GM used the Lexus ES350 as their target car for the 2010 LaCrosse Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w

GM used the Lexus ES350 as their target car for the 2010 LaCrosse; they've come close to hitting a bull's eye
Could 60-days-or-less in a LaCrosse convince a die-hard Toyota/Lexus/Asian-only buyer to go with an American car for perhaps the first time in several generations of his or her family?
In my opinion, absolutely.
The only problem, as always, is getting those buyers into GM dealerships in the first place. If Ed Whiteacre, Bob Lutz and what is hopefully a newly-invigorated GM marketing team succeed in that undertaking, they might get that US market share up over 20% again ... at least for a start.


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Buick's 2010 LaCrosse could do a lot to Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_b_285203.html

convince US buyers that US cars are up to import quality and even in some cases beyond
Even with objective things about the various cars being shopped very similar to most buyers, it's those subjective items --- how the switchgear feels, adjustability of the seats, rear seat room (which most buyers never check), how bright or dim the instrument panel can be made, if reflected sun makes the gauges hard to see in the daytime, if wide A-pillars make front/side vision difficult --- which can turn the buyer one way or another.
I usually drive one or more new cars a week to stay familiar with each car-maker's offerings and be able to answer your questions and make recommendations.
Recently, I spent a week in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse, and even though the early "pilot" model I drove was not off the actual assembly line (so some glitches are expected), this LaCrosse was more than a rival for its target: the Lexus entry-level luxury sedan, ES350.
LaCrosse's fit-and-finish, performance, appearance inside and out and styling are all impressive and even outdo the Lexus on many accounts.


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For instance, the average price of a new car in the US is right around $32,000; driving all the cars in that price bracket will yield a lot of good experiences and very few negatives. Objectively, cars and trucks in each major price bracket reflect most of the same positives and quite few negatives.
Here's what we think of the new GM program:
Apart from price, safety, performance, appearance and fuel mileage, the most important part of the car-buying decision comes from the test drive. Many shoppers make the mistake of being timid during this critical part of the process, often allowing themselves to be "muscled" into driving the car only on certain roads (which will show-off the car's strengths) and for a specific period of time "recommended" by the salesperson.
But if buyers test-drove the new car in their own real-world situations, it would have a huge influence on which car they'd buy. In a very real sense, isn't this what GM is offering potential buyers with this new money-back scheme?


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GM's "60-day Buy Back" plan - more gimmicks or smart sales move? Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steve-parker/gm---will-after-60-days-w_

Another "Hail Mary" from GM? Or the real thing?
Starting today and running through November, General Motors is offering buyers of their Core Four brands, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick and GMC, a 60-day money-back guarantee on their new car and truck purchases. It's called the "60-day Satisfaction Guarantee."
The campaign marks GM's efforts to rebound after a 39-day bankruptcy and a $50 billion federal bailout. GM, which is shedding half of its US brands (Pontiac, Saturn, Saab, and Hummer) will try to boost their US market share that has fallen to 19.5% this year from a peak of 50.1% in 1962.
It's the second radical marketing move in just a few weeks by GM to try and resurrect consumer confidence in the company since the bankruptcy ended.


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Could 60 days in a 2010 Buick LaCrosse convince import-buyers to make Detroit their car-maker of preference?
The first was begun last month in conjunction with online buying service Ebay. In that program, which has had only modest success but will continue for the time being, some 250 GM dealers in California are posting their new-car inventories for California-only buyers, some cars and trucks up for bid in a traditional auction environment, some marked with a no-haggle "buy it now" price.
Here are the details of the new money-back plan:
• Covers Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac models for the 2009 and 2010 model years.
• Allows customers to return their cars after 31 days and before 4,000 miles.
• Does not cover leased vehicles.

SSC Ultimate Aero

SSC Ultimate Aero

Base manufacturer's suggested retail price: $654,400

Top Speed: 257 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.78 seconds

Horsepower: 1,183

Country of Origin: U.S.

Spyker C8 Double

Silva GT3

Silva GT3

Base MSRP: $75,000

Top Speed: 205 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.7 seconds

Horsepower: 530

Country of Origin: U.S.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo

Base MSRP: $555,000

Top Speed: 248 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds

Horsepower: 750

Country of Origin: U.S.

Pagani Zonda F

McLaren Mercedes SLR

Base MSRP: $497,750

Top Speed: 206 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.8 seconds

Horsepower: 617

Country of Origin: England

Lamborghini

2009 Lamborghini Murcielago MSRP$354,000 - $382,400

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo $198,000 - $221,000

Koenigsegg CCX

Koenigsegg CCX

Base MSRP: $695,000

Top Speed: 250 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.2 seconds

Horsepower: 806

Country of Origin: Sweden

Bugatti Veyron

Bugatti Veyron

Base MSRP: $1.5 million

Top Speed: 253 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 2.5 seconds

Horsepower: 1,001

Country of Origin: France

Bristol Fighter T

Bristol Fighter T

Base MSRP: $700,000

Top Speed: 225 mph

Acceleration: 0-60 in 3.5 seconds

Horsepower: 1,012

Country of Origin: U.K.

