Vehicle intros

At LotPro.com, many of us can remember when dealers used to hide their upcoming models in their back lots and put Kraft paper on their front windows in anticipation of the unveiling of their latest models (the cars, themselves, would be kept under wraps on the showroom floor). As kids, we used to climb fences and peek in the windows of garages in order to get that first glimpse of the new Fords, Chevys and Pontiacs.

But time and technology marches on. As a society, we are no longer content to wait for the actual model introductions – even though the auto manufacturers regularly push new models to market as soon as possible – timing be damned. And with the realities of the internet and digital photography, the spy shot of a new model can be sent around the world in all of its high-resolution glory within a matter of minutes.

To counter this, manufacturers have resorted to releasing “teaser” images of their upcoming models. Having witnessed this phenomenon for quite some time, we are now ready to begin classifying them according to the amount of useful information the images supply.

Level 1 tease

Recent example – the new Volvo S60

These images include some type of full resolution image. These teasers include images of the actual production vehicle and can be classified as a “tease” only because the manufacturer withholds images of the interior of the vehicle as well as miscellaneous up close shots of the wheels, engine compartment and trim pieces usually found in the full-blown press kit.

Level 2 tease

Recent example – the upcoming Volkswagen mid-size sedan

Level 2 teases usually involve releasing either a small image of just a part of the vehicle, or an artist’s rendering. In both cases, you get a glimpse of the design direction and the overall “feel” of the vehicle without actually seeing it in its entirety (which would be the level 1 tease).

Level 3 tease

Recent example – the new BMW 5 Series

The level 3 tease is best described as the overt attempt by a manufacturer to drive most car crazies out of their minds. Examples of the level three tease include supplying images of vehicle outlines or shadows. Shooting the model in black against a black backdrop while lighting only two feet of the front fender also qualifies, as does the recent release from BMW in which the new 5 series is assembled using a CGI array of ball bearings to highlight only the horizontal surfaces beginning at the beltline and moving upwards.

The view from Auburn Hills

For those of us here at LotPro.com, the auto industry has always been a source of unending entertainment and events this week have certainly not proven us wrong.

Supermini goes large

On Wednesday, Fiat announced that the world’s largest Fiat 500 – five times the its normal size – would be coming to London for an event the company calls “The Big Smile.”

Designed to generate an awareness and interest in the new 500C, the 5:1 model has previously appeared at auto shows, although the latest iteration simulates the “open top” 500C, rather than the sedan through the use of a projection of the sky on the inner lining of the car’s roof.

If you happen to be in London between August 28th and September 2nd, it might be fun to check out the “big” Fiat, along with assorted roaming entertainers, stilt walkers and food stalls on Oxford Street.

Buick’s Saturn Vue/Opel Antara clone gets the axe

In a rapid reversal of events, GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens reported on his “Fast Lane” blog yesterday that the compact Buick CUV that he announced in Traverse City a few weeks ago and that had been described by Stephens, himself, on August 10th as a “beautiful new crossover” that would “debut our new plug-in hybrid technology” and “firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game” was history.

According to his blog, the small SUV “received consistent feedback from large parts of all the audiences (at a future product showcase at the company’s Milford Proving Ground) that it didn’t fit the premium characteristics that customers have come to expect from Buick.”

In the blog, he goes on to state that, “We were all struck by the consistency of the criticism of the compact crossover. And what we decided to do in response is a good example of the essence of the new General Motors… acting quickly, and boldly, and listening to feedback from customers, employees, dealers, media and just about anyone else with an opinion.”

Considering the fact that the erstwhile Pontiac Aztec also received less-than-glowing reviews from its focus groups (and we all know how that project ended), the decision to “86” the Buick was probably a prudent one.

The good news, however, is that the hybrid technology originally intended for the vehicle will be, according to the same blog, “applied to another vehicle, at no delay.”

Images courtesy of Fiat U.K. and General Motors

Newest Buick

Late last week, General Motors offered up a teaser image of a new Buick crossover vehicle that will be introduced as a 2011 model. According to the press release, the as-yet-to-be-named crossover will seat five and will first arrive in 2010 powered by a new family of direct-injected gasoline engines.

One year later, in 2011, a plug-in hybrid version will arrive and it’s expected to be the first commercially available plug-in SUV produced by a major automaker.

“Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development. “This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game.”

Gasoline version

They new hybrid will be smaller than the current Buick Enclave. According to Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, “Some customers who have been drawn to the Enclave were looking for something a little smaller. We believe this new Buick will excite those customers, and will continue to broaden the appeal of the brand.”

