A Spacious Silverado Pickup

The Chevrolet Silverado is the latest line of full-size pickup trucks from General Motors. Since its introduction in 1965, the Chevrolet Silverado has been very popular. This full-size pickup begins another year as General Motors' best-selling vehicle.

This is one of the best full-size pickups available today. The new redesign version aims to continue its reputation as the strongest and most dependable truck on the road today.

The 2008 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 2WD is a 4-door, up to 6-passenger full size pickup, available in 5 trims, ranging from the Work Truck Short Box to the LTZ Short Box.

“The Work Truck Short Box is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 295-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. The LTZ Short Box is equipped with a standard 5.3-liter, V8, 315-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 20-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.”

Many reviewers also have positive reactions to the truck's styling. According to them, “the new look is crisp, clean, broad-shouldered and powerful.”

Safety features include driver and passenger front air bags, tire pressure monitoring system and four-wheel antilock disc brakes.

It also has one of the best interiors offered for a full size pickup.

2008 Chevrolet Cobalt

The Chevrolet Cobalt is available as either a two-door coupe with four trims (LS, LT, Sport and SS Turbocharged) or a four-door sedan with three trims (LS, LT and Sport). It ranks 17 out of 29 Affordable Small Cars. It is a new option package designed to offer improved fuel economy.

The 2008 Cobalt is available with the SS performance package, which includes a 260-hp 2.0L I-4 turbocharged engine with variable valve timing, rated at MPG 22 city, 30 on highway. “Upon introduction, the LS Coupe is equipped with a standard 2.2-liter, I4, 148-horsepower engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 33-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The SS Turbocharged Coupe is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 260-horsepower, turbo engine. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard.”

The Cobalt design is good enough although many cars of this class are more stylish and distinctive. Some reviews say that the interior isn't spacious enough and offers inadequate seating comfort. The Motor Trend says that its safety level is as good as, if not better than, most of its competition models on the safety-equipment. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. SS versions have unique styling cues, 18-inch tires, specific suspension tuning, and interior trim. For 2008 the Chevrolet Cobalt has added side curtain airbags and an XM satellite radio as standard equipment on all trims.

The Chevrolet Cobalt is quite pleasant to drive, especially the Sport model.

Honda FCX Clarity

The Honda FCX Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell automobile manufactured by Honda. The hydrogen is stored into two separate containers behind the rear seat. This fuel cell-powered FCX concept will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. And limited production of this concept model is to begin in 2008 in Japan and the United States.

This model used first fuel cell developed in-house by Honda called the Honda FC Stack. “Honda is now committed to using pure gaseous hydrogen (not, for instance, reforming methanol onboard), and the FCX's 8.3 pounds of H2 is stored in two 5000-psi (41-gallon total capacity) aluminum tanks robustly wrapped in layers of carbon fiber and fiberglass. But in a major departure from conventional fuel-cell vehicle architecture, Honda's power train includes electricity-storing ultra capacitors instead of the more common battery.”

The interior features curves in the rear fenders that causes smooth rumps. The steeply shaped windshield is not at all very practical, but it adds appeal to the car. Under the hood is a familiar looking radiator and air intake. The speedometer assembly resembles the Eye of Sauron style gauge which also displays the brake and power usage.

I really feel that this car model will sell so well. One reason is because it is a Honda, and no one can name one model of it that doesn't sell. Car companies would be smart to start installing hydrogen filling stations at dealerships. Honda will completely kick ass if this will roll out by this year.

Saturn Plug-In Concept

A rebadged version of the Opel Flextreme was introduced at the North American International Auto Show as the Saturn Flextreme. It’s been shown as a gasoline and hydrogen fuel cell concepts. The concept is the latest to showcase GM's evolving plug in hybrid technology

The Flextreme features more sculpted surfacing molding, clear style elements such as narrow, boomerang-shaped lights and a sloping feature line in the side graphics. The front grille and rims are covered by lightweight, polycarbonate transparent trim, which improves aerodynamics while maintaining visual aesthetics. It’s very aerodynamic design helps enhance the fuel savings of the electric-drive system. It has a panoramic windshield and butterfly-style rear doors. Adding to the futuristic look of the Flextreme, the windows are polycarbonate and the headlamps are LED.

“The hybrid system incorporates a 1.3-liter turbo diesel engine and a lithium-ion battery pack that can power the Flextreme's electric motor for up to 34 miles”. The Flextreme carries on the power-train concept of the original Chevy Volt This vehicle is made to reduce emissions and the automobile’s dependency on petroleum.

I understand that the idea of a concept is to explore new ideas. It’s a really good concept. I just wish the rear seats could be completely removed leaving an enormous flat cargo area. If this car is made real it would be a significant competitor for the Prius. The Flextreme focuses more on its design than anything else, but I think the Flextreme wants to tell everybody that GM is ready for the future.

Avoid Flash Fire At The Pump