Well, I've had a fun packed couple of days.

Last night about a dozen of us had a night of interesting conversation with RP.

Today, I spent afew hours at the Chicago Auto Show during media days. Here are some impressions.

CHEVY

-Cobalt:
Cobalt sedan and coupe are really nice. These cars are a quantum leap forward for Chevrolet. Cobalt will be a hit....I promise you.

-Aveo:
OK...it's a crappy little car. But for UNDER 10 grand, it's a decent little crappy car. Chevy will have greater market penetration with Aveo.

-SSR:
I found it interesting on how many bits and pieces I could identify from the GM parts bin of the past. I had no idea that these parts were even still in the supply system. For example, early 3rd gen Camaro shifter and door lock pins from the '60's and '70's.

-Malibu/Malibu Maxx:
These cars have alot of underlying goodness. But their sheetmetal is so devoid of even one shred of style...that I could never consider owning them.

-C6:
Nice enough. But I was really, really hoping that it would take my breathe away. It didn't.

-Mustang:
I was afraid that the production version had lost the magic of the concept....after seeing it in photographs. Well, the production version looks much more agressive in person than I thought. I think Ford has a homerun!

-DC:
Lots of cool stuff. A cool Durango R/T concept, for one. I really liked the Magnum and 300. But this is what blew me completely away. A base 300 can be had for $23 grand. Did you guys hear that ?!$23,000! ...for a well equipped, modern, full sized, RWD, American sedan. As attractive as that price is...if I were buying one, I'd have to ante up for the HEMI, leather and some other doo-dads.

-Coolest GM car:
By far, and no contest...the CTSV.

-People Observations:
Japanese journalists/auto industry reps, will scarf down sushi faster than a school of starving goldfish eating fish food. If you get caught in the confligration...make sure to cover your plate if you plan on eating.

J.Mays looks older in person. He's got such a baby face in pictures.

Steve Saleen might want to consider a different hairstyle.

Scott Settlemire is always at meetings.

 

Also...

I know alot of you didn't like the Ford Five Hundred and Merc Montego, but I thought that they were pretty nice.

The Cobra, however, did nothing for me.

 

I am hoping to get to the New York City Auto show in April to check out the cars. Maybe GM might have a surprise there we all dont know about yet.

 

the cts-v was there? I missed it!! I thought they were releasing an new mustang model too... to go along with the new gt. ?

 

Yeah, what happened to that new Stang model that was going to be shown? I assume it was the 'vert.

To bad you missed the CTSv, it is amazing how 18" rims and a few small styling changes can make a good looking car absolutely gorgeous.