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Automotive News & Views What Will It Take to Save GM? 
11674 messages, Last post on Oct 12, 2006 at 10:06 AM
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Discuss all topics related to General Motors.
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Replying to: m1miata (Apr 18, 2006 9:49 pm)  Trust me I don't have many.  I love this guy alot. He's been going across the country and speaking about ridding the united states of poverty and bring jobs back home to our country. Will he run in 2008 ? I think he has a great chance at becoming the democrat nominee. Well back on topic. Loren I respect what you just said on your post. I as a proud american want this country to be as strong and vibrant as possible. I want dinosaurs like GM to continue to create good paying jobs and offer professional careers to engineers in this country. I think of my self as a patriot, others see me a nuisance. I love GM cars, and yes want GM to make the best cars possible that even you Loren want to proudly own and drive in California. I do think 2007 will be the year that GM turns it all around. Perhaps I'm thinking to much with my heart, instead of my brain. I do see hope. What I mean by that is a buncha new product that looks very promising and the quality is great.  I even hope one of them catches your attention like the Sky. I like what I see so far for 2007' and I will probably buy a car this fall. I am resistant because I am worried the next 9-5 might be so good that I don't want to make a mistake. It might get the AWD feature I want that makes the new Volvo S80 so cool. The S80 should be kinda what the 9-5 needs to shoot for as a benchmark as far as refinement goes. Well best of luck on whatever you decide to buy, and I hope it's a GM or Ford. Even if it's a Mustang  Rocky |
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Replying to: m1miata (Apr 18, 2006 9:56 pm) Back on Topic: I disagree with you on the subject of GM becoming just a niche car maker. Why can't GM concentrate on remaining #1 and use all it's resources and experience at kicking the "stuffing" out of the competition. Want a better camcord See Appendix: Saturn Aura Show me where a Camcord is better than the new Aura  The Aura is as good if not better than the Camry and Accord at delivering a prized fuel efficient safe transportation for your average american. I would never thought I would even be attracted to the camcord sector until I checked out what the Aura offers in A to B transportation.  seriously it's a very fine piece of A to B transportation with the Quality, Fit and Finish, and Fuel efficiency of the best competition out there. Go see for yourself and show me where I'm wrong. Rocky
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Replying to: rockylee (Apr 18, 2006 10:01 pm) I did see the SKY in a showroom. It was around $30k, looked good, a bit small, has a four cylinder engine and seemed at least $7K overpriced. Well it had leather seats. The Aura may be an OK car. My guess is that it is selling some $5K over what a Sonata with a V6 sells for before specials, and $6.5K more after offers. Will it have more than 230HP, and a 10 year warranty? Ah, a new Altima is on the way, and soon a new Accord, no doubt. Throw in the Camry 2007 into the mix and things are getting a bit hot in the market. Too many cuts to the pie. If the Aura was a rear wheel drive, and a coupe, then yes, would be somewhat interested - curious. May consider a 2007 or 2008 Stang. Still wondering about strange problems described on these boards here on the Stang, though ya never know. Could be CR underground. Just kidding. If they drop the Monte, what will they race? Impala? Oh yeah, they run - Impala's run. Good night from the left coast. - Loren |
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Replying to: rockylee (Apr 18, 2006 10:10 pm)  As for a level playing field, we do not live in such a world as children's soccer games where scoring is not kept and everyone wins. If they do not win an uphill game, they will never enjoy the pleasures of cruising down hill. Or perhaps, it was too easy a downhill run and they forgot that the other half is all up hill. Life is that way. The day we start making inexpensive TVs again, is the day GM is mass marketing cheap cars for USA for a profit. Just a thought. I am tired - good night and good luck. -Loren
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Replying to: m1miata (Apr 18, 2006 10:17 pm) I like your crazy attitude though  SAAB has a reputation for problematic cars. So beware, as you are bucking the odds. Kinda interesting cars though. I do like Saab cars anyways and the future looks better. I did see the SKY in a showroom. It was around $30k, looked good, a bit small, has a four cylinder engine and seemed at least $7K overpriced. Well it had leather seats. Well atleast you said it looked good. It's a start, eh ? I'm sure as savy as you are you would beable to negotiate a fair price for one, and/or get some throw in's such as a 100K GM backed factory warranty BTW- Was it a redline ? The Aura may be an OK car. My guess is that it is selling some $5K over what a Sonata with a V6 sells for before specials, and $6.5K more after offers. Will it have more than 230HP, and a 10 year warranty? FOR RELEASE: 2006-04-11 Saturn Aura Radiates Style, Refinement Dynamic new sedan features fuel-saving six-speed auto; hybrid model coming NEW YORK – With the launch of the 2007 Sky this spring, Saturn kicks off its most extensive