Bimmer325

Huh? They bashed the C6 beyond belief.

With a slightly revised interior, I could see this taking a healthy bite out of North American Fit/Versa/Yaris sales. The exterior looks great for a subcompact. I'm all for this coming here as an entry-level Saturn subcompact.

I've never complained about anything "not being retro enough". In fact, I can't wait for this trend to pass. If DCX was so hell-bent on completely rehashing a design that past it's freshness date 3 decades ago, they could've at least left the awkward stance and ridiculous proportions in 1970 where they belong. :wink:

The Outlook has it, too.

Agreed. Talk about ungainly proportions. Ugh.

Yes, it's the FWD Chinese-market Lacrosse.

Are there SparkNotes available for Nick's post?

I completely agree regarding the interior. Saab is currently at the top when it comes to GM interiors.

Every car at the auto show takes abuse from the "bajillion" people who jump in and out with no regard. If shoddy interior quality isn't an issue for other carmakers, it shouldn't be an issue for Saturn. Unless Saturn would like to remain completely incompetent in today's automotive market, that is. I'd be more than willing to re-examine the Aura's interior when standard production models become available. Until then, the Aura I sat in was full of loose, ill-fitting switchgear, flimsy, insubstantial dash plastics and the most unconvincing wood trim of any current vehicle I've ever sat in. If these were merely pre-production issues, GM shouldn't have offered an Aura for people to sit in, especially with Honda and Toyota just a short walk away (you asked what I'm comparing it to). I'll be sure to let you know when I drive one. Unfortunately, I doubt the Auras on display will inspire many others to do so. Understand?

Yeah, and out of all those "off-road enthusiasts", 25 went to a HUMMER dealer and actually bought one last month. The vast majority of consumers don't even know the H1 is still being produced. Go sit in one and you'll quickly understand why.

That basically sums it up. But coming from someone that's sat in it, the quality isn't quite there.

Part of me understands the need for this. Saturn's image is undergoing such a major transformation. A revised logo could have people who'd otherwise immediately dismiss a Saturn take a second look.

Oh come on, who cares? The H1 was a fossil in today's market. Yeah, it was a novelty, but were you ever really going to buy one? HUMMER needs to be more forward-thinking if it wants to survive. Models like the H3 are saving this brand, not some prehistoric behemoth that's a target for everyone who ever planted a tree to point to and bash. The H1 isn't what draws people into HUMMER showrooms anyway. The H2 took that prize years ago. I guess I'm in the minority when I say it won't be missed. Good riddance. :wink:

TED, that looks really good!

The H1 was more of an image thing than anything else for the brand.

I rarely see a CSV.

The Interior really is the direct result of a fusion between the FX and RX. Nice? Very. Original? Not so much. Still, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed overall. Knockoff or not, it looks extremely well done. I can't make a fair judgement on the exterior from these pictures, but I'm confident the Enclave will have it covered on that front. Regardless, I really hope Buick utilizes details like the Enclave's unique leather trimmings to help set it apart.

The base Caliber is a disaster.

Yes. I doubt sales of the last Stratus coupe would motivate DCX to produce another coupe variant. I could be wrong though.

Don't be so quick to dismiss that one. I'm afraid some of you are in for a nasty surprise come July. :wink:

The Avenger replaces the Stratus.

That's your yearbook picture?

Responses posted in this thread may be reproduced for use in an upcoming C&G Feature Article. Relevant, well thought-out replies are encouraged. All necessary credit will be given to those quoted. If you aren't comfortable with your opinion being reproduced, please feel free to say so. All are encouraged to participate in the following discussion regardless. Thank You. -------------------- The Solstice's shapely sheetmetal is a significant departure from anything in Pontiac's lineup, as is it's drivetrain. Every one of the Kappa-based roadsters is accounted for this year, and sales continue to outpace Mazda's venerable (and also all-new) Miata. Moreover, the Solstice takes Pontiac in an entirely different direction from both design and performance standpoints. Little is known regarding Pontiac's future lineup beyond MY '07. As brands like GM's own Saturn begin to encroach upon Pontiac's territory, it's alarmingly apparent that the brand is in need of a more tightly-focused lineup. This is where our discussion comes alive. What are your feelings about the Solstice becoming the inspiration for the Pontiac of tommorow? No, I'm not suggesting that Pontiac should roll out a line of impractical roadsters. Rather, I'm referring to the Solstice acting as a guide for future models. This entails: a predominantly rear-drive lineup that emphasizes performance a universal design language that echoes that of the Solstice What's your reaction to the points outlined above? Is the Solstice's formula Pontiac's ticket to success? Now's the chance to voice your opinion! Feel free to run with this. Let us know what you think Pontiac needs in order to survive. As always, thanks for participating! -------------------- Bimmer325 Editor/Reporter

Exactly. If GM plans on Buick competing with Lexus, anything less simply won't cut it.

Congrats Decka! Looks great without the pinstripe. Any interior pictures?