Dodge to Get Crossover for 2008; Saturn to Import Vectra Wagon; Scion Strategy Working; Tahoe Starting to Linger
Dodge will get a model to go head to head with the Edge and Highlander. The model will be built in Toluca, Mexico starting in late 2007.
Saturn's onslaught continues with the brand getting the next generation Opel Vectra wagon sometime in 2008 or 2009. I'm happy to see that Saturn will be staying in the wagon game! Given opel's recent design streak the next generation wagon should look considerably better than the current model. Saturn has had a history of offering wagons and although the Vectra based L-Series wagon was quite a snore, a new eye catching design should fill the bill quite nicely.Speaking of the brand, when are we going to see the new Saturn logo? Perhaps in Detroit?
More than half of Scion owners are trading in their cars for Toyota products. It looks like Toyota really hit this one out of the park.
The 2007 Chevy Tahoe is starting to sit on dealer lots for a longer period of time before selling. Certainly there was some pent up demand for the vehicle when it first arrived on the market, but now that demand is starting to be satisfied. What will sustainable numbers be?
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Saturday, July 29, 2006
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Spy Shots
Winding Road has a whole host of spy shots of the next generation Malibu. For some reason they are calling it an Impala, but all signs point to Malibu (front wheel drive, timing to market). Word on the street last year was the '08 Malibu had done very well in focus groups, with consumers identifying it as being a much more expensive car. You can check out all the pics by clicking here.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Chrysler Inspired Drives Mobile Tour
I received an e-mail today for a Chrysler ride and drive event. Okay, nothing unusual about that except for the fact that they don't appear to have a website setup for the tour. The e-mail has the following blurb:
We're traveling throughout the United States, and will be in your area at the Santa Clara County Fair in San Jose, California from August 4-6.
You're invited to join us as Chrysler brand celebrates innovative features like an Electronic Stability Program* (ESP), and the MyGIG Multi-Media Infotainment System. You'll also have an opportunity to drive amazing new vehicles like the all-new 2007 Chrysler Aspen. For more information on our line-up, go to Chrysler.com or call (888) 688-CHRY (2479).
There'll be music and lifestyle activities. Plenty of fun for everyone!
There appears to be no way to register or find out where else the tour will be held. Now that is very odd. Why wouldn't you want to promote the event or provide a way for folks to register so that arrivals are spaced out? Perhaps the 888 number will have more information.
I have no interest is the "amazing" Aspen, but the MyGIG system would be of interest to me.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
"Break" Dust?
Staring at the countless wheel cleaners on display at Fred Meyer, my eyes were drawn to Eagle One's "New Improved" All Wheel & Tire Cleaner that was "#1 Rated". I couldn't find anywhere on the packaging who had rated them #1 but I was expecting to see some disclaimer like "*rated number one, by ourselves." In any case, what really got me laughing and the product back on the shelf was it's bold claim to remove "break dust." Now how many people have to review the new design for that bottle before it hits the market? You'd think that there would be quite a few people, no? Wouldn't you also expect that at least some of these people have enough knowledge of cars to know that it's brake and not break? I mean really, that kind of spelling is something you expect to see in classified ad: "new breaks."
If you're looking for the packaging, it has a picture of a chrome wheel on a blue background. Eagle One seems to have caught the mistake because the bottles that appear on the 'net are slightly different. The bottle with the incorrect spelling has a red background for the text that highlights "break dust" removal. The corrected bottles have a yellow background for the text.
Win a Ride Along With Tony Stewart (9/15/2006)
A Home Depot tie in (naturally) for a chance to take a spin with Tony Stewart at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Click here to enter.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Hyundai Tiburon Refresh
Someone alert Lloyd! The Hyundai Tiburon receives a sheet metal facelift with a full redesign due in a couple years. The Tiburon underwent a minor update for 2005, with a new, lower grille and front fascia and revamped headlamps and fog lamps.
I've thrown in a pic of the current Tib and its interior and of course the Tiburon's number one fan Lloyd from HBO's Entourage.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Citroen C4 Picasso?
