Flybrian

I like it. I really do. However, it has the worst name of any vehicle in recent history. Worse than the Isuzu Hombre, which translates to "I bought a 5-speed Man because I like to feel the stick."

:rotflmao:

The new underbite front-end is garbage. The FJ Cruiser and XTerra also have garbage interiors.

Please continue the discussion at the links below! Chevrolet Minicar Concepts Press Release | Photo Gallery

Chevrolet Groove

Chevrolet Trax

GM @ NYIAS Press Release Chevrolet Beat

GM @ NYIAS Chevy Taxi Van Provides New Yorkers Greater Mobility First Wheelchair-Accessible Van Approved for Taxi Use Debuts at New York Auto Show NEW YORK – To help celebrate 100 years of the taxi cab in New York City, General Motors is placing into the city’s taxi fleet service the only vans approved to transport individuals with mobility-restricting disabilities or spinal cord injuries. “General Motors is dedicated to making automotive transportation easier and more accessible for the millions of persons with disabilities,” said John Gaydash, director of marketing for GM Fleet and Commercial Operations. “With the debut of our new lowered-floor van for taxicabs, we are giving New Yorkers with disabilities a key element in maintaining independence – mobility.” The taxi van uses a Chevrolet Uplander TC (Taxi Cab) that is modified by GM’s approved upfitter, El Dorado National. A stainless steel floor that is 12 inches lower than the standard floor offers a full 58 inches of interior height without a raised roof. “By lowering the floor instead of raising the roof we increase accessibility and keep the center of gravity low, which improves the safety of the vehicle,” said Gaydash. “This creates nearly five feet of height in the rear passenger compartment, allowing both able and less able passengers to enter and exit with ease.” Uplander TC complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Besides public taxi service in New York and elsewhere, the lowered-floor Uplander is designed to be used by airport shuttle services, rehabilitation and extended care facilities, and private livery companies that serve individuals with mobility issues. It meets or exceeds all applicable U.S. and Canadian vehicle safety standards, and is equipped with GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system. Other key features include: Optional fold-down, middle-row seat and enhanced rear-seat capacity for optimum passenger load Sturdy manual fold-out ramp has an easy-to-use, swing-out gate feature for quick and clear access for all passengers Safe, commercial-grade non-slip flooring made of skid-resistant durable vinyl High-strength tie-down belt system made by Q'Straint, the industry benchmark for safety, ensures that a wheelchair or motorized chair is securely fastened GM launched its Mobility Program in 1991 to help provide transportation options to people with disabilities. On Wednesday in New York, Springboard Consulting and Work Life Matters magazine will honor GM for its dedication to the special needs community. For more information on GM’s Mobility program, visit www.gmmobility.com. El Dorado National - Kansas (NYSE: THO) is the home of the Mobility Division of Thor Industries, the nation’s premier manufacturer of commercial and recreational vehicles. www.enconline.com. Uplander TC (Taxi Cab) Standard Equipment 12-inch lowered floor, stainless steel with undercoating ADA-compliant, 56-inch ramp entry door height 54-inch by 30-inch fold-out, swing-away ramp GM rear axle automatic air suspension system Stainless steel entry threshold / safety yellow Commercial-grade Altro vinyl flooring Transmission / door interlock system ADA safety lighting, entry and exit Manual driver seat / removable footrest Rear heat and A/C conversion Third-row seat modification with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child restraint system (GM seats) Grab handles at B- and C-pillar locations Q’Straint system for securing mobility devices in place Interior flat-mounted compact spare tire Backup alarm Auxiliary fuse block for taxi equipment Emergency exit rear hatch release Uplander TC (Taxi Cab) Optional Equipment NYC taxi package Non-deep tinted glass, all around Bronx partitions taxi shield / window GM six-way power seat base for driver Front co-pilot seat, fixed / footrest Freedman fold-away two-passenger seat All-vinyl seating upgrade Upgraded rear GM coil springs (4,030 pounds) 16-gauge stainless supply line shield 12-guage front engine skid plate “Gator Guard” lower rocker panel treatment Swing-N-Stow taxi ramp / padded cover Rear fan control for passenger heat and A/C Q’Straint “QRT Max” 8300 retractable tie-downs

Avalon does suck again.

