<![CDATA[LS1TECH - Automotive News, Media & Press]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums Television | Magazines | Industry News en Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:42:52 GMT vBulletin 60 http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.ls1tech.com/get/forums//images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[LS1TECH - Automotive News, Media & Press]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums Toyota gets shut out in Top safety picks. http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1207224-toyota-gets-shut-out-top-safety-picks.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:52:05 GMT http://jalopnik.com/5407606/toyota-c...and-misleading



Quote:
Irv Miller, public affairs head of Toyota USA, just posted the automaker's official response to not receiving any 2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick awards. What's it say? The IIHS didn't test every Toyota and the new test is really hard.

Toyota's claiming the roof crush test — only applied to three Toyotas — the RAV4, Camry and Yaris — is harder than federal standards:

"This is the first year IIHS has included its own roof strength tests, which exceed federal standards, for TSP consideration. All Toyota vehicles meet or exceed Federal Safety Standards for frontal and side impact, roof crush resistance and rollover protection."

So, let's get this straight: you're upset because your cars don't meet a tougher standard than the federal guidelines — a standard other automakers are capable of meeting — and you expect the consumer to accept that argument? Really? Seriously?

But wait, there's also the fact that the Camry actually passed this much more difficult roof crash test. So why didn't the mid-size get a Top Safety Pick? Well, because, as the IIHS said in their press release late last night,

"The midsize Toyota Camry would have qualified with good ratings, except for its rear crash evaluation. This car's seats and head restraints are rated marginal for protection against whiplash injury. A change to good would have earned the Camry a Top Safety Pick for 2010."

Where's Toyota's explanation for why the Camry failed to garner a Top Safety Pick this year? It certainly wasn't the more-stringent roof crush test.

Full response from Toyota below:

2010 IIHS Top Safety Pick Awards Tells Just Part of the Story

On November 18, 2009, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) issued a news release headlined: "27 Winners of 2010 Top Safety Pick Award." Within the release, IIHS states: "Missing the mark: Not a single model from the world's biggest automaker by sales is represented among this year's winners. Toyota and its Lexus and Scion subsidiaries had a strong showing in 2009 with 11 winners but were shut out for 2010."

Toyota is confident its vehicles are among the safest on the road today and is committed to the highest levels of vehicle safety and quality.

In 2009, Toyota won more IIHS Top Safety Pick (TSP) awards than any other manufacturer. Toyota continues to improve vehicle passive and active safety, including improvement of past winners of IIHS TSP.

IIHS' statement that Toyota was shut out for 2010 is extreme and misleading, considering there are 38 Toyota, Lexus and Scion models, and only three were tested for roof strength by IIHS: Camry, RAV4 and Yaris.

This is the first year IIHS has included its own roof strength tests, which exceed federal standards, for TSP consideration. All Toyota vehicles meet or exceed Federal Safety Standards for frontal and side impact, roof crush resistance and rollover protection.

While passive collision protection is very important, Toyota also provides an array of active, passive, pre-collision and collision avoidance features. The "Star Safety System" is standard equipment on all Toyota and Lexus models.

The Insurance Institute's ratings are one of many vehicle safety and quality metrics.

Irv Miller
Group Vice President, Environmental and Public Affairs
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
]]> silplu83 http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1207224-toyota-gets-shut-out-top-safety-picks.html Retro: 1996 Fastest Cars in America http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1206527-retro-1996-fastest-cars-america.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:04:03 GMT Found this on Youtube....kind of neat. 10 cars, two of each make, one stock and one modified....Z28, T/A, Mustang GT, ZR1 and Viper. Top speed winner for stock and modified was surprising. Enjoy!

Part 1:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV_e5...eature=related

Part 2:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbI2N...eature=related

Part 3:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ejws...eature=related ]]> 99Hawk262 http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1206527-retro-1996-fastest-cars-america.html The Latest GM Product Rumors From the Mouth of Lutz http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1205844-latest-gm-product-rumors-mouth-lutz.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:17:26 GMT Lutz has been busy running his mouth about GM's future product plans this week. Catch up on them all here.

Chevrolet Volt SS a Possibility



When asked whether or not Chevy could shock the performance crowd with an SS version of the upcoming Volt, Lutz said, "I would not discount that possibility." That's as close as you're going to get to an admission of intent this early in the game. Lutz goes on to suggest that the Voltec powertrain will allow for plenty of on-demand power. "If we want to sacrifice a little bit of fuel efficiency in the interest of performance and still get over 200 miles per gallon, we can do that any time."

