The G6 and Aura will both have the 224hp 3.5L OHV V6, although the G6 has a standard 4 cylinder engine. This engine will also be used in the Malibu and Impala. The interiors of the two cars arent really all that different when you look closely. The Aura has a better center stack and lighter interior colors which make it look warmer than the all black G6.
I dont think the Altima is going to convert anyone who doesnt already like the Altima. It's going to have slightly more power and a CVT but other than that its no huge leap pver the 2006 model. I dont know how you can judge the materials based on photos but based on Nissan's track record I wouldnt expect anything too revolutionary. Nissan has hard plastics in everything from the Altima to the Armada.
I'm sure the new Mazda 6 will be nice but it''s performance should roughly the same as the Aura with Ford's 250hp V6 and a 6 speed auto. Of course, the 6 will probably will have a manual available with the V6.
I'm going back to the previous stint a bit comparing how Toyotas and Hondas are becoming more American than the big "2 and a half" As seen in todays (6/15/06) inside line news column, Ford may be planning to spend almost all their new investment money in Mexico while continuing to cut its U.S. workforce. If this is true, in my mind its inexcusable and definitely makes Honda and Toyata a bigger supporter of the U.S. economy than Ford.
Are you seriously upset with this? See here in lies the problem. America has gotten to be full of greedy people. Now America has set up a situation where it costs domestics twice as much to produce a car here compared to foreign manufacturers. Don't make your bed and not want to lie in it. Look at our IT industry, shipped to India, look at our clothing industry, shipped to China. The Japanese and the Chinese artificially influence their currency and have much more flexibility in their workforce than domestics. Did you hear Nissan trimed hourly wage almost in half at some plants? Ford can't do this. I say more power too Ford. If the system becomes corrupt, I am not going to fault you for getting out of the system. Would you rather they stayed in the US and file for bankruptcy and go out of business entirely. GM will begin shifting too. The next generation Aura might be made in India. More power too them.
GM is the biggest consumer of Viagra in the US because its health care benefits allow the employees to purchase it and GM has to foot the bill and the unions REFUSE to change such a ridiculous situation. If you and I were running the helm and I came to you with this problem, wouldn't we agree that moving to India is a good idea at this point.
Ford is probably trying to send message to the unions that they cant make any major investments in the US without major changes in the union. Unfortunately they have been forced into that situation by the high labor costs. Actually it's the legacy costs that are the problem. I read an article saying Toyota's top wage is slightly higher than the UAW average wage. I'm sure there is a world of difference in healthcare coverage and pension benefits though.
When is Saturn going to update their website with more pics of the Aura? Information is scarce right now.
Wages ary between foreign and domestics, but total cost per employee which includes benefits puts domestics at a serious disadvantage. Even Lego just announced it was moving some production to Mexico. It is happening all over because our society does not focus on keeping jobs in America while keeping the American pay scale competitive. There are ways but no one likes them.
I too am frustrated with the lack of pictures of the Aura on the website. I am surprised they don't even have a bundle of pics taken at the autoshow on the website. Ford did that with the Edge and Fusion and it worked well. Real life pictures are much better than the promo shots.
Sometime GM provids lots of advance info and pics but other times they wait right until the model is on sale (if not after) to launch the real site. I know Yukons were on sale for weeks before GMC updated the site with pricing and everything else. I hope Saturn is more on the ball. They have a month before the car is on dealer's lots.
Ford has released info for the new Fusion. It will get navigation, AWD, mp3 jack, satelite radio and standard side airbags for 2007. The new Sebring is supposedly going to be launched tomorrow. The Aura has some more competition.
go to media.ford.com and look for info on their 2007 lineup.
Now that the details are out on the Sebring I am impressed with its equipment levels, but not with its looks. It has quite a few features not found on the Aura or some of the competition, but the car isnt attractive and the interior appears to be cheap. Overall a decent effort and for those who must have navigation it will be a better choice than Aura.
Thanks for the info, I know this is off topic but do you know if the 2007 Fusion will offer folding mirror's? I would ask in the Fusion forums but I can't find it on this website.
The Fusion forum can be found by clicking the forums tab, selecting Ford from the manufacturers list and then selecting Fusion/Mllan forum. A lot of people over there have good information on the upcoming 2007 model.