Well, now that its all confirmed, allow me to share the great news. I have been invited to attend the Saturn Brand Advocate Board Meeting in Detroit as a representative of Cheers and Gears. This trip is all-expenses paid courtesy of Saturn and General Motors and includes tours of the GM Heritage Center, Milford Proving Grounds, and the Delta Township Assembly Plant (assly location of the Lambda crossovers) as well as a chance to meet and speak with Jill Lajdziak, Saturn Brand Manager. I will be away from April 18-20th. Needless to say, I am very, very honored and excited to have this opportunity and that pride carries over to the organization we have here. What this symbolizes above all else is the influence websites like Cheers and Gears are having on GM's corporate culture. As 'Brand Advocates,' we go beyond the actions of the normal consumer who is merely a satisfied and often repeat buyer of a product; we not only buy the product but encourage others to do so by extolling their virtues and going above and beyond to create a positive image for that product. For us, that product is General Motors and its divisions. And that positive advocacy is created by this website. By participating and contributing the C&G, I'd like to think that we all positively influence GM in our own little ways. So, thank you. Finally, I'd like to ask anyone who has a question about Saturn, its products, and its future to please submit them to me so I can ask them if the opportunity arises. Just wanted to share the news. And expect plenty of pictures that weekend!

COPY/PASTE/FIND:'GTO'/REPLACE WITH:'LACROSSE'

Six really awful mid-90s Town Cars. Picture faded paints, missing chrome trim, rotted vinyl/cloth roofs, jacked-up (literally) air suspensions, deteriorated gold anodizing, and half of them with burned-out piston rings and you get the drift. I really wish someone would get these off the roads. Oh, and someone redneck blew up a Datsun Maxima just like Sixty8's - and, yes, it was a redneck evidenced by the Southern By The Grace of God bumper sticker. God, it was so funny. First, he challenged a 25th anniversary Trans Am (yeah, right), then he challenged me (like I'd bother), then he was apparently racing a Supra when you heard a loud backfire and saw thick black smoke pouring out of what was left of the exhaust and under the hood.

Yeah, the Yaris is still a pile of crap. Kind just confirms what is fact. Like Echo, Toyota mystique (not achievement) sells it.

Gay. Nah, those look pretty sharp.

