avant1963

Has a very 1993 Dodge-y look to it. The new Tundra is a bigger truck. The Tundra's wheelbase has been stretched 10 inches to 138.3 inches on the standard cab. The wheelbase on the Double Cab is 150.5 inches. The overall length grows about the same amount, ranging from about 228 to 240 inches. A new 5.7-liter V-8 joins the engine lineup. That engine should make more than 300 hp and be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It will join the current engines - a 4.0-liter V-6 that was rated at 236 hp for 2006 and a 4.7-liter V-8 that was rated at 271 hp. Towing capacity rated at more than 10,000 pounds. Three trim levels - base, SR5 and Limited - and three cab configurations, including the Double Cab. The options list will include a rearview backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity for cellular telephones. http://www.autoweek.com/files/specials/200...ra/pages/01.htm It's better than the 2006 and will boost sales, but it is not making me "quake" in my boots. I'm not impressed with the "visuals" of the interior and the exterior, the more I look at it (except for the bad taillights) give me a Dodge RAM vibe. Meh. M-E-H. Meh. And the last time I was in a Silverado, I really wanted a place to but all my bills and medical records. Thank god Toyota gave us this! I guess they really want to appeal to the "work" truck guy. I think it will take more than this.

February 9, 2006 – Chicago - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new next-generation Tundra full-size pickup truck at a press conference today at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show. The Tundra was first introduced in 1999 as a 2000 model. Since then, it has won numerous awards and has been recognized for its value, quality and reliability. The completely redesigned 2007 Tundra will be bigger, more powerful and will offer new body and engine configurations. "From bumper-to-bumper, under the hood and from the inside out the new Tundra is a true American truck that will set a new benchmark in the full-size truck segment," said Jim Lentz, TMS group vice president and general manager. "It will be aimed at the ‘True Trucker,' the true opinion leaders among full-size owners. True Truckers are highly credible because they use, punish, and demand the most out of the pickups they buy." The expanded size and power of the new Tundra will be reflected in its ability to tow over 10,000 pounds. To achieve this towing capacity every major component was designed for maximum strength, durability and reliability over the long haul. This will be accomplished with an all-new 5.7-liter i-Force V8 engine manufactured at Toyota's Alabama engine plant. The V8 will be mated to a new heavy-duty six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the new powertrain, Tundra will also come equipped with heavy-duty front disc brakes with four-piston calipers and vented rotors increased by nearly one and one-half inches, and standard rear disc brakes. High capacity cooling and electrical systems will help Tundra tow heavy loads through the toughest weather. Finally, Tundra will ride on a new rock-solid chassis platform with 30 percent higher tensile strength steel. Development of the new Tundra was spearheaded by Toyota's U.S.-based facilities. Product planning began at TMS headquarters in Southern California. All engineering development was directed by the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Styling, inside and out, was the work of Toyota's Calty Research and Design Centers in Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Finally, the new Tundra will be built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Princeton, Indiana and Toyota's new truck plant in San Antonio, Texas. Tundra has been super-sized in every metric of comparison with the vehicle it replaces. Its all-new, full-size platform will feature a significantly expanded wheelbase and an increase of 10 inches in overall length. Tundra will also gain nearly five inches in height and will be four full inches wider than before, placing it among the segment leaders in overall size. Buyers of the new Tundra will have a choice of three engines. In addition to the new 5.7-liter V8, the capable 4.0-liter V6 and the legendary 4.7-liter i-Force V8, both also built in Alabama, will be available. The new Tundra will come in three cab configurations. It will retain its three-grade strategy with the Base, SR5 and well-appointed Limited trim levels. In all, Tundra will be offered in more than 30 different models, nearly double the current generation. Calty designers set out to complement the new Tundra's increased size by creating a design with bold, brave and distinctive character lines that are different from anything on the road today. From the front, the new Tundra features a bold front grille, strong bumper and large headlights with a steely glare, conveying a strong and powerful physical presence. The profile reveals a thicker body and taller doors with character lines and fender flares that add dimension and strength as well as an unwavering stance. Tundra's powerful and rugged exterior styling characteristics extend to the inside. A "command and control" center provides an unobstructed view of the instrument panel and puts knobs, switches and buttons within close reach of the driver. All Tundra models will feature a class-leading, roomy passenger cabin providing front passengers with four inches more shoulder room. Two-row models will offer rear passengers nearly three inches more shoulder. Front passengers will receive nearly four more inches of hip room while rear passengers will enjoy six inches of additional hip room. Interior storage capacity is increased with the addition of hidden storage compartments, second-row seats that double as work surfaces (two-row models only), and a larger center console box. For buyers who use their Tundra as a work truck quick and easy access to the truck bed is essential. The new Tundra will feature a tailgate that can be opened and closed with just two fingers. Robust dampers on the hinges have been added to help cushion the tailgate when opening and also help reduce bouncing when driving with the tailgate down. Other design features with workers in mind include large door handles, inside and out, easy-to-turn HVAC knobs, and adjustable headrests, allowing drivers and passengers to ride to their next work site without having to remove protective gear such as hardhats or gloves. Designers also had safety in mind with the addition of extra large side mirrors to provide a wide field of view, while reducing wind noise and image vibration, always important when towing precious cargo. Additionally, a trailer hitch will be integrated into the Tundra's frame for better stability when handling heavy loads. The Tundra will be loaded with standard-equipped comfort and convenience features. An array of options and accessories will also be offered, such as a JBL premium audio system with Bluetooth telephone compatibility, 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a wide-screen backup camera integrated into the tailgate handle for enhanced rear-view safety. "As much as the new Tundra has changed, there are a few things that remain the same," said Jim Press TMS president and COO. "Tundra will again offer the most comfortable, quiet and refined ride in the full-size truck segment. Its build quality, reliability, and durability will, again, be second to none." The all-new Tundra will arrive in dealer showrooms in early 2007. 2007 TUNDRA PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS DIMENSIONS (inches) Overall length: 228.7 Overall width: 79.9 Overall height: 76.4 Wheelbase: 145.7 TRUCK BED DIMENSIONS (inches) Bed length 78.7 Bed width (at wheel wells) 65.0 Bed width (between wheel wells): 50.0 Bed width (wall-to-wall): 65.0 Bed depth: 22.3