product revitalization to date. Next to market is the all-new 2007 Aura midsize sedan, unveiled today. Based on last year’s concept car of the same name, the Aura blends Saturn’s new European-influenced design and high levels of refinement with the brand’s customer-focused purchase and ownership experience. The Aura’s driving character will match its refined design, with a host of technologically sophisticated powertrains and a premium sport-sedan setup. Uplevel models feature GM’s first application of a new six-speed automatic transmission mated with the 3.6L DOHC V-6, creating a powerful yet fuel-efficient package. Later in the 2007 model year, Saturn will offer the Aura Green Line, a 2.4L Ecotec-based hybrid that will use a powertrain system similar to the Vue Green Line. It marks the first application of a hybrid powertrain in a GM passenger car. “The bold, sophisticated design of the Aura represents another step in Saturn’s revitalization,” said Jill Lajdziak, Saturn general manager. “This is a fun-to-drive sport sedan that will appeal both to current Saturn owners and to those who have never considered shopping at one of our retail stores.” When it goes on sale late this summer, the Aura will be available in two trim levels: the entry XE model and uplevel XR. Each model is well-equipped, with premium features and interior materials among the best in its segment. Bold new design Based on the dramatic concept vehicle unveiled in 2005, the Aura sports sedan carries much of the concept’s bold design. Seen in other new Saturn models, such as the Sky roadster and Outlook crossover vehicle, these elements – including distinctive headlamps with jewel-like appearance and a chrome grille bar – establish a new design language for Saturn’s growing portfolio of vehicles. “The design language of the Aura – and other new Saturn models – is technical and conveys a premium appearance,” said Clay Dean, GM design director for small and midsize cars. “From the detailed lighting elements to the edginess of the silhouette, the Aura demonstrates a revitalized emphasis on style and performance.” Aura’s premium design cues include halogen headlamps covered in clear housings that wrap upward and around the corners of the vehicle. This expressive, jewel-like design feature shared among Saturn’s newest models adds a sense of motion to the vehicle, even when stationary. At the rear of the vehicle, LED tail lamps are employed to enhance Aura’s technical ethic while also providing an extra measure of safety. LED lamps illuminate more quickly than conventional incandescent bulbs, which can allow drivers behind the Aura to react sooner when they see the brake lamps. Additional design details include a radio antenna integrated in the rear window, for a sleeker overall appearance, and a chrome appearance for the door handles on XR models. Standard 17-inch wheels and tires fill the wheel houses, enhancing the vehicle’s sporty, firmly planted stance. XR models come with 18-inch polished, 14-spoke cast aluminum wheels and performance tires. Aura is available in nine exterior colors: Berry Red, Black Onyx, Bronzed Pewter, Cream White, Golden Cashmere, Midnight Blue, Ocean Mist, Silver Pearl and Techno Grey Refined interior A major focus of the Aura’s design is its refined interior, which sets a new standard for the Saturn brand. Premium materials with low-gloss appearance and tight tolerances throughout exhibit excellent fit and finish, while two-tone color combinations for the trim and upholstery exude contemporary style. The interior trim flows across the instrument panel and wraps around onto the door panels for a more integrated appearance. Select use of chrome trim also accents the interior. The gauge cluster uses LED-lit analog instruments, with amber lighting and animation at startup. LEDs are also used for ambient light projected from the overhead lamp and door pocket lamps. Self-dimming theater lighting enhances the premium feel and provides added convenience at night. Aura’s front reclining bucket seats are designed to provide firm support and comfort on long drives. Leather seating is available, including finely detailed embossed leather seat inserts with the XR’s optional Morocco Brown interior. Aura’s other interior features include: Automatic climate control Center console with dual-bin storage and automatic sliding tambour door covering front cupholders and storage area Driver information center Optional power-adjustable pedals Available eight-way power-adjustable driver seat Optional heated front seats, available in cloth or leather Universal home remote Power windows with driver express up and express down feature Steering wheel audio controls Four-panel sliding Panoramic roof A diverse range of audio systems also is available, all from GM’s new family of premium radios that feature intuitive controls and flush mounting for enhanced refinement. A six-speaker radio system is standard and includes an auxiliary input jack for portable audio players. Saturn’s Advanced Audio System also is available. It includes an AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio with eight-speaker sound, a 240-watt amplifier and rear-seat audio controls with two wireless headphones. XM Satellite Radio is available on all models. Refined performance Saturn offers two powertrains at launch that provide the Aura’s power and performance for a refined on-road feel. Standard on XE models is the 3.5L V-6 with variable valve timing (VVT). This powerplant, mated with the 4T45-E, four-speed automatic, generates 224 horsepower (167 kw) and 220 lb.-ft. of torque (298 Nm ).*