Think I could buy a GNX with some miles in just as good condition for half the price and several other fun cars, too.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee All-new Engine, Refreshed Interior and Exterior and More Premium Amenities for 2008 Jeep® Grand Cherokee All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine delivers increased horsepower and torque, improved fuel economy Refreshed exterior and interior design stays true to its authentic Jeep® character with signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel openings and attention to rich details and craftsmanship Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with all-new SIRIUS Backseat TV™ Even more innovative, premium amenities are available, including MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, HID auto-leveling headlamps and heated first- and second-row seats New York City, April 4, 2007 – The Jeep® brand unveiled today the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that features an all-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine that delivers a 24 percent increase in horsepower, a 6 percent increase in torque and improved fuel economy compared with the engine it replaces. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee also offers a refreshed interior and exterior design and a host of innovative premium amenities, including one not found on other full-size sport-utility vehicles (SUV) on the road today -- SIRIUS Backseat TV™. The vehicle will arrive at Jeep dealerships starting this fall. "With a choice of five engines, three four-wheel-drive systems and more premium amenities than ever before, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee sets the benchmark for full-size SUVs just as it did when it debuted in 1992," said John Plecha, Director -- Jeep Brand Marketing and Global Communications. "Now available with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee just made road trips or short trips with kids even more enjoyable." Only Full-Size SUV with Five Engine Offerings The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the only vehicle with a choice of five engine offerings: Award-winning 3.0-liter common rail diesel V-6 engine – Now available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland 3.7-liter V-6 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo All-new 4.7-liter V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7-liter V-8 HEMI® engine – Available on Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, standard on Overland 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine – Standard on Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 All-new for 2008 is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that offers better fuel economy, power and torque than the previous 4.7-liter engine, while at the same time delivering improvements in refinement. The new 4.7-liter V-8 incorporates two spark plugs per cylinder (the only Chrysler Group engine to do so, other than the 5.7-liter HEMI), increased compression ratio, improved cylinder-head port flow and a new combustion system. The result is 291 horsepower (217kW), a 24 percent increase, and 322 lb.-ft. of torque (437 N•m), a 6 percent increase over the previous 4.7-liter V-8 engine. And, like the engine it replaces, the new 4.7-liter V-8 engine is flex-fuel capable, which gives customers the ability to use up to an 85 percent concentration of ethanol (E85) to fuel their vehicles. Improvements in the new 4.7-liter V-8 result from significant revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed. Engine smoothness at idle is enhanced with a new cam design, two spark plugs per cylinder and a valve-lash adjuster system. The new 4.7-liter V-8 also is equipped with electronic throttle control. First to Offer All-new SIRIUS Backseat TV The Chrysler Group will be the first and only auto manufacturer to offer SIRIUS Backseat TV in its 2008 model year vehicle lineup, including the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. SIRIUS Backseat TV features three channels of respected children's TV featuring many of the most well-known kids' programming, including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel and Cartoon Network. Rear-seat passengers will be able to watch shows such as Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants," Disney Channel's "Hannah Montana" and Cartoon Network's "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends." SIRIUS Backseat TV operates via an in-vehicle satellite video receiver and two small roof-mounted antennas. Programming is displayed on the vehicle's second-row (except minivan: second- and/or third-row) video screen, and channel name, program title and rating will be broadcast and displayed on the screen. For added flexibility, rear-seat passengers can enjoy SIRIUS Backseat TV while front-seat occupants listen to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The system can be operated from either the rear-seat entertainment unit or the radio head unit. In addition, when the vehicle is in park, programming can be displayed on the MyGIG screen for front-seat viewing. Innovative Premium Amenities Along with SIRIUS Backseat TV, the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee includes a variety of premium amenities