Let me know about the Goat. I'm looking for a replacement for the Z28 and could give the girl a good home. Hate to see you lose these great cars. Hope all is well.

OK, I put these in response to the post about Lincoln changing the Zephyr name to MKz and thought it would be fun to have everyone else add their own Lincoln model name and description of the car: OK, so I've created the new Lincoln line up: The Mark Harris - a car with no balls The Mark Hamill - It's really popular when it comes out, but then after a few years no one buys it. The Mark Twain - It only comes in white and a lot of kids are forced to like it, but have no idea why. The Mark Vincent - People never buy the gasoline version, it gets popular when Lincoln indroduces the diesel version The Mark Wahlberg - First introduced with standard hip-hop items like chrome wheels and tacky paint jobs but doesn't become a hit for Lincoln until it is offered with a really big stick shifter. The Mark Ruffalo - A chick car.

I'll take "The Rapists" for $100 Trebeck. /hijack

The hood looks like it doesn't fit in that picture... I think it fits in the marketplace, just not a winner in the looks department IMO. That just my opinion.

Hate to clean that...

Renault continues to baffle me with their vehicles. Once side of me says they are the ugliest things I've ever seen and the other half is intrigued by them. http://www.globalautoindex.com/news.plt?no=1358#

You know, making fun of this would just be too easy, so just take it: Some suggestions on making a witty remark: 1. Hairlips (very un-PC) 2. Frogs 3. Massive overbites (could also be un-PC to the sensitive) 4. The location of Toyota's design staff (hint: only your proctologist knows) Urban Cruiser, bold new concept for a mini SUV The Urban Cruiser is a design exercise by ED2, Toyota’s European design studio, for a futuristic mini SUV. This concept car draws heavily on Toyota’s heritage in Sports Utility Vehicles but also adds its own dynamic flair and rugged originality. The Urban Cruiser also features a fresh interior style inspired on trendy furniture.