The Sebring is such a fumble on the 20 yard line it is ridiculous. The car seems like it has all the equipment and features to make a run in this league and Chyrsler has become well respected in the US market. The fumble comes from the looks which are butt awful. There is WAY too much going on. The headlight almost remind me of the Aura but just don't do it because of the overall design of the front end. It is just a horrible looking car. Goes to show, they need car clinics with car lovers, not drunks and blind men off the street or college students that they pay and feel are obligated to say good things.
Chrysler gets lots of praise for design but overall I think GM is doing a better job. Chrysler takes the bold concept too far at times and the Sebring is an example. A car can be conservative and still attractive but they dont get that. I like the simplicity of the G6 and Aura better than this car. In fact, I like the Malibu better than this car in terms of styling. The other thing is the styling has left the car with a 13.6 cu ft trunk which has to be the smallest in class. Practicality has to come first in this segment.
The Sebring's looks are all a matter of opinion. I think the car looks fine. There is a lot going on but to be honest someone needs to take that chance. For instance GM should have gone a little farther with the Cobalt and Malibu which are both dull. And while the Cobalt is a big step in the right direction interms of specs it lacks the eyecatching design of the new Civic.
Playing it safe just isn't gonna cut it anymore. Someone has to have the balls to take chances and leading the pack are Nissan and Chrysler.
To be honest the compact segment isnt known for daring design. Teh civic is the only car in that class besides the focus that could really be considered avant garde. The cobalt is no more dull than the Corolla, Elantra or Sentra. The Malibu is kind of dull, but it is close to the end of its life cycle and the newer model is supposed to be better looking by far.
I dont think I am alone with regards to the Sebring's looks, most comments I have seen on other sites echo my own. The car has very strange proportions. They should have evolved the existing design instead of starting from scratch.
No I don't refute what your saying but on the econo segment features and design will win out becaues too often the econoboxes look so unexciting, well at least until the Mazda 3 came out.
it will have a supercharger. I hope GM just uses that new VVT DI V6, and say if the CTS has it with over 300hp (like it should) then they can make it have a solid 285 for the Aura.
I heard if they were to give the car that much HP they would have to use AWD. They said they won't be able to do that until they use that new platform forgot the name though.
GM can easily pump 280+hp through the front wheels. Look at the DTS and Grand Prix GXP. If there is a redline model, and that seems to be a sure thing, look for it to be FWD only. The new epsilon platform will have AWD but I would expect to see that platform debut on the next generation 9-3.
Has anyone heard (I have not)any mention of Saturn also bringing over the vectra wagon to the united states. I do not think that the Vue or outlook hits the same niche that the vectra wagon would.
Also saturn sold a good number of L series wagons so that could be encouraging.
and hopefully by that time, GM has figured out that people want a Nav screen in there car with voice recognition, especially at the upper level of the Aura's price range.
The Aura's life cyucle is probably going to be 5 to 6 years so expect to see Nav offered. The Malibu is being redesigned next year and I would be shocked if the Aura/G6/Malibu dont offer Nav next year. I dont understand the delay any more than you do. GM has been upgrading models during their lifetimes better as of late. The CTS and Grand Prix are good examples of that.
I agree with that, its a great car but it should offer a nav system like on the Accord. So far I think GM only puts voice activated nav systems on Cadillac's.
Over 1 million GM cars will offer a new nav system from On-Star next year. Soon, any new GM car with anti-lock brakes will make the new service available.
The service is called Turn-to-Turn at approx $35 month for the complete On-Star package including safety and mechanical telemetrics with a monthly email reflecting the condition of major mechanical components. Plus there is the optional hands free phone system from On Star that is excellent. I use it every day for business.
Turn To Turn (TTT) will NOT have a screen. From my perspective this is only a loss to those who need visual clues or who are impressed with visual gadgets, which is fair enough. And traditional Nav systems will still be available in many models - mostly because they are extremely profitable for the manufacturer.
But there are a host of significant advantages with TTT: 1. much less expensive and no up front costs. 2. completely voice activated - and can be activated or changed without stopping the car as current Nav systems require. 3. All directions are voice commands as well as a readout below the instruments indicating mileage yet to travel for the current segment. 4.Allows for less dash clutter and in some models, for a 6 CD changer vs a 1 CD player.
GM/On Star is leading the way in automotive telemetrics.
Because of it's low cost and ease-of-use, I predict TTT will be extremely successful. I know I will get it in my next car.
