Jump to content
Create New...

Northstar

Members
  • Posts

    7,567
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by Northstar

  1. I guess we only have a little more than 24 hours to see what the pricing on the Tahoe will be, if it in fact comes out on Jan 10.
  2. Unfortunate but not surprising with Ford. And this is the top model too, so it's not like just the base model is bad.
  3. I don't think there'd be any problem with posting a screen cap. Go for it.
  4. Here's some more info from Autoweek: DETROIT -- General Motors unveiled a concept version of its Buick Enclave crossover at the Detroit auto show on Sunday, Jan. 8. The production version is expected to go on sale in 2007, replacing the Rendezvous and Rainier. It is being developed on GM's new Lambda vehicle architecture. The concept is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. The 270-hp engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It features all-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension. Like Buick's new Lucerne, the Enclave has the brand's famous portholes in the front fenders. The concept version has 21-inch tires with seven-spoke wheels and a skylight that extends almost the entire length of the passenger compartment. The concept is a six-seater. The production model will have seven seats. GM says the Enclave will be on sale within 18 months. A spokesman says the Enclave will compete with the Lexus RX 330 and Acura's MDX. He declined to give a price range for the production model. The RX 330 starts at $38,465 and the MDX at $37,740. Both prices include shipping.
  5. Cool, I can't wait to see more real-world pics of the Enclave and of course of the Camaro.
  6. Pics from Autoweek: January 8, 2006 -- Detroit -- The all-new 2007 Honda Fit, a subcompact 5-door hatchback set to go on-sale in the U.S. in April, will make its U.S. debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. Already one of Honda's hottest selling models in Asia and Europe, the Fit is designed to enter the U.S. market as leader in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, refinement, interior functionality, sporty driving demeanor and high levels of standard safety equipment. Built on Honda's legendary foundation for dependability, quality and reliability, the Fit is a premium entry-level vehicle that emphasizes style, technology and value. The Fit features a 109 horsepower 1.5-liter 4-cylinder VTEC engine, a 5-speed manual transmission or an available, first in segment, 5-speed automatic transmission, and over 90 cubic feet of passenger volume with multiple seating and cargo configurations. A Fit Sport model offers wheel-mounted paddle shifters (with automatic transmission) and a 160-watt, six-speaker audio system. Fit will be supported by a wide variety of Honda Genuine Accessories, including segment exclusive Honda Apple® iPod® Music Link®, allowing owners to personalize their Fits inside and out. "The 2007 Fit provides a new entry point into Honda for consumers considering an attractive and efficient small car," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda. "The large interior adapts to people or cargo like no other car in its class. It comes standard-equipped with advanced safety technology, and follows in the tradition of Honda's fun-to-drive performance." Unprecedented Subcompact Seating and Cargo Flexibility Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides a surprisingly large passenger and cargo space for both maximum comfort and utility. At the foundation is the Fit's Magic Seat™, an innovative 60/40 split rear seat that allows the seatbacks to fold down or the seat bottoms to flip up, providing four distinct seating and cargo carrying configurations (refresh mode, tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode) in addition to the standard five passenger mode. With all seats in the upright position, passenger volume measures 90.1 cubic feet (slightly less than an Accord's passenger volume) with 21.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row (slightly less than an Element's cargo volume behind the second row). In order to help maximize Fit's useable interior space, Honda located the fuel tank in a central location towards the middle of the vehicle. This allows the cargo floor in the rear of Fit to be relatively low, thus increasing the interior volume. Fun to Drive...Past the Pump The 1.5-liter, SOHC, 16-valve, 4-cylinder VTEC engine generates 109 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 105 foot-pounds of torque @ 4800 rpm. The compact and efficient powerplant features Honda's innovative Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC™).The VTEC system's ability to provide highly efficient operation at low engine speeds and extended performance at high engine speeds benefits fuel economy, power and low emissions. Refinement is further enhanced with electronic Drive-by-Wire throttle control, which