Redesigned Impala Will Remain FWD



Inside Line sat down with GM Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Bob Lutz, yesterday to discuss a wide range of topics. One of them was the future of the Impala, a vehicle that many had hoped would be reincarnated as the civilian version of the Caprice Police Package.

Lutz said forget it, the next Impala will definitely be front-wheel drive. It will get slightly bigger and add equipment, but maintain good fuel efficiency so it can compete effectively with sedans like the new Ford Taurus.

He also noted that the Impala will be compatible with GM's hybrid technology, so expect a gas-electric version at some point down the road

Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon Confirmed With Car and Driver



GM’s vice chairman Bob Lutz has confirmed that the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V wagon will indeed become a production reality.

Lutz dropped the W-bomb during a recent one-on-one interview while discussing how to prime the market for cool cargo haulers—like a possible Buick Regal wagon—especially among the over-35 set that grew up traumatized by wood-paneled Grand Marquis and Chrysler K-car wagon-trocities. Then Lutz said, “You know what’s really going to get you guys [on board with wagons] is the CTS-V wagon.”

“Oh, has the wagon been confirmed?” we asked, already aware that the hot-rod CTS would also be available as a coupe. “Yes,” he replied, “You’ll be able to get the CTS-V any way you want.”

New Buick Regal Wagon a Possibility



GM vice chairman Bob Lutz visited Hollywood for the unveiling of the 2011 Buick Regal, providing me with a rare opportunity to sit down with him and ask what else GM has in mind for its new Euro-tuned sedan. Being studied, he said, are a manual-transmission model and all-wheel drive (which is pretty much a given), as well as a 335-hp, all-wheel-drive range-topper, all of which would complement the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder models that have been announced.

The high aspirations should be no surprise. Indeed, the Regal name was chosen, according to GM insiders I spoke with, partly due to its heritage as one of the more sporting Buick models of the past. Vaunted Regals include the Grand National and GNX and later the GS and SLP-tuned GSX. Lutz himself used the letters “GS” in the same breath as “335 hp” and “AWD.” Such a variant (rendered above for your viewing pleasure) makes perfect sense given that Opel sells a pretty hot Insignia OPC with a 325-hp turbocharged 2.8-lilter V-6, a six-speed manual, and all-wheel drive. Hmmm.

Twin-Turbo V6 Camaro a Possibility



That was the exact word Lutz emphasized to Inside Line when asked whether or not we'll ever see a twin-turbo Chevrolet Camaro.

It was far from an admission of intent, but it does confirm the fact that Chevrolet is looking very closely at the idea. Lutz also confirmed a production version of the Camaro Synergy concept shown at SEMA as well as an all-black special-edition model.

Leaving the door open about a twin-turbo Camaro didn't come as too much of a surprise though. It was only a couple weeks ago that Chevrolet rolled out a twin-turbo V6 Camaro for Jay Leno at SEMA. Jay said it produced around 425 horsepower, so the potential is there for a serious Z28, perhaps. ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1205844-latest-gm-product-rumors-mouth-lutz.html <![CDATA[Top Gear Is Back - Get It & Talk About It Here]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1205369-top-gear-back-get-talk-about-here.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:22:44 GMT This is the first Top Gear series filmed in high definition. Season 14, Episode 1 Image: http://static.finalgear.com/site/showthumbs/topgear.jpg Originally aired on November 15th, 2009 •Jeremy, Richard and James take an Aston DBS Volante, a Ferrari California, and a Lamborghini... This is the first Top Gear series filmed in high definition.

Season 14, Episode 1



Originally aired on November 15th, 2009

•Jeremy, Richard and James take an Aston DBS Volante, a Ferrari California, and a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder to Romania in search of an obscure stretch of tarmac that some hardcore drivers claim is the nothing less than the greatest road in the world

•James compares two powerful limos, the BMW 760i and Mercedes S63 AMG

•Star in a Reasonably Priced Car (SIARPC): Eric Bana

Download the torrent here.

http://www.mininova.org/tor/3154054

You will need a bittorrent program (like uTorrent) and a media player (like CCCP) to watch. ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1205369-top-gear-back-get-talk-about-here.html Edmunds Full-Test - Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204966-edmunds-full-test-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:00:57 GMT Good Sport, but Not a Grand Sport



By Chris Walton, Chief Road Test Editor | Published Nov 11, 2009

It's a sound product-planning formula to follow, and we endorse it: a special, limited-edition car with the looks and the hardware of an almost unattainable top-shelf model but for less cash.

The problem with the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport is, it's not really a limited-edition car (no special VIN is assigned), it doesn't perform any better or worse than a base-model Corvette, and finally, the price of the Grand Sport comes within striking distance of the car it emulates — the brutal Corvette Z06.