Has anyone heard (I have not)any mention of Saturn also bringing over the vectra wagon to the united states. I do not think that the Vue or outlook hits the same niche that the vectra wagon would.
I like wagons too.
However, as the next VUE is going to be smaller and more car like than the existing, I doubt much emphasis will be placed on an Aura wagon.
Well I did the math, at $35 a month for 12 months thats $420 a year. Over a lifetime of about 12 years thats $5040. That is far more than a in dash nav system. I don't understand why only a hand full of GM nav systems are voice activated. If you look at Honda for example everything in the cars with a nav system are voice activated. I really like the Outlook though and still plan to get it even with that set back. Personally I like On Star I think its a great feature and plan to get it on the Outlook. But I will also get a in dash nav system since I like the ability to see the map on a screen. On Star can't do that.
But most people keep a car 3-4 years, so it is a lot less than an additional 5K for the average user. Plus you failed to factor in the map updates and they are not cheap.
The TTT cost is half of the 35 per month, the other half for base Safe and Sound On Star package. So if you are an On Star user and keep you car for 4 years, the additional cost for TTT is approx $850.00, less than half of a traditional Nav system.
You have to go out to 10 -12 years for the traditional Nav to be break even. But as you said, some will still want the screen display and that is very understandable.
Point is - many more people will have a navigation system available at low cost. And some do not care for the screens on the dashboard. So it will be a great alternative to traditional Nav systems.
GM's push into automotive telemetrics bodes well for the consumer.
When are they going to learn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh wel, at least they have a nav system in the car, thats a start. Its just horrible to see good cars like the Malibu and G6, looseout of the japanese because they look like barbarians from the 20's without the nav screen.
Remember that one bond movie from the 60's, he had a nav screen in his car. It was so futuristic back then. ITS NOT THE 60's GM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey offering a nav and onstar is a good idea. Honda did it in the Rl. Did i mention its the same RL that has a navigation system that has realtime traffic display? Wow gm is falling behind, again.
An aura wagon is possible as well as a g6 wagon. They'd look like the malibu MaXx. I think the Aura would be better off with a convertible like the G6 but not the coupe. I've yet to see a g6 coupe on the road, lot, or auto show!! Gm has a long way to go. If offering a sporty brand, 3 luxury brands (Saab Buick and Caddy), and 31/2 common brands (Opel Chevy, Saturn and the 1/2 being 1/4 Isuzu and 1/4 Suzuki) Gm has the money to make a decent nav screen. To bad they haven't yet :mad: ...
I wish GM would offer Nav but lets not get carried away and act like most Accords and Camrys have this feature. Basically, the Japanese offer navigation so that the press cars can have it and impress reviewers. That is all well and good but most consumers are not willing to pay $1800+ for this feature. Camry XLE V6s and Accord EX-V6s are pretty rare and they are most likely to have navigation. I rarely ever see a Japanese midsize car with navigation unless it is a luxury model like the TL/TSX. I would assume between 5-10% of sedans that offer nav are actually sold with that feature so it is not a make or break feature for most buyers.
I personally think the Onstar nav system is a nice compromise for those who want nav as a practical feature as opposed to something to impress their friends or make their car seem more expensive. GM is expanding navigation availability because the Equinox/Torrent now offer it.They have been slow to get it into sedans.
You think paying $420/year is a "nice compromise" for not having an in-car Nav system? I realize that the integrated units are somewhat expensive, but you just defined a less than 5 year payback on virtually any of them...
I'd *much* rather have an integrated unit, thanks.
Well that is most people since most people lease. I buy the car so I expect that once I spend the money I get exactly what I want. The map updates for the nav system usually cost $200 and they come out every year. You usually only need to get it every other year. But even if you did get it every year its still half the price of On Star. My point is GM should offer a nav system on this car since for many it is a important feature. It don't matter anyway since within another year or so they will have it. Finally I think with the nav system is raises the re-sale value. Even with this easily correctable error that GM is making good job with On Star at least.
You must live in a small town here most people that own the Accord/Camry have the top trim. About 1/4 to 1/2 of them that I see have the nav system option. If you go into the luxury versions Lexus and Acura I see that 1/2 to 3/4 of them have the nav option. I think Cadillac's that have the nav system have that traffic alert thing.
I agree. They need to put Nav in every car they make, at least as an option, Make one standard system for all non Cadillac cars, for example, and it should make financial sence. Don't wait for the Japanese to do it.
