avant1963

It's funny - At least I found it funny that a prototype driver, probably trying to rush away from the spy photographer, drive off the road and got stuck and got out, all to glee of the photog. Sheez, take a joke. I said that it got out. My point is that there has never been a Jeep in recent memory that would have even given that rut a second thought, no less get stuck in it for a little while. And I can't give a crap if a Vibe can do it, it's Toyota engineering anyway. That little four banger would probably blow up spinning the wheels. (another joke, just in case everyone is still wearing their serious caps)

This is just too f'n funny. A jeep that can't handle the snow and off-road. Thanks MB! But it did get itself out to be fair: More spy shots from http://www.americancarfans.com/spyphotos.c...e/1/jeep/1.html

Take a look at these spy shots and tell me the rear just doesn't look right... http://raywert.blogspot.com/2006/01/2007-d...ild-and-un.html It could be that it was designed with a straight-edge and T-Square only. Could be that big-black plastic strip that runs the roof. Could be it looks very thin. Looks like Jeep will have the best looking cars off this new platform. Me no likey.

Have you sat in and driven a 2006 Sonata yet? I have and it has nothing on my 2006 G6 in style, ride, power or interior materials. Inside you still know you are in a Korean car. Nothing feels "confident". Hyundai has gotten much better than itself in the last 15 years, but don't fool yourself. The Korean price and 10/100,000 warranty is one of the only reasons the Sonata is selling at the rate it is. The person I worked with that bought one was able to get the 2006 middle-of-the-road equipted Sonata (in October) with an auto for $14,500. It stickered for $18,500. That's what selling the Sonata.

