Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg

Dan Roth — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, GM, Toyota

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Long-serving automotive journalist Phil Berg joins regulars Chris, Sam, and Dan to chew over some recent items. Starting us off, the car we all want in our driveways, the Cadillac CTS-V Sportwagon continues to be grist for the rumormill. Staying with GM, we move on to the debut of the Buick Regal and its potential use of GM's latest mild hybrid system. We next hit up the coming Impala, which will not be a version of the stillborn Pontiac G8, before we comment briefly about third quarter reports and the fervor surrounding GM's financials. The final two items before we hit questions are the delay of BMW's new X3, and a possible wagon or SUV version of the Toyota Prius.

Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg

Autoblog Podcast #153 - with Phil Berg originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet

2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East) - Click above for high-res image gallery

Remember those AWESOME rumors about the rear-wheel drive Pontiac G8 living on as a Chevy Caprice? Not going to happen, though used Chevy cop cars will still be the hot Christmas item come 2017 or so. Inside Line's Ed Hellwig reports that after a sit down meeting with General Motors' Maximum Bob Lutz, not only won't there be a true successor to the 1994-1996 Impala SS, but the next Impala will remain front-wheel drive.

The new Impala will get bigger says IL, and add features - probably in an attempt to keep up with the hefty and tech-laden Ford Taurus. Lutz mentions that the new Impala will not only sport decent fuel economy, but also feature GM's hybrid technology. Whether or not this means a Chevy Volt style gas-electric powertrain or the General's next-generation belt-alternator mild hybrid system isn't clear. All we know is, once the few, still-lingering-on dealer-lots G8s are gone, they are gone baby, gone.

Gallery: 2009 Chevrolet Caprice (Middle East)

[Source: Straight Line Blog]

REPORT: Lutz says next Chevy Impala to stay front-drive, gain hybrid variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEMA 2009: Who lives in an Impala, under the sea?

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Chevrolet, Humor, Specialty

SpongeBob SquarePants Impala by IMF Kustoms - Click above for high-res image gallery

We were cruising through the back part of the central hall at SEMA, on the prowl for ~~Camaros~~, ~~Mustangs~~, ~~Challengers~~ something interesting when we were stopped dead in our tracks by this masterful use of pigment, cleverly disguising a late-eighties Chevy Caprice. Looks like SpongeBob has traded his pineapple for a box. The graphics are really stunning up close and depict everyone's favorite sponge in a variety of vignettes. The whole SpongeBob gang is there -- Patrick, Gary, Mr. Krabs, Squidward and Plankton are all there. Classic. Just one of the beautifully airbrushed vehicles we hope to share with you this week. Oh, and although it's a bit hard to see from the pics, the interior was equally well adorned -- seats, dash, headliner, the whole nine yards. Check it in the gallery below.

Gallery: SEMA 2009: Sponge Bob Impala

SEMA 2009: Who lives in an Impala, under the sea? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega

John Neff — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Toyota

Nationwide Series cars testing at Talladega - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've already shown you the new Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger cars that will soon be running in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, but Chevy also introduced a new Impala car and Toyota a new Camry. All four new cars were out at Talladega Superspeedway today for some test runs, which gives us our first chance to view the new, more production-like bodies in the revealing light of day.

What we've learned is that all four manufacturers - Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota - worked with NASCAR to develop the new body types that look markedly more like their production counterparts than cars raced in the upper level Sprint Cup. Those cars, based on the NASCAR Car of Tomorrow chassis, look identical from the bleachers, making the task of identifying your favorite brand practically impossible. Not so with the new Nationwide Series cars. They actually have distinct shapes that clearly communicate which pony car and/or family sedan you're watching race.

We wondered how much these new bodies would affect aerodynamics and give some brands with sleeker designs an edge, and we're told that all four cars are within "three horsepower of drag and just a few pounds of downforce." Those teams that might have an advantage are likely Chevrolet and Toyota, both of which opted to base their cars on family sedans - the Impala and Camry - with sleeker front ends. The Mustang and Challenger cars may suffer a disadvantage when it comes to wind with their more upright and recessed grilles, but Ford and Dodge will surely win the PR war with their iconic pony cars on the track.