The fact that the aura does not have a Nav system is very dissapointing, turn by turn system or not, its about the marketing benefits, and drawing the customer in to see the highest trim model, then walking out with what they can afford.
GM is making very good strides, I bet it made more money selling its cars this june then last june, since those sales were driven by discounts, more so than this year. GM really is changing.
I live in a small town called Philadelphia and I rarely seen camrys and accords with navigation in spite of the fact that I probably see 20 of those cars a day. My own personal experience plus what I've read suggest that the minority of owners are willing to pay for navigation. If you go to any Honda or Toyota dealer I would be shocked if more than 20% of camrys and accords have nav. There is absolutely no way that 50% of midsize Japanese mainstream sedans have navigation. One reason this is impossible is because most people are only paying in the low 20s for their Japanese family sedans and you arent going to find nav on those models. Since most Camrys I see are LE's with wheelcovers and four cylinders, I doubt nav is a common option on those cars. Most Acuras have nav because its one of the few options you can get on the TSX and TL and thus those cars a frequently shipped with this feature.
If nav is a must have option than the Aura isnt for you. BTW, the GP offers nav and I dont believe I have ever seen one outside of an auto show with the option.
I understand your argument but to be honest it does not matter what Toyota or Honda actually sell because they offer it and GM doesn't. Thats the difference.
Now on a lighter note, I received a brochure in the mail today which contained some really great pics of the Aura and Outlook. I must admit that both look very upscale.
I'm betting that GM is quietly doing what I thought they should do which is to make Saturn the new Buick. And I say that if they can get this brochure into the hands of import owners they would really change some peoples minds. But that could all fall apart if they go for a test drive and the cars don't perform well. But I doubt that will happen.
Saturn is really more like the new Olds, not the new Buick. Buicks are, and will continue to be, more expensive and more luxurious. Saturn is going to be more focused on handling and other features that will attract import buyers. GM was doing the same thing with Olds in the late 90s before they decided to kill the brand. The Intrigue and Alero were two of GM's best non luxury sedans.
It's great that ToyoHOnda offer nav, but that doesnt change the fact that most people dont care. The Altima offers HIDs and yet you rarely ever see one with that feature. The Accord and Camry dont offer HIDs and yet it hasnt diminished their appeal to buyers or caused thousands of people to abandon them in favor of the Altima. You can find exclusive features on almost any car in this class but in most cases those features are not enough to make or break the decision to get the car. The Fusion will offer nav for 2007 so it will be interesting to see if that leads to more import lovers checking out the Fusion.
The Aura (and other GM cars) lack nav but lets not forget they have Onstar which no camry or accord offers. I always find it amazing how people treat Onstar like its a pointless gimmick, but then go on to suggest navigation is a critical option that no car should be without. Onstar lacks a 6.5" screen in the dash, but it does a lot more than any DVD nav system.
I think On Star is great, I would love if Honda, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Chrysler, etc had this. But for the most part you can do the same thing On Star does with triple A and a cell phone. The nav system is a important feature for some since it shows you a map, where you are, and how to get where you are going. With both voice, and visual promps. Next vehicle I get I will make sure it comes with a built in version. I travel and would like to find my way without the hassel of maps or pulling over and asking.
it sounds like Nav is great for you, but I can accomplish the same thing with mapquest or a road atlas. For most people driving to unknown locales is a rare instance and thus nav isnt really a common option on non luxury vehicles. Its more of a neat tech gimmick than a necessity. How many times are you going to look at the map display while commuting each day? I would say I know where I'm going 99% of the time when I drive so nav would get little use.
Ummmm........just because you wouldn't find a need for a navigation system does not mean others won't. Besides the real point is that GM and Ford's competition at least offer it for consumers that want it.
In GMs case they could have done this years ago when they first started putting On-Star in Caddys but they didn't. Ford and GM miss the mark at every turn and thats the reason the Japanese keep handing them their asses.
See thats the thing, mapquest I can't take in the car. A road atlas you need to calculate manually. Also both of these can't tell you exactly where you are. Most of the time I don't need it but over the lifetime of the car I need to go to many new places where I don't know how to get to. I keep my cars for 10-12 years. Half that time its a primary car the other half a secondary. During this period of time I would get enough use out of it to warrant me buying it. I can't understand why you would criticize the importance of a nav system while I see people buying 22" rims. Those cost as much and do nothing. I don't understand how people shell out money for stupid things like that anyway but won't get a nav system. If people are too cheap to buy a nav system thats fine but when I buy my vehicle I get the top trim fully loaded (minus useless items like bigger rims).