The first engine to appear in the smaller SUV will be GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine; while an optional 3.0-liter directed-injected V-6 will be available that is expected to deliver 30 plus mpg on the highway.

Plug-in version

They hybrid version will be powered by a modified version of the General’s current 2-Mode Hybrid system using advanced lithium-ion battery cells and the charging technology that was developed for the Chevrolet Volt.

The 8 kWh battery – containing half the energy of the Volt’s battery pack – can be fully recharged in four to five hours by connecting the vehicle to a conventional 110V household electrical outlet. If early testing is any indication, the Buick SUV should be capable of electric-only propulsion for more than ten miles at low speeds, while over-the-road the vehicle can use any combination of electric or gasoline engine power.

In addition to the battery pack, the hybrid’s powertrain system also includes two electric motors, an electronic control and battery management system, as well as a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 flex-fuel engine.

Déjà vu

If this all sounds strangely familiar, it should be remembered that earlier this year, before General Motors had decided to sell off the Saturn division, it was announced that the Saturn Vue 2-mode hybrid would also be available in a plug-in version. And while GM is tight-lipped on whether the new Buick is based on the Vue’s underpinnings (which, itself, is based on the German Opel Antara), chances are good that it is.

Images courtesy of General Motors

Summer in the city

At LotPro.com, we’re fortunate to work just a stone’s throw from Meadow Brook Hall, the 110 room, 88,000 square-foot Tudor revival style mansion, built by the widow of John F. Dodge, which is arguably one of the largest historic house museums in the United States.

Although it is currently owned by Oakland University, and therefore not subject to property taxes, you can imagine that the upkeep on such a splendid structure is, to say the least, rather steep – a recent upgrade to the structure’s HVAC system, alone, is said to have cost a cool (no pun intended) $2 million.

To help defray these expenses, the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance was established and, over the past 30 years, has raised and contributed close to $6 million towards the mansion’s preservation costs.

The Best of Detroit

In a gesture of appreciation for their support in the past, this year’s Concours d’Elegance was dedicated to the three domestic automakers that are headquartered in and around Detroit. As part of the celebration, the event showcased a number of Detroit convertibles from 1959. Here are those from General Motors:

1959 Buick Electra 225 convertible

Prior to 1959, Buick’s top two vehicle models were the Roadmaster and Limited. In 1959, as part of a modernization effort, they were renamed, respectively, the Electra and the Electra 225.

The 225, or “deuce and a quarter” in street parlance, was so named as the overall length of the car was 225 inches.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible

The 1959 Cadillac certainly marked the zenith of the brand’s tailfin era. Originally marketed as a low-volume convertible in 1953 based on the 1952 El Dorado Golden Anniversary concept vehicle, ’59 Eldos sported flamboyant tail fins, “rocket” style taillights and chrome-plated studs in the grille.

Riding on a 10 foot, 10 inch wheelbase, the overall width of the ‘59 Caddie was nearly 7 feet and the rear overhang measured 95 inches.

1959 Chevrolet Impala Fuel Injected convertible

Although more than 1.4 million Chevrolets were built during the 1959 model year, this particular convertible is just one of 26 full-sized Chevys (and one of only 3 known convertibles) delivered from the factory with “Ramjet Fuel Injection” – a feature prominently announced with a unique front fender script just ahead of the wheel openings.

In 1959, two FI engines were available: one rated at 250 hp and a high-compression 290 hp version featured on this convertible. In addition to its special powerplant, this car also features another rare full-size Chevrolet option – a first-year four-speed manual transmission. Another rarity is the under-dash cigarette ash catcher that, with the flip of a lever, uses the engine’s vacuum to whisk the ashes through a tube to a collection receptacle located out of sight under the instrument panel.

1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight convertible

In 1959, the series 98 was Oldsmobile’s flagship trim level. Offered in four body styles, including a 2-door convertible, it had a wheelbase of 126.3 inches and a “Rocket” V8 engine that displaced 394 cubic inches and produced 315 horsepower.

Features that set the “98” apart from the lower-level “88” models included 98-specific emblems and trim moldings, an electric clock, power steering, power brakes and a “Jetaway” Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. This convertible also features whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels and “spinner” hubcaps.