For release: Jan. 5, 2006 , 12:01 a.m. EST ALL-NEW 2007 CHEVY SUBURBAN DELIVERS SEGMENT-BEST CAPABILITY LOS ANGELES – Chevrolet announced the 2007 Chevy Suburban, the next generation of the industry’s most capable full-size SUV. The all-new Suburban is capable of hauling more passengers and cargo than any other vehicle in the segment – and a 360-degree safety system of occupant protection and crash-avoidance technology that demonstrates GM’s commitment to providing world-class safety. The ‘07 Suburban is based on GM’s new, full-size SUV architecture, which features sleek exterior styling, a sharper, more precise driving feel, more power with improved, segment-leading fuel economy, increased interior refinement and improved quietness. Suburban rides on a 130-inch (3,302 mm) wheelbase, which supports generous passenger and cargo capability, while enabling a smooth ride. “Suburban is the industry benchmark when it comes to capability and the 2007 model affirms the reputation established in 1935, when the first Suburban was introduced,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Suburban continues to meet the needs of consumers by delivering its combination of cargo, passenger and towing capabilities safely and efficiently.” The 2007 Suburban is available in the second quarter of 2006. It is offered in LS, LT and LTZ models, with 2WD and 4WD (a Z71 off-road package will be offered later in the model year), as well as 1500 and heavy-duty 2500 series. At the start of production, Suburban 1500 models will come with an efficient 5.3L V-8 with Active Fuel Management™ displacement on demand fuel-saving technology. Later, a new, all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 with Active Fuel Management displacement on demand and variable valve timing (VVT) will be available. A 6.0L engine with VVT and an iron cylinder block is offered on 2500 models. Suburban also offers a host of new and enhanced safety features, including available head curtain side air bags and standard StabiliTrak stability control system with new rollover mitigation technology. “Suburban has a long history of safety innovation,” said Peper. “The ’07 model elevates Suburban’s safety reputation with one of the most comprehensive and cohesive systems of standard and available features – all wrapped in a stronger structure that provides comforting assurance.” Superior safety The ’07 Suburban offers security in the form of a 360-degree perimeter safety system of occupant protection and crash avoidance technologies. New features include roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows and front-seat safety belt pretensioners that are linked to the vehicle's sensing system to provide segment-exclusive deployment in rear-end crashes. These features are integrated into a stronger vehicle structure that is also designed for improved compatibility with other vehicles. The roof-mounted head curtain air bags include design features that provide increased rollover protection and occupant containment. Sensors located at the front of the vehicle, in the side doors, and within the occupant compartment provide increased and more immediate crash detection. The vehicle's sensing system provides segment-exclusive capability to deploy front seat safety belt pretensioners during certain rear-end collisions, enhancing the belt s ystem's ability to hold the occupants firmly in place. The roof-mounted head curtain side air bag system incorporates one of the segment's first rollover indication sensors, which is located on the vehicle's center tunnel in the occupant compartment. The sensor monitors the vehicle's accelerations and roll rate. If these signals indicate an impending rollover, the roof-mounted head curtain side air bags deploy to provide an extra measure of occupant protection and containment. These rollover-capable head curtain side air bags stay inflated longer than air bags developed only for side impacts because rollover incidents can last longer. The deployment duration and other design features of the rollover-capable air bags combine to provide increased occupant protection and the ability to help keep occupants inside the vehicle. Crash avoidance is bolstered through enhanced design and driver control dynamics, such as wider front and rear tracks, as well as more responsive suspensions – including a new coil-over-shock front suspension design and new rack-and-pinion steering. The vehicles are built on a stronger and stiffer, fully-boxed frame that contributes to enhanced crash energy management. The front frame section has been designed to optimize crush progression, resulting in improved energy absorption efficiency. The improved crush performance, enabled by hydroformed frame rails and efficient chassis component packaging, also comprehends design provisions for improved vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility in the event of a frontal impact with a smaller vehicle. Additional safety features include: *Standard StabiliTrak stability control system with rollover mitigation technology *Standard dual-stage driver's front air bag *Standard dual-stage outboard-front passenger air bag with Passenger Sensing System *Available roof-mounted head curtain side air bags for all three seating rows *Standard front seat safety belt pretensioners with rear impact deployment capability *Standard tire pressure monitoring system *Available rain-sensing wiper system *Available Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist that can detect certain stationary objects in the rearward path of the vehicle and send an audible warning sound and display via three LEDs on the right D-pillar *Available rear-view camera system designed to provide the driver with a view of people or objects in the rearward path of the vehicle *Standard pull-up/push-down power window switches All models come with the Generation 6 OnStar system (with a one-year Safe and Sound service plan). The system includes the General Motors Advanced Automatic Crash Notification (AACN) system, making crash data available to emergency services to potentially dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster. If the vehicle is in a crash that activates an air bag, the OnStar system automatically notifies an OnStar Advisor, who will check on the occupants or summon emergency help if necessary. OnStar also can assist authorities in locating a vehicle if it is reported stolen (ability to locate stolen vehicles varies with conditions). New full-size SUV foundation Suburban is built on GM’s new full-size SUV platform, which incorporates features such as a new, fully boxed frame, coil-over-shock front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and an all-new, premium interior system that bolster the vehicle’s comfort, quality and capability. Wider front and rear tracks enhance handling and lower the center of gravity for a more confident road feel. Extensive attention to detail was paid by Suburban’s engineers to ensure a quiet driving experience. It centers on a new, stiffer frame, which reduces vibrations transmitted to the passenger cabin. The strength and accuracy of the fully-boxed frame also enable more precise mounting and tuning of chassis and suspension components, which also help reduce vibration. Even the tires on the large, 17-inch standard and 20-inch available wheels were designed to reduce noise. Noise-reducing components and materials are used throughout the body structure, including the headliner material, door seals and front-of-dash area. The engines also feature a quiet-tuned alternator and an acoustically tuned engine cover that reduces engine noise heard inside the vehicle. New door seals help reduce seal “pull-away” at highway speeds, which can cause wind noise. Also, a sleeker shape, thanks to improved aerodynamics, streamlined exterior mirrors and roof rack, more steeply raked windshield and tighter body