Ok, oppo...

"Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S." (calebms) 06/17/2016 at 11:43 • Filed to: None

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What is your favorite exterior detail of your car?

I am particularly fond of the clear circles in the middle of the tail lights. They are the only exterior feature that does not appear anywhere but the LTZ. LTs can have the dual exhaust pipes from the more than substantial 3.6 V6, a special chrome package can get you the fog lights, but the clear tail lights are the only thing truly separating me from the pleb LTs.

Hoccy > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 11:48

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I have several, but today I (re)noticed the small bump after the gas cap, continuing from the trim. Small unnecessary detail, but it makes the design better.

aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 11:50

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My car has a nice butt

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 11:53

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The fact that it’s yuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe 06/17/2016 at 11:54

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indeed it does

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 11:56

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How the A-pillar extends to the top of the grille. *I have base model, not a RS. They share the same hood, just different bumpers.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 06/17/2016 at 11:59

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dem lines!

Sneaky Pete > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:01

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Gas cap! This was after I removed it, took it apart, removed a significant amount of oxidation, and polished it.

Jack Does Cars > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:05

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Off topic, but I’ll be in Iowa next week. Lowkey only going for Casey’s and not for the wedding.

Alfalfa > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:06

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I know it sounds pedestrian to say the spoiler, but it really pulls it all together.

gmctavish needs more space > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:10

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I think the blacked out pillars are my favourite. It would have a very different look otherwise

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:10

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I love the clear headlight lenses on the post facelift W220 S class.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:11

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Car 1: pop-ups, obviously

Car 2: rare OEM aero kit for bragging rights

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Alfalfa 06/17/2016 at 12:12

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It really ties the car together man...

Alfalfa > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/17/2016 at 12:14

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Until that damn Chinaman pissed on it!

phenotyp > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:16

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Easy:

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 06/17/2016 at 12:18

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Imagine my surprise to see my car posted! haha! (Sonic drivers unite!!)

I really like the Sonic’s hood shape as well. Subtly muscular.

I was going to add, I like how much it looks like the concept car. The proportions are surprisingly close, minus the massive wheels and ride height.

There are even some details I like more on the production car, like the dark mirrors, and headlights.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:19

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The fact that my car has hips!

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Alfalfa 06/17/2016 at 12:21

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The chinaman is not the issue here, Dude. Also, Dude, chinaman is not the preferred nomenclature. Asian-American, please.

Supreme Chancellor and Glorious Leader SaveTheIntegras > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:21

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The useless but subtle Si wing. It just makes the rear end more complete

CalzoneGolem > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:22

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The zipties

Reece-Current Stinger GT owner > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:25

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Style 67 Wheels son.

The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 06/17/2016 at 12:31

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Mine is just a stripped out base model with a 5spd. I really want to put on OEM style 16" wheels. The only thing I don’t like is the low front bumper, even moderate curbs I hit. I think the 17"s fit the RS well, not so much on lower trims. Are you on Sonic Owners Fourm?

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Jack Does Cars 06/17/2016 at 12:37

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Breakfast pizza, hoes.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:40

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(Not my car shown; lighter color pictured for better visibility.) On the driver’s side, there’s an engine air inlet whose upper edge picks up the character line from the door that originates with the turn-signal repeater in the front fender. And the leading edge of the inlet is parallel to the nearest edge of the Tridion safety structure.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:40

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The clever C-pillar “flying buttress” of the F355 hiding an air intake.

For 1994-1995 cars, it actually housed the engine air intakes (the lower scoops were for radiators and brakes). But OBD-II became mandatory in 1996, and Ferrari redesigned much of the engine. The air inlets were re-routed to siphon off the lower scoop. On my 1998 car the C-pillar inlet meets a dead-end.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:45

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The vertical curve of the taillights and over all oh so early 90s ness of the rear end.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 06/17/2016 at 12:45

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Interesting!

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:46

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I’m particularly fond of our head/tail lights and am looking forward to the next ones in 2017.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 06/17/2016 at 12:50

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Audi does (and has done for quite some time) their head/tail lights very well. Especially when it comes to integrating new tech. If I recall correctly, they were one of the first automakers to incorporate DRLs into their design language. I love the current head/tail lights on the new Q7 more than probably any Audi. I pass(ed) one everyday on my way to school, and they are doing something right, let me tell you.

Land_Yacht_225 > V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches 06/17/2016 at 12:52

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Its the more delicate look of the 4 bar rear tail lights over the two bars in the pre-facelift that do it for me!

Funktheduck > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 06/17/2016 at 12:54

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Plus it’s a movie car......sort of. From twilight. You need the “I drive like a Cullen” sticker.

