hyperv6

Just saw 2 Reliable transport truck loads of Vettes including the 2008. At the IRL/IMSA race at Mid Ohio GM brought in the Indy pace car and some other GM Vettes for th Vette car Corral. The new Vettes interior and wheels make a great improvment over the 07. While the interior is not everything we asked for it is 95% there. As for the race if you in the Ohio area go on Sunday as it will be a great race!

GM's going bankrupt has been predicted many times. as of yet it has not happened. Many like to play on thier problems because it gets attention. Some even like to play this up as they hidden agendas to promote for money people behind the dark sunglasses. The truth is Fact: everything at GM is not perfect. Fact: are they in the last throws of life? No! Fact Is the Malibu going to sell less cars volume wise? Yes! Fact; Was GM making much money if any off of fleet sales? No! Fact GM will gain as well as GM buyers in the long run by eliminating low profit fleet sales? Yes as they will make more profit with improved product and buyers will gain greater resale value on their cars. The bottom line is GM needs to lose the cheap low profit if any fleet sales. Will it hurt in the short term? Good chance but it will pay off in the long tun. No pain no gain. Goodyear tire has done the same thing in the last few years. They have forgone the cheap and easy OE tire market on many small and cheap cars. They are only offering higher premium quality and higher profitable tires on less lines. This has helped their bottom line after a couple years and also helped in image as they are no making bare bones tires to fit a Cobalt or G6. They are leaving this to Hankook and other 4n brands that are using cheap labor to make high volume junk tires. Goodyear today is making tires like thr Triple Tread Assurance tire line that is a very quality high profit tire, They work less and make more money and gain a better image. Hankook can make tires in Korea as minimum cost and quality and give the auto makers what they want on cheap cars. The OE on most non performance and luxury cars only want the bare quality to get by and the minumum cost. As stated here by many it is not volume anymore it is about profit per unit only He who make more money wins not the one who sells more cars anymore. The bottom line GM is doing what they need to do and they are gaing ground every day.

One think I have found about the styling is the little tings make a differeance. I have found that by going with the 5 spoke chrome wheels and the red calipers on a silver car it attracts much more attention. It also helps with the larger rear spoiler. that fits the car much better. I have 2 friends who also had a Silver GT and Comp DT with the standard wheels and they could no believe how many people made comments about my car wle ignoring theirs. This lead me to look at the GT packages Pontiac offers on all their cars and relize how poor most of the wheel packages looked on them. Most had set ups that looked like rental cars. A switch to a more qulaity wheel and tire package would enhance much of the Pontiac line up. I think on many GM cars today just a upgrade in wheel packages would enhance the look of many of the cars. Fill the wheel wells on the lower priced cars and increase sales.

I laughed at the people paying $3,000-4,000 more for a G6 than I paid for a fully loaded Comp G GTP. I got every option including the Chrome wheels, Larger spoiler, Nickle Grille and Stailess enhaust tips. The only 04 option I did not get were the side airbags and still paid less than many wanted for a used GP. For what I paid and for the way I keep a car I should do ok when we go to a G8 or Impala in a couple years. For me the GP was a good value in a good but not great car. For what it's worth the Comp G drives much better than the GT. But then again it should. I drove a GXP. It is a very nice car and the engine sounds good but unless they come off the price you would need your head examind to pay what most dealers want for that car. I have a Benz dealer locally offering new C230 sports sedans nicely equiped for $28,000.There coming down almost $6,000 off the top.

As a owner of said car and I like my car but it is way over rated here. The main reason I bought the car was it was a good car but it was CHEAP. When they come off $10,000 on a new car from $33K sticker it makes up for the resale loss. As for quality the interior is still crap but they have fixed the bouncing headlights. Anyone who buys this car today for more than $25K needs their head examined. The part of the demographs that show what car was traded in and others considered show why this car needs to go and Pontiac needs change. Get the G8 here as soon as possible and male the GP a fleet only car. Here is my rating Good car but not a great car for what I paid but falls way short in many areas compared to the compitition. Fun car to drive but not a real sports sedan. Just a better Impala suspension. Just not a car that appeals to many anymore and marketing can not save it only great changes.

Sorry, I guess I did not explain my thought well now that I read it. I don't mean upscale as in Audi, BMW etc. What I ment is they are no longer considered the base transprotation that they once were. They are average to preimum mainstream car today in Europe. Many of the Korean cars and odd small micro cars are now the entry level cars of Europe. The bottom line is VW is no where near what made them what them a player, basic cheap transportation for the masses. They are no longer the peoples car. Compitition is tough here today and VW is looking for a nich with the product they for the most part designed for Europe. They are now feeling the effects of what Peugeot, Citroen and Fiat have felt for years. Few Americans really like small Euro cars at the price they cost unless they have something special that draw people to them like a Mini. I don't see te Smart car sales lasting more than 5 years unless gas goes up and stays up. If VW could bring a small cheap to but reliable car to the states that could compete with the cheap models from [Yaris like] Japan and Korea it is going to be a tough haul. Right now may who buy small FWD import cars just can get a better car for less money from the east. Right now with GM and VW in the battle they are in, it shows even Toyota will have its day to fall and it might not be as far off as many think. Todays auto market is as volital as it as been since the 20's and 30's.