I'm not sure why you are in the Aura forum if you are here to bash non-Japanese vehicles. FYI, ford is adding navigation to at least five models for 2007 including the Fusion, 500 and F150. I think the Aura is proof that GM doesnt miss the mark at every turn. In fact, the camry is only Japanese car on the market that I would say is superior to the Aura. I would take the Aura over the 6 or Accord or Galant any day. I'm not going to speak for Ford (although they have some competitive products) but I think vehicles like the Aura, Outlooks, Sky/solstice, CTS, C6, etc. show that GM is getting much better. I wouldnt call those vehicles representative of a company that "misses the boat" with every new product. I guess Toyota didnt miss the boat with the Tundra, Sequoia, Echo, Celica, MR2, etc.
Offering nav is a good idea, but my point is that it alone will not attract a lot of new customers. This is proven by the low take rate on navigation in midsize cars. A lot of people refuse to buy American, but the lack of navigation is definitely not one of the major reasons.
Actually im not here to bash anyone. I'm actually a big GM fan boy but there has to come a time when even the most staunch fan says "ENOUGH".
For instance; do you really believe the same company that builds the Corvette (a car which has won numerous awards and accolaids) is unable to replicate the success with it's other products? If you do in fact believe that, then your more in denial then they are.
Fact is Ford and GM are in this position because they allowed it to happen. The difference between the Japanese and U.S. Automakers is that the Japanese don't just throw anything to their customers. They actually listen to what the customer wants and delivers it.
GM and Ford have had consumer organizations pleading with them since the 70's to make cars that are more fuel efficient. But instead of taking on the challenge they decided it was better to do business as always. The Japanese saw an opportunity and they ran with it. Missed opportunity!
Oh so because Ford is NOW adding nav its ok? Years after the technology was first offered by its competition?
To be honest I would take the Aura over any of its competition as well BUT it still lacks features that I consider to be key to my decision.
I totally agree that GM is now doing a fantastic job......but look what it had to take to get them off their butts! Why did it take the threat of bankruptcy to get them to offer better designed and equipped products?
Ummmm.........you need to go back and read my posts because I NEVER said Nav was the end all be all. I said it should "at least" be offered because the competition offers it.
GM and Ford have had consumer organizations pleading with them since the 70's to make cars that are more fuel efficient. But instead of taking on the challenge they decided it was better to do business as always. The Japanese saw an opportunity and they ran with it. Missed opportunity!
Actually, with hybrids, the Japanese government stepped in and subsidized development. No such luck in the US.
As it happens, GM, Daimler and BMW may turn out to have bested the Japanese at the Hybrid game when their dual phase hybrid system launches later this year.
When it comes to diesel, the US makes are at the same level or even ahead of the Japanese, owing to their presence in Europe. If the US will allow diesels, the competition will be pretty equal.
Japan has done better bringing its smaller models to NA. I am not sure why it took GM so long to bring the Astra, here, for instance. I hope GM brings the Corsa and Zafria as well. Ford should bring the Ka and some of the little trucks it sells in Europe and South America as well.
First of all, what features is the Aura lacking other than navigation? It has a 6 speed, 18" wheels, 252hp, stability, 6 airbags standard and you feel it's missing "key" features? I dont agree with that at all.
It's apparent that you are living in some type of Japanese automaker induced propoganda zone because you are way off the mark. The Japanese did some things better than the US companies, but other times they just got lucky. They capitlized on the demand for small cars in the 70s because thats all they made at home. They didnt make 6 and 8 cylinder engines back then nor did they make many trucks. Small cars where their specialty and thus they came to the US at the right time. Meanwhile, they have takena bout 35 years to figure out how to make competitive pickup trucks and they still arent doing that great in that segment. Maybe the new Tundra will change that.
"Why did it take the threat of bankruptcy to get them to offer better designed and equipped products?"
Any products you see today where planned three or four years ago so it's ridiculous to say bankruptcy is behind this latest product renaissance. BTW, check out the pics of the GMC Acadia for an example of GM "missing the boat" once again. It blows the Pilot and Highlander out of the water. Freestyle and Pacifica as well.