1959 Pontiac Bonneville convertible

1959 was a big year for Pontiac. Not only was it the object of a dramatic re-style, but the Pontiac split grille, “Wide Track” stance and legendary 389 V8 were all introduced in 1959. To top it off, Motor Trend anointed Pontiac with its “Car of the Year” honors.

For 1959, Pontiac’s lineup consisted of three series: the entry-level Catalina, the mid-priced Star Chief and the top-of-the-line Bonneville, of which this convertible is an example.

Options on the car include tri-power carburetion (3 two-barrel carburetors “three deuces”), power steering, power brakes, “Wonderbar” signal-seeking radio and a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. 382,940 Pontiacs were produced in 1959 and, of these, 11,426 were Bonneville convertibles.

The Best of Detroit

As we stated in yesterday’s article on LotPro.com, the years 1955 to 1970 are looked upon as the golden age for many followers of the sport of drag racing. During this time, big corporate sponsorships were the stuff of dreams and most drivers who raced also had full-time jobs that helped support their passion for the sport.

In addition to the six vehicles mentioned on Monday, here are the seven more that appeared at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance this past Sunday:

1963 Pontiac Catalina 421 Super Duty

This particular 1963 Pontiac Catalina 421 Super Duty was among a select number of Pontiacs (there were only 14 produced) that were dubbed “Swiss Cheese” vehicles. The name came from the fact that the perimeter frame had approximately 120 holes punched in the side sections and the side of the box section was also removed.

With a factory shipping weight of only 3,308 pounds, the body featured aluminum panels on the fender, hood, trunk and bumpers. Factory rated horsepower was 420, but the engine blue printed out at well over 500 horsepower.

This particular Catalina was raced out of the venerable Royal Pontiac dealership in Royal Oak, Michigan (which was to become famous for the Royal Bobcat Pontiac GTO). Driven by Jim Wangers, it went on to win the B/FX class at the U.S. Nationals.

1963 Ford Galaxie Factory Lightweight

Ford’s answer to the Pontiac “Swiss Cheese” vehicles was the “Factory Lightweight.” Built in Atlanta and L.A., on the Galaxie line, the bodies were modified with aluminum panels and the interiors featured little in the way of luxury – no heater, no radio, and no frills. A very few of these lightweights featured Ford’s high-performance 427 engine.

1963 Chevrolet Impala Z-11

The Impala Z-11 was Chevy’s answer to the need for more horsepower and lighter cars in 1963. Chevrolet produced 57 of these vehicles that featured a modified 409 cubic inch engine that, in different variations, produced anywhere from 340 horsepower up to 425 horsepower.

Like its counterparts at Ford and Chrysler, this particular Chevy had no radio, no heater and no sound deadener and, like the Ford Galaxie, it was assigned an RPO (Regular Production Order) number (RPO Z-11), although it took more than signing on the dotted line to buy one of these specials.

1965 Plymouth “Color Me Gone”

A number of things took place in 1965 that were to profoundly change drag racing in the United States. That year, the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) created a factory experimental class that had less restrictive rules. The resulting Altered Wheelbase cars became the ultimate production-based muscle cars that would eventually bridge the gap between the Super Stock cars of the early ‘60’s and the Funny Cars that would emerge years later.

Chrysler eventually built 6 Dodges and 6 Plymouths and sold them to teams like the Ramchargers, Dick Landy and Roger Lindamood. Lindamood, in particular, won the 1964 Nationals and is a hall of fame driver.

1965 Mercury Comet “Dyno Don Nicholson”

Dyno Don Nicholson began racing in the 40’s and 50’s and was one of a select few drivers that helped propel the sport from a hobby to big business. Along with Jack Chrisman, The Ramchargers, Dick Landy and Gas Rhonda, he experimented with altering wheelbases, fuel injection, supercharging, big slicks and super duty transmissions.

His “Mercury Cyclone” was one of the most successful cars of its era and the car’s altered wheelbase, flip top and engine configuration led to the name “Funny Car” that is still used in drag racing today.

1968 Plymouth Barracuda “Ron Mancini Car”

By the 1960’s, all the major manufacturers were taking part in the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” racing wars. In 1968, the Hurst Performance Center in Madison Heights, Michigan assembled 75 purpose-built cars specifically for drag racing. The new “Hemi” powerplant helped propel these cars to many NHRA victories.

This particular 426 Hemi Plymouth Barracuda was built by the team of Mike Dawson and Ron Mancini with the help of Gratiot Auto Supply and ran SS/AA.