gap tolerances, assures a quiet ride. Suburban’s quietness and smoothness is complemented by the Autoride suspension system, which is standard on LTZ. This segment-exclusive bi-state, real-time damping system provides an extremely refined ride with greatly reduced body motion. The system consists of a semi-active, two-position damping control system that responds in real time to road and driving conditions, based on body and wheel motion sensors. Suburban’s quietness and smoothness are complemented by capabilities full-size SUV customers depend on. Suburban 1500 offers up to 8,100 pounds (3,674 kg) of towing capability (2WD models), when properly equipped. Suburban 2500 can tow up to 9,700 pounds (4,400 kg). Distinctive exterior design Suburban’s all-new exterior design is leaner and more agile looking, with a more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline accentuating the exterior length. Suburban wears the new face of Chevrolet, with a large Chevy gold bowtie, centered on a twin-port horizontal grille. The body-colored grille surround is inset with an argent texture mesh. Fog lamps and headlamps feature jewel-like optics. The lower fascia, incorporating the front license plate holder and integrated tow hooks, is aggressively styled with a skid plate look that enhances Suburban’s rugged, off-road appearance. Suburban’s front end styling reflects its capability. It includes the fast-rake windshield; a bulging power dome hood; a prominent new fender design with integrated wheel flares; a distinctive new grille and headlamps; and a full-wrap fascia. The wraparound fascia, which eliminates the conventional bumper-to-body gap, is one of the numerous attributes that gives the Suburban a more refined look. It also enhances aerodynamics. There also is a new family of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels. Seventeen-inch wheels and tires are standard, with 20-inch factory-installed wheels available. The larger wheels fill Suburban’s wheel houses, giving the vehicle a confident stance. An available Z71 Off Road package (available in the fourth quarter of 2006) takes this aggressive look to the next level, with larger tow hook openings, larger, more prominent fog lamps and specific grille texture and platinum chrome grille trim. Eighteen-inch wheels and tires also are part of the package. Suburban is offered in nine exterior colors: Greystone Metallic, Dark Blue Metallic, Sport Red Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic, Black, Summit White, Gold Mist Metallic, Antique Bronze Metallic and Silver Birch Metallic. Refined interior and thoughtful convenience built in The interior of the ’07 Suburban represents significant new levels of refinement, comfort, quality and convenience. The roomier interior is airy, thanks to a lower instrument panel and deeper windshield that improve outward visibility. Passenger space also is increased, including more shoulder space for rear passengers, which is packaged with the available roof-mounted head curtain side air bags with rollover protection for all seating rows. Behind the first-row seats, Suburban offers 137.4 cubic feet (3,890.6 liters) of cargo room. Suburban’s seats are designed to provide more comfort, additional passenger-carrying flexibility, and easier entry/egress. Door pillar-mounted first- and second-row three-point safety belts facilitate the slimmer designs (second-row, center position uses an SUV-typical three-point belt-to-seat design). Seat comfort has been further improved with firmer foams, including more aggressive bolsters. The front-row seats have one-inch more aft travel than previous models. Second-row seats provide 0.4 inch (10 mm) more legroom and knee room. Their seatback angle is adjusted an additional two degrees rearward for extra comfort. Refinements throughout Suburban’s spacious interior create an environment that exudes quality and precision. A two-tone color scheme is executed with new, softer and low-gloss materials for the instrument panel and other trim pieces. An all-Ebony interior is available. Additional details include LED backlighting for the instruments and chrome accents on instruments and vents. Flush-mounted accessories and controls, such as the climate control/radio center stack, create a seamless, “single unit” appearance. Also, there are almost no exposed metal hardware or latches, as all models feature enclosing “close outs” around the seat bottoms and door sill trim plates. Accessibility and capability are enhanced with features that include a unique power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat and a third-row seat that also is easily removable. New comfort features include increased seat travel and seatback angles and an upgraded HVAC system. Storage capability is improved with the segment’s largest center console storage bin, a larger glove box and additional new storage compartments. Suburban’s interior features include: *Power-release fold-and-tumble second-row seat *Remote vehicle starting system *First- and second-row heated seats *Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist *Rearview camera system *Touch-screen navigation system *Power-articulating running boards (third-quarter ’06 availability) *DVD rear-seat entertainment system with larger, 8-inch screen and enhanced features. *Suburban also features an impressive new audio/navigation lineup, which provides quality entertainment and information. A new family of CD/MP3-compatible radios leads the audio lineup, with an enhanced DVD entertainment system that includes a larger, 8-inch screen (with in-dash loading). A new touch-screen navigation radio is available and incorporates the view monitor for the available rear-camera system. Enhanced efficiency A new Gen IV small-block V-8 family offers more power than comparable powertrains in previous models. Standard at the start of production in Suburban 1500 models is a Vortec 5.3L V-8 with 320 horsepower (238 kw)* and 335 lb.-ft. of torque (463 Nm)*, which offers Active Fuel Management displacement on demand fuel-saving technology. Active Fuel Management displacement on demand technology seamlessly switches between eight- and four-cylinder power to save fuel. Two versions of the Vortec 5.3L Gen IV V-8 – including an aluminum-block version that is standard in 4WD models – are compatible with E85 ethanol-based fuel, an alternative to gasoline. The engines can run on any combination of gasoline and/or E85 fuel. Coming later in the year for 1500 models is a powerful, new all-aluminum 6.0L V-8 with variable valve timing, as well as Active Fuel Management displacement on demand technology. The engine is rated at 355 horsepower (264 kw)*. VVT helps optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The system is enabled by a unique dual-equal cam phaser – the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 cam-in-block engine. The unique dual-equal phaser adjusts the camshaft timing at the same rate for both the intake and exhaust valves. A Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engine. Heavy-duty Suburban 2500 models offer a 6.0L V-8 with VVT. It features an iron cylinder block and is rated at 350 horsepower (261 kw)* and 360 lb.-ft. of torque (497 Nm). It is matched with a robust Hydra-Matic 4L80 four-speed automatic transmission. Contributing to Suburban’s more efficient performance are improved aerodynamics. A more steeply raked windshield and smoother roofline improve airflow over the vehicle, while a dditional contributors to efficiency include a lower, wider front air dam, tighter tolerances and gaps between the fascias, lamps and grille openings, and improved front-end sealing that nearly eliminates air leak paths. These features all contribute to enhanced fuel economy and improved driving quietness, compared with previous models. *Preliminary, pending 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.