that are new for 2008, including the new MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System that has a built-in navigation, audio, entertainment and communication system. MyGIG enables customers to use touch-screen or voice commands to control all of the features, and includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive where music and photos can be stored. There's space reserved on the hard drive for approximately 1,600 songs; that's over 100 hours of music. There also is a voice-memo recorder feature. MyGIG supports real-time traffic information, available through SIRIUS Satellite Radio, and can provide an alternate drive route based on current traffic. Also new on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee are high-intensity discharge (HID) auto-leveling headlamps. HID auto-leveling headlamps provide approximately three times the light output of conventional reflector lamps for improved nighttime illumination. The auto-leveling feature automatically adjusts the headlamps to the vehicle pitch depending on the load and number of passengers in the vehicle. This feature also benefits oncoming traffic as the system prevents drivers from being distracted by glare from the headlamps. The auto-leveling feature is only available with HID headlamps. ParkView™ Rear Back-up Camera (with or without navigation), ParkSense® Rear Back-up System, SmartBeam® headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, memory seats and mirrors, iPod connectivity and 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels also are part of the vehicle's available features and options. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also features three new safety and security technologies for 2008: Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist and Trailer Sway Control. Hill Descent Control (HDC) is standard on Grand Cherokee 4x4 models. Operational in the "4WD Low" position, HDC provides downhill assistance at a controlled rate of speed. By means of electronic brake control, HDC supplements the gear reduction and engine braking that a traditional mechanical low-range transfer case provides. For ease of operation, Grand Cherokee's HDC is activated and deactivated automatically, after the HDC button is engaged, as the system senses changes in topography. The system works whether the vehicle is in forward or reverse. The available Hill Start Assist (HSA) allows the driver time to transition from brake to throttle to achieve a smooth launch on a grade. The system will hold brake pressure for two seconds upon the driver's release of the brake pedal. The ABS system decreases wheel pressure in response to increasing throttle to provide a smooth launch. Trailer Sway Control is optional on all Grand Cherokee models. This system reduces trailer sway and provides improved trailer stability and increased towing safety. Refreshed Exterior and Interior With its upright and substantial posture, the Jeep Grand Cherokee's design offers an athletic and contemporary appearance. The grille has been lengthened, and the headlamps are more circular for a more dominant and expressive front view. A new HID headlamp, optional on Limited and standard on Overland, includes an internal optic lens for the park/turn function. Fog lamps also have also been lowered for enhanced performance. Off-road enthusiasts will be pleased with the new two-piece front fascia, allowing for the entire lower piece to be removed before hitting the off-road trails. On the inside, the vehicle's two-tone instrument panel features a new level of refinement with bright accents, a soft-touch surface and updated styling. A new tilt and telescoping steering column is standard, with a new steering wheel that includes bright accent bezels, which house the electronic vehicle information center's switches. The Limited model's steering wheel adds two-tone leather and bright chrome accent rings, and the Overland features a real wood rim for added luxury. Also new is the updated line of instrument clusters that feature new brighter LED illumination, with the Limited and Overland models receiving a modern and elegant treatment where, when the vehicle is started, the dark-tinted lens fades to reveal chrome-ringed black gauges that are surrounded by a bright silver accent field. The new floor console has improved cup holders and a new leather-wrapped and chrome-accented parking brake handle. The door panels have new armrests for improved ergonomics and comfort. New for the Overland model are the new saddle perforated leather seats that feature accent piping for an even more upscale look. Jeep Brand The Jeep brand has seven models in the 2007 model year, the most available to retail consumers at one time in its 65-year-plus history. The expansion of the Jeep brand has taken place in just two years. At the start of 2004, the brand's trio of tough, capable, rugged SUVs included the venerable Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Liberty (Cherokee outside North America) and the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler. In 2005, the Jeep Commander was introduced. In 2006, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler was unveiled. Also debuting in 2006 were three more all-new Jeep vehicles: Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

