Isuzu Pulls Out of 2006 Detroit NAIAS

The jokes about that headline are numerous, so we'll avoid them...

On Saturday, the Detroit News published that Isuzu Motors America will not be displaying its product at the 2006 Detroit North American International Autoshow.

This marks the first time that Isuzu will not display vehicles at the show, but it's not the first step in such a decline. Three years ago, Isuzu's display moved from the back of the first level of Cobo Hall, to a small, rudimentary stand in the basement.

Isuzu's reasoning is that Detroit isn't a large volume market for their sales, and will therefore focus their marketing on cities where the company is moderately more successful.

The downside is that these shows are smaller, or independant in nature - and have little to none of the press exposure that NAIAS has.

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Testing

Things on Blogger have been spotty lately, particuarly when it comes to photo hosting.

If anyone knows a cheap, high-bandwith photo hosting facility, please let me know. I hate to abandon Blogger altogether quite yet.

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GMT 900 Revealed

NOTE: We're currently having photo hosting trouble, so bear with us. More photos will be added as soon as possible.


GM finally pulled the wraps off the all-new Tahoe, the first production variant of the GMT 900 platform, just this very morning.

There's a lot here, so keep reading after the jump.



Those who had previously seen taboo spy photography will not be surprised, but from the exterior, the Tahoe appears to be a nice blend between old and new. While changed, the roofline and overall profile are reminiscant of the previous GMT 800 utilities, but the front fascia takes much from the Cheyenne concept of 2003.

And yes, it does look a bit like the 2006 Trailblazer.



The rear quarters show the Tahoe to have a square-like overall profile, similar to that of it's segment competitor, the Ford Expedition. In a neat styling move, the receiver hitch has been surrounded by the entire bumper fascia, which helps give the rear end a clean, sophisticated look.

Perhaps the biggest question related to styling is related to the Tahoe's interior. And while nothing absolutely revolutionary has been performed in terms of its physical layout, there is much to make note of.

Gone is the dreary, semi-wrap around truck dashboard of old, and in it's place, a two-toned flowing instrument panel. The LTZ model featured in press photography sports silver dashboard trim, which contrasts nicely to the wood applique on the center stack.



Control layouts have been significantly revised. The transfer case controls are now commanded by a chrome-edged rotary knob on the left-hand side of the IP; located adjacent to lighting controls. Steering wheel mounted pushbuttons remain, but their functions have been changed. Buttons on the left-hand side are all related to cruise control functions, and those on the right-hand side are relevant to audio and Onstar systems. Buttons for the vehicle display center have been moved to the dashboard, just to the right-hand side of the instrument cluster.

The center stack, very similar in style to that of the new Impala, houses the significantly revised audio and HVAC system controls. The LTZ shown here does have a navigation system, but the DVD logo on the unit, along with the Dolby Digital trademark, indicates to me that it may finally play movie DVDs in park, a feat prior GM navigation systems could not handle. Additionally, a second slot allows the playback of a music CD, while retaining the navigational DVD in a hideaway, second slot. Thankfully, the navigation screen is much larger, with simplified buttons on either side of the display. And for the iPod generation, an auxiliary music input jack is included at the top.

In another neat move, GM's made Rear Seat Audio (RSA) standard on all models. And in a move that surprises me, they've improved it. RSA now allows the both zones to listen to the same source, but on different frequencies. Previously, if the both zones listened to say, FM, they'd have to listen to the exact same channel. No longer is this limitation imposed on rear passengers.

The HVAC design is of interest. Gone are the scroll-wheels for driver and passenger temperature selection; in their place are up/down arrows, and simplistic command controls for modes and locations. Below that lie two 12v power outlets, and an array of other commands. Of note is the button for the Microheat sourced heated wash system. This typically is something that is automatically integrated into a standard wash control.




The Tahoe still sports three row seating, but much improvement has been made to the second row - particuarly when equipped with captain's chairs. Previously moderately cumbersome to remove and/or accomoadate cargo, these bucket seats now flip and fold against the driver and passenger seats, allowing for more cargo room. Even better, these second row seats are power flip-and-fold, The 3rd row is still a removable two-piece bench.

Beauty is only skin deep, and the GMT 900 platform sports refinement down to it's bare frame rails. The Tahoe rides on a 116" wheelbase, and sits on a fully-boxed, 3-part hydroformed chassis. Compared to the GMT 800 model, this chassis is 49% tortionally stronger, and 35% stronger in terms of beaming frequency (front-to-back flexing). The vehicle capacity is 5% greater than the GMT 800 model.