1970 Chevrolet Chevelle “Red Alert”

Beginning in 1970, General Motors dropped its self-imposed rule of restricting mid-size cars to engines with less than 400 cubic inches of displacement. The LS6 package included a 454 cubic inch engine that produced 450 horsepower that resulted in quarter mile times in the low to mid-13 second range.

In 1969, drag racer Bob Hamilton purchased this Chevelle for his wife as a Valentine’s Day gift and, a year later, turned it into the “Red Alert” drag racer that competed in the NHRA SS/DA class. In 1971, model car company AMT created a model of the car that became their all-time sales leader. “Red Alert” continued to race until 1976 when it was Top Stock Eliminator in 14 out of 16 races.

New York 2009

As the last of the major auto shows in the U.S. for 2009, many expected that the show would be a sleeper – especially given the current economic conditions. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth as evidenced by a couple of the intros that took place today.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

May of us here at LotPro.com can remember when the Grand Cherokee led the charge of the luxury SUVs into the marketplace. Since that time, it has become increasingly lost in the sea of domestic and import brands. Although the phrase “better late than never” comes to mind, time will only tell if the new 2011 model will ever enter the marketplace, which is a shame.

With a platform shared with the Mercedes-Benz M-Class, the newest GC has a claimed 146 percent increase in tortional stiffness over its predecessor along with unibody construction and a fully-independent air suspension that gives the vehicle an adjustable ground clearance of anywhere from 6.6 inches to a towering 11.1 inches.

The previous generation’s too-busy sheetmetal has also been cleaned up resulting in a less caricature-like “Jeep” face as well as smoother lines. A new base 3.6 liter V6 is at the bottom of the power line-up, while the V8 choice is a 5.7 liter Hemi with 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque equipped with cylinder deactivation technology.

2010 GMC Terrain

The 2010 GMC Terrain was a bit of a shock to many of us here at LotPro.com. Although GM has a styling history of questionable styling directions – a.k.a. the Pontiac Aztek – most of the current Lutz-influenced models have ranged from successful (Malibu) to stunning (CTS). And while the Terrain’s twin, the Chevy Equinox, is no paragon of automotive design, its nicely flowing lines radiating back from its signature grill make it one of the better-looking entries in this segment. The Terrain, on the other hand, appears to suffer from a lack of design cohesion: Its bulging fender flares seeming to contrast sharply with its Audi-esque grille.

Under the hood, things are, thankfully, better. In keeping with the current drive for fuel economy, the base 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine will deliver 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway in front-wheel drive versions, while the optional 3.0 liter V6 is rated at 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway while both feature six-speed automatic transmissions.

Kia Amanti

 Economic Concerns and “Change” Produce New Car Buying Perceptions of Total Value

Here at LotPro.com, we can remember the time when car buying decisions were based on whether you were a Ford guy, a GM (specifically Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, etc.) guy or a Chrysler guy. But let’s face it; if you can remember that far back, you are officially an “old” guy.

In today’s auto sales climate, quality and the perception of that quality have become more important than ever. J.D. Power started it all in 1981 with the company released its first Customer Satisfaction survey (Power calls it an Index) and again in 1987 when it released the automotive Initial Quality Study. Since that time, a number of companies have thrown their hats into the ring and have come up with their own unique methods of measuring customer loyalty and their perceptions of vehicle quality.

For its part, San Diego-based Strategic Vision has come up with its own matrix in evaluation customer perceptions of vehicle quality and brand loyalty. What follows is the company’s latest press release:

New Mazda3

For immediate release – Monday, November 10, 2008

San Diego – Strategic Vision today announced its 2008 Total Value Index® (TVI). TVI Scores fell across all brands reflecting economic concerns. During times of economic difficulties, automotive customers will examine the Total Value of potential vehicle choices with greater discrimination.

This greater customer scrutiny of automotive products will lead to new opportunities across all brands for the future. Customers are looking to the products to find the cues of quality that denote long term value with the best pricing, even among luxury vehicles. “When economic conditions become more favorable, the manufacturers who have focused their efforts in enhancing product quality and communicating messages of trustworthy products and overall value will be in a position to regain and even take over new market share,” reports Alexander Edwards, Strategic Vision’s president of automotive.

The economy has affected more than just the consumer’s willingness to spend money. As customers are bombarded with gloomy financial news on almost all fronts: stock markets down and fluctuating wildly, homes in foreclosure, plants closing and corporations laying off personnel, every decision has to be weighed against the individual consumer’s personal standard for Security. A vehicle purchased today must withstand even more demanding scrutiny. As a result, TVI brand scores are down across the board with a one notable exception. Pontiac made a stunning 25 point advance in TVI scores by combining competitive pricing with perceived interior quality. The Pontiac G6 is a good example of how Pontiac has exceeded customer expectations with price, value and interior quality cues.

