The crossover segment has become hot recently and the automakers have outed several new models to keep up with the pace. Since there is a wide variety of models and makes to choose from, sometimes consumers now find themselves quite confused on which model to buy. Some models coming up include the 2007 Saturn Outlook and its close rival and near clone, the GMC Acadia. Along with the 2008 Buick Enclave (which arrived in the spring) and an upcoming Chevrolet version, the Saturn and GMC models will be replacing GM’s entire lineup of conventional truck-based midsize SUVs, including Chevy TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier.

Last year was the first time that the sales on crossovers were able to outsell those of the truck-based SUVs. And, the vehicles among the segment rapidly gained the interest of the customers from both urban and suburban American community. Auto makers foresee that this trend will continue to flourish this year; that’s why they are now setting aside plans for the likes of the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Durango and other GM models.

Customers are shifting to crossovers because it offers better fuel economy much more than the truck-based SUVs. Fuel economy has become a priority for custmers what with the soaring and unstable gasoline prices.

The Saturn Outlook and Vue, of which basically focused on the Saturn Outlook XR front-wheel-drive version and priced $29,555 plus $735 freight, provided the Saturn dealers their first midsize SUV. Setting the crossover as a priority more than the aging TrailBlazer platform, Saturn is said to be far more looking to the future.

As with the Outlook and Acadia, these models are closely compared since they are made on the same architecture and assembly line. However, they have their own uniqueness when it comes to styling cues and interior packages and it is where they are differentiated. Both the models are equipped with GM’s 3.6 L V6 engine with variable valve timing. Such engine has been designed to provide optimum fuel economy as well as low emissions and “exceptional smoothness”.

For the Outlook, two configurations of its engine are held available: “The entry-level XE model (base price &27,255 plus freight) comes with a single exhaust outlet,” as what has been mentioned in seattlepi.com. Such engine could produce 263 hp and 244 ft-lb of torque.

When the XR was tested, the engine ratings climbed to 267 hp and 247 ft-lb of torque as a second exhaust outlet has been added. This makes the model same as with the Acadia. And, both have an engine that connects to a six-speed automatic transmission and both also offer either front- or all-wheel drive.

The XR version of the Outlook model has a starting price of $31,555, about $2,000 greater than the XE model with all-wheel drive.

Enhanced stability has been provided for the Outlook and Acadia as both have a long wheelbase with wide tracks. Both also come with a front suspension, including MacPherson struts, a stabilizer bar and aluminum steering knuckles. And, on the rear, a compact, linked “H” suspension design is significant.

Aside from being equipped with premium Saturn catalytic converter, the standard features provided for the Outlook and Acadia include power rack-and-pinion steering, GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with anti-rollover technology, traction control, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and OnStar navigation/communications system.

Safety features have also been provided. It includes tire-pressure monitoring system and six standard air bags (two dual-stage frontal air bags, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags in the first row and two roof rail air bags covering all three rows of seating).

Both Outlook and Acadia can tow trailers weighing a maximum of 4,500 lbs, when optionally equipped with towing package.

On the inside, adjustable seats have been provided along with the roomy space for the convenience of passengers together with children for the third row. They make a total of 177 cubic feet cabin space.

A convenience package is offered for XR model which provides additional standard items such as power tailgate, rear park assist, remote start, heated wiper fluid and a 155-volt power outlet.

All characteristics hold the GM models highly competitive as a rival for the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot.

Ford enthusiasts are happy to know that their much-awaited Edge crossover is now available. The brand new crossovers from the automaker have begun arriving at dealerships across the country in the last few days.

Among the first customers to take the first delivery of Edge is Mike Stone, a Detroit radio talk-show host, who ordered his Edge SEL nearly three months ago. Stone replaced his 2004 Cadillac CTS in favor of a brand new Ford Edge. “I wanted something new, something American and most important, something that was going to take on this Michigan snow.” said Stone.

After driving the newly purchased crossover, Stone noted, “I like it a lot. It’s got better pick up than I thought. It actually handles the road and hugs those curves pretty well. I like its SUV-like roominess and car-like ride.”

