CSpec

The Astra reference is a typo. The author clearly meant to say Vectra.

Better than the sedan, but still too boring with odd shapes for the sake of odd shapes. Plus, the back looks too long.

That's probably because it is Korean.

I sat in a Caliber yesterday at the Rochester show and let me tell you, it is appallingly bad. Hideous, badly grained plastics that flexed like crazy (especially the door panels). The door handle was the worst, though. It was just a little plastic tab on the door with nothing around it, and it was extremely flimsy. The doors also made an extremely cheap little "pop" when you opened them. Nice looking out the outside, pretty roomy, but man what a bad interior. Everyone there was commenting on how rough and ugly the plastics were.

So far we have word that the engine lineup will be 2.4L Ecotec, HV 3500, and HF 3.6.

I've seen this before, it has to be fake. I also like that kid's chemistry test from New Zealand; does anyone have a link to that?

Continue discussion in this thread: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...?showtopic=6497

I see a lot of this:

Saab Aero X Concept Showcases Future Design Themes • Inspired by aviation and Scandinavian brand heritage • Previews more progressive design language • Innovative opening canopy eliminates doors and windshield pillars • 'Green Power' from 400 bhp BioPower engine using 100% bioethanol fuel The Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Conceived as a study to explore future design directions, its innovative features preview the development of an enhanced design language that will inspire future Saab products. As you would expect from Saab, this dynamic two-seater sports coupé breaks with automotive design convention both outside and inside. First, there are no doors…or windshield pillars. That's because the Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision, and also facilitates entry and exit from its low-slung cabin. Thrust for the all-wheel-drive Saab Aero X also comes from a powerplant with a difference. The 400 bhp, twin-turbo, BioPower V6 engine is fueled entirely by bioethanol, a sustainable energy source that is kinder to the environment by cutting fossil CO2 emissions. The 'green power' of this advanced engine gives new meaning to the phrase 'performance with responsibility'. Inside, the Saab Aero X's cockpit also adds a new dimension to clean Scandinavian interior design by completely eliminating conventional dials and buttons. Instead, Saab has applied techniques derived from Swedish glass and precision instrument making, displaying data on glass-like acrylic 'clear zones' in graphic 3-D images. All exterior and interior lighting is by LED (light-emitting diode), which has given the design team new freedoms to exploit the compact packaging benefits of a technology that will be featured increasingly in future Saab products. With weight-saving carbon fiber bodywork, a lightweight powertrain, electronically-controlled suspension and all-wheel drive, the Saab Aero X is an exciting driver's car that promises a level of performance to match its looks. Computer simulations anticipate zero to 100 kph in just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph (limited). Despite being so tightly driver focused, the Aero X still offers surprising practicality, again, a quality you would expect to find in all Saab designs. That dramatically sculpted tail conceals a useful twin storage facility, with a conventional hatch opening and sliding drawer underneath. "This study shows how the strength of the Saab brand heritage can inspire bold, innovative design," says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Design Europe. "As we move forward with new Saab product, we will remain focused on carefully cultivating this brand equity in the context of Scandinavian design values." "This concept shows the exciting possibilities that are open to us as we evolve a more progressive design language for the brand," says Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile's Managing Director. "Our designers, engineers and marketers in Sweden are ideally placed to nurture and communicate the unique DNA of the Saab brand. Their work will ensure that future product proposals express core qualities, such as progressive design, sporty performance and emotional functionality, in a way that is specific to Saab." The Saab Aero X is the latest in series of concepts from Saab, each accentuating different brand qualities. These include the 'four-dimensional' 9X (IAA Frankfurt 2001), the 9-3X Cross-over Coupé (Detroit 2002) and the 9-3 Sport Hatch (IAA Frankfurt 2003).

This thread is already too far down the path of mindless partisan rhetoric. No useful discussion can come out of this, so -ed

I'm surprised CLS sales are down so much. I didn't even know it was on sale at this time last year.

Volvo and Jaguar are struggling a lot; help is coming soon for Volvo in the form of the S80 and new C70, but Jaguar is pretty screwed for a few years.

Here are some pics of the reveal:

I added pictures to the original post. It looks fabulous, though they seemed to have messed with the gauges.

The Azera looks more like a knockoff of the Royaum (Holden Statesman):

I have a feeling that the Enclave will be better than the refreshed SRX as well, unless you really want RWD. BTW, did anyone notice the Bose center channel speaker above the clock?

It would be very surprising that the GMC is the best of the three, considering it was going to be a Pontiac until relatively recently. However, I think a lot of people will find the Saturn to be a great bargain compared to the Enclave.

Right now.... nothing. I have no idea what I'm going to replace the Intrigue with yet.

The retractable ornament on the Phantom is a good idea, but it seems expensive and prone to breaking. I would much rather have hood-ornaments than ginormous badges in the grill, such as this:

These came out a few days ago and apparently flew under the radar for the most part. Here they are in their 800 pixel glory: The wood-covered console thing with the TVs won't make production, and neither will the console in the second and third rows. I really hope the Rolls-like picnic tables in the front seats make it; thats a great feature.

I'd say this is the result of the dealership and low prices rather than the car itself. The polymer panels probably play a role in that as well; it's a shame GM is dropping that.

Back to the EL, I think the interior looks really cool lit up at night.

I think the Colorado can soldier on for years with a new interior and a V8. It has by far the least power of its competitors (except the ancient Ranger). The Colorado was bungled by the start with a very powerul 4-cylinder, but a completely average (and below in many respects) I5 for the top engine. There's nothing wrong with keeping the I5, but the V8 is very much needed. The only thing that concerns me about the V8 is that it will only make the absurdly priced Colorado even more expensive. (I haven't checked--did they lower the sticker prices during the value pricing initiative?)

The engine sounds great; Mercedes powertrain is really ahead of the game these days.

I've still never driven a manual.