Is this the new Picasso? Formerly the Xsara Picasso and now presumably the C4 Picasso. The picture is of a 1/43 scale model being offered on ebay. It's not uncommon for model car manufacturers to get a sneak pic on upcoming models so that they have the toy ready when the car is publicly released. The ebay seller claims that he only has one scale model sample for sale. This is all speculation of course, so who knows if this one is the real deal. Check out this May 2006 “spy shot” that looks somewhat different. For your comparison, I’ve lined up the model pics, the May pic and the current Picasso’s pic
Update: The more I research this, both the May pic and the model could be correct. It seems that the next Picasso will be offered in five seat and extended seven seat versions. That little jog in the window line of the May photo could signify the extended version. I refer you to the photos at World Car Fans that show two prototypes, one with the dip and the rear door window line and one without.
Update #2: Looking more closely at the photos, I think that the white model with the jog in the rear door window line may actually be the five seater. As you can see, that white car has a smaller rear window. I didn't catch that before.
DMV Disaster!
It's disaster day here at ACATT!
Forget all about Y2K. California’s DMV is trying to figure out how it is going to jam 22 million licensed drivers and 2 million identification card holders through its 169 field offices. That’s right…24 million people into 169 already crowded offices. Why, you ask? Bureaucracy of course. The new Federal “Real ID” act requires that everyone shows up to renew their license in person with either their passport or birth certificate and two proofs of their address. No mail in renewals will be allowed. Currently California drivers can renew their licenses by mail twice, meaning a trip to the DMV only once every 15 years. Validating a passport should be easy enough, but how do you verify a birth certificate? The DMV can’t call all the county registrars around the country, now can it? To date nothing has been done about this issue, but some sort of national database is in the offing. Then there is the thorny issue of identity of validating someone born outside the United States. To make matters worse there has been no Federal money allocated to assist states in preparing for the 2008 Real ID implementation deadline. Stay tuned for more info as 2008 draws closer.
What a Disaster...
Watching Jill Lajdziak, general manager of Saturn, on Autoline Detroit I just couldn't help but wince. Usually the program tosses a few softballs that are batted back by the interview subject. However, in Jill's case, she wasn't able to field those questions with the adroitness that other folks in similar positions have shown. For example when pressed on what Saturn stands for, Jill tried to make the point that Saturn is about innovation. The problem is, as Tony Swan quickly pointed out, much of the Saturn initiated innovation is either out of style or now commonplace: polymer body panels and lost foam casting are two examples. Jill retorted that “plastic panel thinking” was what kept Saturn out of certain marketplace segments. Yes, that may be true but realistically what does Saturn offer then? Is it not becoming on Opel outpost with a few badge engineered
I should add that this isn’t a criticism of what Saturn is doing. I think that Saturn in on the right path and making the right decisions (in my mind rock bottom was when the Ion came out with the leopard print roof rail option). I wish that the Outlook was more unique, but I salute the Sky, Aura and the upcoming importation of the Astra. I’m taking a wait and see on the Saturn dealerships looking like Apple stores.
Punch Buggy Silver!
Remember that Audi TT that got squished but the driver lived to tell the tale? Well, here is similar story for the TT's cousin the VW Beetle. A finger cut and a bit of soreness, not bad. Click here for a link to the full story. Props to Joe for the tip.
Edmunds Tests the GL320 CDI
It's not Bluetec, but it'll do for now. MB will introduce the CDI in 2007 to the 45 states that do not follow California emissions standards. You can read the full review by clicking here. The basic summary is this: the GL CDI is quiet, slightly slower, more economical (approximately 24mpg combined cycle), and subsquently has a longer range per tank.