"For instance; do you really believe the same company that builds the Corvette (a car which has won numerous awards and accolaids) is unable to replicate the success with it's other products? "
Yes GM has had no success with models like the CTS, Escalade, Cobalt, Impala, HHR, Tahoe, Solstice/Sky, Lucerne, G6, etc.
From what I've read, the trio is good, but they're pretty big compared to a Pilot, Highlander and even Freestyle, so based on their outside dimensions, they are pretty roomy inside, so we'll see if that size advantage pulls away buyers of smaller vehicles. But then they're as big as a full sized minivan, so other than the AWD, where's the advantage?
The advantage is that these vehicles offer the same, or better, mileage than 5 passenger crossovers but far more room. They are really as big as the Tahoe but sit lower to the ground and offer better fuel efficiency/handling. They actually make a lot of sense and will be seen as a cooler alternative to minivans. I would much rather be driving an Acadia than a Sienna or Odyssey. Just like regular SUVs were seen as alternatives to minivans, the Acadia is hoping to be seen a non-soccer mom image vehicle with great space and versatility.
I guess that if the main marketing of the Acadia is that it's "cooler" than a minivan, we'll see how well it does. But if you have two vehicles identical in exterior size, after the "coolness" wears off and you realize how much more spacious the minivan is inside, then we'll see how long-lasting the Acadia becomes.
Personally, I have a Freestyle, which is not as wide as a full-size minivan, gets 26mpg HWY, and has about the same or greater interior space than an Acadia, which is bigger on the outside. The Acadia is wider, so it will seat 3 in the 3rd row, but the Freestyle can fit through my 8' garage door! If I needed something bigger, then I'd go for a 8 pass Sienna.
I think if they would have made the Acadia and the clones about the same exterior size as a Pilot or Highlander and were able to squeeze in the interior space of a Freestyle, then that would be something unique.
Comments
I dont think the Altima is going to convert anyone who doesnt already like the Altima. It's going to have slightly more power and a CVT but other than that its no huge leap pver the 2006 model. I dont know how you can judge the materials based on photos but based on Nissan's track record I wouldnt expect anything too revolutionary. Nissan has hard plastics in everything from the Altima to the Armada.
I'm sure the new Mazda 6 will be nice but it''s performance should roughly the same as the Aura with Ford's 250hp V6 and a 6 speed auto. Of course, the 6 will probably will have a manual available with the V6.
Are you seriously upset with this? See here in lies the problem. America has gotten to be full of greedy people. Now America has set up a situation where it costs domestics twice as much to produce a car here compared to foreign manufacturers. Don't make your bed and not want to lie in it. Look at our IT industry, shipped to India, look at our clothing industry, shipped to China. The Japanese and the Chinese artificially influence their currency and have much more flexibility in their workforce than domestics. Did you hear Nissan trimed hourly wage almost in half at some plants? Ford can't do this. I say more power too Ford. If the system becomes corrupt, I am not going to fault you for getting out of the system. Would you rather they stayed in the US and file for bankruptcy and go out of business entirely. GM will begin shifting too. The next generation Aura might be made in India. More power too them.
GM is the biggest consumer of Viagra in the US because its health care benefits allow the employees to purchase it and GM has to foot the bill and the unions REFUSE to change such a ridiculous situation. If you and I were running the helm and I came to you with this problem, wouldn't we agree that moving to India is a good idea at this point.
When is Saturn going to update their website with more pics of the Aura? Information is scarce right now.
I too am frustrated with the lack of pictures of the Aura on the website. I am surprised they don't even have a bundle of pics taken at the autoshow on the website. Ford did that with the Edge and Fusion and it worked well. Real life pictures are much better than the promo shots.
Ford has released info for the new Fusion. It will get navigation, AWD, mp3 jack, satelite radio and standard side airbags for 2007. The new Sebring is supposedly going to be launched tomorrow. The Aura has some more competition.
Now that the details are out on the Sebring I am impressed with its equipment levels, but not with its looks. It has quite a few features not found on the Aura or some of the competition, but the car isnt attractive and the interior appears to be cheap. Overall a decent effort and for those who must have navigation it will be a better choice than Aura.
Playing it safe just isn't gonna cut it anymore. Someone has to have the balls to take chances and leading the pack are Nissan and Chrysler.