GM in 2005 posted several significant records that point to strong consumer acceptance of its new products. Chevrolet, led by strong full-size pickup and launch vehicle sales, was the best-selling vehicle brand in the United States for the first time since 1986. HUMMER had a record sales year and was the industry's fastest-growing brand. Saturn ended the year with improved sales (up 1 percent), setting the stage for 2006, when it will double its product lineup with three all-new vehicles. General Motors dealers in the United States sold 392,041 new cars and trucks in December, down 10 percent from the same month a year ago. Car sales were down 19 percent and truck sales were off 5 percent. Total sales were up 29 percent compared to November levels. Calendar year sales (4,517,730) were down 4 percent, with car sales off 7 percent and truck deliveries down 2 percent. "We're thrilled that consumers voted with their pocketbook and made Chevrolet the number one U.S. brand in 2005," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "But we're not going to spend time celebrating this accomplishment. We're headed right back to the important business of introducing 19 new vehicles this year and providing buyers with an industry-leading sales and service experience." Chevrolet's results were paced by full-size pickup sales and the introduction of the new Impala, Equinox, HHR and Cobalt. Over the last five years, driven by consumer response to its revamped product lineup, Chevrolet closed an 850,000-unit sales gap with the competition, a notable accomplishment given the increasingly competitive nature of the U.S. auto industry. Chevrolet's continuing strong truck sales and the introduction of important entry-level vehicles were key to this achievement. Chevrolet's new entry-level vehicles, the Equinox, HHR, Cobalt and Aveo, increased sales by more than 100,000 units in 2005. GM posted exceptionally strong full-size pickup sales in December and ended the year with 998,654 deliveries, less than 1,500 units below the 1 million-unit sales benchmark. This was the industry's second-best-ever annual sales performance for full-size pickups, falling just short of the previous GM record set in 1978 (1,010,688). In 2005, GM once again experienced a sales increase for all of its luxury brands. Sales of GM luxury vehicles grew by more than 100,000 units between 2000 and 2005. Cadillac in 2005 had its fourth consecutive year of sales increases and its best sales performance since 1990, led by record CTS, DTS and STS sales. Saab achieved a year-over-year sales improvement in 2005. HUMMER capped record 2005 sales with its best-ever monthly sales and the distinction of being the fastest growing brand in the industry. Positive consumer reaction to the new H3 drove HUMMER's December sales up 112 percent. Calendar-year deliveries were 93 percent greater than last year. Saturn sales for December were up 13 percent and calendar year deliveries rose 1 percent. The new Vue led this improvement, with sales gains in seven months in 2005. Vue's December sales were up 35 percent and calendar year sales rose 6 percent. Consumers in 2006 will have more choices in the Saturn portfolio, when it doubles its product lineup and introduces three all-new products, the Aura, Sky and Outlook, each featuring Saturn's dynamic and inviting design. "While December was a difficult comparison for us and other manufacturers, by any measure it still was a solid sales month," LaNeve added. "We're particularly pleased with the recovery in our sport utility and full-size pickup business. It gives us renewed confidence as we prepare to launch new vehicles into these key segments in 2006." http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet...n=2&docid=21738