This test car arrived in our garage with just under 1,000 miles on the odometer and with $13,790 in total options, taking its price to within $6,000 of a Z06's base price. At $69,510 as tested, our Grand Sport is also $9,535 more expensive than a 2010 BMW M3.

The Difference Between Good and Great


With 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, the trademark Coke-bottle shape is exaggerated further.

As much as the 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport seems like an interesting idea, we question Chevrolet's decision to put the sanctified "Grand Sport" name on this car to begin with. The original 1963-vintage Corvette Grand Sports were thoroughbred racecars, the most recent of which failed to sell on the auction block when its reserve was not met with a bid of $4.9 million. Even when the Grand Sport label was applied to a production Corvette in 1996, only 1,000 examples with specific VINs were made.

To be sure, the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport does have a legitimate place in the sports car world, and it follows an established pattern. In much the same way that you can buy a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S with the 911 Turbo's wide-body fenders, upgraded brakes and chassis but minus the Turbo's engine, you may now buy a 2010 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport (base MSRP of $55,720) with the look and much of the hardware of a Corvette Z06 (base MSRP of $75,235), but without the totally mental, hand-built, 505-horsepower 7.0-liter V8 that often makes the Z06 almost undrivable on anything but an arrow-straight piece of highway.

Besides the Grand Sport coupe we tested, Chevy now offers four other distinct Corvette models ranging from a $50,000 base coupe to the $110,000 Godzilla-slaying ZR1. That's quite a range. The midpack GS is also available as a convertible for about $3,800 more and either the coupe or soft-top model is available with a six-speed automatic ($1,250).


The base price of the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport is $55,720 including delivery.

What Works (pros): Inspiring engine and optional dual-mode exhaust; Z06 flared fenders; Z06 functional ducts; Z06 brakes.

What Needs Work (cons): Usual Corvette faults, including flimsy seats and low-budget steering wheel; gaudy, expensive option packages; transmission issues.

Bottom Line: We understand the reasoning behind this 'tweener Corvette, but we're not entirely convinced it deserves the Grand Sport moniker or why it should cost this much.

Second Opinion


Our test car came loaded up with almost $14K in options, taking its as-tested price to $69,510.

Photo Editor Kurt Niebuhr says:
I imagine the ghost of Zora Arkus-Duntov walking around the 2010 Corvette Grand Sport. As you know, Duntov was the spiritual father of the Corvette, the ex-racer who transformed it from a clumsy styling exercise into a real sports car. It was Duntov who secretly commissioned the original Grand Sport, a factory-built lightweight coupe, late in 1962, evading General Motors' ban on factory-supported racing. GM's boardroom got a whiff of the project and shut it down in 1963, but not before five Grand Sports had snuck out the door and begun terrorizing racetracks across the country. The program might have been stopped, but the legend had begun.

So there stands Duntov.

Lifting the hood of the 2010 Grand Sport, he probably wouldn't understand the need for the silly plastic valve covers, but I bet he'd nod in appreciation of the 436-horsepower 6.2 liter V8. The Corvette guys were just starting down the road to aluminum engine blocks and cylinder heads back then, and he'd appreciate the all-aluminum LS3, and the dry-sump oiling system would no doubt garner praise, too. Ditto for the fully functional intake ducts, because he was working with aerodynamics back then as well.

But this isn't Zora's second opinion, this is mine.

Compared to the Corvette C5 parked in my garage, this Grand Sport is much more of a Corvette in the way Duntov had envisioned. The engine is massively powerful and its response is crisp. The transmission is robust, even if the shift action and clutch feel seem a bit light for my taste. And though the handling is a bit vague, the cornering grip is very strong and the car's overall limits are high. And that sound from the exhaust! The bottom line being, if you want a better-performing coupe, you're going to have to pay a lot more money, and have a lot more explaining to do. This is a true Corvette — a Corvette that the ghost of Zora Arkus-Duntov would approve of.

But why on earth does this thing cost nearly $70,000? The Grand Sport should be the basic Corvette — a powerful, well-sorted and truly potent sports car infused with racing technology. Leave the chrome wheels, inadequate seats, silly stripes and the badge as options. And leave those options for the old guys who want to wear bad Hawaiian shirts and spend their Thursday nights parked outside some burger joint.

Let the tacky luxury items be the options. Performance like this should be standard.

