Northstar

It was -18F today with wind chill. Tomorrow we're getting about 5 inches of snow, but at least it's supposed to be 20F (without wind chill).

Rex wasn't bad for most of the game, he was just bad at the wrong times. I think he was 20-28, but his two interceptions came at crucial times and sealed the Bears' fate. The first quarter was very exciting and action-packed, but the second and third quarters were rather uneventful. I predicted the Colts would win 31-17, if it wasn't for a botched extra point attempt I would have been only one point away.

Oh my... The modifications to the front aren't terrible, but what the hell were they thinking with the rear? No part of the Z is square, yet the add on is made up by straight lines and nothing else.

That's only if you base your opinion on this one review from Popular Mechanics, of all places. C&D picked the Silverado as the best truck in their recent issue, I'd take C&D's opinion over Popular Mechanics' opinion any day.

The Robot ad is good. The others are not the greatest, but at least we haven't seen anything as bad as last year's Escalade commercial. I want to see the Cadillac commercial for this year.

It's freezing here too. Last night it was -3 without wind chill (and there was a pretty steady wind). Tomorrow is supposed to be 9 and Tuesday 11.

I think that idea for the rear-view camera system is great. You shouldn't have to slap down $2k for NAV in order to get a safety feature such as that.

Both are unibody, I believe. The Highlander is on the old Camry's platform and the Santa Fe is on the Sonata's.

I don't see why this couldn't happen. I wouldn't expect a whole lot more than a re-badged UTE, but it would be something relatively low volume that could be imported after the NA-designed G8 comes and fill the production capacity in AU.

I think I need to make a few things clear: First, FOG is still allowed and welcome to contribute to the site. In no way has he been removed of his posting abilities, and I'm sure the reason he cannot currently post in the lounge is some sort of hiccup that can be fixed. Second, I'd like to respond to some of the comments made. In past month, the administration has posted in 19 topics in the Admin/Moderator forum. I think that makes it quite clear that there is communication between the staff, and the only reason communication wouldn't be made would be if someone chose not to post their thoughts in those topics. Everyone's thoughts are taken seriously by the other members of the staff, and the only reason to not feel like part of the team is if one is simply not posting in the Mod forum. I think 2 topics every 3 days on average is anything but non-existent communication, especially considering that things are generally pretty smooth around here. Any "unjust" decisions that were made were not done so because one admin or another decided they should be made. The only times such decisions would have been made is when a new member posts something such as a huge advertisement and it is quite clear that they are here to sell stuff totally unrelated to cars. Every other decision that is made is discussed and everyone is able to give their opinion regarding the subject. If poor decisions are being made, it is not because one person is making them all by themselves. Finally, none of us were sore about why FOG is leaving. If he wants to "join the enemy," because he likes it there better, than he is free to do so. What we did not like was that we discovered he was not at the site to contribute with his posts, but rather to do the opposite, to take away from the discussion. Please see THIS post if you would like to see FOG's comments. I have no hard feelings toward FOG, and I wish him the best. I just thought I should clarify and defend the staff that I am part of before there is a huge fireworks show.

I glanced over the article, and the also said the interior wasn't as good as the others. I can see the Santa Fe and Murano beating it, but the Highlander? No way; the only thing it does well is ride comfortably. Having been in the Santa Fe a lot, I agreed with their assessment of it. The plood sucks, and there are a few quality concerns, but otherwise the interior is very nice, and it looks much more upscale than what would be suggested by the badge it wears.

GM@Chicago 2008 Saturn VUE RL & GL Press Release 2008 Saturn VUE RL & GL Image Gallery CHICAGO – Saturn announced two new variants of the completely redesigned 2008 Vue crossover utility at the Chicago Auto Show: the performance-tuned Red Line and the affordable, fuel-saving Green Line hybrid. The Red Line builds on the new Vue’s bold styling with an aggressive front-end design, including a large, lower air opening and projector beam fog lamps. The rear of the vehicle features a special fascia, spoiler and chrome exhaust tips. A lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and Red Line badges complete the performance-inspired appearance. From a performance perspective, the Red Line comes with standard tap up/tap down transmission control and sport-tuned ride and handling. It is powered by a dual overhead cam 3.6L V-6 VVT engine that delivers 250 horsepower (186 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 243 lb.-ft. (329 Nm) of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The Vue Red Line will be available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Interior modifications include a Red Line-only Ebony interior, including black leather sport seats with suede fabric inserts. The vehicle also features Red Line-logo instrument cluster graphics and embroidered floor mats. Green Line hybrid The 2008 Vue Green Line hybrid will continue to provide consumers with an affordable hybrid that also provides uncompromised utility. The hybrid system on the Vue Green Line combines sophisticated controls with an electric motor/generator mated to a 2.4L four-cylinder engine and a modified four-speed automatic transmission. The system saves fuel by p roviding an electric power assist during acceleration; shutting off the engine at idle; early fuel cut-off during deceleration and capturing electrical energy through regenerative braking. Fuel economy figures for the 2008 Vue will be announced later. The 2008 Vue was first shown last November at the Greater Los Angeles International Auto Show, as an uplevel XR model. At the show, Saturn also announced it will offer a version of the Vue Green Line with GM’s new two-mode hybrid system, in the third quarter of 2008 . This system will provide a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy compared to its non-hybrid counterpart. Additionally, General Motors committed to producing a plug-in version of the Vue Green Line that will double the fuel economy performance of any SUV currently on the market. No date has been set for the introduction of the plug-in hybrid, but it is a top priority for the company. The Vue XR (and base-level XE) will arrive at Saturn retailers this spring. The Vue Red Line will arrive in the third quarter of 2007 and the Vue Green Line hybrid will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2007. All-new Vue All 2008 Vue models feature the Saturn’s new design cues and European-inspired performance characteristics. Standard equipment highlights include: MacPherson strut independent front suspension with stabilizer bar Independent multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar Double-isolated engine cradle Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing system Traction control Hydraulically assisted power steering on V-6 models Dual-stage frontal air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows Front-row safety belt pretensioners Collapsible pedals Active head restraints OnStar with one year Safe & Sound service The 2008 Vue Saturn joins the Sky roadster, Aura sedan and the Outlook crossover utility in the revitalized Saturn portfolio. Saturn also introduced the 2008 Astra small car at the Chicago show.