provides quick throttle response, smooth automatic transmission shifts (on automatic transmission models) and precise fuel delivery to the engine. Friction reducing technologies include roller bearing tipped rocker arms, a low friction timing chain tensioner, molydebenum coated piston skirts and an offset crankshaft/connecting rod design. The suspension set up for the Fit is a combination of a front MacPherson strut/rear torsion beam with trailing arm. The compact front suspension and rear torsion beam were both designed to allow for a large passenger cabin with a low floor to maximize the cargo carrying capacity. Fit employs a compact, efficient and highly responsive Electric Power Steering (EPS) system that also contributes to higher fuel economy since engine power is not needed to operate a hydraulic system. The wheel size measures 14-inches with P175/65R14 tires, and 16-inch wheels with P205/45R16 are available as a dealer-installed option. Estimated city/highway fuel economy ratings of 33/38 miles per gallon is expected to be among the highest ratings in the subcompact 5-door hatchback class. Emissions levels are rated as Low Emissions Vehicle 2 (LEV-2) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Tier 2 / Bin 5 by the Federal government. Top-of-Class Standard Safety Equipment Already a leader in vehicle safety as demonstrated by Honda's "Safety for Everyone" initiative, Honda continues to implement leading airbag technology in all vehicles regardless of size or price. The Fit has the most standard safety features in its class with no other subcompact offering as much standard advanced safety technology. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front side airbags and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all Fit models. All seating positions have three-point seat belts, while front occupants are further protected by pre-tensioning seat belts. An enhanced knee bolster provides additional protection for passengers. Standard active safety equipment includes anti-lock braking system (ABS) with ventilated discs in the front and drums in the back, and electronic brake distribution (EBD). Paddle Shifters, Audio Options Define High Content Sport Model The Fit Sport model is the only subcompact to offer steering wheel-mounted paddle shifter controls (with automatic transmission). The Sport package includes underbody kit, rear roofline spoiler, fog lights, security system with keyless remote entry, cruise control, and 15-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with P195/55R15 tires. The Fit Sport also features a premium 160-watt, AM/FM/CD audio system with six speakers, MP3/WMA playback capability, a five-mode equalizer, and an auxiliary audio jack for input from a portable music player. Most Standard Subcompact Features, Segment Exclusive Accessories Fit comes with standard amenities such as air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD audio system with four speakers, power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, and a two-tone interior. The 2007 Fit promises to be one of the most customizable vehicles from Honda with approximately 30 accessories available at the dealer. Fit will offer the Honda Apple® iPod® Music Link® as a dealer-installed accessory. The Honda iPod Music Link allows the user's iPod (sold separately) to fully interact with the audio system. A segment exclusive, Music Link will control all the iPod's features via the audio head unit with album/song information shown on the vehicle's audio unit LCD display. It will also charge the iPOD's battery. Other interior accessories include an ambient lighting, trim panel accents (silver, red and blue), steering wheel covers and shift knobs. Outside, the Fit can be customized with Honda Factory Performance equipment including 16-inch alloy wheels, Sport package underbody kit, sport exhaust, chrome exhaust tip finisher, rear bumper accents and a sport mesh grille. A consumer preview Web site for the Fit is available at fit.honda.com. Official pricing for the 2007 Honda Fit has not yet been determined.
  7. Here are three more pics taken at the debut: I also added them to the original post.
  8. Here are some real-life pics from Autoweek:
  9. Here are the colors I made: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...?showtopic=4734 The Enclave is a 2008 MY vehicle (very early though), so we probably won't see the final thing until the New York show or maybe even NAIAS 2007. I'd guess the Outlook will be shown at Chicago or New York. It come out the earliest of the three (early 3rd Q or late 2nd Q I think).
  10. If you like the exterior as you see it, you're going to love it in other colors. I'm doing them right now and am close to done, and it looks amazing.
  11. Exterior: C Interior: A Powertrain: A Overall: B+ The exterior is a bore, the interior is very good, though I'm not totally in love with the design, and the powertrain is amazing.