I dont think I am alone with regards to the Sebring's looks, most comments I have seen on other sites echo my own. The car has very strange proportions. They should have evolved the existing design instead of starting from scratch.
I think they are going to have a red line and green line of this car, but i could be wrong.
That would sell some cars!
Also saturn sold a good number of L series wagons so that could be encouraging.
anthony
The service is called Turn-to-Turn at approx $35 month for the complete On-Star package including safety and mechanical telemetrics with a monthly email reflecting the condition of major mechanical components. Plus there is the optional hands free phone system from On Star that is excellent. I use it every day for business.
Turn To Turn (TTT) will NOT have a screen. From my perspective this is only a loss to those who need visual clues or who are impressed with visual gadgets, which is fair enough. And traditional Nav systems will still be available in many models - mostly because they are extremely profitable for the manufacturer.
But there are a host of significant advantages with TTT:
1. much less expensive and no up front costs.
2. completely voice activated - and can be activated or changed without stopping the car as current Nav systems require.
3. All directions are voice commands as well as a readout below the instruments indicating mileage yet to travel for the current segment.
4.Allows for less dash clutter and in some models, for a 6 CD changer vs a 1 CD player.
GM/On Star is leading the way in automotive telemetrics.
Because of it's low cost and ease-of-use, I predict TTT will be extremely successful. I know I will get it in my next car.
I like wagons too.
However, as the next VUE is going to be smaller and more car like than the existing, I doubt much emphasis will be placed on an Aura wagon.
But most people keep a car 3-4 years, so it is a lot less than an additional 5K for the average user. Plus you failed to factor in the map updates and they are not cheap.
The TTT cost is half of the 35 per month, the other half for base Safe and Sound On Star package.
So if you are an On Star user and keep you car for 4 years, the additional cost for TTT is approx $850.00, less than half of a traditional Nav system.
You have to go out to 10 -12 years for the traditional Nav to be break even. But as you said, some will still want the screen display and that is very understandable.
Point is - many more people will have a navigation system available at low cost. And some do not care for the screens on the dashboard. So it will be a great alternative to traditional Nav systems.
GM's push into automotive telemetrics bodes well for the consumer.
When are they going to learn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh wel, at least they have a nav system in the car, thats a start. Its just horrible to see good cars like the Malibu and G6, looseout of the japanese because they look like barbarians from the 20's without the nav screen.
Remember that one bond movie from the 60's, he had a nav screen in his car. It was so futuristic back then. ITS NOT THE 60's GM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An aura wagon is possible as well as a g6 wagon. They'd look like the malibu MaXx. I think the Aura would be better off with a convertible like the G6 but not the coupe. I've yet to see a g6 coupe on the road, lot, or auto show!! Gm has a long way to go. If offering a sporty brand, 3 luxury brands (Saab Buick and Caddy), and 31/2 common brands (Opel Chevy, Saturn and the 1/2 being 1/4 Isuzu and 1/4 Suzuki) Gm has the money to make a decent nav screen. To bad they haven't yet :mad: ...
I personally think the Onstar nav system is a nice compromise for those who want nav as a practical feature as opposed to something to impress their friends or make their car seem more expensive. GM is expanding navigation availability because the Equinox/Torrent now offer it.They have been slow to get it into sedans.
I'd *much* rather have an integrated unit, thanks.
The fact that the aura does not have a Nav system is very dissapointing, turn by turn system or not, its about the marketing benefits, and drawing the customer in to see the highest trim model, then walking out with what they can afford.
GM is making very good strides, I bet it made more money selling its cars this june then last june, since those sales were driven by discounts, more so than this year. GM really is changing.
If nav is a must have option than the Aura isnt for you. BTW, the GP offers nav and I dont believe I have ever seen one outside of an auto show with the option.
Now on a lighter note, I received a brochure in the mail today which contained some really great pics of the Aura and Outlook. I must admit that both look very upscale.
I'm betting that GM is quietly doing what I thought they should do which is to make Saturn the new Buick. And I say that if they can get this brochure into the hands of import owners they would really change some peoples minds. But that could all fall apart if they go for a test drive and the cars don't perform well. But I doubt that will happen.
It's great that ToyoHOnda offer nav, but that doesnt change the fact that most people dont care. The Altima offers HIDs and yet you rarely ever see one with that feature. The Accord and Camry dont offer HIDs and yet it hasnt diminished their appeal to buyers or caused thousands of people to abandon them in favor of the Altima. You can find exclusive features on almost any car in this class but in most cases those features are not enough to make or break the decision to get the car. The Fusion will offer nav for 2007 so it will be interesting to see if that leads to more import lovers checking out the Fusion.