Front suspension on the Tahoe is a new independant, coil-over-shock design on both 2wd and 4wd models. The rear suspension is a 5-link design, much like the previous model, but has been enhanced thanks to a stronger rear axle, and enforced shock mounts. ZW4 (smooth, premium ride) suspension is standard on all models, with the Z55 (autoride) standard on the LTZ, and the Z71 (off-road) variety will be launched on the Z71 model, starting in late 2006. Stabilitrak - to keep the vehicle straight and to avoid potential rollovers - is standard on all Tahoe trim levels.

The Tahoe body has been equipped with extensive noise reducing features, including new door seals, headliner material, and front-of-dash designs, to help reduce interior noise. Also included are a quiet-tuned alternator, and an acoustically tuned engine cover that supposedly reduces engine noise heard within.tighter body gap tolerances, makes Tahoe quieter as it slices through the air. Tahoe also sports spray-in expanding foam, which helps reduce noise by filling in space to eliminate sound paths. The majority of this foam is located within the Tahoe's A-pillars.



And what's all this without powertrain? GM's new Gen-IV small-block V8 family is standard on the Tahoe - in fact, the smallest engine one can get will be the 4.8L V8 in late 2006, which will be standard on 2WD Tahoes. This engine still delivers 290 hp. The 5.3 liter V8 has been thoroughly changed, and sports revised cylinder blocks, Displacement On Demand, electronic throttle control, and a returnless fuel system. Ethanol (E85) capable 5.3 units will be standard on 4wd Tahoes, and optional on 2wd models. All engines are coupled through GM's Hydra-Matic 4L60-E 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission.

Not mentioned in the press reports, but included with the press photography, is that of the new 6.2L Vortec V8, codenamed L92. No specs are currently available, but it appears as this engine will be coupled to the Hydramatic 6L80 6-speed transmission. This may be saved for high-performance SUV applications, like the GMC Yukon Denali, or the Cadillac Escalade.

We'll keep you posted on any other GMT 900 developments should they warrant.

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Bang A Gong, Get It On

This post's basically a 'clip show' of what I consider to be favorite posts on AutoBlog.

Yes, you may very well consider this to be a case of significant man-whoring. And much like my peer across the student union from myself, who's currently cheating on his girlfriend with an attractive co-ed, I am doing this to benefit myself.

However, unlike his situation, there's no real immediate danger of being physically mutilated and killed by a jealous girlfriend. Should all go well, an iPod Nano will arrive at my door in a few weeks.

However, there are some interesting posts mentioned, and some unique insight tagged onto it. So, until I finish research on the UMTA's Advanced Design Bus program, enjoy this little diddy.

1. Lotus To Open More Dealerships in U.S.

   
   
   In my mind, this move on Lotus' part is a good one. It's amazing to see how the dealer network shrunk, even before the death of the Esprit. I think the network in Michigan went from two outlets to one, and to be completely frank, AutoEurope is a pricky bunch, at best.
   
   I'm sure they'd be friendly if I had $60,000 in my pocket, ready to spend, but I don't, and they're not.
   
   I pray that Lotus's future retailers take a cue from my local McIntosh audio dealer, who let me fiddle in a room with a 12 foot stack of McIntosh componentry - valued at over $100,000 - despite me then being in my sophomore year of high school...




2. Chrysler 300C Touring with 3.0L V6 CRD

   
   
   It's not that I've never seen these in person.
   
   Far from it - and to prove as such, a personal shot of one of many 300 Tourings at the Chrysler Tech Center follows below.
   
   However, I'm always happy to hear when other people agree with my logic - as in "why the hell isn't this sold here in the USA?" Get rid of that stodgy Pacifica, and give me a Chrysler cargo hauler with a Hemi. An SRT 6.1 variant would be even better.
   
   I do find it funny to read of those who've seen them, and only belived them to be custom jobs on the aftermarket. You never know when you run into prototypes, people!



3. Reader Spy Shots: Dodge Nitro

   
   
   Which leads me to this entry. As one who often encounters DaimlerChrysler prototypes, and used to post them on CarSpyShots.net (here's a hint for you all: LXLover may be someone you know..), I can relate to the thrill of chasing after an unknown mule.
   
