Flybrian

The whole disgusting propogation of this is that the federal government is mandating consumer choice. If I choose to waste on expensive, rare foods or clothing material, its okay, but if I choose to waste money on gasoline, its not. Even if gas peaked $5.00/gal, the larger cars and trucks would simply be un-bought out of the market; no need for legislation. People would simply choose.

I like how the leadership on both sides of the aisle aren't concerned with the pollution generated by third-world nations. I like how some people apparently think an extra mpg or two in a family sedan means something in a country where people buy motorhomes. I like how cars are a massive environmental problem when we have millions of small 4- and 2-stroke engines powering tractors, lawn mowers, weed eaters, leaf blowers, generators, and the like with minimal smogging equipment on them. CAFE is a bull$h! ruse and a shellgame. Mandating fuel economy does nothing to reduce overall consumption to a great degree when the average American doesn't alter their driving habits that much. At 10, 20, 30, or 40mpg, you're still wasting gas. Also, guess what? I bet the DOT loves gas guzzlers; they collected more money from gasoline taxes. Think about it - a nation full of economical vehicles driving on mottled, potholed roads. Smart, guys; real smart.

Let's see how durable an '04 Benz will be!

First Look 2008 Buick Park Avenue (China) Image Gallery 2008 Buick Park Avenue - Press Release ~~The nicest Buick you can't buy here~~

First Look 2008 Buick Park Avenue (China) Press Release 2008 Buick Park Avenue - Image Gallery Shanghai, China - Shanghai General Motors (Shanghai GM) has introduced the newest member of its Buick lineup, the Park Avenue luxury sedan. Like the affluent New York City boulevard of the same name, Buick's Park Avenue is trendy and luxurious. With its range of advanced technologies and high-grade amenities, not to mention a stylish design that conveys a sense of power and passion, it is representative of traditional American luxury sedans. "The Park Avenue is the perfect blend of tranquility and power," said Shanghai GM President Ding Lei. "It shows Buick's ability to move with the times while continuing to leverage GM's global resources and our local knowledge. Designed especially for business leaders and other elites, it is a component of our effort to maintain our leadership position in China by addressing the needs of all of our customers." The Park Avenue is based on GM's new global rear-wheel-drive architecture to ensure a premium driving experience. At 5,175 mm in length, 1,899 mm in width and 1,480 mm in height, and with an impressive 3,009-mm wheelbase, the Park Avenue also offers a highly spacious ride. The Park Avenue 's genuine leather seats are designed to accommodate people of varying sizes with 8-way power adjustment for the front seats. All seats incorporate a massage function. A high-quality entertainment system with LCD panels and an advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning system offer the relaxation and comfort that one would expect of a luxury sedan. The Park Avenue 's GPS navigation system contains road information for more than 300 cities in China . The Bluetooth mobile phone system is also available. Like all Buick products, the Park Avenue offers a high level of safety and peace of mind. It is equipped with the GM Local Area Network (GM-LAN) high-speed communication system, which is based on the top-of-the-line 32-bit 500 kb/second engine control system. With a signal transmission speed approaching real-time, information flow from various sensors is instantaneous, enhancing efficiency and safety. Further enhancing safety are six intelligent air bags for the driver and passengers. The Park Avenue is powered by GM's smooth yet powerful AlloyTec V-6 engine, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds. The engine control unit features the latest Bosch E77 32-bit ECM processor. With the Remote Engine Start (RES) function, the driver can start the engine up to 20 minutes in advance within 60 meters distance. The RES function also can adjust the temperature inside the car. Customers have a choice of two engine displacements. The Park Avenue 's 3.6-liter engine generates maximum output of 187kW (250 hp) @ 6,500 rpm and maximum torque of 340 Nm @ 3,200 rpm. Its 2.8-liter engine offers maximum output of 150 kW (201 hp) @ 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 265 Nm @ 3,000 rpm. Shanghai GM is offering five Park Avenue variants: the 3.6-liter Flagship, which is priced at RMB 498,800; the 3.6-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 388,800; the 2.8-liter Luxury, which is priced at RMB 458,800; the 2.8-liter Elite, which is priced at RMB 368,800; and the 2.8-liter Comfort, which is priced at RMB 328,800.