Performance



0 - 30 (sec.) 2.1
0 - 45 (sec.) 3.1
0 - 60 (sec.) 4.4
0 - 75 (sec.) 6.1
1/4 mile (sec. @ mph) 12.4@115.1
0-60 with 1-ft rollout (sec.) 4.0
30 - 0 (ft.) 26
60 - 0 (ft.) 106
Braking rating Excellent
Slalom, 6 x 100 ft (mph) 68.8
Skid pad, 200 ft diameter (lateral g) 0.96
Handling rating Very Good
Sound level @ idle (db) 52.0
Sound level @ full throttle (db) 87.3
Sound level @ 70 mph cruise (db) 64.6
Price as Tested $69,510
Fuel Economy 16.1 mpg observed

Acceleration comments Requires higher launch rpm than base Corvette due to super-wide rear tires. Still, finding the right launch isn't impossible and it's fairly easy to pedal it to find traction, and a happy medium is fairly intuitive. There's still something satisfying about slamming a Corvette that sounds like this one does through the gears. We tried the built-in electronic launch control that was dead consistent, but ultimately slower (about 0.3) than our own organic traction control.

Braking comments Consistent, but not inspiring, pedal feel. Some awkwardness at full ABS -- a bit wooden, actually. Obviously powerful brakes.

Handling comments Skid pad: Massive grip, but not intuitive balance. Dumping the throttle does produce the desired effect; however, it's not as naturally adept at doing so as other sports cars that cost as much as this one does. We found an ever so slight advantage (0.01g) to running the skid pad in Competition mode. Slalom: Again, unnatural steering feel in quick transitions. Not completely numb, but also not talkative. Doesn't make me want to attack the slalom like other cars do.

]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204966-edmunds-full-test-chevrolet-corvette-grand-sport.html Redesigned Dodge Charger Previewed in Fiat Presentation (among other things) http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204964-redesigned-dodge-charger-previewed-fiat-presentation-among-other-things.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:49:44 GMT This redesign has been underway for awhile now but Chrysler has been good at keeping it completely under wraps (no leaks, spyshots, etc). It was previewed somewhat during the presentation about Chrysler's future.


2011 Dodge Charger


1999 Dodge Charger concept


2011 Dodge Charger gauge cluster

The new Charger looks very similar to the 1999 concept and it's due to be released soon along with a redesigned Chrysler 300. The Challenger will recieve the new interior and similar upgrades as well.

And Fiat's current product plan for Dodge (subject to change).



Only 500 more Vipers will be produced. There are no firm plans to offer a new Viper or replacement. The Challenger will become Dodge's halo performance car. ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204964-redesigned-dodge-charger-previewed-fiat-presentation-among-other-things.html Revealed - All-New Buick Regal (Opel Insignia) http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204961-revealed-all-new-buick-regal-opel-insignia.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:44:01 GMT THE 2011 REGAL: A BUICK BRED ON THE AUTOBAHN Image: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/x11bu_rg006.jpg Image: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/x11bu_rg005.jpg Image: http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/x11bu_rg011.jpg * A new... THE 2011 REGAL: A BUICK BRED ON THE AUTOBAHN






  • A new midsize Buick sport sedan with a European-bred driving experience
  • On sale in the second quarter of 2010
  • Based on the award-winning Opel Insignia and available now as a Regal in China
  • Modern, sleek design with great attention to detail and excellent build quality
  • Efficient, four-cylinder/six-speed powertrain with 30 mpg (est.)
  • Turbocharged model available in summer 2010
  • Driver-selectable Interactive Drive Control System available in summer 2010
  • Available rear-seat thorax air bags
  • Standard 18-inch wheels, leather and heated front seats, XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth and OnStar.
LOS ANGELES – On Thursday Buick will reveal the 2011 Regal sport sedan to customers in the L.A. area. Armed with turbocharged horsepower, a driver-selectable suspension system and a firm, European-tuned chassis, it delivers a driving experience that rivals the best import sport sedans in the segment.

"The 2011 Buick Regal is like nothing you've ever experienced from this brand," said Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick GMC. "The Regal is the next chapter in Buick's transformation and will expand the portfolio to include a sport sedan."

The new Regal arrives in the second quarter of 2010, with its sights aimed squarely on competitors like the Acura TSX and Volvo S60. It has a longer wheelbase and greater trunk volume than those vehicles, along with standard features – including a six-speed automatic transmission, 18-inch wheels and OnStar – that aren't offered standard on either competitor.

The Regal's development is rooted in Germany, where the globally led engineering team created the award-winning Opel Insignia – the 2009 European Car of the Year. The Insignia has garnered more than 31 prestigious awards and is the best-selling midsize sedan in Europe. Regal will bring all of Insignia's award-winning design, technology and European-inspired performance capabilities to the American market.

