Northstar

By Greg Migliore Automotive News / September 02, 2005 http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=13225 DETROIT -- The 2006 Dodge Ram 1500, which features a new suspension and interior, will have a price starting at $21,700 -- a $245 increase over 2005. The Ram, now arriving in showrooms, offers regular or quad cab models with a four-wheel-drive option. The truck's base engine is a 3.7-liter V-6. Dodge is offering options for a 4.7-liter V-8 and a 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The Hemi features cylinder deactivation, which turns off four cylinders for better fuel mileage. The Ram, assembled in Warren, Mich., and St. Louis, is offered in several packages: The base ST package starts at $21,700 and has air conditioning, a CD player and 17-inch wheels. The SLT level starts at $24,850 and adds a mini-trip computer, power windows and locks, and keyless entry. The sport package, starting at $30,110, has the 345-hp Hemi engine, bucket seats, and body-colored fascia and grill. The four-wheel-drive TRX4 off-road package starts at $29,670 and comes with an electric-shift transfer case, off-road tires, tow hooks, body decals and Sirius satellite radio. The Laramie package starts at $30,120 and has dual climate control, heated front seats, leather upholstery and steering-wheel audio controls. The Chrysler group also announced prices on some other trucks. Heavy-duty packages start at $26,085 for a Ram 2500 and rise to $42,615 for a top-of-the-line Ram 3500. Heavy-duty trucks offer a 5.9-liter turbodiesel engine. Prices for the Ram Power Wagon begin at $36,380. All prices include $900 shipping.

Yes, he left the site before the crash.

Sounds like mid-September should give us a lot of new info about future GM powertrains. I'm hoping that means they're getting rid of some of the engines in the lineup that need replacing, and are also going to up the capacity for the HF V6s.

I'm not liking the Compass too much, but the Patriot looks ok. The Patriot actually looks like a mini Commander but with a better front end.

Saw an XLR today right as I was leaving my house to go to school. Today I was like 3 minutes later than usual (usually I barely get to school on time and have to speed a lot to get there). Maybe I should be extra late more often, they maybe I'd see the XLR more. :lol:

I was confused by that too, but it must be dealerships. There's no way 40k people would buy it without seeing it or test driving it.

In premium brands such as Buick, Cadillac, Saab, and now Saturn, lots of sound deadening materials should be used. In Pontiacs and Chevies it is less of a need, but you don't want to get left behind in terms of refinement by the competition. I'm not so sure the G6 should be all noisy and stuff because I'm guessing it doesn't sound that great, but stuff like the GTO and Corvette should at least have a bit of exhuast/engine noise coming into the cabin. One reason my parents always bought Olds was because they were always quieter than their Chevy and Pontiac counterparts.

No, go read the GM press release if you don't believe me, 14.5k 06 Impalas were sold (plus some 05s which made the total number more than 14.5k).