Toyota Motor Sales is still the company to beat in customer value, although the Toyota brand was part of the overall trend of falling TVI Scores. Toyota Motor Sales has had 30 leaders in TVI over the past four years. In 2008, they add an astounding ten more: seven for Toyota (Yaris hatchback, Prius, Solara Convertible, RAV4, 4Runner, Sequoia and Tundra) and three for the Lexus (IS250/350, LS and RX400 Hybrid). Toyota’s consistent foundational messages of quality and reliability delivered over many years have generated consumer trust in Toyota products. “This trust is a crucial first step to success in today’s market,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and CEO of Strategic Vision.

Ironically, Toyota’s strong perceived reliability and durability expectations may slow Toyota’s sales during this economic slowdown. Customers may begin to evaluate if now is the right time to purchase a new vehicle and many Toyota and Lexus buyers may decide to “put off” the purchase of their next vehicle and wait for more favorable economic conditions.

 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

General Motors did well in Total Value with four segment leaders. Chevrolet’s strong tradition of value in both the sports car fun of the Corvette and the hardworking practicality of the Tahoe and Sierra were recognized. American Honda (with the Accord, Coupe, Odyssey and Ridgeline – all 2007 leaders) and Volkswagen of America (with the A3, Q7 and Passat Wagon) each had three models leading in their segments. Mazda is also worthy of mention as customers felt that they have received the “zoom-zoom” for their money in the Mazda3 Sedan and CX-9.

Buyers rated the following vehicles top in Total Value (TVI) in their segments:

The calculation of TVI begins with explicit statements that owners make about value (e.g. expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value, etc.). TVI then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the ownership experience, and it is here that Strategic Vision finds “True Value” — the worth of the attribute weighed against the costs.

Falling gas prices have little effect

It’s interesting to note that even with falling gas prices; the sales declines for all manufacturers were led by consumers continuing to turn away from full-size pickup trucks and big sport utility vehicles. Everyone, it seems, accepts the fact that high (or at least higher) gas prices are here to stay. Although there was a slight uptick in the sales of these larger vehicles, some of that recovery can be attributed to the large incentives that most manufacturers are putting “on the hood” of trucks and SUVs.

Here, then, is a thumbnail of the top 5 in year over year sales for August:

Toyota: overall sales down 9.4 percent

The good news for Toyota: Sales of the Yaris and Camry were both up and the new Yaris 5-door hatchback should help sales of that model even more.

The bad news: Lexus sales were down, Scion sales were down and Toyota can’t build enough of the Prius Hybrid to meet demand. Making matters worse, Toyota drank from the big pickup Kool-Aid and now has a 1.2 billion dollar assembly plant in San Antonio that was built to assemble 200,000 plus Tundra pickups, while sales of the truck were down 8% in August and 14.5% for the year.

General Motors: overall sales down 20 percent

The good news for GM: Sales in August were up 31% over July, due in no small measure to the “Employee Pricing” incentive that is currently running. Retail car sales were up at Chevrolet, Pontiac and Cadillac – with the Cadillac CTS showing an 87% increase and the Pontiac Vibe a 95% increase in year over year August sales. The GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook/Buick Enclave trio is also doing well.

The bad news: The Chevrolet Aveo and Cobalt, both small cars, posted sales declines of 21.3% and 26.6% respectively, year over year. Year over year sales of Cadillac trucks were down 49%, Saab sales were down 50%, while HUMMER sales, even with GM employee pricing, suffered a 62% drop.

Ford Motor Company: overall sales down almost 27 percent

The good news for Ford: August sales of the Focus were up 23% year over year, while sales of the Escape were up 17%.

The bad news: August year over year SUV sales at Ford were down 53%, F-Series pickup sales were down 42% while Volvo sales – the entire brand – plunged almost 49%.

American Honda: overall sales down 7.3 percent

The good news for Honda: August Civic sales were up 5.3%, Civic Hybrid sales were up 47.7%, while sales of the new Pilot were up 18.6% year over year.

The bad news: Following industry trends, total Honda light truck sales were down 10.3% year over year. Car sales were also down 4.9%, but this was primarily due to the fact that most Honda dealers ran out of the Fit small car before the end of the month due to model changeover.