DISCLAIMER: I know in 10 years the Chinese will be in the USA and they will be making inroads, but it's more fun to poke and prod them while they just don't care about getting it right, especialy on cars that are paraded out as "beauty" models, so I really don't want a disortation about Japan in the 70s and Korea in the 80s. Just have fun. This is the new little thing from Chery: This gap shouldn't make too much wind noise at speed. Really helps with the drag Co also. I guess it's alright because with the key wound up almost untill the rubber band breaks it must get up to a top speed of what? 25-30 mph. And what did they clean those lenses with? Sandpaper? I don't think the trunk is closed right. Oh? That's the way it's supposed to look. Are you sure there isn't a dead hooker in the back that won't allow the trunk to close? You say you tried to fit a dead hooker in there but she didn't fit... OK. I think it likes you... It's smiling. Where'd they get that badging from, Kinkos? I think Santa gave up giving out coal to all the bad boys and girls and decided to wrap up a bunch of Cherys instead. Now you be a good little boy or Santa will put a lump of Chery in your stocking.

When I was younger, it was definitely "the lesser of two evils" but lately, the one evil has gotten so much larger than the other and I have become much more tersed in politics that I really agree with a lot of what one party does over the other. Don't get me wrong, there is still the "politicians are all crooks" mentality - I haven't drank the Kool-Aide - but it seems that there is a party that at least talks like it wants to help the working middle class and poor instead of bury them.

CR is always "selective" on who they give a free ride as far as new model reliablility. Case in point: Last year they did the luxury segment. The Infiniti M45 won, and even though it is an all new model, they gave the car a positive reliability rating because "it was an Infiniti", while the STS was give "unproven" eventhough it is on a platform that is used by the CTS and SRX and built in the same highly rated factory.

Hey! The new Scion concept showed up already. I guess it's called the "Chicago".

Not "used to" but "still do". As much as I'd love to see the Firebird back, I do not believe this for one second.

9-3 Sport Combi on the road

Answer= GMC

A Charger SRT8 in black (real nice) passed by me while I was walking and I didn't hear a thing! I couldn't believe that at a 45 mph, there was NO exhaust sound audible on the side of the road. My friend's Magnum R/T makes more noise. I don't like the regular Chargers, but the SRT8 in black was really mean looking. Two 2007 Tahoes at the local dealer, a LT and LTZ. They are even more impressive when you get up close with them. My dad spotted a 2006 Z06. An old woman driving a dark blue 1996 Impala SS that must have be parked in the closest parking spot every time she went shopping because the thing had more dings, scratches and dents that any normal car should have. Some local kid got a 1965 Baracuda as a daily driver and has been cruising around.

Wow - didn't I just read that the industry experts put "down 10%" out there a few days ago. The Fusion/Milan/Zephyr triplets are doing well. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060201/dew011.html?.v=41

http://finance.news.com.au/story/0,10166,1...7-31037,00.html THE nation's last Monaro will be auctioned for charity, marking the end to production of the iconic coupe. After announcing the end of Monaro production for the domestic market late last year, car maker Holden said today the last of the present generation cars, a specially modified V8, would be auctioned globally through eBay with proceeds going to the Leukaemia Foundation. The car, finished in a custom colour, will be unveiled at the Melbourne Motor Show next week with the auction running from February 9 to 19. Holden has produced more than 47,000 of the cars in the past four years. As well as selling them in Australia, the company has also exported the car to the US as the Pontiac GTO, to the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Monaro and to the Middle East as the Chevrolet Lumina Coupe. The Monaro was unveiled as a concept car at the Sydney Motor Show in 1998 and launched as a production vehicle in late 2001. The last car came off the Adelaide production line on December 13 last year and since then has been customised by Holden's design and engineering staff. In addition to the special paint finish it also has unique embossed wheels and special leather seats. GM Holden chairman and managing director Denny Mooney said the car was a fitting end to the latest chapter of the Monaro story. "Monaro is symbolic of our success locally by showcasing Holden's strength in innovation and design," Mr Mooney said. "It symbolises our commitment to philanthropy and we are extremely proud to be donating all proceeds to the Leukaemia Foundation with which we have a long association."