The big problem is VW is still considered a cheap car in this country while they have gone upscale in Europe. We look at them as a whole different car here and that is why the $25,000 and up VW's just don't sell. Besides once you get to $30,000 or higher American's buy Audi's. The V6 GTI's are a blast to drive but it seems only a few Passats and Beetles are all you see.

I know Don and was lucky to be able to work with him on a Pontiac story in High Perfomance Pontiac. He really knows his Pontiacs and history and has driven the best Pontiacs ever made! I plan on getting this book and having him sign it in August when I see him. My favorite GPs are the 1963 my buddys dad still has that had a 400 Ram Air IV enigne in it. It at one time had a 421 SD [not original]. We drove it to school often when one of the TA's GTO's were not available. We had all the Pontiac toys at our disposal even a 428 Jag Sedan. Also the 1969 428 HO. That car would just flat run and bury the 130 MPH speedo. Any way Buy this Book!! If you do he will write more!!!

Should be fun to drive and I have yet to find anyone who has not loved their HHR after they bought it. I even have talked to some who were PT owners in the past and they said they would not go back to a PT for anything. The only complaint has been they should come stock with running boards to prevent the stone chips on the rear fenders and a little more power. Well they fixed one of them and the other is still an option.

Not to stick up for the Charger but only to be fair. The SRT is a large heavy sedan and the GTO is a smaller Coupe. Now I will be interested to see the G8 GXP once it arrives as it will be lighter a little smaller and just more a sports sedan than the Charger. I expect it will out run and gun the new Y car Chrysler has coming. The new Y car had better go on a diet or shrink in size a little. Also with the HSV part mixed in the G8 it should have the look with out the cheap stickers and JC Whitney wing. As for the Challanger. It was one of Chyslers best looking car in the 60's and 70's. Why does everyone want one now and when back then they sold so few? It was never a big seller and neither were the later Cudas. I don't have the numbers handy but they were well under the Camaro and Mustang. And it was not just the gas crunch. That is why they are so expensive today as demand has far out reached demand with so few built and so many rusted away.

The PT has aged well? Hmmmm? I give the Challanger 5 years before the neat factor wears out. Then where do they go?

Nice car and looks very close to the concept. While really cool now I just think the styling will hold up over time. It too soon will look like an old car. While this is a nice car I am still glad GM is doing the Camaro as it is vs going more retro like the Challanger. This car will be even harder to follow up than the PT Cruiser in styling.

I can see it now the down under will be complaining the car looks to radical and too much like a Pontiac and not a Holden!!!

Is GM in the clear no! Is GM in trouble No! Just more alarmist reporters looking for something to write about. If you factor in the new roll outs along with the less incentives and reduction of fleet sales this is to be expected. Look for GM to start a new roll soon around Sept. If all the new GMC Lamdas I saw out last weekend are any indications we should see some gowing numbers soon. It is about profit not total sales anymore!!! Who cares if you sold the most cars if you don't make money on them.

Thats not to say a second gen would not be built to suit RHD needs.

I don't mean first as the very first but just as I stated "first with a easy to use" The key is easy to use and relivent technology. As for styling we need something with soul. A design you feel as much see. Just do not give us anything cartoonish. You need to use some caution here as while you want to bring in younger and new buyers you can't run off the old buyers. If you do run off the old and your "daring, or provactive" new cars fail you will be left with nothing.

Just comparing the Enclave interior to the Lucern Both are improved and the Enclave is the first compstitive interior Buick has had in years. Also mix in the fact it really seats 8-9 people and not just say it will. I see more technology is coming and we do not even have to woory about it being there we just need to worry that it is relivant and useful. BMW went to I Drive and most have hated it and it has far from being a selling point. Pther scre ball ideas as self parking cars also just don't get it. I would love to see Buick to be the first with a easy to use onboard computer system to down load internet, MP's and Movies. This system can also be programed to start your car 5 min before you leave work to cool the AC or keep you records on service. Heck you can google on a trip to find some place! Technology for the sake of technology is worthless. Even the nigh vision while a good idea just did not jive with the public. Most would be thrilled to have a clock that sets to Daylight Savings TIme or TIme ZOnes automaticly.