   However, it gets crazy when the test drivers get right-pedal-happy when behind the wheel. Even without photographers chasing after it, test drivers tend to drive very agressively. Having once been near-sidewiped by a disguised Bentley Continental GT two years back on I-75 and Baldwin Rd, I know this to be true.
   
   Although I sure as hell couldn't have street raced that car - as the photographer here was able to do...



4. Spy Shots: Ford Shelby Cobra GT500

   
   
   I'll admit it: I'm a Mustang fan. Despite having an affinity for GM Truck history, and volunteering at a Chrysler museum, I still love that thoroughbred from the Blue Oval. I guess growing up with a '65 GT convertible has that sort of dramatic impact upon a young psyche.
   
   However, while I do enjoy the new generation of Mustang, I'm enthralled with the new GT500. I passed one on a car carrier on its way to Ford's Romeo Proving Grounds, and nearly beat the crap out of myself for not having a camera on me.
   
   It was rectified the next week when a mule was parked at work. And after standing inches for the car, staring at it intently, for what could have been hours, the Ford engineer obliged and gave me a quick spin.
   
   Which, for the sake of both his and my job position, I'm not ranting about here. Nor are there photos of the ride. So Autoblog's pictorial is the next best thing.
   



5. Hilton Hotels partners with McLaren Mercedes

   
   
   Stuart Waterman has been the most unsung hero of the Autoblog writing staff, with informative, concise, and heavens to betsy, grammatically-sensible prose.
   
   And while you may call that line out for sheer man-whoring, you must at least give Stuart credit where it's due. A piece regarding F1 and the Hilton hotels chain, and not a single mention of a joke regarding "scoring with a Hilton".




6. 2005 Woodward Dream Cruise - Cool Cars

   
   
   People often asked me what my feelings were regarding my grandmother's second marriage, that occured on August 20th, 2005.
   
   I didn't have any opinions on the marriage itself - but I was pissed that it occured on the same day as the Woodward Dream Cruise, and almost 2 hours away from anywhere on Woodward Avenue.
   
   Regardless, John Neff's writing and photography let me sense what I missed - to both my delight, and, thanks to some extraordinary vehicles present, my chagrin.
   
   But hey - he grouped an Avanti II, Lotus Elise, Dodge A100, and a Citroen 2CV6 under the "Cool Cars" category. I just have to give a hat tip to that.



7. Man runs internet campaign raising funds to buy himself a Ferrari

   
   
   Well, never mind. My fears of being a cop-out to win an iPod are insignificant when it comes to this bloke.
   
   It's one thing to work for a contest. But to simply harp on the web-browsing public - and to find people who'll actually throw a quid his way - astounds me.
   
   Where are these people? And how do I get them in my site traffic demographics?
   



8. Dave Hill - no Blue Devil Corvette on the way

   
   
   This has been an almost an inside joke running at GM. The 'Blue Devil' Corvette supposedly spotted testing at the Nurburgring was simply a somewhat-modified Z06.
   
   "Somewhat-modified" meaning it wore a split-grille, which emitted a whistling sound when cruising at high speeds. The car was powered by a stock LS7.
   
   The gentleman who drove me in a GM-owned Z06 mentioned he didn't know the current status, but he remembered hearing that a Blue Devil suffered along the lines of an engine fire at Milford.
   
   What he did confirm was that GM spent nearly $5,000 in fuel at the Nurburgring only for the Z06. And that the car is truly, to steal from Car and Driver, a Corvette from hell. I've never experienced a car that can break the tires in a 3-4 shift before.



9. Upclose and personal with the Bugatti Veyron: Exclusive Spy Shots

   
   
   I will admit that I'm smitten with the new Veyron.
   
   But despite the car's prowess, power, and capabilities, that's not what I'm amazed at.
   
   Having been responsible for installing and ripping out National Instruments dataloggers in a Jeep Grand Cherokee, I really must say that I'm impressed with the array of equipment installed in the Veyron - particuarly while leaving most of the luxurious interior intact.
   
   Bravo, Bugatti! Err...Bravo, Volkswagen!
   



10. 2005 Chrysler Crossfire: In the Autoblog Garage Day 1

    
    
    Don't think that because I want a Nano gifted to me, that I'll simply kiss derriere in an effort to please. The folks at Autoblog are, for what I can tell, competent professionals who can handle constructive criticism. The contest reads for my personal 10 favorite entries, and, while not on a positive note as the other articles were, this one still ranks up there.
    
