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GMI Scoop: The Aztek
By: NSAP
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The Aztek. That is probably one of the most identifiable Pontiacs in history. It has been dubbed the ugliest Pontiac in history style wise, but is actually praised in other areas. Pontiac says that the Aztek is in a segment of its own, a Sport Recreational Vehicle. I myself could never figure out anything about that vehicle that was in its own segment, other than the design! There is really nothing I like about the design of the Aztek, but no matter how much you hate the Aztek design, you have to admit that the design is very useful. Like the rear, it is basically ALL window, which makes objects behind you very visible. However, the interior on the other hand is very nice, things like the cooler consol, and radio controls in the rear hatch are very useful! Whether you like it or not, at least there are no re-badges of it in other GM brands! From what everyone has said and heard, the Aztek is on its last year of life, leaving a spot for a Theta-based vehicle to replace it.
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GMI News: Around the Industry
By: TaHoE
The Hummer H2
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Though many may no like this mammoth of an SUV, it has purpose and a bad-arse attitude. Initially as sales began last year, the H2's sales soared and GM saw a hit on its hands. However as the years went by, it became more evident that the H2 was only meant for serious off-road duty and not as a daily grocery getter as a majority of its owners have used it as. Sales have reflected this. Sales of the Hummer H2 sport utility are down and it doesn't look like there is much hope in the future. With gasoline prices skyrocketing this summer and a major complaints being that the H2 has poor fuel economy, this does not look good. One possible solution would be to power the H2 with either a Diesel engine (which is not planned for production yet) or use the Silverado's Hybrid-Assist which would use the electric motor as a sort of "back-up" energy source which would power the front wheels if the H2 needs the additional power. Another possible solution would be to equip the H2 with Displacement on Demand, however benefits from this would be unlikely since the H2 is extremely heavy, and the 6.0L engine labors hard to get the H2 moving, as seen in its dismal fuel economy. We can only hope for the best for our Hummer friend.
The Chevrolet Cobalt:
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Upon this little car's strut braces is essentially GM's future in the compact segment, if an all new car doesn't do it, nothing will. Though the new Cobalt looks extremely promising with its numerous trim levels, engine options and interior styles, I still don't see it beating out the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla as "Editor's Choice" in many import-minded magazines. The interior designs are very attractive and the exterior (as much as it is a rip-off of the last generation Civic) is too. However what exclusives does the Cobalt offer? Can the unattractive coupe steal sales away from Honda's Civic? Personally I don't think so, though it is a HUGE improvement over the Cavalier, it doesn't have the personality or segment leading features as say, the Mazda 3. But we will have to see, the Cobalt may make the competitors blue with sadness.
The Cadillac STS
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Soft yet Sharp, Large yet Sporty. This is the transition Cadillac, from hard razor sharp lines, to softened curves as displayed on the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. The STS will feature a VVT V-6 engine producing 260 HP and a Northstar V-8 with at least 320HP. It will be between the size of BMW's 5 and 7 series sedans. In 2006 Cadillac will produce a STS-V with a Twin Turbocharged Northstar V-8 with over 400HP. Look for Caddy to take over the lead in luxury with the new STS, though I am afraid the STS will blend into the background and become just another me-too luxury automobile.
The Buick LaCrosse
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I must say there is something about the LaCrosse that intrigues me. It has athletic lines and body stance of a sports car (similar to that of its cousin and platform-mate the Grand Prix) but the LaCrosse is more refined, more luxurious, well just more Buick-like. And though being a Buick may be a bad thing for some people right now, I believe LaCrosse will lead Buick onto that talkshow which is about former geeks turned hotties...we'll just have to wait and see...
By: NSAP
The Aztek. That is probably one of the most identifiable Pontiacs in history. It has been dubbed the ugliest Pontiac in history style wise, but is actually praised in other areas. Pontiac says that the Aztek is in a segment of its own, a Sport Recreational Vehicle. I myself could never figure out anything about that vehicle that was in its own segment, other than the design! There is really nothing I like about the design of the Aztek, but no matter how much you hate the Aztek design, you have to admit that the design is very useful. Like the rear, it is basically ALL window, which makes objects behind you very visible. However, the interior on the other hand is very nice, things like the cooler consol, and radio controls in the rear hatch are very useful! Whether you like it or not, at least there are no re-badges of it in other GM brands! From what everyone has said and heard, the Aztek is on its last year of life, leaving a spot for a Theta-based vehicle to replace it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GMI News: Around the Industry
By: TaHoE
The Hummer H2
Though many may no like this mammoth of an SUV, it has purpose and a bad-arse attitude. Initially as sales began last year, the H2's sales soared and GM saw a hit on its hands. However as the years went by, it became more evident that the H2 was only meant for serious off-road duty and not as a daily grocery getter as a majority of its owners have used it as. Sales have reflected this. Sales of the Hummer H2 sport utility are down and it doesn't look like there is much hope in the future. With gasoline prices skyrocketing this summer and a major complaints being that the H2 has poor fuel economy, this does not look good. One possible solution would be to power the H2 with either a Diesel engine (which is not planned for production yet) or use the Silverado's Hybrid-Assist which would use the electric motor as a sort of "back-up" energy source which would power the front wheels if the H2 needs the additional power. Another possible solution would be to equip the H2 with Displacement on Demand, however benefits from this would be unlikely since the H2 is extremely heavy, and the 6.0L engine labors hard to get the H2 moving, as seen in its dismal fuel economy. We can only hope for the best for our Hummer friend.
The Chevrolet Cobalt:
Upon this little car's strut braces is essentially GM's future in the compact segment, if an all new car doesn't do it, nothing will. Though the new Cobalt looks extremely promising with its numerous trim levels, engine options and interior styles, I still don't see it beating out the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla as "Editor's Choice" in many import-minded magazines. The interior designs are very attractive and the exterior (as much as it is a rip-off of the last generation Civic) is too. However what exclusives does the Cobalt offer? Can the unattractive coupe steal sales away from Honda's Civic? Personally I don't think so, though it is a HUGE improvement over the Cavalier, it doesn't have the personality or segment leading features as say, the Mazda 3. But we will have to see, the Cobalt may make the competitors blue with sadness.
The Cadillac STS
Soft yet Sharp, Large yet Sporty. This is the transition Cadillac, from hard razor sharp lines, to softened curves as displayed on the Cadillac Sixteen concept car. The STS will feature a VVT V-6 engine producing 260 HP and a Northstar V-8 with at least 320HP. It will be between the size of BMW's 5 and 7 series sedans. In 2006 Cadillac will produce a STS-V with a Twin Turbocharged Northstar V-8 with over 400HP. Look for Caddy to take over the lead in luxury with the new STS, though I am afraid the STS will blend into the background and become just another me-too luxury automobile.
The Buick LaCrosse
I must say there is something about the LaCrosse that intrigues me. It has athletic lines and body stance of a sports car (similar to that of its cousin and platform-mate the Grand Prix) but the LaCrosse is more refined, more luxurious, well just more Buick-like. And though being a Buick may be a bad thing for some people right now, I believe LaCrosse will lead Buick onto that talkshow which is about former geeks turned hotties...we'll just have to wait and see...