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Replying to: m1miata (Apr 18, 2006 10:17 pm) Well Nissan has yet to prove to all of us that they can make a good car yet that isn't overly plasticky. The Camry is nice if you like the styling, not my cup of tea. The interior is decent I suppose, but not nearly as nice as the Aura's. I'm sure the Accord will be nice, unless it looks like the Bic Razor Civic If the Aura was a rear wheel drive, and a coupe, then yes, would be somewhat interested - curious. Well you better wait for the next Impala or another GM car for RWD. The Aura is FWD like the Camcord which it's trying to take a pice of the pie from. It's sure is a winner in my book and if the public is willing to give GM a shot it might become a winner. May consider a 2007 or 2008 Stang. Still wondering about strange problems described on these boards here on the Stang, though ya never know. Could be CR underground. Just kidding. A good choice. If I lived in Cali, it would be a Shelby Convertible to enjoy the sunshine. If they drop the Monte, what will they race? Impala? Oh yeah, they run - Impala's run. I'm not sure what you meant by this  I also haven't heard a definte answer if the Monte was going to be dropped or go to RWD yet ? Good night from the left coast. - Loren Good night from West Texas Rocky |
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Replying to: rockylee (Apr 18, 2006 11:11 pm) The 4T45-E is a four-speed, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with an electronically controlled torque converter clutch noted for its low noise, high durability and smooth shifting. Uplevel XR models are equipped with the 3.6L DOHC V-6 with VVT, rated at 252 horsepower* (188 kw) and 251 lb.-ft. of torque (340 Nm).* This engine is mated with the all-new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic transmission, the first application of this important addition to the GM Powertrain portfolio. The transmission allows for strong performance combined with strong fuel efficiency. In addition, the 6T70 – GM’s first application of a front-wheel drive six-speed automatic transmission – will provide the added benefit of Driver Shift Control (DSC), which enables the driver to manually shift through gears via steering wheel-positioned “paddles.” The Aura is built on a stiff, robust chassis that serves as the foundation for a satisfying driving experience. The vehicle’s long wheelbase provides a smooth ride, while careful tuning of the suspension provides sharp and immediate response to driver input. Safety features The Saturn Aura is designed for strong safety performance in all measurements. A safety cage construction built into the body structure is complemented with reinforced rocker sections, as well as a reinforced front body hinge pillar and roof pillars that were designed to improve impact protection. A magnesium cross-car beam unites the lower sections of the A-pillars. It helps protect passengers in side-impact crashes and also serves as the foundation of the instrument panel. High-strength steel was used in strategic areas to augment overall structural integrity. A comprehensive roster of standard features helps protect occupants before, during and after a crash. Aura’s standard safety features include: Dual-stage frontal air bags with GM Passenger Sensing System: The system works with the front passenger seat and differentiates between adults – 5 th percentile females and larger – and small children or child seats to adjust air bag deployment, which can help reduce the risk of air bag-induced injuries. Head curtain side-impact air bags: For the driver and front passenger, these air bags offer added protection for the head and thorax during side-impact crashes. Front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags: These air bags add an additional margin of protection to front seat passengers, protecting the chest cavity of driver and/or passenger when deployed in a side-impact crash. Front safety belt pretensioners: Deploying at the same time as the frontal air bags, they take up slack in the safety belt webbing to minimize occupant movement during a crash. LATCH child safety seat anchors: Two lower anchors and a top tether anchor secure the child seat to the vehicle seat structure for proper installation of compatible child safety seats. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS: Large, 11.65-inch (296 mm) vented front and 10.63-inch (270 mm) rear rotors help provide smooth, quick and assured stopping capability. Four-channel ABS is standard on all models. StabiliTrak electronic stability control system (Aura XR): Partnered with the ABS system, StabiliTrak provides more precise, controlled stops, as well as enhanced traction/yaw stability during emergency maneuvers. Traction control (Aura XE): Wheel slip sensors convey signals to an electronic control module, which alters the torque output of the engine to find optimal traction in slippery conditions. OnStar is standard on all models with a one-year Safe and Sound plan, featuring the Advanced Automatic Crash Notification system. This post-crash notification system makes crash data available to emergency services, potentially dispatching appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to the crash scene faster. If the crash activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar advisor, who immediately calls the vehicle and/or summons emergency help. *Pending SAE certification. A new voluntary power and torque certification procedure developed by the SAE Engine Test Code committee was approved March 31, 2005. This procedure (J2723) ensures fair, accurate ratings for horsepower and torque by allowing manufacturers to certify their engines through third-party witness testing. GM was the first auto manufacturer to begin using the procedure and expects to use it for all newly rated engines in the future. |