GM@Chicago 2008 Saturn Astra Press Release Saturn Astra Image Gallery ALL-NEW 2008 SATURN ASTRA BRINGS AWARD-WINNING EUROPEAN SMALL CAR TO NORTH AMERICA CHICAGO – Saturn announced the addition of the all-new 2008 Astra to its lineup, bringing a decidedly European flavor to the North American compact car market. It is packed with a wide range of standard equipment and safety features, and delivers sporty performance with very good fuel economy. The Saturn Astra will be offered in three-door and five-door models, each underpinned by a taught, European-bred suspension that delivers a sharp, responsive driving experience. Power comes from a 1.8L Ecotec four-cylinder engine that is both energetic and economical, delivering 140 horsepower (104 kW) and up to 34 mpg** on the highway. “In Europe , the Astra’s combination of style, performance, safety technology and fuel efficiency have made it a hit with owners and auto critics alike,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “Now, Saturn is bringing the newly restyled Astra to North America and marrying it with our celebrated customer experience.” The Astra will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year. It is the fifth product in a complete revamp of Saturn’s product lineup. In fact, when the Astra hits showrooms, the “oldest” vehicle in Saturn’s portfolio will be the Sky roadster, which debuted in March 2006. Other new models include the all-new Aura sedan, the redesigned Vue compact crossover – including the Vue Green Line hybrid – and the Outlook crossover. “It’s not a stretch to say Saturn is all-new,” said Lajdziak. “The Astra rounds out our portfolio with a smart-driving, well-equipped small car that shares the European designs evident in all our new vehicles.” Product highlights Saturn offers two trim levels (XE and XR) for five-door models, and a single trim (XR) in the three-door configuration, which was created with more enthusiastic drivers in mind. The standard powertrain combination in all models is the 1.8L Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine, which is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The Ecotec engine is enhanced with variable valve timing to optimize power output and fuel efficiency. A four-speed automatic transmission is optional on all models. The Astra offers technologies to provide an agile, yet comfortable, driving experience. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control is standard on all three-door Astras, and available on five-door models. This system works in concert with the standard four-wheel, antilock disc brakes to help the driver maintain control during adverse road conditions or during sudden emergency driving situations. An electro-hydraulic, rack-and-pinion steering system is standard on all models. It provides the solid, linear feel of a hydraulic power steering system, but improves fuel efficiency by operating the power steering pump only when necessary. The system has two available configurations: the standard 15:1 ratio on five-door models and a 14:1 Sport ratio (standard on the three-door; optional on five-doors). Five-door Astras come with standard 16-inch wheels, but can be upgraded to 17-inch aluminum wheels. Three-door models come standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels, which can be upgraded to 18-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires. Design details The Astra has a clean, contemporary design that is infused with Saturn’s signature styling cues, including a bold, bright grille bar with prominent Saturn logo. Both the three-door and five-door models are distinguished from their European relatives with unique front and rear fascias that conform to North American bumper standards. Rear-end styling also features a bright trim bar, with large, wraparound taillamps and clear lenses. The center high-mounted stop lamp uses LED technology for fast and crisp illumination. Proportions on both body styles suggest an enthusiastic driving experience, with the wheels pushed to the corners and subtle fender flares wrapped tightly around the tires for a tailored stance. Interior design and features Bold design, refinement and precise execution are the hallmarks of the Saturn Astra’s interior, which envelops passengers in a contemporary environment that maximizes space and comfort. Details include a continuation of the exterior’s center hood crease on to the center of the instrument panel, as well as a V-shaped center stack motif that also complements the design language of the exterior. All models convey the Astra’s sporting character through firm, well-supported seats and a thick, three-spoke steering wheel with rake and telescopic adjustments. Ahead of the steering wheel is a rounded cockpit binnacle that houses a large, three-dimensional gauge cluster – including large speedometer and tachometer dials. The sporty Astra three-door receives specific seats with more aggressive bolsters and lumbar support. Additional interior highlights include: Illuminated glove box with damped door actuation A large, two-panel sunroof: the largest in its class (available on five-door only) Available heated seats in cloth or leather surfaces Auxiliary 12-volt power outlet Easy-to-remove rear cargo cover Power door locks (with central locking feature) and power windows with express down feature Standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio and available seven-speaker sound system; multi-disc and MP3-capable radios available Steering-wheel mounted audio controls (on XR models) Astra’s bold proportions, including a long, 103-inch (2,614 mm) wheelbase and 80-inch (2,033 mm) width, provide exceptional roominess and generous storage capacity. The 60/40-split folding rear seat also folds flat with the touch of a single, high-mounted lever. When the rear seat is folded, the five-door Astra offers 44.8 cubic feet (1,270 L) of storage space. Occupant protection features The 2008 Saturn Astra features a comprehensive list of safety systems to help protect occupants in the event of a crash. Highlights include: Rigid body structure with safety cage Six standard air bags, including dual-stage frontal air bags; roof rail head curtain air bags and thorax/pelvic air bags (front-seat passengers) Active head restraints Collapsible pedals Front safety belt pretensioners and load limiters OnStar with one year of Safe & Sound service Body structure: The unitized body structure is designed with a safety cage around the passenger compartment, and features optimized front and rear crush zones that absorb energy and help maintain the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. High-strength steel is used strategically throughout the body structure. Air bags: All Astra models feature dual-stage frontal air bags, seat-mounted thorax/pelvic air bags to help protect front occupants and head curtain air bags for front- and rear-seat occupants. Also standard is an automatic passenger sensing system for the front passenger seat; it suppresses the activation of the passenger-side frontal air bag if it detects a child or smaller-stature person in that seating position. Active head restraints and collapsible pedals: Standard active head restraints instantly move forward if a rear-end crash is detected, reducing the risk of neck injuries. Similarly, the collapsible foot pedals move during a crash to reduce the risk of leg or ankle injuries. Safety belt pretensioners and load limiters: When a crash is detected, the safety belt pretensioners immediately reduce the slack in the front safety belts, helping limit the movement of passengers. The load limiters permit a small amount of movement in the front safety belts, thereby reducing peak chest loads in a more severe crash. OnStar: Astra comes with the latest-generation OnStar system, including available Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The system also includes advanced automatic crash notification (AACN). With AACN, an OnStar advisor is immediately contacted by the vehicle when a crash occurs; the advisor can determine the appropriate emergency help required and assist in sending it to the scene of the crash. Astra buyers will receive one year of Safe & Sound Service provided by Saturn. ** Fuel economy estimates based on 2007MY EPA test cycle. Final numbers will be announced closer to availability.