The Enclave is a look at the future of what Buick is to be. Quiet, elegant, drives well, etc. The fact is Buick has been an old persons car for a long time. They are doing things to lower this but it will never be a car the 2 Twenty something would comsider. GM has the need to get them in there late 30's or early 40's while retaining the older crowd. They will make this car drive as responsive and not like a 1955 Century. But on the other hand do not expect a CTSv. It needs to be sporting but not sporty. Also to get a premium price they need to step up the engines and trannys to near Cadillac class. I spent a week with the Lucerne and the 3800 was just the wrong engine for this car. It drove well but people that look in this class want nothing less than something like the 3.6 DI. If your going to pander quality your going to have to offer some quality. Also on the interior Buick needs to offer some useful inovations. Nothing too technical for the older crowd but technical enough for the younger buyers. The back up sensores and blind spot sensores are things many expect and need to be standard. I would pass on the parks it's self crap. The steering head lights and theat kind of tech plays well in this group. The Enclave is a show case of where the interior goes and over all what all new Buicks should exhibit in all future models. Fianally if the Riv is to come back it need the visual impact and driving impact of what the 1963 Riv had on the market. It needs to be a clean styling that will hold up and make it stand out as your halo car. Folding hard top optional.

I think you had better look for more luxury vs GNX kind of a car. Buick is going to suck up the people who want the ride and not so much the drive. Also they will suck up the people that feel abandoned at Cadillac. Buick is going to go back to their roots with Style, class, comfort and open road ride/ power. More of a grand touring type thing vs the GN, GS or GNX kind of thing. These will be cars that will give you a great ride at 100 mph down the road but never set records in the Quarter Mile. Buick has had some great performance cars over the years but that was never their first line specialty. GM has other divisions to offer performace as in Pontiac. The time has come for each division to make a place for it's self and stop stealing sales from each other. It is time to work as a unit with each division having it own special job and take sales form other companies. The more defined Buick becomes the more it is needed. If it tries to be all things to all people it will fail. It is time to let them do what they do best. I think it is time for a new Electra 225.

There just terrible now you seldom have the consant repair and service problem any more. Bring back the old days where you need to rebuild and repair often!! Over priced yes but it would be a Alfa if it cost any less. Pile of junk I will have to disagree now as they as reliable as most cars and really reliable for an Italian car. I do wish they would use a little less wind tunnel and more designer like in the old days. Most old 250 or 275 styling is a thing of passion and soul, something missing in most modern cars but Ferarri is as about as good as it gets today with the 599. The Vette is coming back from a less corperate look and leading the way again. It should dictate what the other Chevys should look like. The Camaro is the first to share the F22 influance that played on the Vette. Now only the Impala /Caparice will follow suit.

To anyone who thinks building the Sixteen will save Cadlillac your thinking much too short sighted. GM is much better off adding they many things from the Sixteens styling to the entire line than wasting it all on one car that will never turn a profit. The Sixteen was never promised as a prodution car and Cadillac needs to address it's core market and redeem the whole division vs building a car in a so very low volume market. A new DTS RWD looking like a Sixteen with a shorter hood offered in V6, V8 and if it was not too expensive and used somewhere else a V12. That would be money better spent vs reproducing a car few will ever see in person outside a car show let alone buy. As for the V12 I could do with out it. GM would be better off making the best performing and economical V6 and V8 engines on the market. It is not about Cylinder count but being the best in class and best in market. You do that and you will sell cars. Few could care about 16 cylinders 1,000 HP in a luxury sedan. Give the public 700 HP in the smoothest best all around performing engine in the best quality sedan and they will buy it in the thousdands vs 100. Once the division is turned around and has topped Mecedes, BMW and Lexus then let them play with 16 cylinder mega buck sedans. Ypu have to do your homework before you can play.

Just got in and killer movie. This movie is Men in Black, Armageddon, Independents day and Die Hard all in one movie. If you want a fast paced action movie that will not let you think about how long you have been sitting this is the movie. As for GM marketing this is a Grand Slam. I had seen post of people saying the crowd getting excited when the 2009 Camaro appears, Well I am here to say the theater erupted when bumble bee upgraded to the new body. The only negitive I saw was the skidding Cadillacs, the movie will not sell many on their stability control and the roofs getting ripped off so easily on the Yukon's. The new GMC is one tough truck but is no match for evil space robots in ther LA area. It is all set at the end for the second movie to pick up where this left off. The question is when will it be out and what cars will GM want to promote by then? If your going to see any movie this week see this one! I give it my LS7 rating for Fast, Very Powerful and moving!

Gee another Vector. I can see 1 or 2 of these being built and the company going bankrupt.

If I recall the car option is from the factory. It was a Non turbo Solstice with a GXP suspension. The roof amy be added at the dealer? but it was needed for compitition. They did have Hoosier compitition tires as a SPO option. I assume it is one of those things that is available if you know the dealer who knows how to order it. I am taking the kid Tuesday to see the movie. I will post about it later. The locall paper gave it a glowing review. Not a Oscar winner but just good entertainment.

If I recall the car option is from the factory. It was a Non turbo Solstice with a GXP suspension. The roof amy be added at the dealer? but it was needed for compitition. They did have Hoosier compitition tires as a SPO option. I assume it is one of those things that is available if you know the dealer who knows how to order it.