Jalopnik Snap Judgment: When we speculated on the success of the Pontiac G8 ST with only a big honkin' 361 HP V8, we wondered aloud if a V6 option might not make a lot of sense. Given the disintegration of the full size truck market, and a largely unserved compact truck market, a 3.6-liter V6-powered El Camino G8 ST could be a huge success. Is it wrong that we're almost more excited about a well designed V6 in the truck-car than the tire melting power of a V8? Note we said "almost."

Along with the press release on the official name of the Pontiac G8 ST, GM's press team released a bevy of photos of the new ute from the brand all about the arrowhead. Pontiac marketing director Craig Bierley told us Pontiac "didn't really have ST as the name when we engaged in the process" but the press photos from last night display a remarkable similarity to the original shots released back in March. Do they make you wonder whether perhaps "ST" was going to be the name all along, regardless of what entries were received? All we know is we're still in mourning over the loss of the El Camino name.

PONTIAC NAMES ALL NEW SPORT TRUCK THE "G8 ST"

Segment-Defining Vehicle on Target for Late 2009 Launch

Detroit - After sifting through more than 18,000 possibilities, Pontiac has chosen to keep it simple, naming the recently revealed G8 sport truck the "G8 ST."

Thousands of fans submitted suggestions during a "Tame the Name" promotion, which delayed a final announcement until each possibility was considered and cleared for possible trademark use.

"Frankly, we were blown away by both the volume and quality of the names that were submitted," said Craig Bierley, BPG product marketing director for cars and crossovers. "'G8 ST' was one of the most popular suggestions, plus we noticed a far broader trend toward simple, easy-to-remember names."

"El Camino" was also a sentimental favorite, given the G8 ST's resemblance to the classic Chevy.

"We actually thought very long about El Camino," said Bierley. "In the end, we felt it was more appropriate to honor the El Camino's unique place as part of Chevy's heritage and not use that nameplate on a Pontiac."

Perhaps the ultimate reflection of the blurring line between cars and trucks, the G8 ST will create a unique niche segment in the marketplace: a sports car with truck-like cargo and towing capabilities. Sharing the basic architecture and 361 hp V8 engine as the G8 GT performance sedan, it will offer a 73.9-inch cargo bed that has 42.7 cubic feet of cargo space and can carry a payload of 1,000 pounds (453 kg) or tow a 3,500-pound (1,587 kg) trailer.

Thanks to its six-speed automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management system, the G8 ST should offer some of the best fuel economy numbers for V8-powered vehicles with similar cargo/towing ratings while still turning in zero-to-60 times of 5.4 seconds.

The G8 ST will be available in late 2009 as a 2010 model and will be backed by GM's industry best 100,000 mile, 5-year powertrain warranty. Pricing will be announced closer to availability.

# # #

Nissan Releases New G-Series line

When you have a vehicle line – say the Infiniti G – that has chalked up award after award, topped comparison test after comparison test, and endeared itself to a growing legion of passionate owners, what do you do for an encore? If you happen to be a world-class performance luxury brand – say like Infiniti – the answer is simple: Everything. The popular Infiniti G roars into the 2009 model year with an extensive array of changes, including:

* The addition of an all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible model, slated to launch in the first quarter of 2009
* A new 328-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine for the Infiniti G Sedan – now designated the G37 Sedan
* A new all-wheel drive model for the Infiniti G Coupe, the G37x
* A new 7-speed automatic transmission for all Infiniti G models (6-speed manuals transmissions also available)

"A little success makes you want to try harder. A lot of success makes you want to blow the doors off the competition again – which we're poised to do with the new, intensified Infiniti G lineup for 2009," said Ben Poore, Infiniti's vice president of marketing. "Year after year we strive to offer our customers one of the freshest product lineups in the industry – which we've done again in 2009 with the new second-generation Infiniti FX, upcoming G Convertible and the enhanced G37 Coupe and G37 Sedan."

