On September 6, 2007 GM invited Cruisin' Times to Nashville, Tennessee to see their GM Collection for 2008. They brought a broad range of new cars and trucks for us to see and drive. GM seems to be trying to make their products more beautiful and with better quality. After taking one look at these vehicles, we truly noticed the change. The change in warranty was no accident. If the vehicles are built better, then they deserve a better warranty. We won't go into depth on these new vehicles because we have a whole year to concentrate on the details. I'm sure we will get to experience them a little more carefully when they come to our office for a chance to spend more time with them. We just wanted to give you the opportunity for a brief visit so you will know what you can expect in 2008 from GM.
Cadillac impressed us with their beautiful CTS. It handled the curvy roads of Tennessee like a dream. The interior was nice enough to put the finishing touches on that dream. The STS was true luxury which can be had with your choice of a 3.6, a 4.6 or a supercharged 4.4 liter engine. You really get what you pay for here.
Saturn has really opened up the gates with their overhaul. If you haven't notice Saturn before, you will now. The Aura Green Line will really get your attention as well as the Outlook crossover and the V-6 Saturn Vue.
While we were there, we had a conversation about car theives taking an interest in Buick. I think anyone would understand why if they had a chance to see the Enclave. Buick has decided to build real Buicks again.
A new vehicle that we got to visit briefly was the Pontiac G8. You can get one in the first quarter of 2008 as a 3.6 liter, 260 horsepower V-6 or the 6 liter 355 horsepower V-8. Great handling and rear wheel power.
If you ever wanted to drive a jet, the new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan or the 9-7X Aero should satisfy your need and still keep you on the ground.
We think Chevrolet has finally hit a home-run with their trucks. The new Sierra and the Silverado was a fine example of truck beauty combined with excellent comfort and handling. Testing one with a load should be the true test for a Texas truck.
The Acadia caught our attention before we were invited to this event. No doubt it will catch your attention too if you like a mid-size SUV.
GM did what Chrysler mistakenly failed to do. They gave us an economical panel with the HHR. Good going.
Since we owned a H2 Hummer at one time, I was looking forward to testing the new H2. It wasn't available but the H3 Alpha was. On road and off road I saw a whole new vehicle from the first H3 that I drove. We always thought that the H3 was a good idea but the addition of a V8 in the H3 Alpha was exactly what was needed.
We didn't get to drive it but we did have the opportunity to see the new Malibu. The outside styling was nice but nothing impressive as it reflected an image to many of today's sedans. The inside is where you had to sit up and take notice. Reflections of past cockpit styling put this car on the map. GM's concentration on interiors should take their vehicles over the edge this year.
There was a very nice showing of Hybrid vehicles and also the E85 corn eating vehicles. The way of the future, take our word for it.
In short, GM has something to be proud of in 2008. We can't wait until we get to do our individual reviews on each one of these vehicles. Watch for them in Cruisin' Times.