Motor Vehicle Tips

Edmunds and several leading automotive blogs are hypothesizing that Buick will ultimately go on and build a sport version of its well-liked LaCrosse midsize sedan. Unlike the original model, the suggested car will be a real dragster as Buick tries to inject some youthfulness into its aging model line. This is big news for Buick, which hasn’t made a true youth oriented car since stopping production of the hot-rod Regal Grand National in the 1980s. Will the Super Sport be enough to help Buick recapture a lost segment of the marketplace? That remains open to debate, so shall we investigate what Buick is planning with the Super Sport and then you can decide for yourself.

For the past many years, Buick has been near the top in most consumer satisfaction and quality surveys. After years of languishing much further down the list, Buick decided to actually stress quality and that move has paid off. However, quality automobiles are one thing while exciting autos are another. Quite simply, Buick hasn’t been building vehicles that are high on the “wow” factor list. Sales have remained flat as the age level of its buyers continued to rise. Anybody that understands the business of vehicles will tell you that you must continually appeal to a younger audience to grow and thrive. Let’s just say that even younger AARP drivers have not been heavily drawn to the present Buick model line up.

As far as the Super Sport goes, the car is based on the concept Velite a car that has been popping up at auto shows over the last few years. Much like the Lexus SC430, the Super Sport will be targeting upscale buyers attracted to a combination of luxury, performance, and premium styling. While drive train info has not been finished, news of a three hundred hp V8 being offered has been circulating. Likely, this engine will be mated to a six speed automatic. A 3.6L twin turbo producing more than four hundred hp has been rumoured for the Super Sport, but that engine choice might be scratched if gas costs remain historically high.

Information about precise Super Sport features is rather limited, but if the auto holds true to the Velite concept, buyers can expect the following with the Super Sport:

— Heritage styling based on a late 1930s Buick ship tail design. Buick’s recognizable waterfall grille design joined with ornamental side portholes are also predicted to appear on the Super Sport.

— 20 in. Front wheels and twenty-one in. rear wheels; drive.

— Leather two and two seating.

— A retractable hood that may fit snugly into the trunk.

— Full cabin comforts including OnStar and XM satellite radio switches integrated into the dashboard.

Beyond what has been listed, the rest is speculation including possible build and release dates for the Super Sport. GM’s current financial problems will have an effect on the last call as to whether to build this vehicle, but if approval is given a 2008 or 2009 release is possible.

Yes, Buick requires an auto of this caliper to respire new life into a slightly uninspiring line up. Prices for the Super Sport will possibly surpass $40,000 limiting the car’s appeal to those with significant means. Still, if Buick is able to pull it off the Super Sport it may pave the way for additional model changes, perhaps even opening the door for a Regal-inspired car to rejoin the line up. Now that would be great news for a brand that sorely needs a fresh youth injection.

For more reviews about sports cars, visit thesupercars.org and while you are at it, you might also want to have a look at used Buick LeSabre for sale.

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Blogs, car shows have been hyping up the tenet Dodge Challenger to the point at which you would think the auto is nearly prepared to roll off a DCX production line. To assert that the prototype is being well received is an understatement — quite honestly if the Challenger was available for sale today the list would be many months long. Such is the clamor for a retro vehicle that takes its styling cues right from the ‘71 Challenger.

As it now stands, the car will be built as DaimlerChrysler has given its blessing to the new Challenger. Still, the Challenger is more than 3 years from being manufactured as it is certain to be released some time during 2009 as a 2010 model. Yes, the wait will be hard for most but if the hype equals the performance, then the wait will certainly be worth your while.

Some folk are against the whole retro vehicle revolution. Citing that Detroit must reach back in time to make relevant cars is an affidavit to the each automaker’s woes. On the contrary, I suspect the many revived models now being planned or already on our streets is a clear affidavit to Detroit finally listening to its customers: we need vehicles that are uniquely styled and we’d like them to perform precisely the way you may say they’re going to perform. No fake hood scoops, no heralded model name slapped on a car that pales compared to the first. No, we don’t want you to build the first model we need you to build the original model better. Take the styling cues and run with them and incorporate modern technology to improve on the original design. That is all we ask.

So, just what can enthusiasts expect when they take delivery of their Challenger? Well, like I announced the car is still in the planning stages, but what I have gleaned from assorted sites is the following information:

Modified Platform — If you like the Mercedes based LX platform now used to run the Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnum, and Dodge Charger then the LY platform will suit you too. DCX is intending to change the LX platform for its next generation of autos and the LY based Challenger will be one of many autos built on it. Some have advised the LY will be the LX on steroids, whatever that means.

Did Someone Say Hemi? — Every Mopar product of importance will have optional Hemi power and the Challenger is not an exception. Expect a V6 to be standard with the optional Hemi V8 for performance versions of the auto. Some have suggested the the 425 h.p. SRT 6.1L V8 will also be made available for the Challenger.

Ragtop Regalia — Chrysler asserts the Sebring will be its only convertible offering, but that leaves Dodge dealers without a soft top car to market [other than the Viper, of course]. Despite this bit of info, look for a Challenger convertible to show up 1 or 2 years after the car’s debut. Heck, if DCX does not want to build one then O.E.M coach builders will do the job for them. You can bet that Dodge dealers will make these arrangements if DCX doesn’t.

Yes, the Challenger won’t be in new car showrooms any time shortly. For those among us waiting with “baited breath” we’re going to have to console ourselves with the numerous blogs, sites, and auto shows hyping the car. Apart from that, just imagine your shiny new Challenger stopped at a traffic light with a Mustang on one side and a Camaro on the other side….

What are the most expensive and fastest cars in the world? To find out, visit thesupercars.org and check it out for yourself. Also, have a look at Dodge Ram 2500 used car.

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