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

The all-new G37 Convertible, the first-ever open-air G, is set for a mid-2009 model year introduction. Based on the current G37 Coupe, the G Convertible promises stunningly seductive styling and G-worthy dynamic performance. The new G37 Convertible will feature a three-piece automatic retracting hardtop, to keep a coupe-like roofline, and available unique interior treatment. Audio and HVAC systems have been enhanced to provide an inviting experience with the top up or down. The all-new Infiniti G37 Convertible is set to make its world debut at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show in November.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Sedan

The Infiniti G premium high-performance sport sedan receives a significant upgrade under the skin in 2009 with the addition of a new VQ37VHR "VVEL" 3.7-liter V6 rated at 328 horsepower. It is mated to a new 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.

Now designated as the Infiniti G37 Sedan, other major changes include new available sport brakes with 4-piston front/2-piston rear calipers and large 14-inch front and 13.8-inch rear rotors, a new sport 18-inch wheel design and standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish).

The 2009 G37 Sedan is available in four models – G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD. It goes on sale in September 2008.

2009 Infiniti G37 Sport Coupe

For 2009, the G37 Coupe's performance envelope expands with the addition of a new G37x AWD model with advanced ATESSA E-TSÔ all-wheel drive system. Also new for 2009 is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Drive Sport (DS) Mode and Downshift Rev Matching (the G37 Coupe is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission).

All 2009 G37 Coupes receive standard Scratch Shield paint (self-healing clearcoat finish). The 2009 G37 Coupe is available in four models – G37, G37 Journey, G37S Sport 6MT and G37x AWD – each with standard 330-horsepower 3.7-liter VQ-series V6 with VVEL technology. It goes on sale in September 2008.

[Source: Nissan]

Apparently, GM has been hard at work on a system for shortening powertrain development time. The company calls it RLM: Road to Lab to Math. If you're like us, the first thing you saw in that phrase was "Meth Lab," but we were assured stimulants are not involved. Instead, RLM is marketingspeak for removing expensive road testing from the design equation, first by replacing much of it with laboratory simulation, and finally, by collecting enough data that new engines and transmissions can be designed mostly in a computer (the "math" component). The new Powertrain Engineering Center is the "lab" component in the system.

So why all the emphasis on removing as much road testing from the vehicle design process as possible? Because it's expensive. Our hosts threw out one example of cost savings, citing the use of RLM during the design of GM's new 6-speed RWD automatic transmissions. Through lab testing, they were able to eliminate a third of the prototypes that would ordinarily be needed.

The other major breakthrough featured in the Global Powertrain Center is standardization across the globe, and interconnectedness to go with it. GM has a number of powertrain design centers around the world, and thanks to new integration in the headquarters, simulation data can be shared across all of them. We thought that sort of came along with the Internet back in the '90s, but hey, it takes what it takes, so huzzah!

In fact, much of the Powertrain Engineering Development Center is designed to accomplish things that we thought they were already doing. For example, engine and transmission cold-soak testing. Yeah, they've been doing that for decades, but the only way it was accomplished was by shipping entire cars and loads of test equipment to the arctic for a few months at a time. Now they can hook a big chiller up to a crate powertrain, cool it down overnight, and test it on a stand. We don't know why we find it surprising that they couldn't do that before, but we do.

Of course, the speed with which they can swap components in test cells has dramatically improved. Rather than having to hook each engine up individually in a cell, they can shuttle them in and out using big, air-pressure-lofted pallets. The swap time for a powertrain cell has been reduced from 24 hours to 20 minutes. Plus, 95% of the emissions from the test process are burned up in massive regenerative thermal oxidizers, and 15% of the plant's power is generated by engines on dynamometers.

After the tour, Chairman Rick and a cadre of local politicians pressed a giant red button, starting a soundtrack featuring engines revving, apparently symbolizing the ridiculousness of dedication ceremonies. But all pomp and circumstance aside, the Global Powertrain Engineering Development Center is quite a place, and since we live in SE Michigan, we salute any potential rise in property values it may bring. Of course, we'd probably say as much about a brothel if it were to accomplish the same thing.