Pictures that make it look slightly less ass-like...

FORD AND FUNKMASTER FLEX MUSCLE IN HOT NEW EXPEDITION Limited-edition 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition Limited-edition 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition set to arrive in dealerships in the fall of 2007. Funkmaster Flex breaks barriers to become one of the first African American and hip hop artists in history to have a mass-produced production vehicle. Funkmaster Flex Edition features custom two-tone paint, a complete 3d Carbon body kit and custom interior. DEARBORN, Mich., Mar. 30 - Ford and DJ Funkmaster Flex, the hip hop guru of car customization, are turning the Funkmaster's red hot Ford Expedition concept into a limited-edition production SUV. The stylized version of the full-sized SUV, dubbed the 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, will hit Ford dealer showrooms later this fall. In launching the Funkmaster Flex Edition, Ford is positioning itself for continued growth in the vehicle personalization marketplace with an expressive SUV that doesn't lose any of its Expedition authenticity, but highlights its style and presence. "Once Ford and I finished the concept Expedition, we knew we had something serious! It was poppin'!" said Funkmaster Flex. "We then started showing it at auto shows, to dealers and to my fans and realized we hit on some themes that we could turn into a limited-edition production ride." "Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers," said Barry Engle, general manager, Ford Division Marketing. "He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver." Ford research shows that nearly half of all new-vehicle buyers are adding unique touches to their vehicles and Expedition is no exception. Modifications to the Expedition are as diverse as the needs of buyers – from adding additional off-road capability, to custom cargo storage, to adding touches for increased urban street appeal. Funkmaster Flex, a major influence in hip hop culture, has developed a young fan base of urban automotive enthusiasts who take pride in their personal style. Their vehicle often defines their lifestyle. Ford wants to reach these buyers with this new customized Expedition. Last year, Ford opened its Dearborn design studio doors to Funkmaster Flex to look at how to customize the new Expedition. Flex went to work with Ford designers to create an expressive concept that delivered the Expedition's SUV authenticity with a unique urban style and presence. The limited-edition run of Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition, based of the existing short wheelbase, Limited model, will arrive at dealerships in the fall of 2007. 2008 Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition Funkmaster Flex has strong opinions on customizing vehicles. Here, he shares some these thoughts and describes the new Expedition Funkmaster Felx Edition.Step one is a custom paint job. "The scheme developed shouldn't be too busy or overloaded with color. You want to make a statement at a stop light with no overkill! Two-tone paint works best," says Flex. For his Expedition, he chose a two-tone Colorado Red and Black paint scheme with Orange pinstriping. The two-tone goes up and over the A-pillar into the power dome hood so that they don't distract from the most expressive part of the new Expedition, its front grille. "Quality body kits are essential to any customization," says Flex. "They need to be expressive and distinctive without compromising drivability." Funkmaster Flex and Ford Design called upon Ford's longtime partner 3d Carbon in Newport Beach, Calif. to develop a complete body kit for the Expedition. 3d Carbon currently provides official Ford licensed body kit for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ. The kit on the Expedition features an expressive custom front fascia with integrated fog lamps, side skirts, rear fascia and trailer hitch cover. The traditional roof rack has been removed. Exterior personal touches are a must. "Make sure to add anything that you like as long as it's not gaudy. Get guidance from experts with these additions. Trust their advice. Chrome accents and custom badges can really define a vehicle," says Flex. The Expedition features custom Funkmaster Flex FMF chrome badges that accent the 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels. "The interior needs to continue the theme of the exterior," says Flex. A matching Colorado Red center console bezel, shifter and switch bezels highlight the cabin. The seats feature appointed quad captain black leather skins with red-stitching and FMF red logo headrests. A red-stitch steering wheel and armrest center console accent the seats. FMF floormats rounds out the package. As an added touch, each Expedition will feature an exclusive numbered dash plaque signed by Funkmaster Flex. Make sure the vehicle has all the options and a strong sound system. Based on the Expedition Limited, the Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition is available with the same interior standard and optional features. They include a standard 340-Watt Audiophile® Sound System, MP3 player audio input jack, Powerfold™ third-row seat, heat and cooled front seats and optional navigation system, power liftgate, air suspension and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition Highlights 3d Carbon body kit with custom front/rear fascia and side skirts Two-tone Black and Colorado Red paint with Orange pinstriping Funkmaster Flex badges on fenders Trailer hitch cover SIRIUS™ Satellite Radio 2nd row captain's chairs Interior Black leather interior with contrasting Colorado red stitching Colorado red shifter, center stack and door appliqués/bezels Funkmaster Flex stitched logo headrests Limited-edition Funkmaster Flex numbered dash plaque 20-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels About Funkmaster Flex A New York City native, Funkmaster Flex is synonymous with hip hop. For over a decade, he has reigned as America's #1 Hip Hop personality, reaching more than two million listeners a week through his popular radio show. His production talents and artist relationships have earned him five gold records for major-label mix albums.Funkmaster Flex has successfully connected his hip hop celebrity status to the auto industry to become a guru of car customization culture. Through his high-profile custom-car club, Team Baurtwell, Flex has customized cars for attention-drawing personalities like Sean Diddy Combs, Shaquille O'Neal and Orange County Choppers. Currently, Flex features these celebrities and their cars on his hit television series "All Muscle with Funkmaster Flex" airing on ESPN2. Now in its sixth year, his nine-city "Custom Car and Bike Show" keeps him constantly connected with the latest trends and styles happening in the automotive industry. In 2005, Ford Motor Company started a relationship with Funkmaster Flex. He is currently focused on reinventing Ford's American car customization culture for an all-new urban enthusiast. To date, he has customized over 15 vehicles for Ford. At the 2005 Ford SEMA show press conference, Flex stole the show with a tuned Ford Fusion wearing a 3d Carbon body kit. His customized Ford Fusion and F-150 were featured attractions on his car show tour. Flex also played important roles at the 2007 North American International Auto Show and the 2007 New York Auto Show International. Most recently, he made a cameo appearance in Ford's latest Fusion television and Edge radio commercials. In May, Ford will become the official sponsor of the reality television series "Car Wars with Funkmaster Flex," airing on ESPN2 and will feature Flex in a new television ad for the Ford Expedition.