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Replying to: m1miata (Apr 18, 2006 10:27 pm) It will be here soon enough, this summer The Japanese and Koreans are shocked that GM build a Asian Killa of a Car for the first time in many years. As for a level playing field, we do not live in such a world as children's soccer games where scoring is not kept and everyone wins. If they do not win an uphill game, they will never enjoy the pleasures of cruising down hill. Or perhaps, it was too easy a downhill run and they forgot that the other half is all up hill. Life is that way. I agree, but in soccer their are rules to the game that both sides have to follow and in the global economy, foreign country's don't play fairly and cheat to win.  The day we start making inexpensive TVs again, is the day GM is mass marketing cheap cars for USA for a profit. I guess that depends on what you call inexpensive. We can make a great TV's for a fair price, but China would steal our trademarks and dump a cheaper version onto our market. OTOH-GM does build cheap cars for the USA for profit. I guess cheap depends on the individual and his/hers finacial situation. Just a thought. I am tired - good night and good luck. -Loren Good nite and hope ya get some good rest. I'm resisting going to bed since it's my last day off.  Rocky
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Replying to: rockylee (Apr 18, 2006 11:33 pm) Yeah, GM Europe is a very capable outfit. They have reason to be proud, especially with rumors picking up that the Astra will replace the Ion. Oh and the Sky was modeled after the Opel Speedster. Opel's designers and engineers have proven themselves better than Saturn's, for better or worse. Here they come to the rescue! Chevy's picking up Japanese design to try to save itself - generic body shape with large expressive headlights on cars and SUVs. It might stabilize GM's sales, but it's no savior. On the other hand I love what Cadillac's done. Very original, and proof that totally breaking with tradition can be a very good idea. (I don't like the Escalade's new face though.) As for Pontiac... I never thought that American design would lead to insectoid styling. The Solstice does carry it very well, but it's still a bug-from-outer-space sorta look. I guess Pontiac design is American in the way that sci-fi B-movies are American. Their crossovers have yet to catch up, but Buick's sedan styling is pretty good. To my eyes, the Avalon turned out to look worse in real life than in photos, and the opposite is true of the Lucerne. Haven't seen an Azera yet. I really like the Saab SportCombi, but that's credit to GM Europe rather than GM NA again. GM (or Ford) can't be all-American anymore, because its foreign bases are equally important right now. Especially in design. Just as GM is doing with Saturn and Opel, they need to throw out the mediocre designs and keep the best... it won't necessarily result in fewer models, just more sharing between the US, Europe, Australia, and Korea. That way they can satisfy those of us who say "consolidate!" with those who don't want to kill off any brands. I'll be waiting for that Astra.
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Best Car Ever Made By Your Very Own->ROCKY This car for some darn reason keeps making me go back and watch video's and look at it's features. I've never had a car in my life ever call my name like this one. Maybe it's the car commercials ? Maybe it's the most gorgeous interior/exterior ever made ? Maybe it's knowing you have the greatest Audio System in the world (DYNAUDIO) ? Maybe it's knowing you perhaps are driving the Safe->est Car in the World ? I don't really know guys/gals but this car I have fallen in love with for some reason and it's absolutely weird, I know I sound like an idiot. I'm sure my wallett isn't deep enough to beable to afford such a fine luxury I wished I could say it was a GM car. However it's a Ford Well not quite, but close.....A new 2007 Volvo S80. My God I can't keep my eyes off of it. What has Volvo done ? Have they used a mind controlling technique on me or what ? The new Lexus LS I like alot and respect, but it can't EVEN hold a candle to this car. Come-on GM save me  I hope I can see a glimpse of the next 9-5 or CTS-V to bring me back. So far this car is KING in my book. Well here it is......... http://www.volvocars.com/ http://www.volvocars.com/campaigns/news80/geneva/default.htm http://www.volvocars.us/ http://www.volvocars.us/_campaigns/NewS80/Geneva/default.htm click on S-80 world sites the 2nd link for the most info so far. The U.S. site quite hasn't gotten very far. Tell me after doing alot of clicking around and watching all those well done video's if you don't want to own one ? Maybe this all part of the liberal media conspiracy finally attacking me ? I'm gonna have to test drive one guys/gals and see it in person to see if my eyes aren't playing games with my mind. I better start working a little Overtime since a poster "Volvomax" said it will probably be a mid $50's car....OUCH !!!! Rocky
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