turbocharger with intercooling; a Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) block for a stronger and lighter engine base (compared to lower-strength aluminum or heavier grey cast iron); and fracture-split main bearing caps and connecting rods for a precise fit. An electronically controlled, ultra-high-pressure, common-rail fuel system is used, which has the ability to inject fuel five times per combustion event to control noise and emissions. “This new V-8 is not only a clean diesel meeting the toughest emissions requirements in North America, it also delivers an effortless performance feel because of its high torque across the speed range,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM Powertrain Diesel Engineering. “It is also significantly quieter than other diesels on the road today, with noise and vibration performance approaching gasoline V-8 levels.” Freese said the new V-8’s compact size enables it to fit in the envelope of a gasoline small-block engine, which provides GM the flexibility to introduce this engine in a wide variety of vehicle applications should there be future market demand. The premium V-8 diesel engine is expected to deliver class-leading refinement, horsepower and torque and fulfill multiple vehicle applications with ratings in excess of 310 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque. GM (Opel, Saab, Vauxhall and GMDAT ) currently offers 17 diesel engine variants in 45 vehicle lines around the world. GM sells more than one million diesel engines annually, with products that offer a range of choices from the 1.3L four-cylinder diesel engine sold in the Opel Agila and Corsa, up to the 6.6L V-8 Duramax diesel sold in full-size vans, heavy duty pickups and medium duty trucks in the U.S. GM first introduced the Duramax diesel 6.6L V-8 in the U.S. in the 2001 model year and since then, customer enthusiasm for this heavy duty diesel has been outstanding. In fact, GM’s heavy duty pickup truck market share has jumped nearly tenfold in the six years that Duramax engines have been offered.

I'm somehow making do with my Sony Cybershot 3.2. Oh well. Beautiful shots, though. Truly shows off the beauty of the automobile.

CORMINO!

Li-ion Not Ready for Prius Higher-mileage batteries no longer part of the plan — at least initially by Bengt Halvorson (2007-06-13) Link to Original Article @ TCC The Wall Street Journal reports that Toyota has decided against the use of lithium-ion battery technology - at least initially - in the next-generation Toyota Prius, which is still expected in fall 2008. The company will instead, at launch, use a new version of the company's existing nickel metal hydride battery pack in the new Prius, an inside source told the WSJ. The battery system that Toyota had been considering, which was to be supplied by Panasonic EV Energy Co., would have enabled significant packaging benefits for the next Prius, as lithium-ion batteries allow an equivalent energy capacity to be stored in a smaller, lighter package. The only downsides for this relatively new technology, which is already commonplace in laptops and some personal electronics, are initial cost, which has been coming down considerably, and the safety and reliability concerns associated with the tendency of these batteries to run hot. Hybrid experts have been anticipating substantially improved mileage in the upcoming Prius, due to the lithium-ion system's reduced weight, increased battery capacity, or a combination of the two benefits. The WSJ mentioned that this delay might give General Motors a boost, as it has been aiming to get its Saturn Vue Green Line plug-in hybrid - which will sport lithium-ion batteries - to market by fall of 2009. If its launch can stay as scheduled, it now may be the first lithium-ion vehicle from a major automaker. Company president Katsuaki Watanabe has recently been emphasizing the company's need to maintain its product quality. Recent product woes in the U.S. include a highly publicized engine-failure issue that may affect up to 30,000 new V-8 Tundra pickups. A Toyota Motor Sales USA communications officer would not comment on the Prius decision, but said, "Our research and development, including that for Prius, is broad-reaching and being carried out from various angles."

Annnnnnd done!

The Civic was actually pretty original. Sad to see this follow.

Eight years later, and the lines are still absolutely stunning. Beautiful color, beautiful car; definitely one of the most muscular-looking sedans of its time with the GXP-like refresh. Of course, you knew how I'd feel about it. Such a shame you guys have to wear front plates, but then again, here comes the Bonneville again with one of the best front plate holder designs ever. If you ever make a roadtrip to Florida, we need to do a side-by-side photoshoot.