Sky Combines Dynamic Style, Performace with Equally-Attractive Price MSRP of 2007 Saturn Sky to start at $23,690 DETROIT – With its combination of dynamic design and agile performance, the 2007 Saturn Sky signals a bold new direction for the Saturn brand. The vehicle’s price, however, shows the brand’s ongoing commitment to providing solid value to its buyers combined with an industry-standard purchase and ownership experience. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for the well-equipped 2007 Sky starts at $23,690 for models with a 5-speed manual transmission, and $24,540 with an optional 5-speed automatic. (Both MSRPs include a $575 destination charge.) The Sky, available this spring, is the first vehicle to feature a new look that will inspire the design of future Saturn products. The roadster will be followed this summer by the all-new Aura midsize sedan and Outlook midsize crossover utility late in 2006. These vehicles feature the same, dynamic exterior design theme, with inviting, sophisticated interiors. “The Sky signals a whole new direction for Saturn as we dramatically grow our portfolio,” says Jill Lajdziak, Saturn’s general manager. “It blends the dynamic new design of our vehicles with a strong value proposition in its segment.” Dynamic Design The Sky’s exterior features a strong front end that represents the new face of Saturn, with a pronounced fender peak and a bold, chrome bar that carries an integrated Saturn badge. It has a wide, muscular stance with short overhangs and 18-inch wheels pushed to the corners for a true sports car feel. The convertible top folds completely into the rear compartment, and the clamshell hood provides excellent accessibility and reinforces the Sky’s sports car character. Halogen projector beam headlamps and foglamps extend the exterior’s sophisticated look. The design philosophy is carried through to the Sky’s interior, which is driver-focused with integrated controls and displays. Creative use of piano black and chrome finishes combine with available leather seats and technical grains to emphasize richness and precision. Jewel-like detailing on the HVAC and lighting controls is executed with tight fits, highlighting the attention to detail. Roadster performance The Sky also has the athletic performance to back up its bold styling. It is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, 177-horsepower Ecotec engine with variable valve timing and a five-speed Aisin manual transmission with a short throw shifter. An available limited slip differential decreases potential wheel slippage, increasing the Sky’s performance potential ever further. Other major standard features on the 2007 Sky include: * Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and dynamic rear proportioning * Four-wheel independent short/long arm suspension with coil-over Bilstein monotube shocks * Air conditioning * Power windows, locks, mirrors and remote keyless entry * Dual-stage drive and passenger airbags with Passenger Sensing System * AM/FM/CD Stereo with auxiliary input jack for use with portable audio players * The 2007 Saturn Sky will be built at GM’s Wilmington, Del., assembly facility.