I think this is the right approach. SUV buyers aren't going to notice the added cost of the diesel engine like economy car buyers might and will benefit greatly from the added efficiency. It's a shame the California and friends are being forced to wait so long for a taste of the diesel action, but that will change in time. Keep in mind that you can import a non-California car into California after 7500 miles show up on the clock, so if you are truly determined you could get one into Cali sooner.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
2007 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra
Everyone is running these pictures from Motor Trend magazine, so I thought I'd throw a couple of them up for your review. What's disappointing to me is that GM doesn't have enough production of the 6 speed automatic to spread around. Only the Denali gets the six speed during the first year's run. The rest of the pickups should see the six speed in the next model year. These pickups appear to be quite the leap forward, but then again they had to be. Toyota's new Tundra is here shortly and Ford will be touching up it's F Series.
This Cheers & Gears forum thread is the source of the photos and there is additional information located there.
Alfa to Arrive Earlier in the USA?; Ford Small Cars Years Away; GM Abandoning Value Pricing?
Alfa may be set to return to the USA one year earlier than expected with a high end, $200K+ sports car. The regular lineup of Spider, Brera and 159 sedan would arrive one year later.
Ford is in trouble, it didn’t foresee the market shifts that have occurred and its small car lineup is a few years away. There has also been a shift away from full sized trucks, another sore point for Ford.
GM appears to be shifting away from value pricing. 2007 Buick and Pontiac pricing is rising GM is admitting that SUVs and full sized trucks need a nice fat rebate in order to move as well.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Win a Toyota Highlander Hybrid (8/15/06)
From the Sunkist Almond Munchies folks. Click here to enter.
Friday, July 21, 2006
2008 Ford Focus Spy Shot
This looks to be the 2008 Ford Focus sedan refresh that the US is getting. SecondEchoMatt over at focaljet.com captured these photos. Here are some comments about the car made by other users:
“I saw one of those at a gas station here a while back. It was exactly the same as the '06/'07 Focus as far as the ass end was concerned, yet it had the Fusion style 3-bar chrome grille.”
“That's the car I saw in a clinic last year. I've posted about it several times here. It's actually quite good looking...some of the visual elements turn out to be similar to the recently unveiled Sebring, although it's clear Chrysler and Ford came up with them independently. There's a sharp crease along the side which is very similar to the previous Mustang's, but in reverse, with a vent just aft of the front wheels. The headlights are quite complex and the grill is too. The grill I saw had 2 of the 3-chrome bars Ford is adopting with a mesh look replacing the bottom or third bar. Headlights are a combination of the old Contour's, following a curving cutline of the hood, and the current Focus.”
Some folks on the boards are saying that the Focus hatch and maybe even the wagon will disappear with the refresh. That would be a disappointment if that turns out to be the case. Is this truly "The Way Forward?" My hope is that this refresh will tide us over till the next global Focus appears a few years later and that we'll finally catch up with Europe.
Win a Modified Pontiac Solstice (9/15/06)
This picture sure doesn't make the Solstice look pretty, does it? Top prize also includes a free trip to Vegas for the SEMA show. Click here to enter.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
A Saturn?
Actor Haley Joel Osment was hospitalized early Thursday (7/20) after he apparently lost control of his car while heading to his Los Angeles-area home, authorities said.
Osment, who was nominated for an Academy Award for his role as a boy who could see dead people in "The Sixth Sense," was driving a 1995 Saturn about 1 a.m. when the car collided with a brick pillar and flipped, said Los Angeles County sheriff's Lt. Greg Sisneros.
Sorry to hear about his accident, but what's with the Saturn? A 1995 one at that. He needs to hang out with Frankie Muniz.
Zoom Zoom Live!
It's always fun to drive the latest and greatest from any manufacturer. Register for Mazda's ride and drive event by clicking here. Ten locations to choose from! If you find out about any other ride and drive events please send info to tips at allcarsallthetime.com (substitute @ for at) and I'll share with the group!
Win a Street Legal Version of Richard Petty’s 1984 Pontiac Grand Prix (4/30/3007)
Better than a poke in the eye! Click here to enter.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Alfa Where Art Thou?
