rmc523

A friend of mine has a new Mustang, he put his own HID setup in there, lemme tell you, those things are BRIGHT! They look like high-beams when on regular mode. They're not the projector type, obviously since it's a Mustang. Just because they don't have projector lights, doesnt mean they cant be as bright as projectors.

Okay, that would explain why they light up as quickly as models with all LED taillights, like Infiniti models. I didn't know that they were a single LED made to look like a normal incandescent. I think part of the washout affect may be caused because the taillights are clear, not red, but I could be wrong.

That's a good picture of I assume a pre-production model. It appears to be a Limited model. I guess Ford eliminated the projector headlights for even the Limited model. Maybe HID/xenon bulbs are available (w/out projector lenses), like Mustang. I assume the LED taillights are gone too. Although, if they are replaced w/ Taurus/X type light bulbs that be ok, since they illuminate equally fast and can be made to look like LEDs anyways.

I too am seeing more and more of them around. I assume sales are finally beginning to pick up.

I don't think he didnt understand what wider meant, I think he meant he didn't understand why that 'baja' model would be wider than the regular truck.

I thought the manicure one was funny too, at the end when the 'cop' finds out the guy was actually driving a Freestar.

I wouldn't think so, since they're using Navistar.

I knew somebody would bring that up. I should've been more descriptive. I wasn't referring to the Enclave vs. Outlook/Acadia differences, I was referring to the Outlook vs. Acadia differences, which is very little, besides a different front clip, different taillights, and a tad different interior. This Traverse looks like it'll be on the Outlook vs. Acadia degree of differences. Don't get me wrong, Ford does it to, especially w/ Mercury. The Lincoln situation is being solved slowly but surely (see Taurus/Sable vs. MKS). Lincoln's models will all be very differentiated from their Ford brethren soon enough, given time.

I didnt' know that. I wonder if Ford still owns part?

I'm not sure how Chrysler's doing , but to me, if you're CEO is saying in public that the company is 'operationally bankrupt,' you must not be doing well, even if he said it to get people to try harder, etc. They issued that big long "explanation" of Nardelli's comments (which I didn't feel like reading) to try to alleviate the damage, but as I said, I'm not sure what to think when a CEO says something like that, I don't know what to believe about Chrysler now.

I agree. The styling is okay, its not over the top/ugly (Nitro) or boring (cant think of a good Chrysler example, new Sebring?), its simple and functional. There are several things that IMO could be different, for example, I'd prefer a less cluttered looking roof rack apparatus, little things like that for the most part. The interior looks a little better than recent Dodge interiors, but still isn't there yet. Honestly, I think part of Dodge's interior problems is their color schemes....I hate the gray look, I think a nice tan/camel color would look a lot better. To me, gray is sorta depressing and boring. I agree with you that it's better than Chrysler's recent offerings. That said, I believe that because of Chryslers low quality recent products, it will be difficult for Dodge to get people to consider their new most likely better quality product, because they didn't do a better job on other products.

sorry, double post.

The Nitro/Caliber etc. (new Dodge products) are selling well near me.......to rental fleets.

sorry, double post.

I agree, I don't like it.

Well we obviously cant really see him as a valued/respected poster since he joined back in '04, but only has 31 posts.

Also, they mentioned some new 5-speed transmission at launch, followed by a 6-speed in 2010, and we know 6-speeds will be standerd across the board from launch.

How do you know that? Also, if that's true: 1) Why? 2) Would it be getting the new Taurus/X type taillight bulbs, that light up as quickly as LEDs, but aren't? I was beind a Taurus X last night and he put his turn signal on, the light flashed quickly as LEDs do.

I agree, I dont like that part of this chop either. I do think the taillights look nice though, more like the Zephyr concept. Also, that design ties the MKZ in more with the MKX and it's taillight design.

It's not a bad commercial, whoever made it.

Not bad looking.

What do they use Cummins for right now?

I agree. Ford is already unloading LR, which is a (currently) profitable luxury SUV-only brand, b/c of lack of future investment funds (along w/ other reasons). Also as you mentioned, the new environmental regulations could limit what companies like Jeep and LR will be able to do, so I'm not sure buying Jeep would be a good thing for Ford.

I think these came out a while ago. Anyways, the Traverse looks like it'll be another GM rebadge, no real distinct sheetmetal or anything.

Unless those same people who've bought Tundras have already realized their mistake and gone and bought an American truck. I've seen quite a few new Tundras in used lots.