+ base Corvette engine chassis. I've always liked the dustbuster vans and want a V-8 RWD drag-van. The ultimate would be to have a blower sticking out the sloped hood, but then it wouldn't be much of a sleeper.

I found the 2002 edition from Bobo on my local copy of the database. It is included in Bobo's post above. Enjoy.

The complaints have NOTHING to do with quality of materials or craftmanship. It has to do with first impressions and "blind" media. Hell, that's the reason that I started this website in 2000, to fight the perception that everything from America (GM in particular) is crap and everything from other countries are what Americans aspire for. When I look at the interior of the FJ (and yes I have not sat in it because at press days in NYC this year the FJ was sans interior. Now I know why.) it does say 1996 S10. No matter how wonderful the fit & finish is, upon first impression, it looks horrible. What I expect from the media is honesty - "the interior is very 1980's spartan looking. While Toyota was looking for the vibe of the original, it doesn't quite stack up to other vehicles in its price range/class. Materials are... Fit and finish is..." Not just ignoring the issue because journos are afraid to write something bad about Toyota.

Got these for Christmas as well as a Solstice/Sixteen two pack. Why does the WalMart cheesiest scale models get the cool GM concepts? Must be cheap to get the rights to the cars.

This interior is pure shit. The accolades are coming in already though it looks like it was deisgned by GM's worst in the 80's. They complain about the solstice interior, but this is just wonderful. A Toyota deisgner could drop a warm steamer on the dash and all the BS media outlets would proclaim that a pile of crap is the newest in Gen-Y styling. The turd even has an I-Pod hookup, but all your music tend to sound like shit. (I think those HVAC vents were stolen directly from my 1992 Grand Prix to be honest.)

1967 Camaro RS - Deluxe interior with fold-down rear seat 1986 Fiero SE with the GT bodywork 1987 Monte Carlo SS Aerocoupe - the one with the bubble rear window for NASCAR we also had a Vega with a 350 and Z/28 branding on it. Otherwise the rest of the GM troupe was general fare.

I know I have a 1988 Camaro (orange!) and a whole bunch of Corvettes at my parent's house that are the dealer models. Remind me why we collected them? They were really badly done and no detail.

Just made an inventory of some Camaro items that I have in my collection, including the actual Chevy dealer laminated display for the 2002 model year that chronicles Camaro's "hiatus". There is also some dealer guides from the 1993 Gen4 change over and a ton of brochures and a dealer poster. Just wanted to share.

Insanity. I mixed, cut, cooked and decorated a gingerbread garage and Studebaker Avanti. I did it just to say I could. I never really bake and never made a gingerbread anything before, but here it is:

Ask Dodge SRT4 owners how much HP an econo car needs. A 260 hp HHR would get one in my driveway until the 2009 Camaro hits the road. I wonder how much "premium" I would have to pay to get a Sostice GXP next year. MOre than I could afford, I'm sure.

Due to the fact that my car-saturated bedroom days are about 12 years behind me, my garage is the new "bedroom". WHTHOTT was my 1992 Grand Prix SE plate. At the bottom you can see the 88 IROC plate. Guess what car that was from. Here are two pictures that I could find at home of the old days (I can find more at my parents house on Christmas eve) Remember I am a child of the late 80's early nineties - so these pics are probably 1992-93. The first is my bedroom. Faces have been blocked to protect the innocent. CHALLENGE: 1. Name all the hiarband CD boxes on the wall to the left. The big poster in the middle is Skid Row. 2. Find my favorite line from an eighties movie. This pic is of my basement from about 1996 when I was a manager at Software ETC, hence all the video game crap. BV, you should like my wall art. I'll look for real good stuff this weekend at my parents house so you can see how hopelessly GM addicted I was in the eighties.