With the US debut of Alfa Romeo suffering delay after delay, many of us auto fans have cried out for the day we can drive one of those sexy Italian machines. However, after a more critical look at Alfa’s current lineup, I’m happy that they are waiting until they shore things up. The lineup that is eventually heading to the US is based off a platform that was developed with General Motors (back in the day when Fiat and GM were still holding hands). GM was going to have a Saab based off of this platform (amongst other models), but decided that it was too costly and gave Alfa complete ownership. The problem is that the platform is FWD/AWD and in the premium segment that can mean trouble if the handling is finely tuned. In a recent Auto Express review of the AWD Alfa Spider V6, the reviewer carped that the convertible suffered from a lot of shake over even minor imperfections in the road and the car was prone to understeer due to its heavy nose. The ride quality was also deemed less than stellar.
Autoweek echos many of these comments in a review of the 159 from July of 2005. The author felt that the 159 was too portly and complained of “some jiggle over rougher surfaces.” In December of 2005 Autoweek reviewed the Brera coupe and stated that “the Brera at any trim level is not one Alfa can start off with in the United States.” In July of this year Autoweek felt more charitable towards the Spider “The suspension (double wishbone front and multi-link rear) is agile and the steering is highly responsive. The ride is reasonable by open-top standards.” Autoweek’s reviewers were different, Matt Davis drove the 159 and Brera while Greg Kable drove the Spider and that could explain the difference in attitude.
The bottom line is that Alfa’s triumvirate of the Brera/Spider/159 sedan aren’t truly ready for prime time. It would be a shame for Alfa to return the USA with anything less than exemplary products. What troubles me is that I’m not sure how much Alfa can fix by the late 2009 planned introduction. I will end on a positive note: all reviewers complimented the build quality of the Alfas.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Win Up to $5,000 in Gas from Honda (9/3/2006)
ACATT continues its semi-vacation with relatives pouring in to celebrate Baby Aidan. In the meantime, enjoy the continuing sweepstakes extravaganza by clicking here.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Win a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (8/31/2006)
This sweepstakes is from a tobacco company. Depending on your beliefs you may or may not want to be giving this company marketing information. If you don't mind, click here to enter. There is a minor age verification process on the website when you create your login that some people have reported problems with, but I didn't experience any issues.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Win a Three Day Skip Barber Racing School Course (9/12/2006)
You can skip all the survey questions about your association with the aircraft industry. Click here to enter.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
GM & Toyota?
BusinessWeek magazine has an article discussing the possibility of a GM/Toyota tie-up. The author speculates that Toyota would have a keen interest in not allowing GM to shack up with another manufacturer. Alternatively, Toyota also has no interest in GM faltering, since it is fearful of the social and political backlash that may occur. Analysts do not think that that any offer from Toyota would include a purchase of GM stock, but rather a collaboration on development and manufacturing fronts. Since GM and Toyota have already collaborated on such projects as NUMMI (note that in the article, they spell Fremont, CA as Freemont), Toyota could offer to expand such partnerships. It will be interesting to see how things develop over the next few months!
Friday, July 14, 2006
Win Up to $1,500 Gas (8/31/2006)
A Sylvania contest that offers 10,000 miles of free gas but limits it to $1500. Click here to enter.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Win One of 10 Saturn Sky Convertibles (8/26/2006)
Target is piling on the prizes. You can enter once a week. Click here to enter. Good Luck!
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
GMC Acadia
Official shots of the GMC Acadia. Certainly the interior is way ahead of previous GM vehicles, so that's a plus. However, the overall exterior design doesn't stir my loins. What magnifies this is the fact that GM has two other models (Outlook and Enclave) that don't look that much different. Out of the three, I think that the Buick will take the prize. I'll throwing in a picture of the Saturn Outlook for comparison's sake. There have been no official photos of the production Enclave yet, although it is sure to be a dead ringer for the concept shown in Detroit.
Does this cause an issue for you? The passenger has a grab handle on the door panel, but the driver does not. I can see the reasoning: the driver has a lot of controls located on the door. I'm a big one for symmetry, so it does look a bit odd to me. Land Rover tried the non-symmetrical stunt with the LR3 engine vent, placing it only on one side. I've noticed that they didn't repeat that with the RR Sport, or next generation Freelander (LR2).