I, for one, like the old one better.

I think this pretty much sums up most DCX interiors. They're either cheap or cheaper. Something incredibly cheap that I noticed: On the front portion of the front headrest is leather; DCX decided that it was good enough to make the back of the headrests hard, shiny plastic. The exterior is okay, though I'm not sure it's going to age that well.

The Titan wasn't even the best truck when it came out, so any publication picking it over the Silverado, Tundra, or F-150 is very questionable.

That shifter looks sweet. All of the controls seem much too low, however. Hopefully the materials are good.

What dumbasses.

It's time to move on. W- was one of the worst projects in history from a financial standpoint for GM. I'm guessing if costs weren't so overblown during development they wouldn't have had to stay around for so long. They're well past their prime and it's time for them to go.

The Z06 is sweet, but I'll pass on the convert, I think I'd get tired of the decal on the side all the time. I do think I like the color-keyed interior though. The Z06's interior also looks nice with the color and trim. If these are 2008s, I'm wondering if the convert has the LS3 (and the reason there's no pic of the engine covers).

True, but go to a police station or rental lot, and see how many Crown Vics are there. The Silverado ended up falling just short of outselling the F-150, and I'm guessing there still isn't a good selection on lots.

Wow, this is perhaps worse than GM even though Chrysler was technically up. Aside from the fleet special PT and T&C, there's nothing that's up for Chrysler brand. Take away the sales from the new models and Chrysler is in a world of hurt.

I don't see why the G8 can't have the LS2. The GTO got the LS1 when the Monaro still had the older 5.7L. If they used to produce 15k LS2s/year for the GTO, I don't see why they can't do that again.

The interior is better, but now it shares the interior with the QX again. I thought after seeing the QX interior that it would actually be different than the Armada, but obviously not. I like the Pathfinder except for the steering wheel.

Jeeze, this is really bad. I hope that it's mostly because of fleet sales dropping and not because of retail sales. GM always seems to get off to a bad start. The Aura is on target for 50k/year, not 100k/year. When the hell is it going to start taking off? At least it would appear that trucks did OK. The next two months will be a good indication of how well the Lambdas are selling, I think. Having only seen two Acadias and a handful of Outlooks at dealers I can't say that January's numbers mean much. Overall, a terrible month. The only good we can hope for is that the losses were due to a big reduction in fleet sales.