Spent afew hours at the Chicago Auto Show media day, today. Also, hooked up with our man RP for awhile....as he gave me a personal tour of some of the Chevy products.

Impala:

You know what? I like it....especially the SS. Is it a biceps bulging muscle car? No. But it's not supposed to be. What it is, is....pretty nice.
I can't believe how much nicer the interior is compared to the current car. Quantum leap improvement is the term that comes to mind. Lots of nice features too. This car is gonna sell.

Cobalt:

The thing that strikes me about Cobalt is it's interior. Nicest one from Chevy so far. And in a car that's pretty affordable. I think some of Bob Lutz's influences are beginning to start creeping into cars. Just wish the Cobalt SS had a rear spoiler delete though.



Camaro:

Although we don't have a new car, I'm happy to say that Camaro was well represented at Chicago. Our Martian friend made sure a '67 Camaro Pace Car was on display. Also, the Chevy Smallblock display had many, many Camaro references, (good job there ), including a couple of Z/28 motors and lots of old Camaro ads. Even the '69 Z/28 "We've got a mean streak" ad that my sig came from.

I'll type more later.

 

Charger and Charger Daytona:

I just cannot warm up to this car. You've all seen the pictures....the real thing looks the same. I have to admit though, the Daytona is a cosmetic improvement....well, except for that cheezy spoiler.

But just afew feet away from the Charger Daytona, was the Magnum SRT-8. Lowered, 20" wheels, 425 hp, racey trim. Even if the SRT-8 ends up costing afew thousand dollars more than the Daytona, I honestly can't imagine anyone choosing the Daytona.....while they sit next to each other at the Dodge store.

People were all over the Magnum SRT-8 like stink on poo. The only one looking at the Charger Daytona was me.

I wish Dodge luck with the Charger.

 

US Army, Stryker armored vehicle:

Yes, the US Army had a display. My interest in all things military is only rivalled by my interest in cars. The Stryker Brigade in Iraq has really put the hurt on Haji, and saved countless American lives. It has performed far beyond expectations.

I started talking to one of the Stryker training instructors. After awhile he asked me if I wanted to learn how to use the remote weapons station. He only had to ask me once! The weapon's station is controlled by a joy stick, targeting system, and closed circuit tv system, inside the vehicle. Call me juvenile, but I got great entertainment from locking the targetting reticle on to random journalist walking the floor....and seeing the "oh crap" look on their faces, (especially effective with the "zoom in/ zoom out" feature), as they realized that the remotely controlled, Mk 19 40mm grenade launcher was following them around the floor.

Very awesome.

 

What did you think of the Milan & the new DTS?

The Milan seems odd in pictures and the DTS seems like it's gone downhill in style.

 

Actually, I thought the DTS was pretty nice. I really didn't look at the Milan very closely....but from what I saw, it seemed alright. I thought the Fusion was cool.

Oh, and I liked the Lucerne, also.

Of course, regarding Lucerne and DTS......although I like them.....those are not cars that appeal directly to me.

 

Kind of like the Fusion myself, though I think we're the only 2 on the site that does.

The DTS seems tobe a characture of itself in photos. It's grille seems way too big, and it also looks like the CTS & STS's headlights were forced onto a body that didn't want it.

I guess this one goes into the "Looks-better-in-person" catagory.

 

I think that a smaller, less Escaladeish grill will make the DTS look better. I actualy like the STSesque headlights. Tail looks eh...too plain.

 

That's for sure. The pictures didn't really do much for me, but the front end looks much better in the flesh.

 

I like the looks of the new Impala and the 300hp V8 option is great. What I don't really like is the rear styling of the car. I think they should have stayed with some sort of dual round tail lights or even triple, instead of the Malibu look-a-like tail lights. The current Impala really stands out in traffic with its round taillights especially at night, but I never cared for the huge red plastic rear panel though so I am glad that part is gone. I am just not happy with the Malibuish rear treatment either.

 

Few may know it, but this is actually a GM vehicle: it was designed and built by GM of Canada and has been in service with the Canadian army since about 1999. For "wow" factor, there's even more impressive models with full night & day surveillance suites mounted on a 10m telescoping mast; cannons from 25mm up to 90mm; nuclear/biological/chemical vehicles; and even the odd 10x10 variant running around. GM sold their defence division, including this vehicle, to General Dynamics in 2003.

 

The DTS looks great in the picture (yes one) from AutoBlog that features it in black. I'm so tempted to pack up shop and head down there on the public days or spend a weekend just to ensure I could drive the indoor track from DCX. Talk about an idea!!

How were the qualities of the Lucerne? I'll admit I did not read the entire thread, so excuse me if it has been answered.

 

I also love the Fusion. Smash hit for Ford, and is needed for the brand. I've honestly yet to check out the Milans interior, but I hear it's not that great. I really should make the venture to Chicago, although I doubt it with more snow on the way.

 

Lucerne looks nice. The port holes are a nice touch.

Don't bother with the indoor track. You don't drive...you're a passenger, and speed is limited to 4 mph.

 

I like the Fusion, looks a lot better than the Ford 500 and Malibu. All it needs is the Mazdaspeed 6 powertrain and you have a great SVT Fusion

 

Yeah, I wish Chevy had a car like Fusion.