What can be done to improve American cars? (traction, SUV, brake)

[ryanek9freak]

I'll give you that one Steve. I never did care for Toyota's interiors. It reminds me of Tupperware.

[JTraik]

Originally Posted by ryanek9freak

You can program an EFI system to dump as much fuel as you could possibly want to. Case in point: Top Fuel Dragsters. Their injectors deliver about 10 gallons of fuel in just over 3 seconds. Carburetors suck. They're good for nothing but restoring a muscle car, which if I did, I would probably convert to EFI anyway.

NASCAR for some reason refuses to let go of 150 year old technology. That and they can't turn right either.

Both have their advantages but the fact that carburetors are old as time itself and still competitive says something.

Originally Posted by ryanek9freak

And don't tell me that blueprinting has nothing to do with balancing.

I blueprinted a Saturn Ion 2.2 Ecotec once, and you wouldn't beleive the difference in how much smoother it ran and how much higher I could take the RPM without it sounding like a bunch of marbles in a coffee can.

As you said... "its mechanics" clearances have NOTHING to do with balancing they are two independent characteristics. The reason your engine was rattling around was because you didn't have equal compression in all of your cylinders. Ever run an engine with no spark to one cylinder?

Originally Posted by ryanek9freak

American car manufacturers just don't take the extra steps to make sure they have a good product. They don't care. It's a **** it mentailty.

Took the Japanese all the way until the late '80s to build a decent line, thats far longer than the Americans have had to ruin theirs. And now look at American design... passing up the ricers once again, didn't take long.

[dubthang]

Originally Posted by Steve_TN

If you want a lesson in "cheap" try sitting in the 2009 Toyota Camry LE. It is a testament to the fact that Toyota isn't what it used to be.

This is where American companies are gaining. Unfortunantly people aren't taking the time to actually look inside of the new American cars to compare them for themselves. Ford and GM are starting to introduce nice, unique interiors while Asian companies seem to be adding more blah to their interiors.

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by dubthang

This is where American companies are gaining. Unfortunantly people aren't taking the time to actually look inside of the new American cars to compare them for themselves. Ford and GM are starting to introduce nice, unique interiors while Asian companies seem to be adding more blah to their interiors.

I agree. Just as one example, if you look inside the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, you will easily see that it is better finished than the interior of a 2009 Camry. There simply is no comparison. I would venture to say that the 2009 Dodge Avenger has the same quality interior that the 2009 Camry does.

[Sayantsi]

Yes, the new Malibu is light years ahead of the Camry. Toyota and Honda are slipping on design and materials, but they are still reliable. American cars today have more style and better quality materials for the most part, but now its the Japanese with the loyal American buyers.

Also, I con't think of any technology from Nascar that trickles into passenger cars. I think you have F1/Lemans racing tech that finds its way into passenger cars, and then passenger car tech that finds its way into Nascar. Nascar is a purely a marketing series for advertising dollars. The technology investment is concentrated in making things safer for the drivers and participants, not testing new tech for autos.

[JeffreySH]

Originally Posted by Steve_TN

I agree. Just as one example, if you look inside the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, you will easily see that it is better finished than the interior of a 2009 Camry. There simply is no comparison. I would venture to say that the 2009 Dodge Avenger has the same quality interior that the 2009 Camry does.

I've heard a lot of good things about the new Malibu - particularly its performance and economy. Personally, I like the looks of the thing.

To me, the real question is whether The Big 3 will be able to regain the confidence of American consumers before it's too late.

[Steve_TN]

Originally Posted by JeffreySH

I've heard a lot of good things about the new Malibu - particularly its performance and economy. Personally, I like the looks of the thing.

To me, the real question is whether The Big 3 will be able to regain the confidence of American consumers before it's too late.

I think the current generation Malibu has impressed many consumers. If The Big 3 produce cars on par with the Malibu, I believe they will have a chance. They will need some very direct and aggressive advertising though. They can't do what they did with the Saturn Astra; bring it on to the scene and barely advertise it.

[DailyJournalist]

The Malibu is fine car. I think cars like these will make GM competitive once again.

[Bigg Mann]

Originally Posted by Steve-o

Have you sat in the new Taurus (er, Five Hundred)? Hardly "cheap". Solid sounding doors, nice controls, decent ergonomics, classy exterior... Same goes for the new Flex. 180 degree turn from Fords of just 5 years ago.

I used to own a 2005 Mercury Montego AWD Limited, Twin to Five Hundred Ford. This was a very enjoyable, reliable ride but not big enough for my 6'4" frame so traded for a 07 Tahoe LTZ, another nice truck but not as nice riding as Merc.

[ryanek9freak]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

The Malibu is fine car. I think cars like these will make GM competitive once again.

Oddly, I work for Saturn, and the Aura, underneath, is the same car as the Malibu, but it feels more refined, and just looks more attractive.