10. Reva Electric Car (India)

9. Covini C6W (Italy)

8. Lada 111 Touring (Russia)

7. Renault Trafic Crew Van (French)

6. Geely Beauty Leopard (China)

5. Bolwell Nagari (Australia)

4. SEAT Altea Freetrack (Spain)

3. Ssangyong Rodius (Korea)

2. Mitsuoka Orochi (Japan)

1. Weber Sportscar Faster One (Switzerland)

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Are We There Yet? comScore M:Metrics Reports Mobile Map Use Grows 82 Percent in United States, 49 Percent in Europe

Reston, VA, July 24, 2008 — comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today reported that the use of mobile maps is increasingly popular in the United States and Europe, with 8 percent of American mobile subscribers and 3 percent of European subscribers accessing maps from the mobile phone in the three-month period ending May 2008. This represents a growth rate of 82 percent and 49 percent in the number of users, respectively. According to the comScore M:Metrics Benchmark Study, the iPhone is the leading device used to access maps in the United States, and in Europe, the device trails the Nokia N95 and N70.

"The mobile phone as a personal navigation device makes tremendous sense," observed Mark Donovan, senior analyst, comScore. "With the influx of devices, such as the iPhone with GPS, entering the market, Nokia's purchase of NAVTEQ and the growing popularity of downloadable navigation applications, you don't need a map to see where this sector is going."

According to comScore, 73 percent of mobile subscribers accessing maps are doing so via the browser in the U.S., and in Europe, 57 percent. Less than a third of Americans and Europeans are using a downloaded application, which allows even feature phones, with less computing power and often smaller screens, to better render graphic-rich maps and directions. Despite the ubiquity of SMS usage in Europe, the penetration of consumers accessing maps and directions via SMS is 24 percent; only one percentage point higher than it is in the United States.

The vast majority of mobile map users are seeking driving directions, even in Europe, where public transportation and non-vehicular options are more popular.

While mobile access to maps has surged, online access to maps using the PC shows more modest gains in the United States and Western Europe. In the United Kingdom, which posted the highest growth in mobile access to maps at 72 percent, online access via the PC dipped from 45 percent penetration in May 2007 to 41 percent in May 2008. In the U.S., the increase in the number of users accessing maps from a mobile device far outpaced the increase in the number of people who accessed maps via the PC.

10. 2009 Honda Pilot

9. 2009 Acura TL

8. 2008 Chevy Uplander

7. 2009 Nissan Murano

6. 2009 Toyota Venza

5. 2008 Jeep Compass Rallye

4. 2008 Subaru Impreza Sedan

3. 2008 Chrysler Sebring Convertible

2. 2008 Toyota Prius

1. 2009 Ford Focus

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The American SUVs on the market in 1989 were quite a bit different than the generation that would take over in just two years' time. We tend to focus on their crudeness and lack of creature comforts, but more importantly, nearly all "mid-size" SUVs before the 1990s period were two-door models. The exception was the Jeep Cherokee XJ, which was developed with extra doors specifically because Chevy hadn't added them to their Blazer. The other players were either Japanese, like the Isuzu Trooper or, like the Suburban, based on a larger truck platform.

The Jeep Z5 concept will look very familiar to you.

Fortunately for Chrysler, Jeep had developed a more-refined version of the four-door SUV that we know as the Jeep Grand Cherokee all the way back in 1985, when the division was owned by AMC. Unfortunately for Chrysler, when they purchased AMC and Jeep, they put the development of the Grand Cherokee project on hold in favor of new minivans. Still, Jeep had the answer, and in 1989 they released the Jeep Z5 Concept 1, which was basically the final design for the Grand Cherokee that they would bring to market in 1992.

