caddycruiser

That was a well known edition, and essentially because though they weren't sure if it was needed or not, enough people wanted one, that they simply added the bits to one and wallah--AWD Charger. Only odd part is the raised suspension height seems to stand out more on this car than it does the 300 or Magnum. As for the Avenger, I somewhat like it too, but it doesn't "wow" much at all. I sat in and played with one at the auto show, and actually liked certain things about it a little more than the Sebring, but overall they were about equal--they feel solid inside and out, but the materials don't impress visually or tactically, and there are a lot of details and lines that still seem too chunky or just unattractive. Things like a 3.5L, 6-speed, AWD Avenger R/T should definitely get some people's attention.

Well, as was said, this shall be on interesting launch, both because of the buzz surround the G8 and what happened with the GTO (where there was also big buzz). This car is definitely a lot more thought out and well done than the GTO, but it's still a looming question we all will wait and see. Flybrian- Oh, and sorry for the "third world" comment. No mallice towards you or your vehicle, and I'm actually still a GP and Bonneville fan in ways, but neither of those cars have near the apparent level of performance, style, or detailing and finish quality.

If anyone, public or media alike, bitches that this car is too "badge-made" or nitpicks little details here and there, I will personally hurt them. The fact that we are finally getting a vehicle of this caliber, at any price and from any brand, that we are going from the third-world (in comparison) old Bonneville and current GP to this, and that there may finally be a more mainstream domestic sedan unbeatable in just about every category, is essentially unbelievable. But BOY is it ever going to attract the lines...unless, of course, stupidity reigns, and we get into debates of the hardness of a radio surround, lack of completely new (however unnecessary and unwanted) body lines and pieces, etc. Let's hope intelligence and desire prevails...

Huh? I guess if true truck virtues are your game, meaning BOF and available V8, but otherwise an extended GMT-360 (just as one example) can't hold a candle to a new Lambda in most regards, other than maybe towing. They drove like slop, were built beyond cheaply, and just looked a bit awkward. But, again, if you wanted more "truck", I can see the argument. That said, we have an '04 Suburban, and I at least think they're terrific and could definitely see a Lambda replacing the beast. And from a few dealers I've heard from, their trades for them are saying the same in a lot of cases.

Robot one I loved...Chevy one was semi-bad (bad singing and some "who?" people don't make me WANT a Chevy), and the HHR one was semi disturbing to both me and my father who I was on the phone with at air time (laughed, but...). So, high marks for the robot one--LOVED it--but, just an okay or maybe, for the others.

Old news, I already brought this up in the other thread, where KBB is the choice: http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums/index...14856&st=60 but this makes it more visible to others, so good. As was said over there, great pricing, I think, and the best array of standards and optionals of the Lambda line.

I'm wondering about this one too. Essentially, the 3 row Rav4 has taken the place of the 3 row Highlander (both are equally squashed inside), so the Highlander definitely should be getting bigger. The 3.5 V6 is a given, along with a Hybrid model again, but the size and style are the two biggest questions, especially since no one seems to have seen any mules out anywhere.

Well, they fixed what needed it most--the nose (at least to some) and mainly the underpowered 4.7L. The latter is the best improvement, by far. Also fixed up the interior a bit, even if it does continue on with the hard and inexpensive Chrysler theme.

Yes. There's a lot of such people with pictures and stories on the 200k site they started, but they don't seem to be doing anything with it--just leaving a site for people to post on. I'd say good marketing opportunity, but who knows...

Why would there be? If you've seen recent GM pallets, it was kind of a gimme was would be available. At least the list is long, though, with a choice of whites, the upgraded red, and all the other great choices. Pricing one out finally, I DEFINITELY see one as a possibility now. Love the Acadia, but can't get it optioned just the way we'd want it, and an Enclave CX with just one or two little options is beyond perfect--made in White Diamond with Cashmere, and call it a day :AH-HA_wink:

Yeah, it's a shame we didn't meet! I was in an exploration kind of mood and didn't really chat much. Oh well...it was still really fun. The best part, for me at least, was being able to roam around and check out everything without fighting the massive crowds like I'm used to on a Saturday or such. Too bad about your camera! Actually, every year, I always think I'm going to have these great photo opportunities, then I realize when I'm there I just want to look at stuff and have no need for pictures of anything--but I tried this time, since it was special. P.S., I think you need to check the settings on your Photobucket account so it's Public, because right now it asks for a password (common error, due to a checkbox kind of thing).

