Drew Dowdell

apparently I'll be in the minority here, but I don't really care for either of them. Too Jelly bean for my tastes. The BMW just looks like it has Downs Syndrome. An A&S Eldorado or a modern Mark IX based on the Continental concept would be far more attractive to my eyes.

up 4% in the car market != win

I'd like better engine choices. The 2.8 and 3.6 are fine but then a jump from a 300 hp V6 <projected for '08> to a 500hp V8 is a bit much. Add to my wishlist the 320 hp N* from the STS.

Memory settings are already there.

Lets list some of the features we want available or standard on the new CTS. For me: Rain sensing wipers. My mother's Aurora has them and Chas's Passat has them. Not even an option on the current CTS. Remote Start 3 or more settings for the heated seats.

If my catfish could read that, he'd be insulted.

How about a GM - Fiat - Mitsubishi - Volga merger....

GM-Honda? No, that'd be all take and no give.... what would Honda add to that it doesn't already? V6s? Honda already provides the V6 for the Vue. The HF V6es are quite competative with the other DOHC engines out there. Transmissions? Sorry, GM's 4-speed is smoother and more reliable than Honda's 5-speed. Hybrid Tech? Na, GM may be a little late to the game, but they have 2 very competative hybrid technologies coming. GM- Toyota? No deals with the devil, kthnxbye. GM- BMW? BMW would never agree to it. But if they did, it would give GM access to some engine technology and suspension technology.... and do what for BMW? GM-Ford? Considering they've already partnered up for the 6-speed, the only other thing they could partner on is engine technology. I don't think anyone wants to see Fords platform shared with Chevys.. That's just dumb GM - Nissan - Renault? The sad part is this brings nothing to the table technology wise. Any single piece of technology that N or R have, GM has a competative product to. The biggest advantage would be having Ghosen. If anyone can polish a turd, he can. GM - VW/AUDI? This makes the most sense of all of the above if it weren't for the fact that VW has been acting like a schizophrenic recently. GM could get access to Quattro and small diesel technology, better access to Europe. VW could get access to GM's dealer network, larger vehicle technology for Mini-vans, trucks and SUVs. GM by themselves? If they build it they will come. They can rebuild, they have the technology. The HF line of V6s runs with the best competitors. GM has V8s that can beat nearly all other V8s and a few V10s. Their transmissions are the most reliable. The 6-speed is almost here. They will be offering two choices in hybrid technology. Exterior design has improved dramaticly. Interior design looks like it will be following along. GM is in a great position to take off.... and if you think about it, they'd be flying now if it weren't for a $1500 per car UAW albatross hanging from their neck.

Fuel economy is exactly what it says on the sticker 18/27. Most of my driving is city driving so I normally get 18.X mpg... if I'm gentle, 20. Highway driving returns a reliable 26.x - 27mpg at 65-70 with the A/C on. I've had one problem, a flakey sunroof dial that was repaired under warrenty. My stock tires gave me about 15,000 before they were trash... and I'm very careful about rotating them. I always use mobile1 on my oil changes and I follow the Oil Life monitor guidelines with the exception of the first oil change which I did at 50%. My only complaint is the heated seats only have two setting, 3rd degree and tepid. The newer models have 3 settings from what I understand, so that may not be a problem for you. Hope this helps.

There's your next Matrix

No, I have a 3.6 lux sport auto

Personally, I have more confidance in GM's new 6speed <and current 4-speed for that matter> than Nissan's CVT.

Drew CTS owner

considering that the current 4.6 N* barely fits in the applications it's used in now, I doubt a growth in physical size would work. I agree with you about the power figures tho.

Hello. Is this Miss Mitchell? Miss Martha Mitchell?

The Passat I have now is one more than anyone really needs. My current fleet = '03 Avalanche, '04 CTS, '01 Passat

intriguing

You....driving a black CTS..... ugh, now I'm going to have to go trade mine in...

GM-Nissan-Renault would put the combined company way out in front of Toyota.

friction is such a minimal force in this case. If the wheels were actually cement bricks, then it would be a factor. the thrust of a single jet engine is about 20,000 pounds. the force of friction is in the range of 1,000 pounds. a 747 can rip it's landing gear off if it wants to.

entirely wrong.

incorrect. while the belt is moving, the wheels are rolling foward on the belt. Have you ever walked up a down an "up" escalator? if you tried hard enough, you could eventually make it to the bottom..... if you ever make it to the bottom of an "up" escalator, your legs were moving at a speed faster than, but opposite to the escalator.

No! That is only the case if the rollerskate wheels are providing the forward motion. in this case your hand is providing the forward motion. the wheels are just along for the ride.

you're trying to tell me, that if you move a rollerskate forward with your hand on a belt moving the same speed in the opposite direction, the rollerskate will stay in place relative to the earth? You need to go to the grocery store and try it. i'm going to have to get a video camera I see....