Flybrian

I looked up individual dimensions on MSNAutos. In many ways, the Jetta is large, especially where it would count more (head/legroom). I don't know how the EPA calculates interior volume and its a misnomer anyway. Yes, the Azera has more interior volume than the 760i, but so does a '98 LeSabre. A Bentley Azure is a 'compact'. The Malibu MAXX was a fullsize car. Doesn't all quite make sense.

The Jetta is actually dimensionally smaller inside in many aspects vis a vis the Corolla and while the Toyota is physically longer, other competitors are roomier inside, especially the Sentra. No comment on the Corolla otherwise. Most know how I feel about this hanger-on compact.

Chrysler rethinks design after duds Automaker vows to overhaul its vehicle development after Nitro, Sebring miss mark Link to Original Article @ The Detroit News A top Chrysler Group executive said in a recent frank internal question-and-answer session with employees that the automaker seriously misjudged the market in developing the panned Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Nitro last year, and is swiftly moving to improve current and future vehicles. Answering often pointed questions from employees on Chrysler's internal Internet system, Bob Lee, head of powertrain engineering, acknowledged that many people at Chrysler are "outraged" over the issues with the Sebring sedan and Nitro SUV, according to a copy of the Q&A obtained by The Detroit News. Both vehicles received highly critical evaluations from Consumer Reports, which is influential with car buyers. Chrysler CEO Tom LaSorda and Chief Operating Officer Eric Ridenour are "quite upset" and agree the company "missed where the market was to end up versus our projections," Lee wrote. Chrysler underestimated competitors, set standards too low in some areas and was not where it needed to be in areas such as fuel economy, interior quality, and limiting noise and vibration. "As a result of these embarrassing 'misses,' there are extremely aggressive actions being taken on many of the existing products -- and also the yet to be introduced products to get us at least to the middle of the competitive pack in very short order," Lee wrote. Chrysler spokesman Rick Deneau confirmed the authenticity of the employee Q&A -- posted in the past week -- and said it was meant to be seen by a relatively small group of employees. While Lee said the issues surrounding the Sebring and Nitro -- two of 10 products Chrysler launched last year -- have sparked a series of deep dives into its processes and standards, the automaker had already started revamping its product development system. In an interview Thursday, Frank Klegon, Chrysler's product development chief, outlined several actions being taken that should improve existing cars and trucks and new models that will be launched in the next couple of years. "We're certainly not satisfied with where we are," Klegon said. "We have to get better." Chrysler is counting on its new models to bolster sales and market share as the automaker restructures to restore profits. After losing $680 million last year, the soon-to-be-sold Chrysler reported $2 billion in red ink for the first quarter and doesn't expect to be back in the black until 2008. Through May, sales of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep brand models are off 1.5 percent. Chrysler began working with ASI Consulting Group in Livonia about 18 months ago. The firm, which previously worked closely with Hyundai Motor Co. to improve its vehicles, has helped Chrysler use a system called "Design for Six Sigma" to help engineers better determine upfront what features and qualities customers want in new vehicles. The firm was hired to help "make a cultural change to move that needle to be proactive," Klegon said. "We're taking this on as an extreme change in the way we do predictive quality from the standpoint of customers. It's embedded in our vehicle teams and it's embedded in our components team." As an example of Chrysler's proactive approach in responding to vehicle problems, Klegon mentioned noise, vibration and harshness complaints about the 2.4-liter world engine, built in Dundee. The company found the problem existed only when the engine was cold. Once warmed up, performance matches the Toyota Camry, he said. Now, Chrysler is taking action on the engine and each vehicle that uses it. Both Klegon and Lee, in his exchange with employees, acknowledged that Chrysler needs to do a better job of understanding where its rivals are headed. "Our management has admitted that some of our competitors moved faster in some areas than we had anticipated and hence although we matched their previous position and added some improvements, we didn't set targets aggressive enough," Lee wrote. "One example is interior appointments." Klegon said Chrysler needs to better predict the current benchmark and "where that benchmark might be in two to three years after you bring that vehicle out." Interiors are particularly important because they are so linked to a consumer's vehicle experience. "I don't know that the typical person is walking into a Dodge or Chrysler showroom, and saying that the interiors are horrible," said Jack Nerad of Kelley Blue Book. "(But) there's a strong trend to be very careful about interiors, to pay attention to interiors and to do the best job you possibly can to put the investment where the consumer can see it and feel it." Klegon said Chrysler established a new design studio last year dedicated to vehicle interiors. And although Chrysler is pushing to cut costs by $1,000 per vehicle, interior design won't be compromised. "We're actually adding money into the interior," Klegon said. To keep costs down, though, Chrysler could tap into its burgeoning supply base overseas for cheaper parts, Klegon said. While Chrysler has had its share of recent hits with such vehicles as the Dodge Caliber hatchback and four-door Jeep Wrangler, the Sebring, Nitro and other vehicles have missed the mark, many critics say. The new Sebring was rated 16th out of 16 family sedans recently by Consumer Reports, a particularly tough segment with established cars like the Toyota. The Sebring and Nitro were both knocked for their interiors, noisy engines and poor handling. Klegon defended the Sebring as a good car, noting it received no "black circles" from Consumer Reports, which indicate the poorest performance, but acknowledged the "bar is pretty high." Sebring and Nitro are among several vehicles Chrysler is working to improve. "We're not treating this any different than a thing that would break that you have to fix," Klegon said. "You have to fix an issue that's in the customer's hands either by design change or process improvements or other things."