Contrast that with the General. For 1989, GM had two futuristic concept trucks that we assume they hoped would stir enough interest to guide them in their product-making decisions. One was the youth-oriented Pontiac Stinger compact SUV. Though it wasn't particularly powerful — its engine was only good for 170 HP — it had a high level of utility, including features such as a removable picnic table and portable radio. These types of features weren't put to use, as Pontiac wasn't going to build an SUV in the near future. Ironically, many of these ideas found a home — the ill-fated and poorly designed Pontiac Aztec.

The Stinger is certainly better looking than the Aztec, even if it isn't as practical.

The other concept truck was the Chevy XT-2 concept, which stood for the Chevy Experimental Truck #2. This futuristic-looking, performance-oriented vehicle featured a Corvette suspension, a front-engine/RWD layout built on a platform similar to the F-body Camaro, and a 4.5-liter V6 that was good for 360 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine itself, which featured tuned port injection, was an important technological leap forward for GM. The TPI system not only provided more power than a carbureted engine, it was also relatively fuel-efficient. For an excellent discussion of the importance of this engine see this discussion of the XT-2 at PickupTrucks.com.

The XT-2 was designed as a pace car to be used in what was then the CART PPG Indy Car World Series, which is now a weird mix of words to see together. The truck itself went through two designs before engineers landed on the final one. The first version was fairly wild and had the engine mounted under the bed. The second version was a based on a passenger-car platform with a FWD/AWD layout and a smaller V6 engine, a concept not unlike the crossovers that would follow in the mid-2000s. So how did they end up with the final version? According to a press release provided by GM, "Given the consumer preference to small, sporty trucks, the evolution of the Chevrolet PPG XT-2 Pace Truck was natural."

So, in 1989, you had the Pontiac Stinger and the Chevy XT-2 from GM as the radically futuristic vehicles. The designers and planners clearly understood that, after the previous gas crisis, crossovers and sportier car-based trucks were the way forward. But that wasn't what happened.

In 1990, GM came out with four-door versions of their S10-based SUV's and Ford came out with the Ford Explorer. The design wasn't exactly revolutionary — the Explorer and others were the same basic body-on-frame trucks as before with an extra set of doors. The Explorer caught the imagination and dollars of Suburban families by offering car-like amenities such as leather interiors and CD players. Jeep suddenly had to rush their dusty Grand Cherokee to market in 1992 to catch up with the market.

Gas prices remained low, especially relative to the sudden increase in the purchasing power of the average American. In 1991 there were less than a million SUVs sold in the United States. By 1998, Americans were buying nearly three million a year. In 1998, the three best-selling trucks (F-Series, Silverado and Explorer) outsold the Toyota Camry, which was the best-selling car. Unfortunately, in this orgy of truck sales, nothing quite like the XT-2 was ever produced. Why make a car-based SUV or truck when you're suddenly making money hand-over-fist by adding a CD player and an extra set of doors to a body-on-frame platform you've already developed?

Fast-forward almost twenty years, to March 2008. The Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Camry bested the Ford F-150 in monthly sales, and you have your answer. Not long after, GM postponed development of their GMT-900 full-sized truck platform. It then leaked out that GM was considering a more Honda Ridgeline-esque pickup — not unlike the second version of the XT-2 concept that was never produced.

Then the news we were all waiting for: GM announced the Pontiac G8 Sport Truck in 2008. The Pontiac G8 ST will be built on the Zeta platform that underpins the 2010 Chevy Camaro, giving it essentially the same setup as the Chevy XT-2.

The General could have created car-based CUVs and sporty trucks; obviously, they thought the idea had some merit in 1989. But development and focus instead shifted to the cheaper and easier body-on-frame alternative with two extra doors. Almost 20 years later, with another energy crisis underway, it's fascinating to see how two versions of the same forgotten concepts from the late 1980s are now looking like the new way forward for an automaker desperately trying to grapple with age-old problems.

[Photos and press releases courtesy of General Motors. Special thanks to GM for providing the information, Mike Levine of PickupTrucks.com for tracking much of it down and to SmalleyXb122 for starting this whole search with his comment in the Five Ugliest Concept Trucks post.]

The Pontiac G8 ST proves Peter's maxim about originality.