    I know the world of blogging is often times hectic and confusing. But there's still reasonable room to correct rhetorical errors before going to press. And, thanks to the advent of the digital age, one is able to simply edit HTML code to remove errors that somehow made it through.
    
    With that being said, I really must ask myself how these phrases pass into publication:
    
    
    
    
    
    • Well, this is not your ordinary Crossfire. No, it is not the extreme SRT6, those are a touch on the expensive side. This is the base Crossfire.
    
    
    
    Uh...if a base level Crossfire's not an 'ordinary' Crossfire, what is?
    
    
    
    • Outside of the headroom, the interior is comfortable enough for long distances. My head would occasionally touch the roof, but I have yet to have a problem with it.
    
    
    
    If your head's touching the roof, then there's a problem. The problem being there's not enough headroom.
    
    
    
    • I plan on going over each of the car’s various traits over the course of the week.
    
    Sorry if I missed something, but isn't that last line a standard procedure when reviewing a car?
    
    The link's there so that you can see that because I removed these lines out of context, they suddenly became weaker than they originally were. This sadly tends to be the case on the majority of "In the Autoblog Garage" pieces, especially.
    
    In the future, avoid the first-person references as much as possible, and get rid of those redunancies - and you'll truly be top-notch.
    

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Is This A GM Turbocruiser?

During the late 1950s and 1960s, the "Big Three" US automakers were busy experimenting with the next best thing, the Gas Turbine.

This development is notably attributed to Chrysler, who, among having installed their powerplant designs in vehicles from the 1950s to 1980s, let 50 Ghia-bodied special cars be driven by consumers.

Regardless, GM too had notable advancements, and usually showcased them in flashy concepts, like the Firebird I, II, and III, respectively. The powerplants were even found in sleek, futuristic trucks like the Turbo Titan I, II, and III.

But perhaps less well-known, and definately less glamorous, were GM's application of the gas turbine to transit coaches. Named the 'Turbocruiser', these coaches were relatively un-modified GM products, equipped with gas turbine powertrain.


According to GM history, Turbocruiser I was unveiled in 1954, and photography of it is not currently available. Turbocruiser II was shown in 1964, and was a 40 foot New Look with minute trim detail changes.


But what's this? This odd bus is TDH-3501, serial 001. Built in 1964, 001 was a GM Truck & Coach experimental bus. What first shocks the senses is the frontal appearance of the coach, which is that of a New Look, with the lower window panels blocked out. Additionally, the remainder of the coach body is that of the Old Look design.

However, this coach had its GMC V6 removed, and a gas turbine engine installed. But the mystery is whether this is a Turbocruiser or not?


The coach was built in 1964, which places it too late to be Turbocruiser 1 (1954), and too early to be Turbocruiser 2 (1965). However, according to notes on the Ohio Museum of Transportation's bus production rosters, a TurboCruiser 5 was built in 1968.


So could this be TurboCruiser 3 or 4, at this point? No word on that of yet. However, this bus is thankfully preserved by the Chicagoland Historic Bus Museum. After the turbine experimend, a Buick nailhead V8 was installed in the bus, and currently powers 001. The CHBM is working on converting it to run on propane.

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Monday Night Pickup Trucks

This past Tuesday, GMC inked a deal with the National Football League that positions the brand's products as "official vehicles of the regular season".

Which, as far as can be determined, simply means that GMC advertising will be very prominent both on televised games, and at the event itself. Two ads, somehow relating trucks to the "gridiron", will expose the viewing audience to the lineup.

Additionally, the "Professional Grade in Motion Tour" will visit Monday Night Football stadiums, and allow visitors to test drive the current product range.

Which, given the large audience of NFL programming, should help expose the brand to more potential customers.



I'm just trying to figure how an opening spot featuring, among other people, Hank Williams Jr. and tightly-clad women waving from a Sierra Denali, carries the brand's tagline of "professional grade"...

You can read the entire explanation of the promotion tie-up here.

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Torrent Pricing

I know one reader of the GMT Blog has been interested in the Pontiac Torrent, and as such, this may be of interest.

GM Buypower now lists the Torrent on it's build configurator, and contains estimated MSRP pricing. The FWD model starts at $22,990, and the AWD model at $24,890.

You can configure your own here.

I'm working on scheduling a test drive of a demo Torrent that just arrived at a local dealership; should it pan out, you'll read it here first.

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