Fixed. Wow. Two decades of mediocrity and junk. Oh and even better, the 20th anniv package is simply bringing a junk CE up to a junk LE trim level! :rotflmao:

Yes, really. The J-bodies all had (at least) variations in design, body styles, and they didn't sell all versions under one nameplate.

I'd take a '04-07 Silverado/Sierra hybrid over any other hybrid currently on the market. Seriously.

Is it really that much trouble for people to take a leak in their gas tank? Seriously. Honda catering to laziness again...

Looks like a possum f@#ked a dustbuster. Ha. In all seriousness, there is nothing wrong with atomic energy. Period. That's just a fact. Problem is we have weiner lame-os bringing up Chernobyl like it means anything.

Was it playing the flute? You can see the iPod earbuds but you can't see the sheetmusic he was flipping through.

What's funnier, the story, or that this town is named Paw Paw?

Dodge Hornet gets the go-ahead Link to Original Article @ AutoCar Chrysler will shortly announce that it is going ahead with the launch of its Dodge Hornet supermini, which it will develop in collaboration with Chinese company Chery. The car could be revealed in close-to-production guise at this autumn’s Frankfurt motor show. The Hornet was first shown as a concept at the Geneva motor show in 2006, where it was widely admired for its tough-looking style. Chrysler plans to enter the crowded European supermini segment with the one range, resisting the temptation to launch a Chrysler-branded version alongside, as it has done with the Mondeo-class Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring. The Hornet’s arrival is part of a three billion dollar product renewal programme for Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep that will roll out over the next three years. This is, in fact, the very plan that Chrysler had in place before it separated from Daimler – according to its international sales and marketing director Michael Manley, this plan is now ‘confirmed’ following Cerberus’s acquisition of the company.

Wow. Something from a Lincoln Versailles. There's something to be proud of.

There has never been anything more egregious than this, which was truly the low point in badge engineering. Plymouth Neon Dodge Neon Yes, Chrysler Neon No one has ever done anything that bad. No one. As Drew said, the base 300 shouldn't be a Chrysler. It drags down the premium aspirations with its hood prop, four-speaker stereo, wheel covers, and anemic engine.

Good to hear it, Sly. I forgot to send that title paperwork I mentioned with the check, so I'll be doing so tomorrow.

Detroit 3 hear they've already 'lost' on CAFE Harry Stoffer Automotive News June 6, 2007 - 3:42 pm WASHINGTON -- Automakers that oppose higher fuel economy standards won't block congressional action this year, a Senate Democrat who switched positions on the issue warned today. "The issue is over," Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., told the CEOs of the Detroit 3. "You have lost the issue." Dorgan's remark came at the end of what was supposed to have been a feel-good session on manufacturing issues by Senate Democrats. Dorgan represents one of 11 states where the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is running ads that assail "extreme" fuel economy legislation before the Senate. The alliance represents the Detroit 3, Toyota and five other automakers. Scare tactics such as telling Americans that Congress is going to take away their pickups won't work anymore, Dorgan admonished the executives. At a lunch meeting, the Detroit 3 CEOs stuck by their position that the corporate average fuel economy program, or CAFE, is a failure. Higher standards alone are not the answer to concerns about energy security or global warming, they said. Afterward, in a brief session with reporters, General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner said automakers understand that fuel economy standards are going to rise. The Detroit 3 say they seek to ensure that higher standards are part of a broader package of actions that promote alternative fuels and provide incentives for advanced technology vehicles. Behind the scenes, industry lobbyists are meeting with lawmakers on possible alternatives to the CAFE bill, which is scheduled for debate on the Senate floor next week. Two alternative proposals would require cars to average 36 mpg by 2022 and trucks to average 30 mpg by 2025. Regulators would be able to set lower standards if the targets were deemed to be unreachable. Today's standards are 27.5 mpg for cars and 22.2 mpg for light trucks. The bill before the Senate floor would require a fleetwide average of 35 mpg by 2020 and 4percent annual increases thereafter. Again, regulators would be able to cite economic or technological reasons to set lower standards. Environmental and consumer groups contend that guaranteed standards are needed. They are lobbying to toughen the Senate bill.