Gallery: Nationwide Series tests four new cars at Talladega

[Source: NASCAR]

All four new Nationwide Series cars tested at Talladega originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Enterprise sold cars after removing side impact airbags

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety

Enterprise, the country's largest car rental and fleet agency, is finding itself in hot water after purposely deleting standard safety equipment from some 66,000 Chevrolet Impalas it purchased between 2006 and 2008 for its nation-wide fleet of rental cars. The full-size Chevy comes fitted standard with side-impact curtain airbags, but Enterprise chose to have the equipment removed to save the cost.

In an investigative piece broken by The Kansas City Star, industry sources say that deleting "unwanted equipment" can save fleet buyers like Enterprise significant costs, especially advantageous in the highly competitive rental car business where the lowest price is often the determining factor for many customers. By removing the airbags from the Impalas, Enterprise was said to have saved $11.5 million.

The rental company also acknowledged having ordered some 5,000 Chevrolet Cobalts and Buick LaCrosses with the airbags removed at the factory. The placement of side-impact curtain airbags has been shown to dramatically reduce the number of fatalities from side collisions, the second most deadly type of accident after head-on collisions. Although the airbags came as standard equipment on the Impala, as well as the Cobalt and LaCrosse, federal safety regulations did not mandate their inclusion, therefore Enterprise broke no law in removing them. Research discovered at least five fatal side-impact collisions involving fleet-purchased Impalas from various companies.

To make matters worse, however, Enterprise reportedly sold 745 Impalas on the open market, falsely advertised as having the side airbags when they did not. Enterprise says the listing that specified the cars in question had the airbags was simply "a glitch in the system", and offered as recourse to buy back the cars from their new owners for $750 over their Blue Book value. That works out to $175 more than the cars would have cost with the airbags installed as standard equipment from the factory.

[Source: The Kansas City Star via CBS]

Continue reading REPORT: Enterprise sold cars after removing side impact airbags

REPORT: Enterprise sold cars after removing side impact airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Rumormill

Pontiac G8 GT - Click above for a high-res image gallery

The brand's demise next year will mark the end of the Pontiac G8, but there's a faint glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel for the Aussie-built sports sedan. Speaking with Automotive News, Tom Stephens, General Motors' vice chairman of global product development, said "there's still discussions on" resurrecting the G8, "but Chevrolet already has several sedans. How many sedans do you need to cover the waterfront?"

His comments don't imbue us with much hope for the G8's future, particularly after GM CEO Fritz Henderson has clearly stated that no Pontiac models will live on within the "new" GM. Although there's a groundswell of enthusiast support for the General to replace the Impala SS - due to be killed next year - with the G8, or possibly offer the rear-wheel drive sedan as a Buick model, the idea doesn't seem to be gaining traction within the automaker.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Pontiac G8 could live on, sans Pontiac... but don't hold your breath originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

Chris Paukert — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just announced a major recall covering nearly 1.5 million General Motors passenger cars from the late 90's and early 2000s. The recall affects various Buick, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac models equipped with normally aspirated versions of GM's much-utilized 3800 3.8-liter V6.

Apparently, some of these engines can drop oil onto the exhaust manifold during hard braking. If that manifold has gotten hot enough and the oil dribbles below the heat shield, it can start a small fire. The flames can then engulf the plastic spark plug wire channel, potentially resulting in a full-on engine compartment fire.

The fix? Dealer service departments will be asked to remove said spark plug wire retention channel from the front of the engine bay, and then retrofit two new retainers.