Probably because the just-launched '06 Impala (14500 units) is already selling better than the 500, and is doing so without employee pricing.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drive...rticleId=107094 By D. John Booth Date posted: 01-01-3000 You know, there's just no way it's a coincidence. Dave Hill, Chevrolet's chief engineer for the Corvette, can wax engineering all he wants about optimum bore size, combustion efficiency and maximizing fuel economy, but the real reason the new 2006 Corvette Z06's LS7 engine displaces 7.0 liters is that it translates into exactly 427 cubic inches, a magic number in Corvette lore. And while the new engine may not have the reputed 550 horsepower the legendary L88 had (though it was rated at a measly 430 hp to "fool" insurance companies), there's no doubt this is the very fastest Corvette ever. Let's give Chevy's official Z06 performance numbers a review, in order of absolute incredulity: 198 miles per hour, 3.7 seconds to 60 mph, 505 horsepower and 16/26 miles per gallon in the city/highway, which allows Chevrolet to claim that it's the only car with more than 400 hp to avoid the federal gas-guzzler tax. Developed alongside the C6R racecar, the new LS7 engine's bits read like a what's-what of racecar technology. Based on the Chevy's much heralded small-block V8, the 7.0L boasts a dry-sump lubrication system, CNC-ported aluminum cylinder heads, a forged-steel crankshaft and sodium-filled (for cooling) exhaust valves. The result of all this hot-rodding trickery, besides those 505 horses, is a whopping 470 pound-feet of torque. It also allows GM to claim a very Ferrari-like 6.2-pound-per-horsepower power-to-weight ratio. The Z06's acceleration is also up to comparison to the finest from Maranello. Virginia's International Raceway (VIR) has a few straightaways to take advantage of the Z06's incredible turn of speed which, thanks to extensive use of magnesium and the conversion of the entire frame to aluminum (steel is used in the base coupe and convertible) is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Those aluminum and magnesium bits result in a curb weight of 3,132 pounds, 47 pounds less than the base Corvette coupe and 67 less than Ferrari's F430. That light weight also helps explain why the damn thing accelerated so hard out of VIR's pit row, and why it can compete with the best exotic sports cars in the world. Keeping your foot in it really awakens the beast within, and the Corvette begins making all manner of Le Mans-type exhaust rumble thanks to a new valve in the muffler that basically turns the system into a 3-inch straight pipe. It's certainly a more exciting exhaust note than the "pffft" that exits most tailpipes. And while the short-throw six-speed manual gearbox is generally slick-shifting, I did miss at least a couple of 2nd-to-3rd upshifts, not exactly the best state of affairs when you're entering a set of "S" turns at speed. On the other hand, I was abusing the shifter mightily on the track and had no such problems on the street. VIR's 17 corners are equally divided between high- and low-speed, off- and on-camber, flat and undulating and more than a few have blind apexes. In other words, it's downright diabolical. The Z06 tames every bend on the course. The huge tires (275/35ZR18 front and 325/30ZR19 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 S/C performance run-flats) generate enough grip for a claimed astronomical 1.04g lateral-grip rating. Depending on your internal fortitude, that's either enough for some genuinely racecar-like cornering, or too much — threatening lightheadedness and/or blackouts. Despite those huge tires, however, the steering remains light and precise. Credit the Z06's extensive weight-reduction processes, including carbon-fiber fenders and floor panels, a magnesium roof and that aforementioned aluminum spaceframe. Combined with Chevrolet's world-class traction control system, complete with an upgraded version of its vaunted "Competition Mode," the Z06 is that magical combination of competition quick and Sunday-gone-to-meeting easy to drive. Competition Mode is the best electronic "traction nanny" in the business, allowing you to steer around corners using the throttle yet preventing the consequences of overenthusiastic unleashing of those 505 horses. It's an amazing system, and it makes the new Z06 a powerful weapon for track-day duty. While still on the object of performance, it's worth noting that this Vette finally has some brakes equal to its penchant for velocity. Up front is a pair of six-piston brake calipers, each piston with its own individual brake pad for more consistent performance and better brake feel. Even after repeated late braking from 150-plus mph into a low-speed hairpin, they showed no sign of fading. What's even more important to potential Corvette ownership, especially since Chevrolet is GM's everyman car division, is versatility and attainability. As for the former, this new breathed-on engine is actually more civilized than those that have gone before. The ride isn't as harsh as Corvettes of old and the interior, while not quite state-of-the-art, is at least modern and well executed. As for attainability, the '06's MSRP of $65,800, while hardly cheap, is less than a half and even a third the price of many of the exotics it competes with. In fact, consider this: The 2006 Z06 is lighter than the hyperexotic Ferrari F430, is 2 miles per hour faster (198 versus 196), and is about a quarter of a second quicker to 60 miles per hour. And, of course, costs about a three-bedroom, two-bathroom-townhouse (at least in Tennessee) less than the prancing stallion from Italy. No more excuses are needed. No "not bad for the money" backhanded compliments. The 2006 Corvette Z06 can go head-to-head with any sports car in the world.

No new news I guess? Today was slow for some reason, but it seems Thursday and Friday are always slower than most. Another thing could be the CNN effect. Maybe posters are watching more TV and doing less posting as a result?

I really don't like the idea of the BLS coming to the US. It's fine for Europe as they really like small cars, but I'd rather see the CTS shrunk 3 or so inches to allow some breathing room between it and the STS. If Cadillac was to get a car below the CTS, I'd like it to be similar in concept to the Torana concept. I just don't like thinking about a FWD Cadillac when almost all Cadillacs are RWD now and that strategy has been working well.