Jalopnik Snap Judgement: The key is that no brands are under strategic review at this time. Everything depends on July sales numbers. We expect if sales are even lower than June, the General will change its tune faster than the reels on a gas pump. GM spokespeople on the other hand, will more than likely continue to sing off-key. Stay tuned. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

The Journal claims GM has already taken Chevrolet and Cadillac off the table, considering them core to the company. But what about the rest of the lineup?

Saturn: GM's low-price, non-haggle, donut-loving import-fighter brand has reportedly never made a profit. Even with products like the Aura and Astra, it's having trouble making any inroads with consumers despite a loyal fan base. Coupled with the fact GM has reportedly stopped development work on the next-gen Aura, we think Saturn's got a good chance of getting to know Geo in the division dumpster.

Saab: The storied Swedish born-from-jets brand has either been vastly improved or pathetically watered-down during GM's ownership, depending upon whom you talk to. Either way, with only about 35,000 sales per year in the U.S. — about what the Accord sells each month — Saab is probably due for an ownership change.

Buick: If it weren't for Buick's gangbusters Chinese sales and the strong-selling Enclave, we'd be more concerned about the tri-shield brand. Would it go Asian-market only? Possibly, but Buick's made it out alive before, and we think it'll do so again. There are just too many old people out there to sell to.

GMC: GM's truck brand sells rebadged Chevrolets almost exclusively, and Acadia is reportedly already a goner. But the division has a strong brand presence among site foremen who enjoy driving the same vehicle their workers drive, but at a 10% premium. Will that be enough? We give GMC a 50/50 shot.

Pontiac: The performance division has Solstice, the G8, and the reasonably strong-selling G6. Pontiac has always been an image brand as well as a volume brand; is G8 enough to bring that performance image back? We're not so sure...but we don't think Pontiac is going away any time soon.

So, who's following Hummer (and probably about 25,000 current GM employees) out the door? Give us your thoughts. [WSJ]

In addition to the news on the name, we're hearing from our friends at G8 Nation that Pontiac is now considering an additional power plant offering aside from the 361 HP 6.0-liter V8 power plant that is found in the Pontiac G8 GT. It's no surprise then that this new engine would be the same 3.6-liter 256 HP V6 found in the G8 V6 sedan, giving it the same 17/25 mpg fuel economy as the V6 sedan.

Yes, yes, we know the arguments for why the V6 engine makes sense. It has something to do with commercial viability. Whatever. We want a sports ute, and we want it now.

So while it really doesn't make us all that happy to hear V6's may make it back under the hood, we'll be more than willing to ignore that if the name is what we always thought it should be — Pontiac G8 El Camino.

...We still intend to offer the six-speed manual transmission as an option on the GXP model released late this year, however we have no current plans to offer the manual tranny on any other G8 model. It's possible there was some confusion over the GT vs. GXP...

[G8nation]

The article poses a few reasons, including things we've reported like supply-chain problems and the fact that the Aveo Sucks, but what of the Pontiac G5? Is it merely marketing, as AutoNews posits, or is something more insidious at work here? Are most small cars just too lame? Is the Civic just too good and the lure of SYNC-equipped Foci so great that other small cars are off-the-table in comparison? [Automotive News, Sub. Req.]

The report also mentioned cancellation of a future Hummer product and the potential shuttering of a brand, though no concrete evidence has emerged to clarify whether the Hummer product cancellation and brand closure were one in the same (Hummer) or whether Hummer might be allowed to die on the vine while another weak brand, such as Buick, was closed outright or moved off-shore. [Automotive News (Sub. Req.)]