Ford Edge is based on the CD3 platform of the automaker. The crossover has debuted as a 2007 model at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January. It is built at Ford’s Oakville Assembly Complex in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. Edge combines advanced auto parts Ford Explorer with those of the Freestar to create a fascinating new crossover. It is engineered to compete with Hyundai Santa Fe and Chevrolet Equinox. Edge is also a finalist for the North American Truck of the Year award which is the highlight of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

One of the many reasons that are driving aficionados closer to Edge is the latter’s thrilling design. Edge boasts its chrome accents, leather seats, and the 18-inch aluminum wheels Ford. According to sales associate Brian Burke of Tom Holzer Ford, who sold the vehicle to Stone. Burke added that over 2 dozen pre-orders have been placed for the Edge at his dealership even though there were no Edge vehicles on-site to test drive. “I can’t think of another vehicle that has generated more excitement,” Burke said. “This reminds me of the 1986 Taurus, when Ford came out with something that was totally different in style. And like the Taurus, the Edge takes on different (and unique) styling.”

George Pipas, Ford sales analyst said that crossovers will outsell SUVs for the first time in 2006 with 2.4 million units sold compared to 2.1 million SUVs. He added that by 2010, crossover sales should reach about 3 million, while SUV sales slide to approximately 1.75 million.

At this year?s Chicago Auto Show, Pontiac (also maker of top of the line Pontiac catalytic converter) ? confirming its commitment to style and performance ? introduced a show car version of the all-new, rear-wheel drive performance, the G8 GT.

The G8 is the first North American application of GM’s new global rear-wheel-drive architecture developed by Holden, GM’s Australian subsidiary.

The G8 show car gave everyone a peek of the highly anticipated production GT model, including use of the 362-horsepower (270 kW) 6.0L V-8 engine and optional six-speed manual transmission. The show car also features some unique items not found on the production model, including twenty-inch “shadow chrome” wheels and performance tires, ride height lowered approximately half-inch, high-performance brake rotors with painted brake calipers, custom interior trim color, including a leather-wrapped dash, exclusive exterior paint color: Phantom Grey, and the concept of “modernized” Pontiac badge.

Last week, the first prototype of the Pontiac G8 rolled off General Motors’ Australia unit, GM Holden — ahead of a full production start later in the year. The rear-wheel-drive performance sedan is headed for the United States in early 2008.

Production model details

The 2008 Pontiac G8 lineup will offer two models: G8 and G8 GT. Each will come with a host of standard performance, convenience and safety features, including:

Four-wheel independent suspension

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control

Electronic stability control

18-inch aluminum wheels (19-inch wheels available with sport package)

Seat-mounted thorax air bags and dual-stage frontal air bags for front passengers, with automatic passenger sensing system

Roof rail side-impact air bags for both seating rows

OnStar

XM Satellite Radio

Power-adjustable front seats

Fog lamps

Chrome exhaust tips

Rear lip spoiler

A sport package will also be available for both models and adds features such as specific wheels ? including 19-inch aluminum wheels and performance tires on GT ? a rear wing spoiler, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Production of the Pontiac G8 is scheduled to commence at the Holden plant in late 2007, bringing the production line to a maximum capacity rate of 620 cars per day.

The G8 will be the first car sold in the U.S. based on the Australia-developed new Zeta global GM architecture. This means that Holden?s Elizabeth plant is exporting to every continent in the world, with the exception of Antarctica.

About GM Holden Ltd

GM Holden Ltd or Holden is an Australian automaker based in Melbourne, Victoria, originally independent but now a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). The automotive marque is one of GM’s “alpha” brands, taking charge of vehicle operations for General Motors in Australasia, and have partial ownership of GM Daewoo in South Korea.

For the first time this season, Toyota has earned its NASCAR Nextel Cup pole position, thanks to Dave Blaney, who drove his No. 22 Caterpillar Toyota Camry and set the fastest lap time in the recent practice test that took place at the New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon.

Blaney pushed his Toyota “Car of Tomorrow” Camry equipped with Toyota Sway Bar Link to reach a maximum speed of 129.437 mph, and clocked in at 29.426 leaving other drivers behind. Blaney’s achievement is a milestone for Toyota Racing team as this is the first time that a Toyota car obtained a pole finish. Dave Blaney will put his Toyota Camry in the number 1 starting position at the upcoming Lenox Industrial Tools 300 race this coming July.

Check out what Dave Blaney said after the qualifying race.

“It feels good to get the first pole for Toyota and hopefully this is the first step in many successful days of poles and wins. We’ve been good all day and been getting a lot of speed out of the car. All of the Toyotas have been real good lately and Brian Vickers has had some good runs lately too. The Toyota side is definitely working hard and I just can’t thank everyone at Bill Davis Racing enough. Especially Tommy Baldwin, Bill Davis, Mike Brown and everybody. We’ve had a trying year with problems and DNFs. It’s been tough being out of the top-35 because it’s hard to concentrate on the races when you have to concentrate on getting into them. This is a big confidence booster for the whole team and any day where you can build confidence in your entire team and driver makes for a good day.”