I guess anything you consider a muscle car, you can enter. I'm not sure how many people consider the Cyclone a muscle car, but if you do, go right ahead. :)

GM's Lutz makes his mark with Solstice Sports car may be start of a risk-taking strategy September 1, 2005 BY MARK PHELAN FREE PRESS AUTO CRITIC http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/lutz1e_20050901.htm After four years at General Motors Corp., Vice Chairman Bob Lutz gets what he asked for. The 2006 Pontiac Solstice is Lutz's baby, and both Pontiac's future and his legacy ride in the little roadster. GM hired Lutz in 2001 to inject style and passion into a humdrum lineup. He challenged the company's designers to create an exciting sub-$20,000 sports car as the first step. The Solstice is that car. If it succeeds, Lutz's legend as one of the industry's great car guys is assured, and GM's future looks a bit brighter. In a conversation with Free Press auto critic Mark Phelan, Lutz talked about his hopes for the Solstice and GM's future. Is it reasonable to say the Solstice is the first car that was completely developed on your watch? The Solstice and the (Chevrolet) HHR and (Hummer) H3 all are. What does the Solstice say about where GM is compared to when you joined the company four years ago? I think what the Solstice has is signalvalue inside and outside the company. Inside the company -- even though it's a relatively low-volume car -- it's a tremendous morale builder. I've gotten a lot of e-mails -- and so has (GM Chairman Rick Wagoner) -- from employees saying, "Boy, it feels good to have this company produce a clear-cut winner." It gives our employees faith that yes, we can do it. Taking intelligent risks on exciting new stuff is not only a legitimate strategy, it's the only strategy that will work over time. Playing it safe is going to lose in the long term, because everybody else is taking intelligent risks -- like Chrysler did with the 300. Playing it safe is not an option. Some vehicles have really moved the needle for brands -- the new Cadillacs, the Chrysler 300. Is the Solstice one of those cars that may force people to reevaluate a whole brand? The Solstice is supposed to have shock value. Just like the Viper did for Chrysler. Cars like that are a different way of paying for advertising. For the money it took us to do the Solstice -- roughly $230 million to $260 million -- we could have taken a corporate-image ad campaign saying "GM cares." It would have been here today, gone tomorrow, and done very little to change people's minds about GM. People don't buy GM cars because we're nice people. They buy GM cars because they represent great value. Doing something like a Solstice demonstrates that GM and only GM can do a car that's equivalent to a BMW Z4 or even a Porsche Boxster, only instead of charging $45,000, we charge $19,995. It's an enormous bargain. The Solstice is the icon of what's changing at GM. Does each of GM's brands need a flag-in-the-ground car to define it like the Solstice does Pontiac? Arguably yes. We've got all kinds of great ideas for things we can do with iconic Hummers without getting bigger and bigger. Cadillac is a no-brainer. Someday we're going to do -- it's definitely in the product plan, but not kicked off yet -- we will do an ultra-luxury sedan involving an engine of more than eight cylinders and costing far more than any Cadillac has ever cost before, but not going into the $300,000 area. As Maybach has proved to our satisfaction, nobody buys those. There aren't enough un-intelligent billionaires around. The world is running out of stupid billionaires. An iconic Chevrolet we have with the Corvette. We can probably go a step beyond Corvette and do the killer all-out performance car that embarrasses the $500,000 and million-dollar performance cars. For Saturn, it will be the Sky roadster. Buick we haven't quite figured out yet. We've got to come up with something there. You know the (Buick) Velite concept -- we just have not identified the necessary capital and engineering resources for it yet. Is the look, the first impression, the most important thing for a car? Yes. The inner values of cars today are all close to identical. They all meet government crash regulations. Those are so high now that the difference between least safe and the most safe is (immaterial). The same with quality and durability. Now the differential is how badly do I want the car? That's where, frankly, we've been a little weak. I was amazed at how quickly the perception of Cadillac turned around when the brand got good vehicles. Me too. (When) I was at Chrysler, I thought Cadillac was hopeless. How long does it take you to repair people's perception of the other brands? It takes time. We shouldn't tell ourselves the Cadillac brand image is fully rehabilitated. It's on an upward slope, but it is by no means where we want it to be. All we can say is it's hit the turning point about three years ago and has been on a gradual upturn. As we measure Pontiac and Buick, they have stopped deteriorating. They have stopped sliding. I'm confident that with cars like the (2006 Buick) Lucerne and the future Buick crossover, that Buick will turn, because they will have beautiful cars. The Lucerne will make a much larger emotional connection with customers than the LaCrosse did. Pontiac, I think the combination of the Solstice, G6 coupe and G6 hardtop convertible will make a difference. I'm so pumped up about this place. I keep haranguing Rick and (GM Chief Financial Officer John Devine), asking, "When can we buy stock again?" I'd hock everything. The bottom line is that this place has more capability than any American automaker, and probably more than any automaker in the world, except probably equal to Toyota.

