Jonathan

@Paul

Maybe he just likes gestures. You know, the things Apple has yet to implement on a handheld device? Apple users (like me) will flock to the Pre because it has compelling hardware REAL mobile devices have, like removable battery, physical keyboard, and multitasking. Synergy is icing on the cake of opportunities Apple set itself up to be trumped on.

And before anyone defends the soft keyboard, realize that if touch keyboards gave up nothing to real keyboards, Macs wouldn't have real keyboards anymore! The truth is touch keyboards are harder to type on; its not a feature, its a detriment.

@Alex

I don't think is room for a smaller coupe. Mercedes obviously realized a real E-Class coupe with real E-Class underpinnings resembled the CL too closely, and to avoid cannibalization they stretched the C-Class and made an E-Class coupe. Another C-Class based coupe would have to be a lot shorter. MB hasn't exactly found beauty with that line of thinking:

http://www.netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/2004-c320_sport_coupe/800x600/wallpaper_10.htm

I hope Audi only comes out with one Sportback model.. If they come out with an A5SB and an A7 it'd be a little ridiculous. Whatever happened to "never follow", Audi?

I'd like to see a new A3 sporting the TT's engines. Rather than show up to the CLS 4DC party way late, Audi should show BMW it is possible to make compact cars attractive:

http://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2007-metroproject_quattro_concept/800x600/wallpaper_03.htm

Does anyone remember the 9-4X concept? I have hunch Saab would well a lot more cars if their interiors looked like this:

http://www.netcarshow.com/saab/2008-9-4x_biopower_concept/800x600/wallpaper_06.htm

@Serge
Calling the S5 a "front heavy FWD based AWD car" is only half true. First, the S5's AWD is rear-biased. The V8 is heavy for its modest power output (340), but thats why its being replaced by the new supercharged V6. The current V8 cameout in 2003.

AMERICANS will never buy Buicks in substantial numbers. Buick = old person's car; there is no escaping it. Positioning a brand as mid-level only works if people like the brand more than lesser brands.. The problem is, most people would rather drive a Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, Chevy etc BEFORE any Buick.

SAAB has floundered in the US because GM doesn't know how to make real SAABs. Imprezas and Trailblazers are not SAABs. Only two Opels were brought here as Saturns: the Sky and the Astra. Why would Opel be better than Saturn in the states? Its German, it never made the Ion, and the badge is cooler. Now instead of getting the awesome Insignia we get the the Buick Lexus GS Lacrosse sans E-Class headlights. Great.


its marketing guys

Opel/Vauxhall will, in all likelihood, go to the same bidder because they make the same products. It would be a terrible business decision to separate them.

SAAB should be sold wherever Opels are sold. GM, no one wants to drive a Buick! Buick has less brand equity than Kia as far as I can tell; some people I know actually drive Kias. If Americans like European cars, give them Euro cars! Opel-SAAB dealers. Build them.

@tekd
Buick isn't supposed to compete with Toyota, Chevy is. It comes down to brand image. Even Mercury appeals very strongly to women. GMC appeals to............ the people who would deflect to ford if it didn't exist. Buick appeals to very old people, a shrinking part of an already small market. It should have gone out back with Oldsmobile.

@tekd
Buick isn't supposed to compete with Toyota, Chevy is. It comes down to brand image. Even Mercury appeals very strongly to women. GMC appeals to............ the people who would deflect to ford if it didn't exist. Buick appeals to very old people, a shrinking part of an already small market. It should have gone out back with Oldsmobile.

There are many consumers who would rather drive a GMC than a Ford. However, a big chunk of these consumers would rather drive a Ford than a Chevy. The cost of sustaining GMC as a brand is miniscule compared to GM's loss if it killed GMC and lost those sales.