siegen

WOW! Look at the Corolla sales! What gives Toyota? An all new model, with gas prices rising, the Civic up 18%, and the Corolla is down 21%! What is Toyota's excuse for that?

Before anyone says it, yes dropping the RSX was a bad idea. And yes Acura having their two most important model's receive FMC's at the same time is poor model management.

Only 4 best-ever's? (including one all-time best-ever) Toyota's slacking... again.

Those cars are cheap because they are low in demand, while Civics, both new and used, are expensive because they are high in demand. Let me attempt to paraphrase your argument. You would buy a babied 90k Century over an abused 120k Civic; Hondas may require $300-600 more maintenance every 90-100k miles than a comparable Buick; therefor Hondas and Toyotas are a waste of money. Is that about right? I did an autotrader search within 50mi of Seattle. I found four 1997 to 1999 Civics and Accords with 80-92k miles at $5900-6000. The lower mileage Centurys and Regals in that year range weren't any cheaper. They generally are lower in price or lower in mileage (or both), however nothing like the exaggeration you have presented.

Well they do earn a license from it.

The G8 commercial could have been done much better. A comparison to a 5-series isn't wrong, they just went about it the wrong way. No scenes of the G8 driving or carving up the mountain roads. No feeling that the interior is comfortable. Nothing, just a bunch of images that evoke no feelings or any passion for a car. If anything, I would say it advertised the 5-series as much as the G8, and doesn't make me want the G8 any more. That's some great music for a car commercial! :AH-HA_wink: The commercial didn't really make any sense, but it does a 100x better job eliciting excitement for the vehicle.

The only way she could have rear ended you in a Cavalier is if you drove to the Chevrolet Dealer service department, and backed up into her car. :AH-HA_wink: Looks like a conflict of vehicle heights. Your rear bumper collided with her grille and head lights. Most small cars would likely suffer similar bumper and head light damage. I rear ended a Mazda 3 in my Integra, and knocked his bumper off. Zero damage to my car, not even a scratch. ;] Just my pride... Sounds like the Intrigue has a pretty hefty rear end if an Explorer lost to it ;] You fail to see the point of crumple zones. The front of the car crumples like a can to lessen the impact to the occupants.

I dunno, it's hard to tell from those pictures, they are all at weird angles.

Oh come on, we all know Toyota is to blame. :AH-HA_wink: Honda, on the other hand, is quite an anomaly. Despite being opposed by the Japanese government from the start, and competing against government-backed Toyota since day one in their home market, they have still grown to where they are today; a step ahead of Toyota in technology and the world's largest engine maker with high profit margins. I don't like it when people lump Toyota and Honda together for this very reason, they are two entirely different animals. But I do agree that it is GM's past choices that are haunting them now, and until they reduce their overhead they will be unable to compete in the small car market. I am confident that GM will get there, perhaps soon. The first step of course will be to stop selling German/Korean/Japanese rebadges, har har. :AH-HA_wink:

Not surprising. What is surprising is how much of a pass the media gives it. If the government stepped in and paid for even a portion of the R&D for the Volt, there's a good chance, I reckon, that we wouldn't hear the end of it.

You mean 22,000~ rpms, right? :AH-HA_wink: But it only seats one, probably a disadvantage in the luxury segment.

Motor Trend and Road and Track are also positive (although I can't seem to find the Road and Track test drive anymore). They should have launched with an optional 3.0L V6. Car needs some weight trimming too.

Quite the intro. Wish you could hear the engine more. It almost looked like the red one was going to scrape, and I think the driver thought that as well when she slowed down abruptly taking that sharp left turn. Not sure why they chose those drivers though. Are they targeting women with this car?

I am completely surprised, the idea of a 4 cylinder in a muscle car I would have thought would elicit fairly severe criticisms from everyone and all reason would go flying out the window. That being said, I think this is a bad idea. Given the high boost of the 2.0L, and the high weight of the Camaro, I highly doubt it will be able to achieve the same FE as a 3.6L V6, while providing the same performance at all RPMs. So it's not ok to use a turbo 4-cyl in a small crossover, but it would be ok to use one in a muscle car?

It could use a silver accent or something, to tie it in with the steering wheel better. I like the placement of the knobs, it's like they are swooping down. It looks randomly placed, and I think that's the look they were going for.