GM to build two hybrid SUVs in Texas Wed Feb 1, 2006 9:19 AM ET DETROIT, Feb 1 (Reuters) - General Motors Corp. (GM.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Wednesday it will build Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon hybrid sport-utility vehicles at its Arlington, Texas, plant in late 2007. The hybrid system is being advanced and adapted by BMW (BMWG.DE: Quote, Profile, Research), DaimlerChrysler AG (DCXGn.DE: Quote, Profile, Research) and GM for use in cars, trucks and SUVs. GM, the world's largest automaker, also said it will produce the world's first light-duty integrated hybrid transmission, to be designed and built at its Baltimore, Maryland, transmission plant. http://yahoo.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompa...425&symbol=GM.N

A great name doesn’t have to be long. Indeed, for many automobile fans, the Opel GT is the cult sports car of the 1970s. Now the legendary name is making a comeback in the form of a stunning two-seat roadster that could also make automobile history. Opel will present the all-new GT to the international public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show (March 2 to 12, 2006). With exciting, sharply-cut lines, rear-wheel drive, and a potent four-cylinder turbo engine with gasoline direct injection, the new sports car echoes the successful concept of the original GT, which was built between 1968 and 1973. “The GT is a powerful addition to our range of attractive niche products, and thereby further enhances the appeal of the Opel brand”, says Carl-Peter Forster, President of GM Europe. “The Tigra, the Astra TwinTop, and the new GT mean that we will have three very different models, all of which deliver top-down driving excitement. Moreover, the GT is a perfect example of how GM uses and applies its worldwide resources for the good of the individual brands.” The new Opel GT is fun to drive thanks to its front engine and rear-wheel drive, which together ensure a balanced weight distribution, and its 260-hp 2.0-liter ECOTEC turbo engine with gasoline direct injection. This accelerates the new GT from zero to 100 km/h in less than six seconds, and enables a maximum speed of over 230 km/h. Another fun factor is the fabric roof, which folds down to provide open-air enjoyment denied to the owners of the first GT. The roof disappears completely beneath a cover, further underlining the GT’s sporty silhouette with short overhangs and widely spaced 18-inch wheels. The development of the new Opel GT is an excellent example of transcontinental collaboration within GM. The design was inspired by the VX Lightning concept car, which was conceived by the GM Advanced Design Studio in Birmingham, England in May 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the Vauxhall brand. The new GT will be built in Wilmington/Delaware, in the USA, where its sister models, the Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky, are also produced. The Opel GT is scheduled to hit the markets in spring 2007. The original Opel GT owed much to the USA – in several respects. Its breathtaking lines were inspired by a new American design style, the so-called “coke bottle shape”, which also defined the Corvette Stingray. Furthermore, two thirds of all Opel GT cars built have been exported to the United States.

I think the kick-up and very fast line of the rear windows gives my G6 sedan a look that no other sedan has. It will not get lost in the AccordCamryMalibuTaurusImpalaGalant shuffle like everything else. My wife likens it to a cat pouncing and the reason she wanted the G6 over the Malibu Maxx. And the interior is not bad at all. Not much I would really change.

2007 Chevy Avalanche LTZ. General Motors will introduce the all-new 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, the latest rollout of its next-generation full-size truck family and the industry's most flexible utility vehicle, at the Chicago Auto Show next week. When introduced in 2002, the Avalanche created an all-new segment by combining the passenger-comfort attributes of a SUV with the cargo capability of a truck. The all-new 2007 Avalanche builds on that legacy and features more power with improved, segment-leading fuel economy and flex-fuel capability on some models; increased interior refinement; and world-class safety. The Avalanche will go on sale in the second quarter of 2006.

I'll add my father in on this since it was really his cars that I drove when I got my license. He'll have to add in anything that I miss that was before my time.... 1977 Monte Carlo 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aero Coupe 1996 Monte Carlo Z34 2004 Monte Carlo SS 1967 Camaro RS 327/210 1988 Camaro IROC-Z 305 TPI 1996 Camaro Z28 convertible 1993 Corvette 1977? Vega with a 350 I always wanted a matching pair of 1959 Chevies - Coupe and El Camino.

I'll put together some of the books I have and let you know... This is from a book called Studebaker: Less Than They Promised which is good, but not a "definitive" history - kind of a Cliff Notes history. Most of the books I have are focused on Raymond Loewy, which do have a lot of cool one-off designs including a four-door Avanti-inspired sport sedan that Studebaker had in full clay that was supposed to appear in 1965/66, but alas, it was never meant to be. I'll see what other Stude books I have and let you know...