siegen

It definitely has a Honda or Mitsubishi vibe to it. Really, if those two companies collaborated on a low cost sporty coupe, this is exactly what it would look like. It still looks relatively lower quality, but I would take this over a Cobalt based on styling (unless it drives like crap). I really really don't like the wheels. If you gave it some nice wheels I think this is one of the better looking sport-compacts. It doesn't look as refined as the Civic Coupe but it looks a little more aggressive. It looks like it has more head room for the back passengers, and they managed to pull it off without making it look goofy.

The more I look at it the more I like it. Can't wait to see the production version. I haven't warmed up to the plenum though.

I don't think this vehicle is aimed "squarely" at the X6. It is a similar vehicle, but is much more coupe/sedan-influenced than the X6. It is nearly 5 inches shorter. It also seats 5 instead of 4. Contrary to what I said earlier, the roof of the cabin is not entirely glass. Instead, it has two large moon roofs. Not sure if they both open or not.

Honestly, after seeing the show pics, this car has potential. I bet it will look better in person in production form, as most all cars do. I think the color of the concept is pretty bad. Concepts generally look bad anyway (need I say more?). And it is plenty practical. It combines SUV, Coupe, and Sedan elements. Imagine someone shopping for a TL; however they want something a little shorter and with coupe styling, but they don't want to sacrifice any cargo space or the practicality of 4-doors. Here ya go. Reg, this was most likely designed entirely in Acura's design studio in California, mostly by beer-bellied Americans. I'm sure Dave Marek had his hand in it too.

My version of the ZDX:

I am hoping the exterior looks a little better in production form, and in a different color. But I don't think it's that bad of an exterior, just a bit awkward. What is impressive is the interior. Leather-wrapped interior, fully panoramic glass roof, which extends the entire cabin to the back hatch (hatch is fully glass). Comes with a lot of high end features that aren't on other Acuras. This is clearly Acura shooting for "Tier One". It's such an odd duck vehicle though. The front overhang is significant.

April fools?

I don't know much about Audi platforms, but I know that the Q5 is built on the Modular Longitudinal Platform (MLP). It is AWD-only, has a longitudinally mounted engine, and a 40:60 rear wheel bias. Audi offers FWD on the TT, A3, A4, and A6. Despite this, they may not be FWD platforms. BMW could offer FWD versions of its cars too, but they obviously wouldn't. If Audi thinks that offering FWD versions hurts its image, they may stop doing that. Most Audis are AWD anyway. I know they are trying to move the company towards where BMW is, and the new MLP platform and rear-bias is a part of that. The proportions of the vehicles is also looking much nicer, as seen on the new A4.

I would rather drive a wedge of cheese than a Prius!

While highly unlikely, it is possible that someone could be cross-shopping the Accent and 7-series. They both have trade-offs when compared. The Aveo is less expensive and gets better mileage, while the Bimmer is better in just about every other way. Just because two cars aren't in the same segment doesn't mean they don't compete. The Bimmer example is sort of out there though, but do you think someone would compare the Volt to a Sonata? I think it is definitely possible. Similar room and size. It's just a matter of paying more for gas mileage, and prestige. I agree on your description of the Volt's competition. Consumers will cross-shop it with the Prius, Insight, Camry hybrid, Fusion hybrid, etc etc etc. GM's media department will try their hardest to make it stand out as too much better to be compared to hybrids, and consumers will likely be awed by the 40 mile electric only range and not making any pollution (directly at least). GM can make it happen if they market it well. I intend to go to my local Chevy dealership (6 blocks away or so) when it comes out, and see how the salesperson responds when I ask: "Why should I buy this over an Insight?"

It appears to be a solid car. The styling isn't as horrendous as I thought it would be, and it will probably look ever better in person. The fact that it is a little larger than its competition is a good thing. It's a bit heavy for the engine though I would think. The 2.0/2.2 Ecotec would have been good to use on this vehicle, but being a global car I understand the engine choices and they make good business sense.

Should have made it "Cheers & Queers" and put a bunch of gay German dudes dancing to techno music at the top.

Dealers get allotments of cars from Honda, but they can also purchase them. When they purchase them, they are technically used, although often times they can give you a better warranty, since the certified pre-owned warranty is better in some ways than the new car warranty. Or at least that's what I heard when I was shopping for a Fit. I don't really know the salesman could have been feeding me a line. I test drove a Fit Sport 5-speed manual with navigation. Great car. I wasn't a fan of the expansive dash, and the interior felt a bit cold. Otherwise, I really liked it. Of course the acceleration was very soft compared to my Integra and A4. But it revs quickly and feels quick, which helps to sidestep the feeling of slowness. I was amazed at the space and configurability of the car. Enough head room for very tall people. The magic back seats seem very useful and were easy to configure. The tilt and telescoping steering wheel is wonderful to have in this level of vehicle.

It has no competition because it doesn't exist yet. When it does, it will have plenty of competition. The plug-in Prius will be available by the time the Volt comes out. And yes, it will be competition. Just because the Volt's drivetrain works differently and it's technically a 'range-extended' EV car doesn't mean it's in a league of its own. Consumers will compare the vehicles themselves; their usability, fuel economy, and price. They will compare it to the plug-in Prius; they will compare it to the regular Prius; they may even compare it to the Insight. The 40 miles on electric only will be GM's main selling point to get buyers to consider the Volt over less expensive hybrids. How well they can market that point will likely decide how successful the Volt will be. I think it is a pretty impressive advantage over other hybrid vehicles. Running on electric-only for an entire commute then charging overnight when the demand on the electricity grid is the lowest. Is it worth the price though? It will never pay for itself compared to cars like the Insight, even if you ran it electric-only its entire life. There will be consumers who look at that and choose an Insight or Prius instead.

We should save the US Electronics industry first.

Pontiac does nothing that Chevrolet can't do or is already doing. If Pontiac went away most buyers would just go to Chevrolet. Pontiac's only saving grace is the Solstice. And Chevrolet holds the performance crown anyway with the Corvette. Pontiac doesn't make business sense. Buick and Cadillac, on the other hand, are well enough differentiated from Chevrolet. If Cadillac went away buyers would likely go to other luxury brands. If Buick went away buyers would go to other comfy premium brands, likely Lexus (would do wonders for Lexus ES sales I'm sure).

Yuck. Looks like a typical Korean econo box with another wonderfully unoriginal front end. I'm sure the back will be just as uninspiring.

shhh ;]

"Driven: The 70-MPG 2010 Toyota Prius" It's not a 70-MPG car; it's a 50-MPG car. I like how the journalist drives on a short 33 mile loop and returns 69.5 mpg based on the MPG meter, then thinks he can spread lies like that. Oh wait, I forgot, the Prius is the original media darling.

I'd rather have a Viper than a Corvette. Not every other household has a Viper sitting in the driveway (a little exaggerated, I know). But I wouldn't really want either.

And when the Lexus 250h comes out, they'll be wanting 35-40 grand for a Prius with somehow uglier styling and an "L" on the hood. But at least you get a normal dash layout.

Well there you have it. I guess it takes one of those types of people to say the new Prius has "finer styling". That front end is a disaster. I guess it's just a big circle-jerk with Prius owners. "Look at how awesome we are!"

My old Macintosh with OS 6 was very stable and booted up and shut down faster than my current PC. However, that doesn't mean it's better. ;]