The Regal has already been a success on another continent, in China. It went on sale in December 2008 and more than 64,000 Regals have been sold there. Enthusiastic customers cite its sculpted, flowing design and responsive performance as the top reasons for purchase.

Regal at a glance

Regal will initially be offered in premium CXL trim only, with additional trim levels to be offered in the 2012 model year. The well-equipped Regal CXL includes the following as standard or available equipment:
  • Standard 2.4L Ecotec direct injected engine rated at an estimated 182 horsepower (136 kW)
  • Available 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged and direct injected engine rated at an estimated 220 horsepower (164 kW) – available late-summer 2010
  • Both engines have a six-speed automatic transmission standard with driver-shifting control
  • Estimated 30 mpg on the highway with the 2.4L and 29 mpg highway with the 2.0L turbo engine
  • MacPherson strut front suspension and four-link independent rear suspension
  • All-new Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) available with the 2.0L turbo, offering driver-selectable suspension settings and automatic driver suspension setting adaptability
  • Four-wheel disc brakes with four-channel anti-lock braking system, brake assist and electronic parking brake
  • Standard StabiliTrak stability control system and full-function traction control
  • Standard dual-stage frontal air bags, side-curtain air bags and pedal-release system; rear-seat thorax air bags available
  • Available navigation system, Harmon Kardon sound system, internal flash drive (1GB), hard drive with 10GB for music and USB port
  • Standard 18-inch wheels (19-inch wheels standard with IDCS)
  • Standard 12-way power, leather and heated driver seat; leather and heated passenger front seat; Bluetooth capability; XM Satellite Radio and OnStar.
Design story

The Regal's sleek design blends the sweeping silhouette and proportions of a coupe in a progressive package that suggests motion from all angles. Great attention to detail complements that aggressive styling, with tailored applications of Buick's signature design cues, such as the waterfall grille, select use of chrome trim and superior fit and finish of the exterior panels.

"Regal is all about great proportions," said John Cafaro, design director, passenger car. "For example, with the fenders flared to wrap around the tires. It's an aggressive stance that people aren't used to seeing in recent Buicks."

The car's performance-oriented spirit is also conveyed in sleek, sculpted body-side detail and aggressive headlamps that further suggest motion. At the rear, an abbreviated deck and tucked-in body panels are the hallmarks of a contemporary sport sedan, with bold taillamps and their intricate lighting elements reinforcing Regal's attention to detail. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard.

The sweeping design motif carries over to the interior, where the side panels flow uninterrupted into the instrument panel. The instruments have the look of expensive sport timepieces and are lit with ice-blue LED lights. The center stack, housing the climate and "infotainment" controls, was designed to allow for a lower, driver-centric instrument panel profile. Features such as a thick-rimmed, leather-wrapped steering wheel and firm, highly bolstered and leather-covered seats also support the sport-oriented driving experience.

"There is great design harmony between the exterior and interior," said Cafaro. "The feeling of flow and motion carries through in an engaging manner that makes you want to take the Regal out to your favorite twisting road to see what it can do."

A breakthrough interior

The Regal's finely crafted, sporty and well-appointed interior builds on the exceptional attention to detail found in the Enclave and LaCrosse, blending signature styling cues with contemporary sport sedan aesthetics.

Regal's firm, highly bolstered seats were benchmarked against the top import competitors for comfort and support, while a standard flow-through center console offers plenty of storage for passengers in the front and back.

Smart applications of technology are also hallmarks of the Regal, including details such as a multi-function controller on the center console for operation of the audio system, navigation system and the Bluetooth phone. The faceplate for the "infotainment" screen is set at a 30-degree angle to contribute to the car's flowing interior design.

A new era in Buick design is also seen in the satin metallic, piano black and new, Kibo-patterned interior trim materials. Kibo is a rich, dark, progressively grained wood that lends an international flair to the Regal.

Under the hood

Unique with its all-four-cylinder powertrain, the Regal relies on the excellent horsepower-per-liter ratio of the Ecotec engine family to deliver smart, on-demand performance that is also very efficient.

Both the standard 2.4L engine and the available 2.0L turbo use direct injection technology to optimize performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency. The 2.4L is the same engine offered in the Buick LaCrosse, but in the smaller, lighter Regal, it delivers more agile performance. The 2.0L turbo cements the sport sedan credibility of the Regal, with on-demand power comparable to a V-6, but the inherent efficiency of a four-cylinder. To ensure responsive power across the rpm range, the 2.0L turbo uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that builds power quickly at lower rpm.