  12. The interior is nice, but the exterior is too similar to the G35 for being a concept.
  13. The interior if freaking awesome, and the exterior looks pretty damn good too! The best Buick in a LONG time!
  14. Third row seat! BUICK ENCLAVE CONCEPT OFFERS NEW VISION OF BUICK STYLE DETROIT – The Buick Enclave – a luxury SUV concept that combines the athletic proportion of a modern crossover vehicle with the romantic forms characterized by Buick’s rich design heritage – was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit . It provides a glimpse of a vehicle Buick intends to bring to market. As a complement to Buick’s new luxury lineup, the Enclave delivers superior attention to detail. Engineered with an innovative level of interior flexibility, the Enclave concept vehicle has ample room for six passengers, while a skylight extends almost the entire length of the passenger compartment. A unique in-dash/in-seat/overhead DVD system allows viewing of up to four different DVD selections at once and offers passengers the ultimate in personalized, in-vehicle entertainment. “Enclave is the full expression of Buick’s craftsmanship, comfort and technical sophistication, wrapped in an exciting, youthful form,” said Ed Welburn, GM vice president, global design. “This is a new expression of Buick design. It is youthful and acknowledges the romanticism of classic Buick designs.” Enclave’s design is highly sculpted and detailed. Sculpture is seen in the unique, two-arch fenders, which flow out from the body on different planes, accenting both the vehicle’s athletic stance and lithe profile. Also, gently curving, continuous lines add characteristically Buick grace to the exterior, while providing a spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers. “The name Enclave evokes images of style, luxury and the privacy of a quiet, protected space,” said Steve Shannon, Buick general manager. “Although this is a conceptual representation, the Enclave production model will have the same graceful look and refined detail when it is introduced in the not-too-distant future.” Signature Buick cues include a waterfall grille – with “tri-shield” emblem – and portholes. The portholes, which are similar in design to the new Lucerne sedan, are mounted on the trailing edges of the sculpted hood, which forms a distinct “V” shape as it flows out from the grille and into the front fenders. The waterfall grille has a subdued, black chrome appearance, while a chrome accent strip divides the upper portion of the front fascia from the lower section, adding solidity to the vehicle’s appearance. Enclave has a bold proportion, with a wide stance and wheels pushed to the corners. This allowed designers to “wrap” the body around the wheels, enhancing the sure-footed appearance. This is augmented by large tires and 21-inch, seven-spoke wheels. “The unitized construction of the body structure enabled the Enclave’s tight look,” said Jack Folden, exterior design director. “It not only allowed for tighter tolerances, but also enabled an optimal wheel-to-body relationship – this vehicle ‘sits’ just right.” Enclave wears a Cocoa Metallic color, with the lower section of the vehicle featuring the low-gloss, chip-resistant finish expected on a luxury SUV. The unique exterior color is accented with selective chrome trim, including the door handles and the trim that encircles the side windows. Streamlined roof rack rails also are chrome, with a design that flows into the body like the other sheet metal cues. Craftsmanship is evidenced in the dramatic, jewel-like headlamp and taillamp housings, as well as the streamlined look of the roof rack rails and the visual heft of the twin, chrome exhaust outlets. Buick’s technical sophistication is evidenced in the lamps themselves: The headlamps feature HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lighting technology and are integrated with GM’s Adaptive Forward Lighting System, which enables the lamps to turn with the direction of the front wheels. The jewel-look taillamps are complemented by an LED-lit high-mounted stop lamp that is designed into the upper edge of the backlight. “It is as technically sophisticated as it is beautiful,” said Folden. “Enclave is the luxury SUV complement to Buick’s lineup of finely crafted luxury cars.” Engaging interior environment Enclave’s interior environment is designed to create a personalized experience for all passengers. Six individual, leather seats – located in three seating rows – are surrounded with thoughtful amenities and luxurious detail. The large, bronze-tinted skylight extends between the front-row seats and third-row seats, warming the interior and enhancing the feeling of openness. “Enclave has a rich, sumptuous interior that, like the exterior, reflects Buick’s precision and craftsmanship with an acknowledgement of its legacy – it’s a ‘heritage forward’ design,” said Michael Burton, interior design director. “Curvaceous forms, luxurious materials and soft, inviting colors make it a warm, comfortable environment.” The curved and round elements that permeate the Enclave’s cabin hark