2009 G37 Ordering Guide Excerpt Models G37x AWD Coupe

Mechanical

Intelligent All-Wheel Drive

Electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control and manual shift mode with Downshift Rev Matching
Exterior
Scratch Shield paint
Interior
Dial-type seat heater switches
Color and Trim
Add Moonlight White (QAA)
Delete Ivory Pearl (QX1)
Washi-finish trim replaces aluminum trim for driver and passenger interior door pull handles (does not apply for vehicles with African rosewood interior trim)
Convenience
Power door locks with automatic locking

TomTom told BBG that the GPS company isn't even working on anything for the iPhone, at least not right now. So where did the initial Reuters report come from? It could have been an overzealous developer simply speculating, or somebody just pulling the chain of the collective automotive tech world. Or the anonymous source could just be trying to throw everyone off the trail. Time will tell. [BBG]

FAST: G-POWER M6 HURRICANE Convertible with 635hp

One of the world's fastest and most powerful convertibles is made by G-POWER. 635hp and 635 Nm torque; these are the attributes of the latest G-POWER development for the BMW M6.

Being a straight offshoot from the legendary G-POWER M5 HURRICANE BI-Kompressor system with 730hp, the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system EVOI is a less radical alternative to achieve the desired increase in power output for all current V10 engines coming from the M-GmbH.

Thanks to the so called G-POWER "softcharging" technique, featuring a relative boost of 0,4 bar, the additional stress and wear for the engine and drivetrain is kept to a minimum, despite of the impressive increase in power output. Especially the acceleration performance in mid range, a weak point of the fast-revving concept favored by the engineers of the M-GmbH, underlines the dominance of the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system. Equipped with the G-POWER BI-Kompressor EVOI system the BMW M6 is finally capable of that superior performance characteristic most customers would have expected from the beginning.

Acceleration performance benefits from the perfect performance characteristic of the G-POWER equipped V10 engine accordingly. With a sprint time from rest to 100 km/h of 4.6 seconds and to 200 km/h in 11,9 seconds the 2-ton convertible accelerates like a true sports car. The 300-km/h barrier is shattered after 34,5 seconds from standstill. Contrary to the production car the G-POWER M6 HURRICANE convertible is not limited electronically to a top speed of 250 km/h but to 320 km/h. The determining factors therefore are weight, tyres and most important the soft top of the M6 convertible.

The G-POWER M6 HURRICANE convertible is available as a fully converted car starting at 183,000 Euros. Any existing M6 - sedan and wagon - can also be upgraded with the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system EVOI along with numerous items from the extensive G-POWER tuning accessories lineup. For M6 coupé drivers only is the 730 hp version of the G-POWER BI-Kompressor system available as well.

...click through each step as you progress towards your destination. Now the iPhone's map features will use location-based, Wi-Fi and real-boy satellite GPS for tracking. The 8GB iPhone 3G will have a price tag of $199, which can definitely compete with standalone GPS navigation units, like those available from TomTom and Garmin, plus you get a cell phone and much more. It will be available July 11. Check out more live coverage of all of the iPhone 3G announcements at Gizmodo.

We have SickWrathTerror over at the Motive Mag Forums to thank for sharing this photo of one Infiniti G35 owner apparently unaware that the 2009 GT-R was going to be available in the states. [Motive Forums]

Classic with Added Appeal Affalterbach — Following its most recent makeover, the G 55 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is now even more attractive. Boasting an upgraded performance of 373 kW/507 hp, this offroad classic has also been given a fresh look, incorporating a reworked radiator grille and new 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels. Inside, the exclusive interior features the latest generation of telematics equipment and optional climatised seats in combination with designo leather upholstery for enhanced passenger comfort. The inclusion of some of the latest technology has made this classic from the AMG stable fit for the future. Thanks to the integration of a new engine control unit, the performance of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine has been nudged up from 368 kW/500 hp to 373 kW/507 hp, with maximum torque remaining at 700 Nm. Likewise unchanged is the vehicle's effortless performance, with the G 55 AMG accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and peaking at a top speed of 210 km/h (electronically limited). The upgraded G 55 AMG also features improvements in the areas of safety and comfort. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), for example, now boasts a new and more powerful control unit, incorporating a transverse acceleration control to allow more precise recognition of dynamic driving situations and thus provide even better vehicle stability. In addition, the new G 55 AMG now comes with a hill-start assist. A sensor recognises whenever the off-roader comes to a halt on an ascending gradient. The system instantly memorises the braking pressure applied and maintains this for a short instant, giving drivers sufficient time to move from the brake to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backward. The big advantage of this technology is that in most cases it eliminates the need to use the parking brake.