The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best

The Flex isn't light, but it feels light on its feet, a neat trick. Back in the bad old days, when we all climbed into rear facing third rows for a puketacular family ride, a wagon of this size and weight would be powered by something large, iron, and sporting eight cylinders. Technology has marched on, and the Flex packs Ford's 3.5 liter V6. You'd think that it would pale in comparison to the lazy old V8s of yesteryear, but in reality, its output is about the same. We're not talking fire-breathing high performance engines here - and it's a much more modestly sized power unit. Coupled with an excellent six-speed automatic transmission that shifts like butter, Ford has turned a potential downfall into a net positive. No, you're not going to win any races, but the powertrain is smooth and refined and goes about its business unobtrusively. The Flex returned about 20MPG, which also isn't going to set the world aflame with its efficiency, but it's not horrible, and it'd do better with more highway mixed in there.

The Flex demonstrates America's car industry at its best. Surely, the design polarizes, but it never fails to generate conversation. While American cars have long been known as some of the most stylish, it's been a long time since the average consumer would even glance over at a domestic product. The Flex is a vehicle that's executed in the most stellar manner. It's not perfect, but neither are its competitors. It's well built - as well built as anything else you might cross-shop with it - and refined. Think back, when was the last time you called any domestic family vehicle refined? Ford's biggest challenge with the Flex will be enticing people to pony up between $30- and $45,000 in a time when nobody seems to be biting on much of anything.

Thoughtfulness is a common thread inside the Flex, too. In the past, that's where other automakers have built their reputations, and an area that American brands have commonly fallen short. Not with the Flex, there's little touches everywhere that remind you that this car was fussed over. Folding the third-row seats is but one example. The operation can be carried out with one hand and only takes seconds. There are two folded positions, too, one offering a deep well, and the other providing a flat loading surface that can be extended by also folding the second row seats. Of course the rear hatch power itself open and shut, which makes it easier to load and unload all those groceries the Flex can hold. The model I drove also sported a massive multi-panel moonroof and a refrigerator between the two second row seats. The Flex is also full of tech, with a fantastically easy to use system that incorporated navigation, a surround-sound audio system by Sony, and the Sync system, all under touchscreen control.

Size without sizeable penalty is the big story with the Flex

Size without sizeable penalty is the big story with the Flex. Just swing one of those beefy doors open. The seats are chair height - no stooping required to get in. Space in all directions is pretty massive. With the driver's seat positioned for my 5 foot 6 frame to drive comfortably, the second row seat, which slides, had more legroom than I can recall seeing in most vehicles, with the possible exception of a minivan. There's a third row of seats, too, one that actually fits humans. Many times, third rows are just a suggestion of a seat, useful in a pinch and offering very little legroom. In the Flex, there's space for two normal adults back there. Families with little ones will find LATCH anchors on the center row, and another on the right side of the third row, making it possible to carry both adults and children without resorting to a van. Nice.
Nice certainly describes the way the interior of the Limited trim level Flex was outfitted. Leather seats with a cross-hatch pattern sewn in are comfy, though it's still weird to have a bottom cushion that's power adjustable, and a manual lever for backrest rake. Between the adjustability of the seats and the steering column, it's not hard to find a good driving position. Big mirrors and lots of glass area bring great visibility, too. Most of the materials have a high quality look, though there are still some areas that might be scuff prone. Everything is put together well, and if you haven't been in an American car for a while, the Flex might surprise you - it's a class job. Toyota's Venza offers a similarly roomy interior, but I prefer the layout, design, and materials in the Flex.

Ford Flex Limited

Meet Gigantor, otherwise known as the Ford Flex. Families love cars with space, and the Flex definitely offers that. There are smaller apartments in the North End than the amount of space in the latest classification-defying vehicle from Ford. Classically, lots of room has meant penalties. Either the vehicle was a floaty barge, or more recently, it's based on a truck and much more heavy duty than most people needed. The Flex doesn't suffer those two maladies, offering a cavern inside while still no harder to drive around than a car.

Is it a wagon? Is it an SUV? Ford calls it a Crossover - the latest fashion in catchall categorization. It's available with all wheel drive, like many SUVs, and the ride height is taller than a normal car's. The weight, while substantial at 4600-plus pounds with all wheel drive, is well disguised. The Flex doesn't bob around like you're out at sea, and it's far easier to handle than something carrying a full frame and four wheel drive. Looking at the family tree, the Flex is actually derived from a car, tracing its lineage back to the first generation Volvo S80 by way of the Five Hundred/Taurus models. Given that heritage, it makes a lot of sense that the Flex is very well mannered.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Interior shots and teasing sketch of the new 563bhp Mercedes SLS AMG gullwing



The Mercedes SLS AMG supercar is edging closer to reality. It's a car that's been teased to us for a while now, with a variety of official 'spy shots' and footage of disguised cars out playing in the snow.

These latest shots include designer's sketches that confirm what the car is set to look like, as well as shots of the interior. Exterior styling apes the Mercedes 300SL, the firm's original gullwing supercar, especially at the rear, which seems curvier and shaplier than the front might suggest. The inside isn't exactly the stuff of supercar fantasy however, with things kept reasonably sedate. It's not dissimilar to other Mercedes cabins, although parity with its rangemates is something Merc is likely keen to achieve.

The 6.2-litre V8 supercar could be classed as a successor to the McLaren SLR, but the SLS will major on different talents. It's set to be a lot cheaper, for a start - under £150K is touted - while the 563bhp engine is front-mid mounted, which means a near perfect weight distribution of 48:52 front/rear. It should add up to a more dynamically sound package than the outgoing supercar. It is set to hit 60mph in 3.8sec (thanks to a trick twin-clutch seven-speed auto) and have a top speed just shy of 200mph, although the speedometer does go up to 224mph and the revcounter to 9000rpm...