back to the style of classic Buicks, including the air vents, door panels and instrument panel. Brushed aluminum trim on these components, as well as features such as the pedals and gauge cluster surround reflect contemporary style and reinforce the vehicle’s craftsmanship. Aluminum-trim strips also accent the carpet of the storage compartment. These elements complement a rich-looking Cocoa and Light Cashmere two-tone interior color theme, embellished with camphor burl wood. Superior craftsmanship also is prominent in the contrasting stitching on the seats and leather-wrapped headliners. Lighting, too, was carefully selected to enhance the luxury feel while conveying warmth. A “halo” light extends from the perimeter of the skylight, while lapis blue lighting fills the footwells when the doors are opened. Tiffany-style lamps are located at the second- and third-row seats and accessory lamps are integrated as an overhead component for the second row. A Buick logo located on the inside of the power liftgate is illuminated, too. “There is a romantic, engaging feel inside the Enclave,” said Burton . “It’s also a personal environment, like that of an executive jet, with amenities that allow passengers to be more interactive during a drive.” Inventive interior amenities The front seat seatbacks have wood-embellished, fold-down trays for the second-row passengers, as well as leather, coach-style storage satchels. The three seating rows are divided by a unique console that runs from the instrument panel to the third-row seats. Each row’s console unit includes climate control switches, audio/entertainment controls, cupholders, a storage bin and jeweled, Tiffany-style analog clock. A matching clock is mounted at the top-center of the instrument panel. A rich wood look of the console contrasts with the Cashmere-and-Cocoa color theme. From the console controls, passengers also can select from a wide array of entertainment options delivered through four DVD screens. The front-seat passenger can flip down the front visor, which is embedded with technology that allows it to be both a mirror and a DVD screen, while third-row passengers can view a screen that flips up from their console. There also is a clever, movable second-row overhead vanity with two flip-down screens. The vanity and its flip-down screens – one for the left and right seating positions – can me moved fore and aft on an electronically controlled track. The vanity can be moved completely rearward for an unimpeded view out of the skylight. Each screen in the vehicle is capable of playing a different audio/video selection, giving the Enclave the capability of playing four DVDs simultaneously. Also, the dash-mounted navigation radio is capable of playing DVDs when the vehicle is parked. Enclave offers its passengers the ultimate in personalized, in-vehicle entertainment. Power and efficiency Enclave rides on a 119-inch wheelbase and is powered by a 3.6L high-feature V-6 with dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Enclave’s powerful V-6 offers one of the category’s most fuel-efficient options. The engine is rated at 270 horsepower (201 kw) and is backed by a six-speed automatic transmission. This luxury SUV also has all-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension. "When produced, the Enclave will deliver the comfort, quietness, craftsmanship and quality that exemplify the new vision of Buick style,” said Shannon.
  15. January 8, 2006 -- Detroit, Mich. -- Hyundai Motor America today revealed the innovative HCD9 Talus, a 2+2 concept that previews the future of the sports car segment. Designed at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, Calif., Talus made its world debut at the North American International Auto Show. "The mission for Talus was to create a vehicle that would excite the inner passion of customers who haven't been able to justify parking a sports car in their garage," said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center. "It's for a person who has grown accustomed to the needs and benefits of an SUV, but desires the emotional gratification of sports car styling and performance." CAPABILITY Unlike a traditional sporty coupe, Talus can traverse steep driveways, potholes or two-track access roads thanks to its increased ground clearance. Talus also offers the performance of optional 4WD to assist in applying horsepower to the pavement or for added confidence in inclement weather. The increased ride height also improves visibility, giving the driver the ability to see and anticipate the road ahead. Talus includes interior room for four adults, plus cargo space for that impromptu weekend getaway. More space, ease of access and the benefits of a commanding ride height are unique advantages Talus brings to the sporty car market. A sophisticated 4.6-liter V8 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission delivers power to fit the demands of performance-oriented consumers. EXTERIOR DESIGN "The exterior design is very assertive and conveys confidence," said Eric Stoddard, senior creative designer. "It says Talus can do what it wants