Page 2
Discreet but effective design modifications

The new G 55 AMG boasts discreet but effective design modifications, including
a new radiator grille with three distinctive horizontal bars that are painted the
same colour as the rest of the body and — exclusive to the AMG top-of-the-range
model — also feature chrome inserts. Moving around the vehicle, the highlight of
the side view are the new polished 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels
painted titanium grey. They are 9.5 inches wide and equipped with 275/55 R 19
tyres that impressively bulk out the wheel arches.

Still a standard feature of the AMG body-styling package are the bumpers painted
in body colour and the characteristic AMG wide fenders. Other features include a
brushed-aluminium trim set boasting a distinctive AMG logo and the twin oval
chrome tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system, emerging from beneath the
stainless-steel running boards on either side of the vehicle — an unmistakable
sign of the power of the supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8 engine.

New COMAND APS and designo leather upholstery fitted as standard

The G 55 AMG also underscores its exclusive character with designo leather
upholstery, which is standard and now features a new silver-coloured designo
emblem on the front backrests. The seats are colour-coordinated with the designo
decorative wood trim as well as the wood/leather steering wheel and the
redesigned wood/leather selector lever bearing a G 55 logo. Also new is the
interior roof lining made of anthracite Alcantara. Helping to enhance passenger
comfort, particularly in the summer months, are the new climatised seats, which
are available for the first time with this model.

Drivers of the new G 55 AMG will also benefit from the latest generation of
telematics equipment developed by Mercedes. The standard equipment COMAND
APS system boasts a high-definition 6.5-inch colour display, rapid HDD navigation
with aerial view, LINGUATRONIC for controlling audio, navigation and phone
systems, a 4 GB memory for music files, and a slot for SD memory cards. Also available as an option is a DVD changer and a universal interface for plugging
in USB sticks, iPods, or other external audio devices.

The G 55 AMG is only available as a long-wheelbase station wagon with
five doors. The vehicle will be available from September 2008 at a price of
121,618 euros (incl. 19 percent sales tax).

[Source: MB]

The news isn't all doom and gloom, however: Third shifts are coming to the Lake Orion plant that builds G6 and Malibu and to the Lordstown plant spewing Cobalt and G5. In other words, big vehicles out, little econoboxes in. Next up: Chrysler announces new Lean Burn 300C.