About the only thing you can do is change the headlights/grille and rear end, without impacting the functionality. Even the window and hood rake are there for a reason. I think the styling is right on for the market it is designed for. They didn't design this to appeal to car enthusiasts, because most of them won't buy this kind of car to begin with. This vehicle is about as far opposite as it gets from the Solstice Coupe. har har. :AH-HA_wink:

Interesting. It looks quite nice and aggressive, with the exception of the oddly shaped back window. I like the stance and the short side windows. What is up with the trunk? Is that all the storage you get? What is taking up the rest of the area, the soft top? QFT

I think the BMW and Audi drivers in the speed world challenge would disagree. :AH-HA_wink: There is likely a high performance version coming soon. Honda spokespeople have hinted at it, but obviously cannot say yes for sure. From what I've heard at various places, I wouldn't be too surprised if the car receives something like a 3.0L V6. In fact I would almost be surprised if it didn't. It is several inches wider than the TSX it replaces, fitting the V6 shouldn't be a problem what-so-ever. The new TL will probably base with a 3.5L, so the 3.0L would by no means step on any toes. And depending on how far they want to take it, the 3.0L J-series V6 could pump out 250-260hp fairly easily. Overall I like the styling changes, however I do not find them particularly exciting. It could definitely use a little more flare on the front end. But perhaps Acura is holding off until the high performance trim. The rear of the car is quite nice. I love the integrated trunk lip as opposed to a spoiler, much classier.

Or if you don't want the batman style steering wheel. :AH-HA_wink: I am quite impressed with the new Fit's interior. The steering wheel and instrument cluster are very nice, almost too nice. The rest of the dash is very simple and functional. Lots of cubby-holes and cup holders.

All-New 2009 TSX Makes World Debut at the New York International Auto Show Press Release - Photo Gallery 03/19/2008 - NEW YORK - Acura provided a one-two punch with the world debut of the all-new second-generation TSX sports sedan along with the appearance of the redesigned RL luxury performance sedan at the New York International Auto Show today. With new engines, refined drivetrain, and Acura's latest Keen Edge Dynamic styling, the all-new TSX and RL highlight a new direction for Acura sedans. "With powerful looks and performance, the debut of the new TSX has taken an enthusiastic bite out of the Big Apple," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of sales. "Besides offering enhanced performance, the 2009 TSX has improved fuel economy, lower emissions, added safety features, and more technology than ever before." Producing 201 hp from a 2.4-liter engine, the DOHC VTEC® in-line 4-cylinder now delivers its power across a much wider rpm range. Along with more torque, the new 2.4L is also cleaner as it meets EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II Ultra Low Emission Vehicle standards. Merging crisp, dynamic design with a bold new signature Acura grille, the 2009 TSX is more distinctive and sporty. Due to its greater length and width, wider track, and longer wheelbase, the new TSX provides additional interior room while new fully independent front and rear suspension with dual-stage dampers provides more agile handling. The TSX is equipped with an impressive list of standard equipment which includes a power glass moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather seats, power windows/mirrors/locks, a premium 7-speaker sound system (with CD, AM/FM and XM® Radio), Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®, and USB port and AUX jack music interface. The available Technology Package features leading-edge electronics including the AcuraLink® Satellite Communication System, Acura Navigation System with Voice Recognition™, AcuraLink® Real-time traffic, Traffic Rerouting™ and AcuraLink® weather. Included in the Technology Package is an audiophiles dream in the form of a 415 watt, 10-speaker Acura/ELS™ Premium Surround Sound System with DVD-Audio designed by Grammy® Award winning producer/engineer Elliot Scheiner. Designed with an emphasis on safety, the 2009 TSX now makes use of Acura's esteemed Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. The 2009 TSX, with ACE™ and a host of other safety features, is expected to achieve the highest ratings in both governmental (NHTSA)* and independent (IIHS) crash testing - including IIHS's TOP SAFETY PICK. Also making its first appearance in New York is Acura's new 2009 RL luxury sedan which features bold new styling, an all-new 3.7-liter engine, chassis enhancements and numerous technological upgrades. Performance improves with the 2009 RL thanks to a new 300 horsepower V-6 that incorporates the first ever SOHC use of VTEC® valvetrain actuation for both the intake and exhaust valves. The top-of-the-line Acura furthers cutting edge technology with the addition of new high-tech items including AcuraLink® weather, AcuraLink® Traffic Rerouting™, a new Note function for XM® Radio, Active Sound Control, and Bluetooth® Audio to an already robust list of features found on the previous RL. To enhance handling, new chassis technology abounds in the form of enhanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive™, a revised steering system, firmer coil springs, better performing shock absorbers, larger rear stabilizer bar, and larger wheels and tires. Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 268 dealers within the United States. The Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX luxury crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle. For additional information about Acura vehicles, please visit www.acura.com. For media inquiries, please visit www.acuranews.com. *Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA's) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). Safety claims based on internal test results.