You can now build and price them on KBB: http://www.kbb.com/kbb/NewCars/2008_Buick_Enclave_SUV.aspx A FULLY loaded CXL AWD with White Diamond paint (the highest cost paint option) tops out at $46,285 MSRP and $42,348 invoice. SO, not much different from the Acadia in truth, and an even nicer set of features and details.

Well, I'm back. Really, really fun event, especially with the getting in free part and being able to explore as usual but without very many people around. Everyone had cameras, and on my part, most of my stuff came out either blurry or just from a bad angle. NOTE TO SELF: If going to an event like this, don't use it as a time to try out a new camera... Regardless, here they are. First pictures: http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/cad...0Show/Pictures/ And some really crappy videos (with huge file sizes)--still uploading, and I'll try and compress & re-upload later: http://s26.photobucket.com/albums/c101/cad...%20Show/Videos/

I knew it'd be bad just from the title...

I know we all will, but I have a feeling I'll be the first to upload & post, because of how close I'm located and how early I'll get back. I'll let you know...

Exactly, especially in the case of GM's new big ute's. Kicking in mainly just when you're going down hill or coasting will never help that much. That point aside, it looks like all of these trucks finally get changes to alleviate their biggest problem--overall tactile quality--and come off as a lot fresher and refined, but with the same powerful drivetrains and interior layouts that were already strong.

Looks like the total of people who signed up is 153, so it never really hit the max. That said, hope I at least get to meet the few other people from C&G while there tomorrow morning

Hopefully some of you can meet up on the weekend, and I'm looking forward to meeting one or two C&G people tomorrow while there. Also going to try and be the first person back to post pictures and videos...

The schedule has been posted on the main Philly Auto Show site, and holy wow is this ever going to be a fun day! ------------------------------------------------ 8:45am – Media check-in opens 9:00am – Breakfast sponsored by GM 9:50am – Introduction from Auto Show Chairman Scott Lustgarten 10:00am – Saturn Press Conference featuring Jon Bon Jovi/Philadelphia Soul Foundation 10:45am – Chevy Press Conference featuring the Camaro Concept and GM’s Chief of Design Ed Welburn 11:15am – Subaru Press Conference featuring local coaches involved in the American Cancer Society’s Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer Program 11:45am – Ford Press Briefing featuring Patrick Schiavone, Design Director – Trucks for Ford's North America operations *Ford will sponsor a lunch for all media members following Patrick’s briefing. More details on each press conference, as well as other highlights of the day, are below. At 10:00a.m., Saturn General Manager Jill Lajdziak and award winning musician and Philadelphia Soul Owner and Founder Jon Bon Jovi, will unveil a very special Saturn Aura that the company will donate to the Philadelphia Soul Foundation for Project H.O.M.E. This one-of-a-kind version of the North American Car of the Year will be displayed during Philadelphia Soul home games and raffled at the end of the season to provide affordable housing in the area. Attendees will then be escorted to Chevrolet’s display for a one-of-kind event. At 10:45a.m., GM’s Chief of Design, Ed Welburn, will officially introduce the ever-popular Camaro concept to Philadelphia by driving it right onto its spot on the showfloor! Over 250 Chevy enthusiasts will be there cheering him on as he revs the engine of this famous concept. In addition, Ed’s very own 1969 Camaro will be on-site, providing a visual like no other! Next, Subaru, Delaware Valley’s only hometown car company will again host a special event at this year’s Philadelphia International Auto Show. Subaru is the official automotive sponsor of The American Cancer Society’s Philadelphia Coaches vs. Cancer program. Basketball coaches representing Philadelphia’s Division I schools will be on hand to compete in a “Shootout” to support this outstanding program that raises awareness and funds for American Cancer Society research, advocacy, education, and patient services programs. In addition to the company’s long-time support of the local program, Subaru will be donating $100 for every free throw each coach can sink in a one minute challenge at the Auto Show. Coaches that will be on-site include Temple’s Fran Dunphy, St. Joe’s Phil Martelli, LaSalle’s John Giannini and Villanova’s Jay Wright. Don’t miss the live action as the coaches go head-to-head for a great cause! Ford’s Patrick Schiavone is next on the agenda. He will host a press briefing and speak about the key vehicles on the Ford stand at 11:45a.m. Patrick is Design Director – Trucks for Ford's North America operations. He is responsible for developing and executing the design strategy for all North American trucks, sport utility and crossover utility vehicles for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury. He was appointed to the position May 1, 2006. Seventy percent of Ford's product portfolio will be new or significantly updated by the end of calendar year 2008. That said, media members, this is one briefing you won’t want to miss! A light lunch, sponsored by Ford, will follow Patrick’s update. Attendees will then be invited to roam the floors of the Pennsylvania Convention Center to get their sneak peek at the more than 700 vehicles on display. The show floor will remain open until 2:00p.m. Product specialists will be at each display to answer your questions and provide additional information. It’s a great opportunity to conduct exclusive interviews without the crowds. Additional highlights of the day include: Lexus representatives will be on-site to show you how the Lexus LS parks itself! This feature has received a great deal of buzz over the last few months and we encourage you to come and see what it’s all about—right inside the Pennsylvania Convention Center! Further, area Chevy dealers will line the streets around the Pennsylvania Convention Center with dozens and dozens of brand new Silverados before taking them to the floors of their dealerships! Last year, we called this the “Chevy Tahoe Drive-Away” and for those who saw it, you know it’s quite an event to witness!