Ford F-150 Foose Edition FORD, FOOSE CREATE ULTIMATE STREET TOUGH F-150 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition Chip Foose, star of TV's "Overhaulin'", designs first factory product – the 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition that interprets his hot-rod style through America's favorite pickup. The Hot Rod Hall of Fame's youngest inductee and Hollywood regular, on TV and as a custom vehicle builder for hit movies such as Gone in 60 Seconds. Foose's design visually lowers the truck in the boulevard-cruiser spirit while maintaining the Ford F-150's Built Ford Tough pedigree. The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition is the most powerful half-ton truck on the market with a supercharged 5.4-liter V-8 delivering 450 hp and 500 lbs.-ft. of torque. DEARBORN, March 30, 2007 – The Ford truck team sat down with hot rod celebrity Chip Foose last year at the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA) convention in Las Vegas – the heart of the red-hot $34 billion auto aftermarket industry – and issued a daunting challenge: "We asked Chip Foose to design a tough, muscular street rod based on the Ford F-150 FX2 Sport pickup that will knock the socks off even the most hard-core boulevard cruiser fan," says Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. "And let's make it available in less than a year before the 2007 SEMA show." Less than five months later, Ford and Foose are revealing the low-slung, production-intent Ford F-150 Foose Edition show truck, a precursor to the truck that will bow in the fall of 2007 as the most powerful and fastest half-ton production truck on the planet. But right at that table, the seven-time winner of "America's Most Beautiful Roadster Award" waved his wand – in his case a No. 2 pencil – and sketched out a conceptual offshoot of America's favorite pick-up that looked like a true boulevard cruiser with design elements that visually lower the truck. Hot rod magic It started where the Ford F-150 Foose Edition meets the road, the big 22-inch original wheels that fill the wheel wells with larger flares, causing the pickup to look lower. Foose also designed and fabricated a custom rocker panel that enhances the lowered look even though the truck was only slightly lowered. "How the vehicle sits and how the wheels are proportioned to the body is the first essence to give it the illusion of something lower than it is," says Foose. Wide, bold racing stripes further accentuate the planted stance. They start at the leading edge of the hood, helping to flatten it out. The striping thins out, stretches down over the front fenders, and runs the length of the vehicle above the door handles and across the tailgate for a streamlined look from the side. Then it widens again at the tailgate for an exclamation mark. Foose also has replaced the Ford F-150 FX2 Sport's dark billet grille and bumper opening with a new grille design with horizontal bars that makes the frame look shorter. Then, he has surrounded the design with lower rocker moldings that seemingly further drop the pickup. The process was easier than it sounds, Foose says, because he had a great canvas – the Ford F-150 – to work with. It was also a labor of love. Chip Foose's personal primary ride is a souped-up 2005 Ford F-150 Lariat. Ford engineers then took over by first creating computer renderings of Foose's sketches. "Chip sketches on paper; he doesn't like to use computers," says Karen Gietzen-Stewart, business strategy manager, Ford Advanced Product Creation. The Ford truck team analyzed these renderings to ensure the Ford F-150's tough images was maintained. A concept truck was built and then, in early 2007, Foose flew to Detroit where he made final finishing adjustments to the design. Foose touches are carried into the interior, with Chip Foose signature headrests and floor mats. A unique, leather-wrapped center console features a Foose-designed serialization plate with vehicle identification number (VIN) and build-sequence numbers mounted on the ashtray door. To match its muscular look, the Ford F-150 Foose Edition is the most powerful and fastest half-ton truck on the market. The intercooled, supercharged Triton® V-8 pumps out 450 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 500 pounds-foot of torque at 4,000 rpm. "The Ford F-150 Foose Edition is the fastest truck period," says Matt O'Leary, Ford F-150 chief engineer. "And it's the only performance vehicle to offer the flexibility of the pickup bed." Ford F-150 leads huge customization industry The Ford F-150 was named the "most accessory friendly pick-up" by SEMA, the trade group that keeps tabs on the aftermarket – an industry that has grown eight to 10 percent the past 10 years. Customers also prefer the Ford F-150 for personalization as they currently spend nearly $1,700 each to customize it – more than double the rate in 2004 and more than any other competitive truck. "The Ford F-150 lends itself to accenting because it's so recognizable as America's favorite pickup. It's already widely accepted because it comes in the most varieties and customers spend more on it than any other truck to personalize it even further," says Foose. "And it's clean, too. That's why I drive an F-150 – it's great looking, powerful and yet very minimalist in its design." Ford's overall customization business grew 50 percent in 2006, far outpacing all other automakers, and is expected to double by 2008. This growth has been driven by full factory-customized vehicles – such as the Harley-Davidson™ and FX2 Sport F-150 model – versus individual parts sales. "This is really a fashion industry," says SEMA's Peter MacGillivray. "Consumers want to put their personal stamps on everything they buy – from personalized rings to build-a-teddy-bear – and everybody knows that 'you are what you drive.' The Foose Edition is a fantastic collaboration between Chip Foose and Ford. "It's a vehicle that will be embraced by all kinds of buyers – not just the hard-core enthusiast who really knows the Ford F-150's heritage and Chip's track record, but also people who are just into cool cars and trucks. Couple that with Chip's celebrity and broad appeal – there are millions of excited consumers from his TV show – and I think Ford's got a real winner here." The Ford F-150 already offers the most models and configurations – five series and 60 major variations – of any half-ton truck. Ford also continues its long-time truck heritage of building specialized models to appeal to the growing number of niche customers. Poore says the F-150 has led the trend of pickups going mainstream. "Chip Foose is similarly reaching beyond traditional automotive audiences and will help Ford trucks reach an even broader audience with the 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition," says Poore. The 2008 Ford F-150 Foose Edition will begin life as an FX2 Sport model from the Kansas City Assembly Plant. The unique Foose elements will be customized at a modification center before being shipped to Ford dealers. The truck will go on sale by early 2008. Quick Specs Powertrain 5.4-liter Triton V-8, intercooled and supercharged Iron block, aluminum cylinder heads 450 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 500 lbs.-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm Four-speed automatic transmission Chassis Wheelbase: 138.5 in. Length: 224.0 in. Height: 70.5 / 73.5 Track (f/r): 67.0 / 67.0 in. Suspension modifications Front tuning: Eibach coil springs, Sachs dampers, jounce bumper Rear tuning: Eibach leaf springs, Sachs dampers, jounce bumper Wheels/tires: 22-inch forged, polished Foose wheels and P275/45R22 Pirelli tires Exterior modifications Ford Racing exhaust system Foose designed and fabricated wheel flares, lower side and front rocker moldings Unique front fender badges Foose-designed stripe package Foose-designed upper and lower grilles Interior modifications Embroidered headrests with Chip Foose autograph "Foose" embroidered floormats Unique, leather-wrapped center console with personalized build sequence badge