The Freestyle was always the best one in the segment, IMO. Low, carlike entry, excellent utility, good driving manners. Too bad it looked like it succeeded the '95 Taurus, which it really, really did appear to. The CVT was also meh and the engine needed a boost just 'cause. All that made it that nice, average girl you got stuck going to prom with. With the Taurus X, though, - bigger engine, good mpg, a real transmission, and all the good stuff you liked before - that girl got alot more desirable. Like she got a nice boob job but they didn't do anything to the face. Most people can live with that, thus most can be satisfied with the Taurus X.

Disagree about having so many low-scraping 300 trims. It weakens the luxury image of the brand and overpopulates the market with an identical car. It also makes it possible for someone to buy an off-lease Dollar 300 2.7l, throw on SRT wheels and badges and make people think he has the real deal. I've seen it. Its sad. And it wouldn't happen if Chrysler knew what they were doing. Ocn is right about one thing - they're lucky to even be here. I'll say it again, Chrysler Corporation hasn't had any business making cars since around 1968. Dodge is where the strength lies, except that Chrysler again muddles up the range. Why is the PT a Chrysler? Why does the base 300 exist? Why did they sell the goddamn Voyager for two years? The Aspen?? The design language isn't distinct enough either. If Chryslers are supposed to be upscale, why does the 300 have bulgy fender flares and muscular cues while the Charger doesn't? You end up with two large divisions fighting over the same slice of cake. Look at the Lucerne and DTS, arguably the same car underneath, like the LXs. But they look completely different with bespoke interiors, unique styling, and completely different product positioning. They have different powertrain ranges and command vastly different prices. One could make a compelling argument for choosing the DTS over a Lucerne on more than one basis; the only differentiator between the 300 and Charger is "What styling do you like better?" There isn't even a price difference...and more insulting, the Charger can be had for less - yet better-equipped - than the bottom-rung 300!

Does having nearly every exterior panel of you car replaced with newer, lower-mileage ones count? 'Cause if so...

That's a very tempting prospect in the long term, especially since my car is virtually unmodifiable. Aside from a cold air intake, PCM mod, or some other lightweight stuff, I have no options. Its such a shame because I know these Northstar/Aurora motors are so begging to have more power wringed out, but GM wants to keep any tools in-house, even for an engine like mine that they haven't made in four years. And really, that's okay. I prefer the smooth, comfortable boulevard feel I get from my Olds now anyway. My father is planning on taking the SSEi to its street limits in terms of performance with new pulleys, etc. Of course, that's a 3800, so the sky is the limit. With this Buick, I sure wouldn't mind it being a Mustang-eater, but I am very much of the sleeper mentality - don't show 'em what you got. I know many people would trim the exhaust put some mad headers on something like a 455 and have it rumble anything coming up to you into submission. Nah, no thanks. I definitely want the velvet glove appearance over the chainmail-wrapped fist. But I will seek you advice, wise one, when the time comes. Other plans are mostly cosmetic. Stock-profile whitewalls when the time comes, a repaint to a nice blue (or dark jade green) hue when its appropriate. That's about it.

I will have to give the original xB some credit because it was more original. Toyota would've been better off exporting on of their domestic offerings rather than this bloated mess that wasn't all that great four years ago when it was called the Volkswagen Golf.

I must say in its defense that Chevy Pride is Chevy Pride...

What I eat up is how the A380 freighter has been delayed until 2014 or so because FedEx backed out to get 777s that were available, like, now. The 747-8F is slated to enter service in '09 and has already sold, what, 65 or so airframes? Airbus thinks the market for a superheavy like this is passenger routes. They're dead wrong; freight is. Mid/long-distance point-to-point (off-hub) is the future of passenger travel and Boeing is already there. So sad, so sad... Dodgefan, interestingly, B-52s are extrodinarily tough. Quite a few came back from Rolling Thunder, Arc Light, and Linebacker raids with what would be catastrophic damage to lesser airframes (holes in wing sections, engine pods blown off, vertical stabilizers shot away). They're slated to remain active until at least 2040 and - this is the best part - despite having been designed in the late-40s, it still has the highest ready rate among our bomber fleet, something like 80% vs. 55% for the B-1 and 25% for the B-2. I don't imagine a bomber like the B-52 ever being obsolete, though eventually the airframes may be. I also doubt our ability to create an effective replacement, a real jack of all trades, because we simply don't think like we did back in the Cold War - take every stupid, overfast, or overlarge idea, fund them, build them, and keep what doesn't fail.

Pretty Much Every Recent Cadillac TV Ad

Thanks everyone! Ditto. Problem is, these balloon tires it's wearing now are virtually new, which is really a good thing. Replacement rubber will come in something that makes it look more like this '76 Electra... I also intend to (eventually) repaint in a similar color scheme - Colonial Blue Metallic - with matching top.