I drove an Acadia about 2 weeks ago, and played around with just about everything on it, and even on this one, the Smartslide seemed a bit odd. Pull the handle and the bottom cushion would flip up and it all slid forward like butter, but the problem was trying to get it back--it was hard to push back, and then VERY stiff to get the lower cushion to relatch as the final step. Of course, it was the first time I used it, but it almost seemed like it was springed to be easy to flip and slide away, but then at the same time was just too hard to get back in place. Other than that, loved it, and it can do so many more things, with so much more usable room than a new Tahoe/Yukon, at a much lower price and with very high end driving quality. Absolutely felt like it had top notch build quality through and through, and a wonderful drivetrain and suspension. Also quite fun to me, as my test drive was on a curvy and undulating back road not in the best of shape--the lighter weight and better handling compared to a typical truck certainly help there. S-M-O-O-T-H was all I could think...

Sounding good, and those tires alone should be a big improvement over the General garbage that came OEM. Very much like your taste of just smaller things here and there to improve the package, but still keep it very much stock.

Still extremely nice, especially for the high mileage. Just keep a very watchful eye on that 2.7L, and hopefully it will get you around for a while.

A little extra detail about the Saturn intro with Bon Jovi: http://www.thecarlounge.com/news/publish/article_644.shtml

^^SO much agreed with The O.C., it's not even funny. Actually, while I would say that the 300's interior could definite be taken up a few notches in material quality, and the Lucerne does feel richer here in some ways, nothing yet can still beat the overall package offered by the 300. As said, the general performance level is several notches upward and more balanced due to the RWD, and it comes in a spread of models and equipment so that someone on a tight budget can still get a beautiful car that drives beautifully, someone in Alaska can get an AWD model in either V6 or V8, and one can also go all out an get a 425 horse beast from beyond that simply kills even cars costing double. That combination of eye catching looks, quality feel, high end drive quality, and models and pricing fit for everyone just makes it unbeatable to this date, and I'm glad to see it stay. As for the Fit, it is technically an old Japanese car, but that just goes to show you how well done it is in comparison to even brand new domestic small cars. It simply has a level of quality and driving dynamics untouchable for the price, along with great space. Looks weird, yes, but so do a lot of smaller cars anymore--the Fit just has a laundry list of redeeming qualities that make it attractive beyond that. One or two of the C&D choices are always odd, and even I admit that, but for the most part it's a great representation of a nicely sized group of the best products out there in any given year.

Agreed. Though it could use a bit more visual excitement by now, the Accord's still strikes me as one of the most solid and well layed out interiors, with a very high quality sense and comfort all around. The Camry, while not at all bad, is just like it's always been more or less--mushier pieces, some loose fitments, and just not as "teutonic" or resolutely solid of a feel as something like the Accord, or even now things like the Aura in a lot of ways. I guess another thing I hold against it is just the number of owner comments on various little build quality bugs and either a lot of or no (seems to vary widely) squeaks and rattles and such, even being brand new. Still a great car in a lot of ways, an I have a draw to the Hybrid model for various reasons, but it's not as terrific as its reputation seems to still imply. All in all, it could still stand to be better, but the Aura's also could to in terms of various small details such as the armrests and the look of some design lines. One thing the Camry definitely does better is a wider and equipment range, and the Hybrid model I just mentioned is a much better performer than the upcoming Aura's, but it's also naturally more expensive, so there's always a counterbalance.