The Civic is terribly proportioned. As TRC said, the hood is too short which makes it look really weird. Look at this pic for example. The decklid looks nearly as long as the hood.

Kerkorian buys more GM shares By Jason Stein Automotive News / September 01, 2005 http://www.autonews.com/news.cms?newsId=13214 DETROIT -- Kirk Kerkorian has raised his stake in General Motors. Kerkorian-controlled companies agreed to buy 13.1 million shares of GM in three separate purchases in August, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing on Thursday. Kerkorian's companies -- Tracinda Corp. and 250 Rodeo Drive, both of Beverly Hills, Calif. -- now hold 9.53 percent of GM common stock, or almost 54 million shares. That is up from the previous holding of 7.2 percent. Kerkorian has said in SEC filings that his stake is for investment purposes only. A Tracinda spokesperson repeated that position on Thursday. "Mr. Kerkorian has made a long-term value-driven investment because he has confidence in the company, the American auto industry and the U.S. economy as a whole," the spokesperson said. On Aug. 31, Tracinda also entered into a revolving credit line with Bank of America worth more than $400 million, according to the SEC filing. Tracinda borrowed $187 million of that amount for its latest purchases, leaving more than $200 million in credit available. Kerkorian increased his GM holdings earlier this year, buying about 18.9 million shares in a tender offer that ended June 7. Tracinda sought 28 million shares at that time, which would have brought its stake in GM to 8.9 percent.

I guess I didn't realize it got so strong so fast, Alpha, but regardless the government said they were going to be ready if something like this happened, and they needed to be there a long time ago. They should have been organizing when they knew it was going to be bad, not after they found out just how bad it was.

What are Iraqi slaves going to do? They don't have any clue what they're supposed to do and would probably make the conditions worse.

Under 10k for the 300? I don't remember the last time it was under 10k for a month. Obviously it's losing some steam. 5200 Chargers is no good. The HHR outsold it in it's first full month.

From what I have gathered they're trying to stop the looting because they don't have any way to help the people in need. Like I said, the government had warning and should have had supplies ready. Maybe if the police had supplies they could give them out, but they have very few. The military is now dropping really big sand bags around where Lake Ponchatrain was/is in an effort to stop any more water from flowing out into the communities around it.

Considering GM had less than 700,000 vehicles on the lots at the beginning of the month, I'd say they didn't do too bad. Selling over half of the vehicles they had to sell isn't bad at all. Obviously low inventory hurt some of the models badly; the Cobalt only had 28k units on the lots, and 22k of 35k TBs were sold. GM's new models really did pretty well, the HHR was impressive with 5700 units sold (less than 5k were on the lots at the beginning of the month), the H3 had a good month as well, and it sounds like the 06 Impala is selling very well (already surpassed the 500 in sales for the month, and that's not with EPP or including the 05 model). It appears that the facelift on the Malibu might have helped, as I think 24k is the new model's best month ever. It sounds like the G6 coupe is doing well, and the Grand Prix had a huge month (for it). Inventories will be back up in Sept., and the new vehicles appear to be doing well so they will only go up in sales for a while. I think GM will do pretty well in Sept. with the EPP on the '06 GMT800s and labor day just around the corner. Oh, and FWIW, GM's market share in August was only 23.6%. For the year it's at 27% vs. 27.4% last year.

I tried throwing on a Caddy front end, but discovered it doesn't work very well with the Nomad's curvy body lines.

The damage is certainly devasting, and the fact that the people down there are JUST NOW getting help when they needed it 48-60 hours ago is appaling. I thought after 9/11 we were going to be prepared for disasters and terrorist attacks. Apparantly we weren't prepared well enough. We knew it was coming in advance, and we knew it was going to be bad. The government should have gotten everything ready to be shipped BEFORE anything happened. Even if they only estimated that 50,000 people would need help, they'd still be well ahead of where they are at now in terms of giving them relief. I heard some graves were upturned and caskets were floating about. Are some of those body bags possibly for people who were already dead before and are floating around because their graves were upturned?

Well, I'm glad to see Toyota has decided to donate now. I don't see why they can't donate right away though. Everyone who's dying of thirst and starvation down there needed the help 60 hours ago, not right now.

The Malibu outsold the Altima, which is surprising. The G35 was pretty impressive, and the M did pretty good considering it really hasn't established itself in the marketplace yet.