More entries?

AURA XE (3.5l) - 20/30 AURA XR (3.6l) - 20/28 Those ratings are from fuelconomy.gov. I can't explain the difference unless you mistook XEs and XRs. XEs with gray interiors come metallic trim while tan interiors come with woodgrain. Fabric or leather matters not. You only have a choice of metallic or woodgrain with the XR, which either have the black cloth/leather or Morocco brown leather. The good news is the tan/woodgrain combination is available on all colors, so its just a matter of finding the one you want.

Wow. First, the OUTLOOK was shelved, now this...

"F**k you; I'm the Grand Prix, Bitch!" Awesome purchase! Can't wait to see pictures! Dodgefan, the offset tire widths help control torque steer. And it works. Very well.

I can based on my experience with the CVT in the Murano. Good engine, lousy transmission with lots of rubber banding. At lower speeds, you always felt like you were either a gear short or a gear high. And 16-18mpg combined driving over ~2500 miles? Uh, my V8 4-speed gets that kind of mileage on a bad day. After a week with the Murano's running gear, I was done with it. I think a Powerglide would've been less irritating. Chrysler CVTs likewise suck. Drive a Compass and try not to cut your throat.

BV has the right idea. I'll have a representative from the ol' BOP group right out here. Negatory on the Cadillacs, unfortunately. Eldos tend to retain their value more and are therefore more expensive, likely out of my range. CTSs - while very nice - are not my bag. A bit too small (did I just say that?) and too common for my taste. Plus, a s/c 3800 vehicle opens up a wide range of possibilities.