PurdueGuy

Tell him to do a break even analysis before he buys. Don't forget to remind him of "what if the battery pack goes out?". A mild hybrid could be ok, but gas prices aren't high enough to make the full hybrids make finanancial sense, as you know.

The center of the radio/HVAC controls doesn't line up with the center of the center console.

agreed on the hybrid SUV thing - people should still only buy an SUV if they actually *need* an SUV. Still, some of the car-based hybrid SUVs get as good or better milage than a number of sedans...

looks like we have a split. lol

Ha ha! Toyota got caught off guard!

Think we'll ever see pics instead of just the concept drawings?

No, because a lot of people *are* that easily fooled...

Would you rather squint for the first month while you learn the buttons,or squint every time you use the nav cuz you can't see it?

Relevant (but not necessarily more informative) AutoWeek article: http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti...004/1041/PHOTOS

How do you pronounce "Ecotec"? Is it E-Co-Tech (like, ecological technology) or Echo-tech (like, I dunno what the heck that would mean). I've always said it the first way, but I've heard people pronounce it the second way. Which (if either) is correct?

mmmmm.... 20 gig hard drive w/USB.... me likey! GM, COME UP WITH SOMETHING SIMMILAR/BETTER!

my understanding was that the Opels would still be built in europe, and the Saturns would be built in the US, but the products would be identical aside from some emissions details. I didn't think the Opels would be built in the US...

If we can go solidly by Lutz's comments, an Ion replacement based on the Astra would be identical to the Astra, but built in the US. When is the next-gen Astra scheduled for?

I drive a 2400 lb Saturn. If it feels any lighter than my car, it's a suspension issue, not a weight issue.

I hadn't noticed the radio controls for the rear seat in the center console before - that's pretty cool.

I think making all engines E85 or biodiesel capable (obviously depending on the engine type) by a certain date would be a great idea. I don't think making all vehicles biodiesels would be a good idea - it again puts too much dependance upon one fuel type, plus a lot of people would throw a fit about having to buy diesel (warranted fits or not), and it wouldn't get support. Would the whole infrastructure turn into E85 & biodiesel? No, but the more numerous fuel sources are, the better. Imagine if ALL our fuel came from, say, the middle east. You think prices are high now... Diversified fuel sources is the way to go.

You would? Or did you mean wouldn't? Seems to me that they'd be stupid not to replace the Ion with the Astra, especially with the whole "future saturns will differ from their opel cousins by some emissions details only" stuff. Makes it clear that what we'll get will come from what they have, and not likely anything else.

To give an idea of how nice Lithium-Ion batteries are, take a look at Milwaukee Tool's new line of 28 volt cordless tools. The batteries weigh the same as a typical 18V, but as said before, don't have to be treated carefully to keep from creating "memory". Finally, battery technology is getting somewhere. I know in the GM EV1 (electric car) they gained like 30-40% range when they switched from lead acid batteries to Nickel-metal hydride batteries. What I've heard of the Lithium-Ion batteries sounds like it's a simmilar jump in battery tech.

While I'd agree that that isn't "incredibly light", it is pretty light, espeically considering the battery pack.

considering how little it takes to make a new design E85 compatible, I'd think it would be a good idea. I dunno if there is enough production capability to stock every station with a tankful of E85, but since this whole deal would be gradual, it'd probably work ok (especially since it's not like an E85 vehicle HAS to have E85...)

I don't mind window switches in the middle, personally. 'Course I had them on my '94 Corsica and my current '99 SC1, so I'm quite used to them. I like it. It looks good. Those are some huge headrests, though. lol

hard to tell if it's supposed to look like a car or SUV, but it looks decent.

... and that color doesn't help...

Looks like maybe a luggage tie-down or something.

...that strikes me as even less comfortable...