I understood the Civic - It is a significant car in a significant segment, but this? Someone is warming up to Honda for some $$ or exclusives. I'm glad I let my Motor Trend sub run out as soon as C Van Tune left. It has become just another rag.

Every December the automotive "experts" give their predictions for the next year and people fawn all over it. What no one ever does is to look back and see how much of their "wisdom" came true. This year I'm going to do that with four automotive writers from Forbes. Last year some names you know (Flint and Dan Lienert) made their predications for 2005 and they were waaaaaaaaay off. Let's dissect their 2005 wisdom while asking ourselves, "Why the hell would I read and believe their 2006 predictions since their 2005 was so wrong. First we'll take our favorite geezer, Jerry Flint. Let's take this one apart: The Big Trend Hybrids: They will keep scoring: 200,000 sales. Toyota (nyse: TM - news - people ) will sell every Lexus RX it can ship, and for top dollars, too. It's what folks will talk about. Going out on a limb there Jerry. No kidding. Didn't predict the backlash though? The Unconventional Wisdom This will be a Ford Motor (nyse: F - news - people ) year, growing market share, good profits. Ford is back! Whoops. Jumping the gun. Ford actually has lost more market share than GM this year. Maybe 2006. Wanna bet he says the same thing this year? The Misplaced Assumption That big trucks are finished. General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) may have some problems because its big boys, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Silverado, Sierra and Denali are getting dated. But I see lots of big stuff moving, especially those super-duty Fords. Jerry still has that thing for Ford here. Big SUVs are slowing, but pickups will never die (except for Titans). If it wasn't for the Katrina/gas price debacle, Jerry might have gotten this one. The Watch List • Ford. As above. See who young William is dining with. Dinner first, job offer next. • Carlos the Gohan. Nissan (nasdaq: NSANY - news - people ) boss Carlos Ghosn. • Robert of Lutz. Jerry's not predicting Ghosn's demise, but I think we all see it coming. Go Bob! The Bold Prediction Two American companies, Ford and American Chrysler, will gain market share in 2005. Both will be very profitable, too. Profit troubles for most of the foreigners except Toyota and Hyundai. And the Dodge Charger will outsell the Chrysler 300. We'll give Jerry the benefit of the doubt here because it is a "bold" prediction. Chrysler did gain share but the Charger is no way outselling the 300. Better luck in 2006. Now to Steve Kitchen, a name I'm not too familiar with. You're up Steve: The Big Trend Automakers will sell fewer vehicles in the U.S. in 2005 than they did in 2004. Ford Motor (nyse: F - news - people ) and General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ) have already announced production cutbacks for the first quarter. Chrysler (nyse: DCX - news - people ) is in better shape because of strong demand for its new big sedans. Three years of heavy sales incentives have wiped out a lot of pent-up demand and then some. Rising interest rates could deter whatever car buyers are left. In 2005, sales could drop to between 16.3 million and 16.4 million vehicles, though falling gasoline prices could dampen the decline. In a shrinking, bitterly competitive market, don't look for any significant decrease in financial incentives from the automakers, particularly domestic brands. We're looking at a 16.7 to 17 million vehicle year in 2005 and here's a bad assumption "falling gasoline prices". That could throw off this guy's entire 2005 predictions. The Unconventional Wisdom While a weakening dollar is hurting foreign manufacturers, they aren't as vulnerable as one might think. Some of the most popular foreign nameplates sold in the U.S. are trucks, and many of those light trucks are built in the U.S. Uh, Steve, it still hurts their bottom line because the money goes back to the homeland. Go protectionism! Ask Toyota how much they could have made if Japan would fix the Yen a little bit more. The Misplaced Assumption That hybrid vehicles are just for the Greens. Toyota Motor (nyse: TM - news - people ) has more than 9,000 pre-sold orders for its Lexus hybrid sport utility hybrid that's due in the spring. The upcoming Lexus RX 400h sport utility vehicle, with its V-6 motor, is supposed to deliver the fuel economy of a four-cylinder sedan and 0 to 60 mph acceleration under eight seconds. Lexus reportedly has a high-performance hybrid sedan in the works as well. Honda Motor (nyse: HMC - news - people ) claims that its new Accord hybrid has better acceleration than a standard Accord V-6. But once again, U.S. manufacturers are behind the Japanese in developing and implementing a new technology. Yes, hybrids, we know. It was a buzz word last year at this time so no big prediction. Again the 400h helps fuel the backlash, but you missed that one. The Watch List •Buick. The GM marque is following the same defeatist strategy as Oldsmobile--of a shrinking lineup, unenthusiastically received new models and light truck offerings that are mostly badge-engineered Chevys. •Chrysler. Will its bold new sedans have sticking power in the marketplace, or will the fashionistas and driving enthusiasts soon turn their attention elsewhere? •Hyundai. The Korean company has made a big bet on the U.S., with a new high-volume factory and a redesigned Sonata sedan targeted directly at the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry family sedans. And watch the shootout in this sedan market, for even Honda is starting to feel the heat. Buick, nah. Chrysler maybe, Hyundai - I drove the new Sonata and let me tell you it has nothing on the big guns. It may look better in and out, but everything still feels and works like an economy car. Hyundai will grow, but it still has a long time to be top dog. The Bold Prediction Last year I thought that Chevy would get hot. It is still lagging Ford in sales but closing the gap. In 2005 it has a shot at taking a narrow lead. A year from now, gasoline prices, currently averaging $1.90 per gallon nationwide, will fall back to the $1.55 to $1.60 range. Good one on the gas prices. We'd love to have gas $1.55 a gallon. Now to one of our favorite "experts" Dan Lienert. This should be good. The Big Trend The Big Trend for 2005 will be a surprising decline in sales of sport utility vehicles in the U.S.. This is because Congress has reduced by 75% business owners' tax writeoffs for "light trucks" that weigh over 6,000 pounds. Under the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which took effect last October, the first-year deduction for such SUVs has been reduced to $25,000 from $100,000. He gets a win by a mistake. The reason SUV sales have flagged is not the tax write-off (could be good for a few) but gas. The Unconventional Wisdom Many people have not heard about the blossoming automotive markets in such violent and politically troubled areas as Russia and the Middle East. Russia's economy is attracting increasingly large foreign automotive joint ventures and investments, Some automakers, fearing the carpetbagging label, are publicly stating that they will not single out Iraq as a potentially lucrative car market--but General Motors' (nyse: GM - news - people ) Cadillac dealers in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will reportedly spend $35 million over the next few years for about ten luxury showrooms that will include Hummers and Saabs. Is there a prediction in there? WTF are you saying. Next. The Misplaced Assumption Automakers continue to fete "young, active buyers" and families, but old people should be more of a concern. The mass retirement of baby boomers hangs like a sword of Damocles over the companies. And older customers may feel jarred as some brands that have traditionally catered to them, such as Buick and Ford Motor's (nyse: F - news - people ) Mercury subsidiary, are trying to rejuvenate their looks and attitude with new vehicles and styling. The Japanese seem to be wise to aging, however; cars and futuristic prototypes designed for the elderly and the disabled were the centerpieces of this year's Tokyo Motor Show. The DTS and Lucerne still cater to the old. I don't consider Ford's large and mid size cars in the same boat as Scion. The Watch List • American automakers: How high can their rebates get before they become untenable? Their labor costs? Their inventories? Their pension liabilities? • Ford's Lincoln/Mercury subsidiary: Is a rejuvenated, hipper Lincoln/Mercury, which is ready to release several different new sedans, pickups and SUVs, just a creation of Ford's P.R. department, or are the nameplates about to find new life? Will the public accept a second pickup offering from Lincoln after the disastrous Blackwood? (Watch the Super Bowl for your first look at this new vehicle, the Mark LT.) • GM's Bob Lutz: The stentorian opinions of GM's vice chairman are as respected as any in the auto business. He is credited for injecting more focus and energy into the development of GM's cars, but he will be 73 in February. When he retires, who on earth will replace him? • Deathwatch: Mitsubishi. Isuzu. The Ford Taurus. Labor costs and pension. Yup. Add healthcare. The Mark LT has sold about 8,500 units this year. Escalade EXT is at 7,200. Mitsubishi is looking better and I have no idea why Isuzu is still alive. And Dan, even in December 2004 we knew the Taurus was dead, so that ain't a prediction. The Bold Prediction Many automotive jobs will slowly migrate to China and India, beginning soon. GM is preparing a gradual transfer of a large number of white-collar jobs, such as engineering positions, to China and its base of cheaper graduate labor. Workers in GM's financially troubled European operations will be the first to go, but American jobs will follow, taking the industry's job security with them. Another one not going out on a limb. "I predict in 2006 the sun will rise from the east and set in the west. Thank you." Now to the last one, Joann Muller, another writer I'm not familiar with. The Big Trend Why do only the wealthy deserve safe cars? Finally, in 2005, automakers are putting technology like stability control systems and side curtain airbags into cars for the masses--often as standard equipment. Safety sells, they've concluded. The real advances are just around the corner--technology that not only protects you in a crash (like airbags) but helps you avoid an accident in the first place. Watch for new features like lane departure warning systems, cameras that can see blind spots and brakes that take over when you are not stopping fast enough, for instance. Then watch for the inevitable P.R. battle over whose cars are safer. I'm glad she read press releases in 2004. Common knowledge. And I am not looking forward to a day when my car has brakes that "take over" and lane departure systems. You want to make cars safer? Take OUT distractions instead of putting them in. The Unconventional Wisdom Gas-electric hybrid engines get all the ink, but don't count out diesels. They're big in Europe but suffer a lousy reputation in the U.S. Today's clean diesels aren't anything like those loud, sooty engines of a generation ago. And they deliver a surprising performance. DaimlerChrysler (nyse: DCX - news - people ), which sells Mercedes and Jeep diesels, will spend a small fortune trying to educate consumers in 2005. If demand takes off, other automakers will start selling them, too. Convincing car buyers is only half the challenge. Automakers will also have to convince regulators in five states where diesel cars are banned, including California and New York, that the new diesels will help the environment. Anybody look at what the price of diesel is today? A lot more than regular. Diesels will have their place, but it wasn't going to happen in 2005, unless you count the Liberty as the big breakthrough. The Misplaced Assumption The deals will last forever. Since 1997, car and truck prices have been falling, but alas, that trend has hit the end of the road. Incentives just aren't working anymore, as GM's (nyse: GM - news - people ) disappointing fourth-quarter sales attested. Meanwhile, headwinds are building: Raw material costs are rising, new regulations are taking effect and health care expenses continue to soar. With interest rates on the upswing, there is no way automakers can avoid passing these higher costs on to consumers. Watch for prices to start creeping up again in 2005. Oh, GM will make sure the deal will last forever. Yippie Red Tags. The Watch List • Wolfgang Bernhard. The former chief operating officer at Chrysler has his work cut out for him trying to turn around struggling Volkswagen (otc: VLKAY - news - people ). The company is in a heap of trouble after mistakenly believing it could sell luxury cars under the VW badge. And its most important vehicle, the redesigned Golf, has been a disappointment. But Bernhard better watch his tongue. He has a reputation for being outspoken. Back at DaimlerChrysler, his promotion to run Mercedes was nixed after he ruffled feathers in Germany. He won't want to meet the same fate at VW, which recently axed the head of its Audi division for speaking bluntly about VW's mistakes. • GM. Can it extricate itself from its messy relationship with Fiat? As part of a deal signed in 2000, Fiat has the right to sell its troubled auto business to GM. But GM has enough problems of its own and doesn't need Fiat to weigh it down further. The two sides entered mediation in December. This one is headed to divorce court. Oh, we all know how the GM/Fiat deal went. The Bold Prediction At least one struggling automaker will fold up its tent in 2005. Number one candidate: Mitsubishi. WRONG (but I would have predicted the same thing last year.) So what do you think? Will you be waiting with anticipation for their predictions for 2006 or will you just understand that you can't predict the future and you'd be a lot better off thinking for yourself and not let these boneheads predict where the auto market will be in 12 months.