Models Affected:

1997-2003 Buick Regal
2000-2003 Chevrolet Impala
1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina
1998-2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1998-1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue
1997-2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

The recall is slated to begin in May. Official NHTSA Release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires

GM recalling 1.4 million passenger cars over potential engine fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Impala recalled over faulty airbags

Chris Tutor — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chevrolet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says passenger airbags in some 2009 Chevrolet Impalas may have a potentially deadly flaw. Not only could the devices fail to inflate in a crash, but the inflator tube could rupture and hurl pieces of it at passengers. Sounds pretty bad, but there is good news for most Impala owners. According to NHTSA, the recall will only affect 79 Impalas, and not all of them will need replacement. Airbags found to be faulty will be completely replaced under the recall campaign at GM service centers.

Notices will be mailed out sometime this month to Impala owners who need to have their vehicles inspected. You can read the entire NHTSA description here.

[Source: Inside Line]

2009 Impala recalled over faulty airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Due to CAFE, Lutz declares RWD Impala and Monaro dead

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Government/Legal, Green, Chevrolet, GMC, Pontiac, Holden

It's finally (semi) official: RWD cars like a new Pontiac GTO (and Holden Monaro) and Impala are "gone for now." Bob Lutz has been making noises about it for a while, and every announcement gets more and more certain that the front wheels will be pulling more GM cars.

Just a month ago, Lutz told Forbes "That's where the internal debate [on the Impala] is now -- no firm decision at this point, but my guess is that we will come down on the side of the front-drive car." By the time of last week's Detroit Auto Show, Lutz was telling GoAuto "I think the (Monaro/Pontiac GTO) is gone for now.... [T]hat's not the end of the market where we want to stimulate demand. We have to find ways to stimulate demand and desirability in cars that will get us closer to the 35 MPG average."

How will that be done? Perhaps by using the Alpha midsize platform and making CUV's. However, the Alpha still hasn't been signed off on, and won't be until GM figures out what -- and how many -- standards it will need to adhere to when the CAFE tug-of-war ends.

[Source: GoAuto]

Due to CAFE, Lutz declares RWD Impala and Monaro dead originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Strike update: Plants close in Canada due to lack of supplies

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Buick, Chevrolet, GM, GMC, Pontiac, UAW/Unions

Our neighbors to the north have official felt the crunch of the strike here at home, with the Oshawa, Ontario plant closing down production today after it ran out of parts to produce the Chevrolet Impala. Unfortunately, 3,000 workers have had to punch out and head home for the day as a result.

It's expected that another plant in Ontario that produces the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick LaCrosse will have to shut down before the end of the day, while the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra plant is likely to close by the end of the week unless deliveries resume.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

GM Strike update: Plants close in Canada due to lack of supplies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: New Impala sighting?

Alex Nunez — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:20:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Chevrolet

UPDATE: It's been confirmed from about a half dozen sources that this is not the next Impala, which won't be on its way until the end of the decade and will likely be riding on a rear-wheel drive Zeta platform(!), but rather the next Malibu.

Our friends at Winding Road have new spy photos of what appears to be the next Chevy Impala. The telltale bowtie is visible under the checkerboard tape on the car's nose, and the the body seems be the right size (Winding Road's photo gallery bears this out). The bold-looking grille recalls the 2003 SS Concept -- a good thing -- and round taillamps peek through the masking in back (though that doesn't necessarily mean that's what the final lamps will look like.) The car is even a confirmed front-driver that's likely riding on the General's veteran G-body platform, which is evident from the kinked C-pillar shared with the Buick Lucerne.

If this is indeed the new Impala, it looks like the General managed to inject some real style into the car's look.

Editor's note: The current Impala was refreshed for the 2006 model year, and despite its lack of stimulating style has enjoyed favorable reviews from critics and better-than-decent sales. Last month the current model sold 30,716 units, an 85.3-percent improvement over the prior year and enough to make it Chevy's best selling passenger car for the month over the econo-Cobalt. If these spy shots are of the next Impala, the current model may not be around much longer to enjoy its success.

[Source: Winding Road]

Spy Shots: New Impala sighting? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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