Stuttgart - It has been the definitive cross-country vehicle since 1979. It has won the Paris-Dakar Rally, is deemed a worthy means of transport for the Pope, ranks as an automotive design icon, is a serial winner of readers' polls and constitutes the gene pool for a Mercedes-Benz SUV family that now numbers four model series in all. It is, of course - the G-Class. It has been in production for 29 years now, making the G-Class by far the longest-serving passenger car model series there has been since Mercedes-Benz came into existence in 1886. And its haul of superlatives is set to grow still further, because the G-Class is subject to continual updating that keeps it in touch with the very latest motoring technology. This time, once again, the exterior has only been modernised to a limited degree quite deliberately. The advances mainly centre on the vehicle's telematics, along with the new 5.5-litre V8 engine that is available for the G 500. From the outside, the newest generation of the G-Class can be identified by its restyled, three-fin radiator grille, with the G 500 sporting new-look 18‑inch light-alloy wheels as an additional distinguishing feature. The model range continues to comprise three different body variants (short-wheelbase Station Wagon, long-wheelbase Station Wagon and Cabriolet), which are either powered by the fuel-efficient V6 CDI engine generating 165 kW/224 hp and 540 newton metres or a new, mighty 5.5-litre V8 petrol unit with an output of 285 kW/388 hp and 530 newton metres of torque. This new engine propels the G‑Class to sports-car-like performance*: the dash from 0 to 100 km/h is completed in just 5.9 seconds. New telematics generation with useful extra functions The latest edition of the G-Class is equipped with the advanced, more user-friendly generation of telematics technology. A Bluetooth hands-free system for mobile phones is built in as standard. A new media interface can also be specified as an option that allows an external music storage device to be linked up to the off-roader's on-board electronics and control system. Audio tracks appear in the instrument cluster and in the centre console's colour display, and can be simply called up by using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The audio device's battery is recharged at the same time. The Audio 20 CD including a built-in six-disc CD changer is standard for the G 320 CDI models. This unit includes a dual tuner for superior radio reception, speed-sensitive volume control, as well as a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies. There is also a Bluetooth interface which establishes a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle's hands-free system. COMAND APS standard on G 500 All G 500 model versions feature the COMAND APS infotainment system with a built-in six-disc DVD changer. The system's specification includes hard-disc navigation with a tracking function outside digitised areas, telephone operation, plus a special off‑road menu. COMAND APS also incorporates the new LINGUATRONIC system with extended functionality. The voice-operated control now recognises whole-word commands, which can be spoken by anyone without the need to train the system first. The system is simply activated by means of a control on the right of the multifunction steering wheel. It can be used for making a call by saying the telephone number, controlling the audio system, calling up the global address book and operating the navigation system. COMAND APS may also be combined with the optional TV tuner and reversing camera. There are other equipment options too: for the ultimate in listening pleasure there is the Harman Kardon® Logic7® surround sound system with 12 high-performance speakers and an output of 450 watts, while climatised seats offer enhanced seating comfort for the driver and front passenger. G-Class: a success story that spans three decades The classic Mercedes-Benz Cross-Country Vehicle serves up a majestic blend of high-performance powertrain and dynamic handling control systems. In addition to permanent all-wheel drive with a low-range ratio and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, the standard specification includes the electronically controlled traction system 4ETS, the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, as well as three differential locks which can be engaged at the push of a button. Since Mercedes-Benz first commissioned Magna Steyr in the Austrian city of Graz to produce the G-Class in 1979, close on 200,000 have been built. And this enduring success story is far from over: the "G", as it is affectionately known, will continue to round off Mercedes-Benz's high-calibre line-up of SUVs alongside the GL, ML and GLK‑Class, and is due to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2009. New model available from September 2008

GM has begun testing facelifted prototypes for Pontiac's G6 Coupe, and we caught a lightly disguised version running on public roads outside of Detroit. The G6 gets a thoroughly revised front fascia, with some sharp character lines adding some interesting surface development compared to the current model's smooth nose. Instead of the current G6's twin lower intakes, the G6 facelift sports a central intake below the main grille, flanked by two angular intakes which wrap around the sides of the front bumper. While it appears that the current G6's headlights will be carried over, the rest of the car's redesigned nose successfully adds some attitude to the face of the G6.

The checkered tape covering the rear bumper suggests that the tail-end has been redesigned slightly, but any changes in play are very minor.

...is a rebadged Korean Daewoo Kalos) in Montreal as a Pontiac Wave, but do these EPA numbers mean we'll be getting them stateside as some kind of "Driving Un-Excitement?" Or will they be forced to stay on the Canadian (or Mexican, where they'll begin to be built starting at GM's new San Lois Potosi plant in June of 2009) sides of the border like other riff-raff? We've sent out an e-mail to Pontiac PR with the hopes of getting to the bottom of this before the platform prostitution starts to go totally insane. We mean, what's next — a re-badged Silverado called the Pontiac G10? We shudder at the thought. [via GMInsideNews, Motive]

While we don't know the torque numbers for the AMG, we do know it puts down a stupefying 500 HP. That's almost as ridiculous as that McLaren-powered G-Wagon we saw a bit ago. Anyway, aside from power and aesthetics, the G-Class is also getting upgraded telematics systems and other electronics doo-dads, all rendered somewhat secondary by news of massive power increases. [eMercedesbenz]