One of tree and one of the two dummies wondering why daddy made them sit in front of this thing that should be outdoors but for some reason is in our living room taking up space. PS - Simpsons ornament tally: Ralph Wiggum, Barney, Homer and Marge, Santas Little Helper, the Simpsons TV tuned to Ichy and Scratchy Chevy Ornament tally - 1998 Corvette, 1959 El Camino, Dale Earnhardt MCSS, Jimmie Johnson MCSS, Jeff Gordon MCSS And one Captian James T. Kirk

Without the Tahoe, it would be 2005 all over again (and GM is one company that doesn't want to see that happen). The all new 2007 Chevy Tahoe delivers the numeral "6" (part of the "2006" ball that will drop New Year's Eve) to New York's One Times Square building, signaling Chevrolet's Times Square involvement on New Year's Eve. Chevrolet will launch the all new 2007 Chevy Tahoe that evening, raising a pair of matching Tahoes high above the crowd with custom 20' tall hydraulic scissor lifts as special musical guest Mary J. Blige performs two songs on Chevy's custom stage in the heart of Times Square. The performance will be broadcast live on "NBC's New Year's Eve With Carson Daly, Presented by Chevrolet," which airs at 11:30 p.m. EST. (General Motors Photo)

C&G brings you the first look at the GMC brochure for all the accessories available for the 2007 Yukon. I still can't get past the kangaroo bar: A little too overbearing in the front.

Amid all the new Camaro pics, rumors and speculations, I found two old articles from the December 1986 Motor Trend, back when FWD Camaro and Mustang rumors ran rampant. The Ford Probe proved the Mustang rumors wrong and the demise of the horrible GM-80 car and the introduction of the Chevy Beretta let the Camaro live on. You will laugh and cringe and what could have been for our beloved muscle car and see of screwed up GM (and the auto press) was in the 1980s. A 4-wheel drive 1988 IROC-Z? Don't remember that one.

I don't care if you stare at my baby's butt Even after 43 years, this rear end could still pass as a brand new model...