Will Detroit build new aqua-car? Entrepreneur wants to sell amphibious vehicles by '09 Link to Original Article @ DetNews BIRMINGHAM -- Alan Gibbs' enthusiasm is contagious as he talks about his Aquada, an amphibious vehicle that's a sports car on land and a speed boat at sea. Gibbs, founder and chairman of Gibbs Technologies, showed off what he described as production-ready versions of the Aquada and Quadski, a personal watercraft that doubles as an all-terrain vehicle, at a news conference in Birmingham Wednesday. After some early setbacks, the wealthy business mogul from New Zealand aims to begin selling the amphibious vehicles in the United States by 2009. He is also developing a land-and-sea vehicle with Lockheed Martin for military use. If Gibbs' audacious dream becomes reality, Michigan could reap some of the benefits. His company is scouting locations for technical centers, sales offices and manufacturing plants in Michigan and several other states. It also plans to open an office in Metro Detroit in the near future to begin talks with potential suppliers, investors and government officials. "Personally, I'd like to do this in Detroit," said Gibbs, who began developing the Aquada while living in Metro Detroit in 1998 and 1999. "The conceptual development was done in Troy. " The Michigan Economic Development Corp. confirmed it has had preliminary talks with Gibbs Technologies. "The biggest problem with Michigan is its winters, which make it hard to test the vehicles," Gibbs said. Entrepreneurs have tried to build and market amphibious vehicles in the past with little success. The German-made Amphicar, a sluggish boat-car hybrid, was killed due to regulatory issues and lack of interest. But Gibbs said his are different. "The world has never had (an amphibious vehicle) that can go faster than a person walks fast on water," Gibbs said "And a fast walk on water is not much fun." The three-passenger Aquada can reach 110 mph on the highway and 33 mph on salt or fresh water. The Aquada switches from boat to car in a matter of seconds. It will sell for about $85,000. An Aquada prototype crossed the English Channel in 2003, crushing the previous amphibious car record of 9 mph, Gibbs said. With the steering wheel mounted in the middle, boating lights on the bow -- or is it the bumper? -- the Aquada looks more like a movie prop than a production-ready vehicle. But Gibbs said it will meet automotive and boating regulations. Then there's the Quadski, an off-roading vehicle that's part ATV and part Jet Ski. It instantly becomes a personal watercraft when it gets fender deep in the water, creating the ultimate cabin toy. Ride to the lake, then cross it, all without leaving one driver's seat. The price? About $15,000. Don't forget the Humdinga: A six-man military amphibian that can bring troops to a beachhead and then use its four-wheel drive to cruise right up the beach. Gibbs announced Wednesday that his company was creating three divisions to handle what he believes will be a tidal wave of interest. He believes 5 percent of all vehicles would benefit from being amphibious. "It's not just a niche technology," he told reporters. "Buses, SUVs, there's no limit to what we can make amphibious." Who wouldn't want to jig for Walleye on their way to work? It takes a man who's part entrepreneur, part diplomat and part salesman to make something like this happen. Gibbs' resume shows a little of all three. It helps he's working with engineer Neil Jenkins, president and CEO of Gibbs Technologies. Jenkins joined Gibbs in 1999 and the two assembled a crew of nearly 70 engineers to design and build prototypes in England. They spent more than 1 million man hours and $100 million on the project. The vehicle's innovative design includes a composite body on an all-aluminum frame. The suspension system uses hydraulics, springs and gear mechanisms that allow the wheels to be pulled up to become a boat. That process eliminates drag and allows the boat to zip along on its composite hull. "There were a lot of obstacles in building the Aquada, but moving the tires out of the way was one of the biggest," Jenkins said. The company often turned hurdles into patents as it developed new technologies or adapted old ideas with new approaches. The company has collected 70 worldwide patents, Jenkins said. Gibbs' plan might seem like a pipe dream to many. But if there's any place it has a chance to come to fruition, it's Michigan. This state has more engineers and manufacturing experience than any other. Michigan knows cars. Michigan knows boats. And Gibbs believes the two should go together.

Great. A screen that poorly-displays useless infomation unless you get a navigation system.

After looking at these more and more and looking again at the original xB, I see why people liked the old one and I see why those would probably hate this one.

You're right... http://www.marlow.com/Applications/DSP/cad...sion_system.htm http://www.marlow.com/Applications/DSP/ima...ht_vision_t.htm

I've noticed (again) what seems to be an influx of new members to Cheers and Gears and whether you've been lurking for a long time or just found us today, I'd like to wish you a warm, happy... WELCOME! Hope you enjoy the place and stick around!

Harrell Pontiac was that one with the big sombero-looking building with giant vertically-oriented PONTIAC lettering, right? I remember seeing it from Dale Mabry when I was younger and I'm sad to tell you its now Courtesy Nissan with Stadium Toyota directly to the south.

Uh, you know what would better suit a family...a f@#king van. God...

Just got off the phone with Sly & The Gang. They're heading through North Carolina now and I had to be the bearer of semi-bad news

Water Seeps Into Vault Holding Buried Car KOTV - 6/13/2007 11:13 AM - Updated 6/13/2007 3:46 PM TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Workers unearthing the 1957 Plymouth Belvedere buried under the city's courthouse lawn were dealt an early setback Wednesday, as several feet of water were found in the concrete vault supposedly strong enough to withstand a nuclear attack. The two-door hardtop, buried in 1957 to celebrate Oklahoma's 50 years of statehood, is set to be lifted out of the 12-foot-by-20-foot time capsule Friday morning to commemorate the state's centennial year. As many as 50,000 people from all over the world are expected at the event, and more than 260 media credentials have been handed out to reporters from New York to New Zealand. But news of the standing water was crushing to event organizers. As heavy rain fell at the site, the Belvedere's fate remained unknown. The vault was briefly opened Wednesday so hazardous materials crews could inspect the 10 gallons of gasoline and motor oil cans that had been placed in the time capsule in case internal combustion engines became obsolete by 2007. Excavators found water halfway up on the car's fenders and more evidence water could have been to the top of the vault at one point, said Art Couch, who is heading up the unearthing project. ''I don't know how bad it is, but it's not good,'' Couch said. ``We were hoping it would be dry in there.'' Some water was pumped out, and the city was to bring in a truck to remove the last foot or so. ''The concrete must not have been as good as we hoped it was,'' Couch said. ``It had some failures over the years; the concrete didn't hold.'' The Belvedere was wrapped in a protective plastic material before it was buried, but it was unknown how it held up against the elements. ''Plymouths were very prone to rust to begin with,'' said Jim Benjaminson, a car collector from North Dakota who has written several books on Plymouths. ''Depending on this bag, if that car has sat in water for 50 years, I don't hold much hope for it.'' Benjaminson, who plans to be at Friday's unearthing, said he read a recent article that the plastic used to cover the Belvedere was supposed to protect materials ''for 1,200 years'' from rust. ''I guess we're going to see if that claim is true,'' he said. Organizers say this just creates that much more mystery around the car's unveiling. News On 6 anchor Terry Hood hosts our live special Friday evening at 7 o’clock. The unveiling can also be seen live, streaming on the internet at kotv.com.