to; it opens your boundaries from a sports car perspective." The powerful curves and surface detail of Talus come from the same underlying inspiration that guided the all-new Santa Fe. Talus shares a similar assertive expression in its front grille, headlamps and bodyside feature lines with its cousin, the 2007 Santa Fe. The hood forms are confident, emphasizing an extremely powerful V8 engine underneath. An arcing roofline and tapering greenhouse highlight the exterior profile and emphasize the car's broad shoulders and wide sporty stance. Talus sits on 22-inch polished aluminum deep-dish wheels. Access into Talus' richly appointed cabin is made easier through its pillarless aperture supported by front-hinged doors and rear-hinged jump doors. The solenoid door release is integrated into the B-pillar allowing for a sculpturally clean bodyside. There is a balance between passion and functionality at the rear of the vehicle. The undulating beltline adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the rear passengers and driver. A power clamshell hatch opens to a spacious cargo area and allows easy access from the rear and sides of the vehicle. The dual exhaust tips are integrated into the rear fascia repeating the design theme of the fog lights up front. The exterior is finished in Molten Red metallic paint, selected as a refined evolution of bright red typically associated with sports cars. The body color is complemented with Cinder Black ground effects. INTERIOR DESIGN The HCD9 Talus concept is captivating and luxurious on the inside while providing great passenger and cargo versatility. The cascading metallic trim on the center console invites you to enter the Talus and explore the details and craftsmanship that were exclusively tailored into the interior. Blue LED lighting adds a harmonious ambience throughout the interior day or night. "Sitting behind the wheel of the Talus will make you feel privileged and empowered by the luxurious appointments and higher seating position," said Dragan Vukadinovic, senior creative designer. "We wanted to push the expectations of the sports car interior by injecting as many luxury cues as possible. The center console was designed to be visually alluring while providing all the practical functions a driver expects." The center stack was designed to look like a jeweled pendant hanging from a necklace. The necklace graphic defines a retractable hood that opens to expose a 10-inch LCD monitor, air vents and a clock capable of displaying time in three different time zones. Two control knobs that appear to be suspended from the necklace represent the jeweled pendant. Dual zone climate controls flank the tapering center console. Secondary audio controls are dedicated to the rear passengers to enjoy watching individual nine-inch DVD monitors mounted in the rear of the front seats. The interior is finished in rich hues of supple leather. The palette consisting of Sierra Brown and Black Chestnut was selected to evoke the warm affluence of a western lodge, while the accented metallic finishes maintain a fresh technological outlook toward the future. The rear seats fold flat and there is a covered storage locker beneath the typical load floor for additional cargo space. TECHNOLOGY Talus is equipped with next-generation technology including: -Electronic Stability Control -Night Vision -Shift-by-Wire Transmission -Wireless Internet -Adaptive Cruise Control
  16. Yes, this is a production vehicle. Does anyone else see Cayenne in the rear?
  17. The only thing we know is that it's OHC (probably DOHC) and should have all the goodies... VVT, direct injection, etc. It will eventually replace the Northstar from what we've heard, so that means it should be available in RWD and FWD versions.
  18. After looking at it more, does anyone think the headlights may be a bit too big? Maybe they just look so big because it's a close up of them and it could look fine when show with the rest of the vehicle, but they look overly large to me.
  19. That's pretty damn cool. I still say the outer part of the grill and the headlights are too recessed. I don't mine them being recessed somewhat, but you can hardly see the headlights in that shot.
  20. evok confirmed that the Lambdas won't be available with the new 4.7L UV8 at launch, and only the 3.6 will be offered at first.
  21. Already posted in the NAIAS section. Please check and make sure pics and info have not already been posted elsewhere next time.
  22. I don't know, if it wasn't as inset under the hood I think it would improve the look, so as-is isn't necessarily a good thing, IMO. Don't get me wrong, I think it looks pretty sweet and blows the Challenger and Mustang away, but there's no reason it can't be perfect.
  23. After letting the excitement wear off, I think the front needs some work... the grill/headlights are a bit too inset and could maybe be slightly bigger vertically. As is, it looks slightly squished.
  24. I added a high-res pic of the interior. It looks better but still not great.
×
×
  • Create New...

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search