AZTEK SALES - 2007

Yes, you read that correctly. Pontiac sold Azteks in 2007. Yes, you were under the correct impression that Aztek sales stopped in 2005. But, that impression was ever-so-slightly misleading.

The Aztek improved in 2002. Ever-so-slightly. The excessive cladding that coated the lower portions of the body was removed in favour of body colour continuation. Although Pontiac sought to sell 75,000 Azteks each year, that goal was never reached and production came to an end.... and not a moment to soon.

Even so, over the last twelve months leading up to the point sixteen days ago, 25 Azteks were sold. One can assume the invoice was substantially less than the listed MSRP. The 185-bhp crossover-utes sold for $21,530 (front-wheel drive) or $24,445 (all-wheel drive). It's safe to assume a typical '05 Aztek would be worth half that price.

DETROIT DEBUTS - Part IV

Cadillac's new CTS is a gem for GM. Class-competitive, dynamic both on the road and in pictures, the powerful CTS is bound for sales success. When success strikes, the key for automakers is to stretch the brand. Just take a look at Mini - Convertible, then Clubman, and an upcoming cute-ute.


Therefore, Detroit is the location for the introduction of the CTS coupe concept. Striking design goes a notch or two further than the already striking CTS sedan.

Cadillac CTS debut factoid: the CTS coupe can handle a 2.9L turbodiesel which generates 250 bhp and 406 lb-ft of torque - for international markets, no doubt.

Read about The Good Car Guy's test drive of the CTS at GM's proving grounds

Horsepower isn't lacking underneath the hood of the other new CTS. V is becoming a very accepted performance brand, but with high hopes of competing with Mercedes AMG and BMW M, Cadillac had to up their game. The recipe clearly included a statement which read: "No Replacement for Displacement". Under which, another heading noted: "No Substitute for Cubic Inches".


Cadillac CTS-v debut factoid: 550 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque supplied by a supercharged 6.2L V8 team to make this Cadillac the second-most powerful General Motors vehicle in the world. Second to.... this car.

DETROIT DEBUTS - Part III

Saab builds a competitive vehicle? We won't know until the 9-4X is produced and production examples are driven, but on modernity; appearance; and appeal, the 9-4X BioPower stacks up well. Especially when contrasted with its Bad 8-deserving brother, the 9-5.

The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder loses 55 horsepower when fueled with gasoline (instead of E85 ethanol), but the lower figure of 245 ain't shabby either.


Saab 9-4X debut factoid: Salomon worked with Saab to design a unique ski-stowage system.

COTY & TOTY

North American Car and Truck of the Year nominees included the Cadillac CTS and Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. They didn't win. Mazda's CX-9 and the Chevrolet Malibu took the crown. GoodCarBadCar talked to you about this a month ago, and made very clear that, amongst the potential nominees, Cadillac's CTS sure did look good.

DETROIT DEBUTS - Part II

Ferrari's Millechili sounded the alarm. Even the exoticar makers must go green. Detroit is the venue for a more realistic near-future possibility, the F430 Spider BioFuel.

Think crazy-fast, corn-powered, Italian convertible beauty. You get the picture. If not, view it in AutoBlog's gallery.

Ferrari BioFuel debut factoid: the badges suck.

DETROIT DEBUTS - Part I

Truck sales are dwindling. Which two companies does this transition hurt the most? That'd be Chrysler and Ford; two manufacturers who are facing some pressing financial concerns.

So who debuts new trucks in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show? That'd be Chrysler and Ford; two manufacturers who produce relatively impressive pickups but need to stay on top of the game to maintain their lofty sales totals.

Check out AmericanTrucks.com and their

large selection of Ford Truck Bed Covers

Dodge Ram debut factoid: 115 head of cattle were present for the introduction, suggesting most strongly that the 'personal transportation truck' may be slip-slidin' away, but the 'work truck' is still necessary.

The '09 Ford F150, America's best-selling vehicle for... forever, is not as "all-new" as the Ram but does sport some toughening, both underneath and skin-deep.


F150 debut factoid: Toby Keith joined Mark Fields in the F150 as it drove on stage.

LEXUS ISF IN MOTION

Lexus is soon to be selling amongst the nastiest, meanest, most aggressive sedans on the planet. The ISF, not surprisingly, will be a high-value contender in a segment dominated by a trio of Germans. Not surprisingly? Indeed, every time Lexus enters a new market segment, they offer a more refined and higher quality package at a lower price.

The Audi RS4, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and BMW M3 are more than just meritorious badges - they're incredible cars, each offering a different host of reasons in order to lure you in. The ISF is the same, but with a lower dollar figure on its side. Here it is in motion.