Distinct, uniquely calibrated six-speed automatic transmissions are paired with each engine. Both offer driver shift control that enhances the sporty driving feel of the Regal.

Driving experience

The chassis and structural systems were developed in Germany and give the Regal the handling and dynamics of a premium European sport sedan, as well as the quiet, refined ride and road manners expected of a Buick. The body structure is one of the most rigid in the segment, which is approximately 25-percent stiffer than the previous Regal. This solid structure supports more precise suspension tuning and a quieter ride.

A relatively long wheelbase of 107.8 inches (2738 mm) gives the Regal refined, well-balanced vehicle dynamics and supports comfortable ride tuning. Additionally, an independent MacPherson strut-type front suspension with single-path mountings and hydraulic ride bushings; a four-link independent rear suspension; hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering; and optimized four-wheel disc brakes are optimized to the capability of the individual powertrains and tailored to the expected use by drivers. Models equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, for example, feature larger brakes.

Latest-generation electronic stability control (ESC or StabiliTrak), anti-lock brake system (ABS), and traction control system (TCS) are standard with Buick's innovative, Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) real-time damping system offered on models equipped with the 2.0L turbo powertrain.

About Buick

Buick is in the midst of a transformation that started with the Enclave luxury crossover and continues with the completely redesigned LaCrosse luxury sedan and Regal sport sedan. Buick is emerging as a modern, premium brand with vehicles characterized by sculpted designs, personal technologies, luxurious interiors and responsive performance. Future new sedans and crossovers are planned and will continue to expand Buick's portfolio both in North America and China. More information can be found at www.buick.com. ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204961-revealed-all-new-buick-regal-opel-insignia.html Ford Announces Development of All-New Police Interceptor http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204960-ford-announces-development-all-new-police-interceptor.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:41:53 GMT FORD ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF ALL-NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR FOR LAW ENFORCMENT USE NATIONWIDE Image: http://tricreek.schoolwires.com/lhs/lib/lhs/QuestionMark2.JPG * Ford confirms development plans of an all-new Ford Police Interceptor and affirms continued commitment to the police and municipal... FORD ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF ALL-NEW POLICE INTERCEPTOR FOR LAW ENFORCMENT USE NATIONWIDE


  • Ford confirms development plans of an all-new Ford Police Interceptor and affirms continued commitment to the police and municipal vehicle businesses
  • New Police Interceptor's durability, safety and performance will exceed the existing Crown Victoria's law enforcement vehicle lineup
  • Ford is the market leader in the law enforcement vehicle segment, selling 45,000 of the 60,000 police vehicles sold in each year in the U.S.
Dearborn, Mich., Nov. 13, 2009 – Ford Motor Company announced today it will produce an all-new purpose-built Police Interceptor specially designed and engineered to replace the Ford Crown Victoria law enforcement vehicle lineup in 2011.

The new Ford Police Interceptor is being developed in conjunction with Ford's Police Advisory Board, which provided input during the past 14 months on key vehicle attributes, such as safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort. The new Police Interceptor will be offered without interruption when production of the Ford Crown Victoria ends in late 2011.

"We have heard the repeated requests from the law enforcement community to continue uninterrupted support of the law enforcement community," said Mark Fields, Ford's president of The Americas. "Ford is answering the call with the new Police Interceptor – engineered and built in America."

Ford – which currently controls approximately 75 percent of the police pursuit vehicle business in the U.S. – has invested significantly in designing the purpose-built new police and municipal vehicles to meet the needs of these crucial customers.

The new Police Interceptor is designed to provide municipalities with reduced ownership costs through improved fuel efficiency, quality and the kind of durability police departments nationwide have come to expect from Ford.

"Ford's commitment to the law enforcement community produced the Crown Victoria, the benchmark police vehicle," said Lt. Brian Moran, fleet manager, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and a member of Ford's Police Advisory Board. "This commitment has continued, and Ford has been working closely with the Police Advisory Board on developing the new Police Interceptor. I am confident that the next-generation Ford police vehicle will meet the future needs of the law enforcement community and will set the new standard."

Ford plans to reveal the new model and provide full vehicle specifications in the first quarter of 2010 – in time for law enforcement agencies, police equipment manufacturers and upfitters to develop a transition plan from the Crown Victoria to the new product.

Each year, Ford sells approximately 45,000 police vehicles, making the Blue Oval the nation's largest provider of police and municipal vehicles.

