The O.C.

If someone has already addressed this, I'm sorry...... That engine was actually an OHC 2.3L.......it was a single-cam version of the DOHC Quad4.......I remember working with it when I was at Buick. Not sure how durable or reliable it was, but I do remember it being quite unimpressive......just as loud and rowdy as the Quad4, but without the power or performance. Of course I'm sure the 3-speed auto doesn't help......

I'm surprised you guys haven't bitched more over the 260hp rating of the D.I. 3.6L in the Camaro. WTF is up with that? Why detune it for a car as important as the Camaro? AAAARRRRRGGGHHHH! If it's truly the DI engine, then why not the full 300+ hp like it makes in the CTS...? Both cars are RWD.....so I can't see the driveline bleeding off any power.....and I can't imagine the Camaro having a more restrictive exhaust system than the CTS...? This makes NO sense to me. Can't be fuel economy either.....isn't the DI CTS rated at 17/26? Can't be cost....isn't the direct injection the "costly" part of going from non-DI to DI...? Remember....at 260hp, we don't have THAT big of an advantage on the Challenger V6.....and Ford has already comfirmed that the MCE Mustang ('09 too?) gets the 3.5L or 3.7L....giving it power and refinement on par with a 260hp Camaro..... A 300hp V6 Camaro, on the other hand, would be a segment leader.....not just a competitor...... And I'm not sure I'm buying Lutz' rationalization of the pricing strategy.....being more than the Mustang. We'll have to see HOW much more.....but GM risks pricing itself out of the market. Mustang has built quite a name and reputation since the current generation came on the market. We need to be able to hit them right where it counts. If I remember correctly, the last F-bodies were notorious for being more expensive than the Mustang.....and look what ultimately happened to them in the marketplace.....and THEY were the superior products at the time....more stylish, faster, etc. But that couldn't keep them from extinction.....

I saw those pics of you that you posted.....and it looked like you have been working on building up some muscle...! I wouldn't call you anorexic...... As for me, I used to trim my arm hair, chest and tummy hair.....not shave, but trim. Then, my bf told me he liked it and to let it grow back out....LOL.....so I did....but I'm not what you'd call a "bear" at all..... I don't like "bears" per se.....but I do like my bf's hairy legs and slightly hairy chest and stomach......I think he looks better with it, than if he shaved..... (edit: when I say "don't like" bears I mean not attracted to them....I have nothing against them as people, etc.....just realized my comment came out sounding the wrong way....)

So.....loaded G8 V6 is $30,665....with leather, sunroof, everything...... Loaded Malibu LTZ is $28,495......without the extra-cost paint..... So roughly a $2K difference......is it worth it...? Well, I'd say "yes"...... Of course if you are looking at a lesser-equipped Malibu, there is really no G8 alternative......but it is an interesting question to ponder......

Plus you can tell they added bulges in the camo to mask the sweepspear (or whatever you call it) going down the side of the vehicle.......

Actually RS began back in the late 60-s as an option package available on any Camaro that gave you the different front end with the hidden headlamps, etc. Therefore, for confusion's sake, you could have an SS or Z/28 WITH the RS package.....or without...... In later years, GM made "RS" an option under the Z28/IROC-Z. I'm not sure how it was handled in the 70-s.....

Frankly, I'm surprised GM is offering a manual tranny in the new CTS.......I'm glad....but surprised....... And you are right about the "crummy" manuals. GM has NEVER invested appropriate product development in their manual transmissions (or related components like the clutch, etc.) My CTS probably comes closest to matching the imports.....the Aisin 6-speed is a smooth-shifter.....but the clutch in my car is vague (typical GM) and nowhere near as smooth to snap off fast, smooth shifts as my A4 (or the BMW 330's I had....) The Corvette was crap. My '06 Tremec was an embarrasment. I'm surprised the car doesn't get ripped on more in the press for that. The shifter is simply awful. The clutch, however, was relatively light and easy to modulate though.....I'm wondering how big of an improvement the '08 is...?

How many cars does SAAB sell here in this country every year? First of all.....not many.....and at that....how many of those customers are TRULY new to GM...? SAAB is a storied brand that GM has totally squandered, IMHO. The 9-3 is the only decent car they offer right now.....and using the word "decent" is being kind. While it's not a bad car by any means, it's certainly not one of the most competitive in it's segment. But while I agree the recent refresh is VERY attractive, it just doesn't seem to scream "SAAB" like the 99, squarish 900, or even the first 900 under GM's reign (remember the 900/9-3 Viggen?)

True.....and notice the bean-counter mentality......the idea of the "profitability" of teh 9-7x and 9-2x......while TOTALLY ignoring the potential, and very real, damage those two vehicles did to SAAB's brand image.....