The press asked Blaney if he already had the feeling that he would grab the pole, and he said:

“I watched everybody early and I saw that some of their speeds were falling off some from practice. I wasn’t sure what we could run and I knew we didn’t really change anything from practice. But in my situation I have to focus on getting into the race more than going for the pole. I can’t make a mistake and risk not getting into the race. I was a little conservative on my first lap, but when I found out that it was fast enough to get into the show — I gave that second lap a little more and I was able to put it on top of the board. It’s a tough position to be in because you have to be cautious enough to get it, but aggressive enough to get in the race. But yeah – I thought we could get the pole.”

NASCAR fans will surely watch out for the upcoming race in Loudon and see if Dave Blaney can give his Toyota team its first NASCAR victory.

I am looking to get a BMW soon, and I have heard good things about the E30 and E36s. Both being from the 90s, they would be in my price range.
Which year and series BMW would make a good first car, when taking into account reliability, and cost.
Also, how many miles should I look for on it?

Does anyone know or have details about the very first motion picture to have a custom car at a Nascar race? What movie was the first to have one? Was it Day’s of Thunder?

Middle East subsidiary of DaimlerChrysler has released the sales figures showing strong sales for Chrysler Jeep and Dodge across the region for the first quarter of 2007.

Trent Barcroft, Vice President, DaimlerChrysler Middle East said, ‘It’s been a great opening to the year for all three brands’. He also added, ?We achieved all of our sales objectives and delivered a 29% increase in volume against the same period last year – that’s significant in such a highly competitive market, and testimony to the quality, appeal and overall value for money that our brands represent.?

As DaimlerChrysler?producer of high quality Jeep mufflers —continues with its aggressive programme of new model introductions that includes the all-new Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Dodge Nitro, and Wrangler Unlimited?all equipped with durable and power boosting Jeep muffler — and Chrysler Sebring, —all launched this year–2007 looks likely to be another record sales year. Barcroft has also said, ?Sales in Qatar, in particular, were incredible, with volume up 154% against 2006. All of our distributors have worked really hard, and with great new models to sell, they’re reaching new heights.?

Barcroft also said, ?Chrysler Group’s clear definition between brand offerings, improved quality and overall value are ensuring balanced sales among the top products. In 2007, we expect this to continue as we introduce an all-time record number of new models, all of which are part of a balanced product portfolio and are designed to meet the needs of a specific group of customers, and complement, not compete with one another.?

The first new model introductions of 2007 are already available in the Middle East, and so far have been very successful in boosting sales and interest levels. According to Craig Hardie, Marketing and Communications Manager – Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge – DaimlerChrysler Middle East, ‘The first shipment of Dodge Nitro’s that we received sold out immediately – more stock is on the way. Response to the Jeep Wrangler, the Wrangler Unlimited and Chrysler Sebring has also been extremely positive, driving many new customers to our brands, and with the Dodge Avenger and Jeep Patriot still to be launched in the Middle East, we’re highly optimistic about our continued growth in the Middle East!?

The best sales month so far for the Chrysler Group’s operations outside North America happened last March 2007 and marked the 22nd consecutive months of year-on-year sales gains. The sales for March 2007 grew by 18% as compared to the same period in 2006 and closed with a total of 22,375 units sold. The sales outside North America has also increased by 13 percent over the same period last year which records 52,570 units sold.

Thomas Hausch, Executive Director of International Sales and Marketing said, ?The efforts of our sales teams in all of our international regions contributed to the March sales performance. We have said that our business outside North America has a key role in the Chrysler Group’s Recovery and Transformation Plan. These markets have solid teams in place to help grow our business, and with the right products tailored to meet the needs of global markets, there is a lot of potential to reach new customers.?

Sales has also continued to grow in a steady level in key markets throughout Western Europe, surprisingly reaching highest monthly volumes ever for regions such as Latin America, which has obtained sales of up to 43% in March, contributing to the high sales recorded by Chrysler Group for the same month. The combined sales of Chrysler AG for Eastern Europe and Russia rose by 69% and compared to the first quarter of 2006 its up by 45%.

The Dodge brand is also enjoying an increasing demand starting off with the Dodge Caliber which has surpassed the rest of the other Chrysler Group vehicles and made it as Chrysler?s International top-selling vehicle to date with 7,964 units sold. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Chrysler 300C sales ranked second and third reporting sales of 7,771 and 7,616 units respectively.

Lets have a little fun here, now that Nascar has implimented drug tests who do you think will be the first to fail?