"Ford long has supported our public servants with vehicles that work as hard as they do," said Ken Czubay, Ford vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service. "We intend to build on this legacy with a new generation of municipal and police vehicles that set even higher standards." ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1204960-ford-announces-development-all-new-police-interceptor.html <![CDATA[Cash for Clunkers - How'd your state do?]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1203564-cash-clunkers-howd-your-state-do.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:05:50 GMT Found this out there on the wild world wide web today. Pretty cool. http://detnews.com/article/20091109/SPECIAL01/91106001/ Shows how many care sales there were, what was the number of domestic vs foreign cars traded in, what was the number of domestics vs foreign sold, and what was the... Found this out there on the wild world wide web today. Pretty cool.

http://detnews.com/article/20091109/SPECIAL01/91106001/

Shows how many care sales there were, what was the number of domestic vs foreign cars traded in, what was the number of domestics vs foreign sold, and what was the most common car traded in and bought as well. ]]> PopaPork http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1203564-cash-clunkers-howd-your-state-do.html Top 10 Future Classics http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1203553-top-10-future-classics.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:41:59 GMT Well, I stumbled across this article this morning MSN Auto's, and cannot quite agree with its content.

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/slide...ntid=1102275#1

I could kind of agree with most of the cars listed, until I got to slide 11. I can't see a collector in 30 years trying to get a hold of a pristine Prius. I can't imagine going to a car show in a Prius. I can't imagine people getting googly eyed at a Prius.

I know MSN Autos is not the most reliable source of automobile info., but I found this article way off. My list would look alot different, but I would definately keep that Ford GT on it :cool:. ]]> Juicy J http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1203553-top-10-future-classics.html <![CDATA[SEMA Show Coverage - Cars & Parts...& Babes!]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1201439-sema-show-coverage-cars-parts-babes.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:04:03 GMT Its that time of year again, SEMA show in Las Vegas! I'm here, snapping photos like mad. About 550 photos so far, but expect over 1,000 by the end of this week.

Enjoy:

http://www.planetlsx.com/event/SEMA_...o_Coverage/119

Tony ]]> Nine Ball http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1201439-sema-show-coverage-cars-parts-babes.html New crate motor? http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1198907-new-crate-motor.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:35:36 GMT What could it be. Here's hoping for the beginning of the GEN V motors.

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/30/v...aded-for-sema/ ]]> kozak http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1198907-new-crate-motor.html <![CDATA[Edmunds' Mechanic - Corvette Ain't Cool]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1196614-edmunds-mechanic-corvette-aint-cool.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:57:37 GMT Please GM, Fix the Corvette Image: http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/corvette_mechanic_717.jpg By The Mechanic | October 12, 2009 This semi-regular column is written (in his own blood) by an automotive sage and noted malcontent, known as The Mechanic. Mercilessly beaten as a child... Please GM, Fix the Corvette



By The Mechanic | October 12, 2009

This semi-regular column is written (in his own blood) by an automotive sage and noted malcontent, known as The Mechanic. Mercilessly beaten as a child with rolled-up back issues of old car magazines, our free-spoken hero developed a unique "for your own good" take on cars and the auto industry, along with an unfortunate habit of setting himself ablaze. Later, after a distinguished career as an automotive journalist and magazine editor, he cast off the reins of his musty oppressors, carved out his superego with a plastic spork and became The Mechanic.

Before I begin, let me say that the following is not an attack on the people who buy Corvettes. They are good, clean, patriotic car lovers, and I think they should all be applauded for buying American.

I mean it from the bottom of my heart. Every barrel-chested baldy (sorry, retirees) and stripper (sorry, Bambi) who bought a Corvette recently deserves our respect and admiration for spending their hard-earned cash on America's sports car. God bless them all. I hope they enjoy their cars.

This column is not about them. It's about the Corvette itself, which sucks.

Truth is, I'm not really sure when it began to suck. I must have been watching my new Girls Gone Wild DVD and missed it, but it does suck and I think we should all be mortified by its suckiness.

Sure it performs incredibly well, but the Corvette as a relevant performance car has lost its way. Instead of being the everyman, all-American supercar it once was, the Vette has become too expensive, too extreme and too cheesy.

Chevy has blown it by allowing the Corvette's price and performance to get out of hand. And it continues to wrap the Vette in a dated package that is driving America's young car enthusiasts elsewhere. Do you realize that the base price of a new 2010 Corvette is $48,940? That's 50 grand for the cheapest Vette Chevy will sell you. The days of a kid graduating from college, getting a good job, saving up and buying a new Vette are long gone.

This is a problem.

But price is only part of the Corvette's demise. The sports car's image is another issue. Maybe it was all those butt-ugly Indy pace car editions over the years, or maybe it's the chrome wheels on the ZR1, but the Corvette's image is now more hillbilly than Beverly Hills, more Vegas than Victory Lane.