The Aura (and other GM cars) lack nav but lets not forget they have Onstar which no camry or accord offers. I always find it amazing how people treat Onstar like its a pointless gimmick, but then go on to suggest navigation is a critical option that no car should be without. Onstar lacks a 6.5" screen in the dash, but it does a lot more than any DVD nav system.
In GMs case they could have done this years ago when they first started putting On-Star in Caddys but they didn't. Ford and GM miss the mark at every turn and thats the reason the Japanese keep handing them their asses.
Offering nav is a good idea, but my point is that it alone will not attract a lot of new customers. This is proven by the low take rate on navigation in midsize cars. A lot of people refuse to buy American, but the lack of navigation is definitely not one of the major reasons.
For instance; do you really believe the same company that builds the Corvette (a car which has won numerous awards and accolaids) is unable to replicate the success with it's other products? If you do in fact believe that, then your more in denial then they are.
Fact is Ford and GM are in this position because they allowed it to happen. The difference between the Japanese and U.S. Automakers is that the Japanese don't just throw anything to their customers. They actually listen to what the customer wants and delivers it.
GM and Ford have had consumer organizations pleading with them since the 70's to make cars that are more fuel efficient. But instead of taking on the challenge they decided it was better to do business as always. The Japanese saw an opportunity and they ran with it. Missed opportunity!
Oh so because Ford is NOW adding nav its ok? Years after the technology was first offered by its competition?
To be honest I would take the Aura over any of its competition as well BUT it still lacks features that I consider to be key to my decision.
I totally agree that GM is now doing a fantastic job......but look what it had to take to get them off their butts! Why did it take the threat of bankruptcy to get them to offer better designed and equipped products?
Ummmm.........you need to go back and read my posts because I NEVER said Nav was the end all be all. I said it should "at least" be offered because the competition offers it.
Actually, with hybrids, the Japanese government stepped in and subsidized development. No such luck in the US.
As it happens, GM, Daimler and BMW may turn out to have bested the Japanese at the Hybrid game when their dual phase hybrid system launches later this year.
When it comes to diesel, the US makes are at the same level or even ahead of the Japanese, owing to their presence in Europe. If the US will allow diesels, the competition will be pretty equal.
Japan has done better bringing its smaller models to NA. I am not sure why it took GM so long to bring the Astra, here, for instance. I hope GM brings the Corsa and Zafria as well. Ford should bring the Ka and some of the little trucks it sells in Europe and South America as well.
It's apparent that you are living in some type of Japanese automaker induced propoganda zone because you are way off the mark. The Japanese did some things better than the US companies, but other times they just got lucky. They capitlized on the demand for small cars in the 70s because thats all they made at home. They didnt make 6 and 8 cylinder engines back then nor did they make many trucks. Small cars where their specialty and thus they came to the US at the right time. Meanwhile, they have takena bout 35 years to figure out how to make competitive pickup trucks and they still arent doing that great in that segment. Maybe the new Tundra will change that.
"Why did it take the threat of bankruptcy to get them to offer better designed and equipped products?"
Any products you see today where planned three or four years ago so it's ridiculous to say bankruptcy is behind this latest product renaissance. BTW, check out the pics of the GMC Acadia for an example of GM "missing the boat" once again. It blows the Pilot and Highlander out of the water. Freestyle and Pacifica as well.
"For instance; do you really believe the same company that builds the Corvette (a car which has won numerous awards and accolaids) is unable to replicate the success with it's other products? "
Yes GM has had no success with models like the CTS, Escalade, Cobalt, Impala, HHR, Tahoe, Solstice/Sky, Lucerne, G6, etc.
Personally, I have a Freestyle, which is not as wide as a full-size minivan, gets 26mpg HWY, and has about the same or greater interior space than an Acadia, which is bigger on the outside. The Acadia is wider, so it will seat 3 in the 3rd row, but the Freestyle can fit through my 8' garage door! If I needed something bigger, then I'd go for a 8 pass Sienna.
I think if they would have made the Acadia and the clones about the same exterior size as a Pilot or Highlander and were able to squeeze in the interior space of a Freestyle, then that would be something unique.