I'm 5'9''......and can BARELY get comfortable behind the wheel of a Solstice/SKY......but once there, I fit fine. The only gripe I see is that it looks like it will be a bitch to climb into, ducking under the roof..... Other than that, this car is hot.....strangely, I can see myself owning one of these WAY more than the roadster (and I'm a big convertible fan.) Perhaps one of the biggest advantages is the (slightly) more useable trunk area.....makes the car a bit more practical. SO.....this thing has two roofs? A body-color metal panel.....and a soft-cloth-type targa section?

Nah....it's Accord/Altima/Solera sized. Remember it's based off of the Genesis sedan architecture.....and that car is definitely midsize-to-large.

And most manuals sold are small economy cars anyway. I vastly prefer a manual transmission......and have had one in any car that I could get it in. Problem is, aside from something like the Corvette, I've had to special order it (like in the CTS and a Jeep Liberty I had, etc.) Some European cars with specific models and engine combos....don't even offer an automatic! I think the BIG reason why we are a nation of automatic-trans drivers stems from our domestic auto industry. Up until the 80's I'd say, the domestics held a tight hold on the majority of market share in this country.....and the cars and trucks they've been selling here were big, cushy, and automatic-trans-equipped. Cars in Europe have traditionally been smaller, sportier, and manual-trans-equipped. It's just what people are used to growing up in. (edit: And it IS in many cases cost-prohibitive to engineer, but more importantly, certify a manual transmission for installation in a certain product....that you estimate only 2-3% of buyers will choose. Don't be surprised if there is NO V6 manual Camaro either......)

That's true.....and a good point...... I'm sure enthusiasts will be drawn to the G8 due to the V8 and RWD......but what will make the V6 version sell...? (Especially when the V8 is so competitively-priced.) Then again, I see plenty of non-HEMI Chargers and 300s.....so someone is seeing the benefit of going into a Dodge or Chrysler store for something other than V8 grunt. I think styling has alot to do with it. We'll see if the G8's styling draws V6 buyers into Pontiac.

Well, I disagree with that......Avalon doesn't excite me.....but I find it attractive....and I LOVE the interior. In fact, I'd say I like the design of the Avalon alot better than the current Camry.....

My Aunt and Uncle own a VW dealership in Oklahoma City.....and they confirm that the problems of years past are pretty much history......(given that no car is perfect and there's bound to be the occasional problem....) 22K miles on my own A4 and climbing.....not the slightest issue with the car, electronics, trim, or anything so far.......

Hmmmm......I'm the exact opposite of you on this, Turbo. This is the FIRST Nissan in many recent years that catches my eye.....or that I could see myself in.

Damn the "lowly" Nissan Maxima looks way better in profile than the "luxury" Lincoln........

Your guys' argument is academic at best. Someone looking seriously at a Toyota (any Toyota) is very unlikely to go into a Pontiac showroom........and anyone seriously considering a G8 is not going to be remotely interested in seeing an Avalon.....

I KNOW and I'm f*cking sick-and-tired of it....... And you know what? Honda, Toyota, and Nissan probably sell 85% of their cars as LX, LE, and 2.5S 4cyl models......yet they all still see the need to offer these high-end features.........

Sorry pal.....one car, one person does not necessarily a trend make......

I REALLY like it......(am I the only one?) I love the distinctive touches.....I think it's nicely-differentiated from the Altima and, especially, the G35.....which it will very likely compete. I'm one that absolutely hated the last-generation Maxima......so for me, this is a refreshing change.

A loaded LTZ here is only $28,790. And who said the car needs 20'' wheels or a dual exhaust....?? Accord EX-L Navi........Satellite-linked, voice-activated nav system, bluetooth connectivity.......MSRP $30,895 Camry XLE.......Satellite-linked, voice-activated nav system, bluetooth connectivity.....smart-key system w/push-button start.......MSRP $31,020 Altima 3.5SL......Satellite-linked, voice-activated nav system, bluetooth connectivity......xenon lamps......MSRP $32,275 Where are these features on our 'Bu.....? (Or on G6 or AURA for that matter?)

I'm tellin' you.....GM's weight problem with their cars is gonna bite them in the ass one day........just look at what it does to performance. Remember the recent sport/luxury sedan comparo in C&D....? In order to match the go-power of the base-engine 328i sedan, you have to go all the way up to the 3.6L DI version of the CTS...... (That being said.....I don't think it's that much of a drivetrain issue either......meaning RWD versus FWD......)

OMG.....gee....GM would be SO lucky if just ANY of their brands drew the same attraction.......seems like the roundel has built itself quite a powerful reputation.....when people buy it "just" for the badge.....because it's built that strong of a foundation in the marketplace.... I'm sure that's what you meant above........praising BMW for it's long-standing dedication to it's brand and it's message......

.....or a woman or a wouse? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiHYzPuq0KI