Chrysler: overall sales down 34 percent

The good news for Chrysler: August sales of the Dodge Grand Caravan and the Chrysler Town and Country minivans were up 7% over last year. The new Dodge Journey and Challenger are doing well, while Dodge Charger sales were up slightly year over year.

The bad news: Everything else from Chrysler is pretty much in the dumper. Total August truck sales were down 33%, while even Chrysler’s small cars aren’t selling well: Chrysler Sebring sales were down 46%, Dodge Avenger sales were down 41%, sales of the aging PT Cruiser were down a whopping 65%, while sales of the Jeep Patriot, up a total of 89% for the entire year, were down 21% in August year over year sales.

The Bottom Line

While most automakers will want to put August out of their minds as soon as possible, sales prospects for September don’t look much better.

Destined not to be an automotive icon

It’s no secret that many of us at LotPro.com were not big fans of the Focus re-design for 2008. I personally owned a 2001 Focus ZX3, and the purchase was based as much on its design as the promised European performance. The first generation model was a Car and Driver 10 Best winner and Automobile Magazine thought so highly of the new Ford that they bestowed their “Car of the Year” award on it.

In Europe, the Focus received an entirely new platform in 2005. In the U.S., we got new headlights and new taillights. Big whup. For 2008, the U.S. Focus received a complete redesign that was, to say the least, disappointing. Despite all this, Ford’s smallest car is enjoying a renaissance, due, in no small measure, to the spiraling cost of gas and an onboard software system developed by Microsoft called Sync.

Second generation Focus part deux

For 2009, Ford has attempted to clean up some of the major transgressions of the 2008 model. Gone are the silly metal side vents. Ditto the fugly front and rear bumpers. The trunk-mounted rear spoiler is yanked and it finds a new home above the rear window. The front bumper, in a nod to its European counterparts, receives a Fiesta-esque lower opening, while the rear bumper receives more aggressive styling and a black lower panel similar to the Mazda3.

Other changes include new wheels on the SES model and a modest increase in horsepower on the 5-speed manual models. Automatic versions will enjoy better acceleration, thanks to a new final-drive ratio, without any impact on MPG figures. For both versions, a new exhaust system will give the Focus a “throatier sound”, according to Ford’s press release.

The Bottom Line

A partial re-design after only one year – especially with an 88% increase in April sales, year over year – speaks volumes about the feedback Ford must have received from the blue oval faithful. And while the Focus doesn’t come close to being the steaming turd the Pontiac Aztec represented, it was hardly an improvement over the first generation. And if the freshening only begins to address the current version’s styling issues, at least it’s a start.

2009 Pontiac G8

The last time Pontiac ventured outside the shores of the U. S. for a rear drive sedan, they ended up at GM’s Australian subsidiary, Holden. While their intentions were commendable, the results were less than satisfactory. The uninspired styling failed to convince the Pontiac faithful that this variant of a Holden Monaro was capable of carrying the GTO mantle.

Fast forward three years and, once again, Pontiac ventures down under in search of a rear wheel drive sedan to re-kindle the performance of GM’s wide-track division.

The G8 is based on Holden’s Commodore platform. If it can somehow survive the current high gas prices, the G8 promises to deliver a great deal of bang for the buck. With prices ranging from $27,600 to $32,800, performance fans can only hope that the G8 isn’t a case of being too late to the game.

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt

It is only too telling when you are a carmaker in an era of rising gas prices and one of your most fuel efficient vehicles is suffering from falling sales. Such is the current fate of the Cobalt. Decent fuel economy is offset by an interior nearly bereft of style and comprised of hard second-rate plastics.

In an effort to boost sales,GM recently introduced the Cobalt XFE (extra fuel economy) – a model that features a manual transmission, low rolling-resistance tires (they should be fun in the twisties) as well as a re-calibrated engine management system and a lower final drive ratio.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu

One of the few bright spots for Chevrolet has been the deserved success of the new Malibu. Introduced as a brand new model in 2008, the latest generation Malibu stands head and shoulders above the two previous generations – vehicles that had more in common with household appliances than mid size segment contenders. And while the Malibu is still no match for the Accord or Camry (as much as the marketing guys at GM would like you to think), the new Chevy is certainly a step in the right direction.

For 2009, the Malibu is pretty much unchanged from the popular ’08 version. Three rim levels (LS, LT and LTZ) are available as well as the Malibu Hybrid model.