The exterior is another example of this horrific, bloated styling bug that bit Toyota back in 2005 with the Avalon. Look at the Camry, RAV4, LX570, LS4whatever, Yaris. Its very weird and I won't even attempt to understand how anyone anywhere can find it remotely attractive. The interior isn't bad for a compact. Interesting positioning of the e-brake that totally kills any convenient console use, though.

No. Of course, many people I personally know who complain about gas prices either own a Ford F-950,000 Super Duty or gladly waste $5.49 at Starbucks on crap drinks. I'd rather put that $5.49 in my car.

Both the XTerra and Liberty have garbage interiors. And, no, I don't blame Mercedes for designing these interiors.

In all seriousness, this is a car that's all about impressions. If you're pulling down enough cash to afford $100k+ for an automobile, you're not affected by gas prices and if you were so concerned, you wouldn't buy a car like this in the first place.

Lexus LS hybrid arriving in June Base price is $104,750 Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Updated: 04/06/07, 8:00 pm et AutoWeek's sister publication, Automotive News reported this evening that a hybrid version of the Lexus LS sedan is ready for the market and base priced at $104,750. The car is slated to go on sale in June 2007. The Lexus LS 600h L will combine a V-8 engine with a continuously variable transmission and electric motor. According to the Automotive News report, Lexus stated that the powertrain will be rated at more than 430 hp.

The GTO was overpriced at the dealership. This was rampant and egregious; $3,999 for racing stripes. Yeesh.

Very good points and very glad you're considering a Buick. Obviously, something is working out right for Buick in this case. I've always envisioned the ideal B-P-GMC dealership blending contemporary 'premium' design with lots of emphasis on their heritage, a selling point much of the competition (Acura, Lexus) simply does not have. Use retro-modern American architecture and displays to recapture the passion of buying an automobile. Many will argue and say that all customers are not enthusiasts like you or I may be. Well, why not make them enthusiasts? Display a vintage car or two, use technology and home-like furnishings to create a warm, comfortable, but non-uptight environment. Infiniti has their 'thinking room' or whatever; have a big living room. Encourage dealerships to sponsor vintage car shows of GM marques on their premesis. Also encourage them to build a positive relationship in the community so owning a Buick, Pontiac, or GMC will have privilages beyond the car itself. Things like that.

That is honestly the single stupidest thing I've see so far this year. Seriously. And unless things are different in Canada, that setup without fender flares and appropriate lighting is highly illegal. Thank God.

Can't wait for them to build on the success of the Amanti and XG350/Azera ('cause its apparently the same car) flagships.

This isn't representative of all organized religion; just a strange variation thereon.

Duly-noted

B-P-GMC dealerships have a real opportunity to become premium in every way. I'm not talking about ridiculous bull$h! Lexus pulls like massages for your dogs, but a real modern upscale feel while still remaining personable and unstuffy.

If the Milan is a bit on the small side, the S40 will really be.

Yeah it does. 'Cause its an actual car.

My reason for getting anything but[/b] Accord would be that nearly everyone has an Accord. It would bother me to constantly see my car everywhere.

'08 Tribute yesterday, "08 Patriot today.

I bet you could get a leftover '07 for $25-28k. I'd go for the '07 because of the warranty, too. Also, keep something like this in mind... 2006 Buick Lucerne CXS - 1799mi - $27,990

I really just hate the fact that everything is Japanese, Japanese, Japanese. And worse, everything Japanese is a Skyline or a Lancer EVO. God. Good thing there are some interesting rides to spice things up, though. And I just wasted $20,000 modding a 1972 Fiat 500. What a POS.

LaCrosse CXS mainly 'cause of the deal.

Nice. Very nice. Very very nice. Good move on securing one with a HUD.