All-new 2009 Honda Fit Introduces New Realm of Refinement to Subcompact Class New Fit further refines interior functionality, enhances sporty feel, and adds safety features Press Release - Photo Gallery 03/19/2008 - NEW YORK - The all-new 2009 Honda Fit, set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall, is making its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Fit promises to further its leadership in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, including an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™; improved interior functionality, including one-motion dive-down rear seats; enhanced sporty demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity; and high levels of standard safety equipment, including Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure. "Critics and customers alike have voted the Fit among the best small vehicles on the road," said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. "This new Fit raises the bar even further, taking what was already great about the Fit, making it even better and throwing in a healthy dose of refinement." Enhanced Comfort and Convenience Dimensionally compact on the outside, the interior provides surprisingly large passenger and class-leading cargo space to maximize comfort and utility. At the foundation is an improved rear Magic Seat®, now featuring one-motion dive-down functionality, which allows the rear seat to fold flat with the front seats in the rearmost slide position and without removing the rear head restraints. The seats offer multiple seating and cargo-carrying configurations (tall object mode, long object mode and utility mode) in addition to the standard five-passenger mode. Additionally, a new hidden storage bin under the driver's side rear seat provides a place to store small items. Adding further refinement, Fit Sport offers an available factory-installed Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition, featuring a 6.5-inch screen. All Fit Sport models feature a USB audio interface1 compatible with current generation iPods® and many USB storage devices. "The goal is to provide entry-level vehicle customers with functionality and refinement that's a class above," said Colliver. "Buying a Fit is a choice, not a compromise." Fun to Drive The Fit features a new 1.5-literi-VTEC™ 4-cylinder engine connected to either a 5-speed manual transmission or an available 5-speed automatic transmission, which includes steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters on the Fit Sport. The new engine is designed to offer the best balance of fuel economy and power. Larger 15-inch and 16-inch (Fit Sport) wheels hint at enhancements to the Fit's suspension, steering and body rigidity, which are intended to produce sportier handling without sacrificing comfort. Top-of-Class Standard Safety Equipment The 2009 Fit adds Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure technology, available Vehicle Stability Assist ™ (VSA®) and active head restraints, to a top-of-class list of standard safety features. With Fit's adoption of ACE, more than 94 percent of Honda vehicles sold in the U.S. will include the innovative body structure. When introduced to the 2009 Fit, VSA will be available in the lineup of every model Honda sells in the United States. Dual-stage, dual-threshold front airbags, dual front-side airbags with passenger-side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) and side-curtain airbags are standard equipment on all Fit models. All seating positions have three-point seat belts. Additionally, front and rear visibility is improved. Standard active safety equipment includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS), with ventilated discs in the front and drums in the back, and electronic brake distribution (EBD). More detailed information about the 2009 Honda Fit will be released closer to the vehicle launch in the fall. Additional media information and high-resolution photography is available at www.hondanews.com. 1USB audio interface is used for direct connection to, and control of a variety of digital audio players such as iPods(1) and other USB devices(2) that contain MP3, WMA, or AAC music files(3). (1) Fifth generation or later iPod, nano, iPod Classic, iTouch, or iPhone. (2) Some USB devices such as those with security software may not work. (3) Except for Digital Rights-protected files.

Well I would say the RL rumor is more likely to come true, given that there aren't really a lot of people complaining about the current Corvette.

To add to what smallchevy said, it is still mostly rumors, but the next RL could have a 420hp 4.8L V8 and RWD biased SH-AWD. Sketch from a Japanese magazine (not from Honda):

The tail lights definitely scream Yaris. Overall I don't think it's that bad. The front looks odd, like they took the head lights and grille and just moved them down a few inches, also giving the hood a weird cut line. It will probably look better in dark colors.

You assume FWD sucks in terms of packaging in the same way the "dumb masses" assume RWD sucks in terms of packaging. The truth of the matter is that there are poor packaging examples and good packaging examples for both layouts.