And it might be too late to save it. From where I sit, the Corvette has already been displaced as the attainable dream car for America's youth: displaced by the Infiniti G35 Coupe and the BMW M3 (E46). These two cars (and now their succeeding models, the G37 Coupe and the BMW M3 (E92)) are what the kids desire and aspire to. They've become "the Corvette" for the next generation of enthusiasts that have not yet hit the big four-o.

Sure they're slower than a C6, but they represent a far more modern and upscale interpretation of the everyday performance car. They represent what today's car lover wants: speed, style, quality and a nameplate that says he's successful and he knows what's cool. The Corvette just goes fast.

But these days everything goes fast. Guys realize they don't really need a car any faster than an E46 M3, which runs low 13s in the quarter-mile. Sure the C6 runs 12s but nobody really cares. These days, guys want a more balanced package.

And so the Corvette is being squeezed from the bottom by cars like the Infiniti, and it can't really compete with the upscale stuff (Porsche 911) because of its shoddy interior, questionable fit and finish and 1985 profile.

Unfortunate. The Corvette is one fine driving machine. Especially in Z06 and ZR1 trim. But I wouldn't buy one. Not unless I was the richest guy in Bowling Green. Or I owned a few Chevy dealerships. Or I was a stripper in Bowling Green and my sugar daddy owned a few Chevy dealerships. Otherwise I would ward off the Corvette like a sober night of karaoke, and I would do what every other well-educated cultured gentleman with taste and money does. I'd buy myself a Porsche 911. Make it a GT3.

And now to make matters worse, there's the Corvette Grand Sport, a new model recently reviewed by the great Dan Pund on this very Web site. It's basically a standard Vette that looks like a Z06. Market research must have showed GM's product planners that there's an untapped poser market. A big block of gold chainers clamoring for a slower, cheaper, inauthentic version of the Z06.

Come on, Chevy. Stop going in the wrong direction. Nobody ever asked you to make the Corvette the fastest car you could buy or the fastest car for the money. Nobody needs the Corvette to win Le Mans or pack 600-plus horsepower and cost over $100,000. Of course we want it to perform well, but we also need it to be affordable, insurable and durable. And we want it to be cool.

And today the C6 Corvette just isn't cool.

Come on GM, give us a Corvette we the people want today, not the Corvette you thought we wanted in 1989. -- The Mechanic, Inside Line Contributor ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1196614-edmunds-mechanic-corvette-aint-cool.html <![CDATA[Fortune - Administration's Car Czar "shocked" by Poor Management at GM]]> http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1196610-fortune-administrations-car-czar-shocked-poor-management-gm.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 17:47:17 GMT The man who led the effort gives an inside look at the bankruptcies that shook America.



"Everyone knew Detroit's reputation for insular, slow-moving cultures. Even by that low standard, I was shocked by the stunningly poor management that we found, particularly at GM, where we encountered, among other things, perhaps the weakest finance operation any of us had ever seen in a major company."

"In my relatively few interactions with chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner, I found him to be likable, dedicated, and generally knowledgeable. But Rick set a tone of "friendly arrogance" that seemed to permeate the organization."

"The cultural deficiencies were equally stunning. At GM's Renaissance Center headquarters, the top brass were sequestered on the uppermost floor, behind locked and guarded glass doors. Executives housed on that floor had elevator cards that allowed them to descend to their private garage without stopping at any of the intervening floors (no mixing with the drones)."

“In that insular world, Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner and his team appeared to believe that virtually all their problems resulted from some combination of the financial crisis, oil prices, the yen-dollar exchange rate and the UAW,”

"“Analyses seemed engineered to support preordained conclusions. Symbolically, we never heard the words ‘shareholder value.'"



They almost let Chrysler go too (and should have really). It's a fascinating read. It's no wonder GM couldn't compete considering the people running it and the prevailing culture. ]]> TriShield http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1196610-fortune-administrations-car-czar-shocked-poor-management-gm.html Lexus LF-A http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1196519-lexus-lf.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:15:21 GMT I'm glad that Yota went ahead and green lighted this project, however this thing looks retarded.

Lexus+LF-A+Production+Car!+

Yeah maybe the GT-R didn't appeal to most either but IMO they took uglyness to a new level. Doesn't sound particularly menacing either but I'm sure they made a stout and fast car so I guess credit is due to the engineering department, just not the design team IMO. ]]> Spoolin http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/automotive-news-media-press/1196519-lexus-lf.html