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 12:55

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I believe you are right about the DRLs. One could argue that Audi probably spends too much time designing and engineering their lights, but damnit if they don’t have the best looking ones on the market. I love the ‘17 ones, saw a few ‘17 A4s and Q7s when I took our Q5 in for service a few weeks ago. It’s incredible how they’ve turned the head/tail lights into such prominent design features.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) 06/17/2016 at 12:58

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I was thinking about that the other day while detailing my Grandpa’s A6. Audi is really the only automaker that has a very distinct trait, that being the lights. I mean corporate grills are a given these days, so they don’t count. BMWs have decent “halos,” but Audis stand out above the rest.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 06/17/2016 at 13:03

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Sweet, yeah I think we’ve chatted on Oppo before, I recognize your name/car.

I can usually keep clear of the curbs so I don’t mind the clearance. I’ve actually been thinking about the GM suspension that drops the RS another 10mm, making it 20mm lower that your LS. ;)

Totally personal taste, but I tend to think the car looks better with 16s-17s. Though, I totally get the functional aspect of the smaller wheel and thicker side walls. I’m sourcing some winter wheels/tires for next year and am look at ~15"

I always thought these looked good on the Sonic and I think they are 18s maybe? (I realize this post is making me sound, “stance-y.” I’m not, I promise.)

I lurk on that Forum from time to time. Been meaning to set up an account but you know... life (read: laziness)

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Alfalfa 06/17/2016 at 13:09

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As someone else with a square sedan with a curvy spoiler, I feel you dawg.

Flies With Thunderbirds > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:09

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This one is my favorite.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 06/17/2016 at 13:10

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I've always like the Sonics hidden rear door handle.

PotbellyJoe and 42 others > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:10

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My Pontiac Vibe GT has a subtle frosted pattern on the light surround that matches the grille and the fabric on the seats. I always thought that was a nice touch.

I’d send a picture, but I am 50 miles from my car right now.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe 06/17/2016 at 13:12

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Even the taillights look down on you in disapproval

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2016 at 13:13

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That wrap around glass look is what makes that gen legacy so special.

Amoore100 > JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! 06/17/2016 at 13:15

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Hey, I was gonna say the nicely formed curve along the side of the V50...not quite hips here, but still elegant. Every time I walk up to it I think “Wow, Volvo really got the proportions right; that is a good looking wagon.” No buyer’s remorse here.

PorkchoPlissken > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:17

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The headlights.

cazzyodo > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:19

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I really like how the taillights sweep towards the front and how the gas cap is integrated under it (on the other side).

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2016 at 13:37

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Especially made for a very cool look on my black LGT wagon with tinted windows. Loved the continuity of it.

Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. > cazzyodo 06/17/2016 at 13:44

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I’m really impressed with this generation Focus hatchback, all the way from the SE to the RS.

cazzyodo > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:47

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Had it 3 years and haven’t had an issue.

Well, no maintenance issue. I can’t control others and how they interact with it when I’m not around.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:47

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Toss up between the grille:

And the fact that there isn’t a B Pillar:

mazda616 > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 13:51

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My favorite exterior detail of my car is the 19-inch wheels. They make my model, a Touring, really stand apart from the Sport (which only gets 17s).

Pictured: My 6 Touring and a comparable 6 Sport.

Of course, they'll quickly become my least favorite once I have to buy new tires someday. Oh well.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > interstate366, now In The Industry 06/17/2016 at 13:52

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That is a pretty damn fantastic pair of cars.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 14:22

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The general bigness and dignity of the car. Oh and the wheels.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Alfalfa 06/17/2016 at 14:38

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Those wheels are pretty unique too.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Sneaky Pete 06/17/2016 at 14:39

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Also my favourite detail on the original Viper GTS. That and the electronic door button.

gmctavish needs more space > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/17/2016 at 14:44

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That looks fantastic

gmctavish needs more space > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 06/17/2016 at 14:51

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I agree. The pillarless windows are a nice touch too

interstate366, now In The Industry > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 06/17/2016 at 14:54

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Thanks. There's a third, but I never talk about it.

V12 Jake- Hittin' Switches > Land_Yacht_225 06/17/2016 at 15:12

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I was torn between the two. I love the tail lights. How are the repairs coming?

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2016 at 15:51

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Thanks, sold it a few months ago. Was a great car but was more car than I needed. But now we’re in the middle of moving to Portland, OR (where the Crosstrek or the Outback are probably the state car) and will have a commute again most likely - wish I still had that Subaru!

gmctavish needs more space > ZHP Sparky, the 5th 06/17/2016 at 15:57

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Yeah fair enough. Well, it shouldn’t be too much trouble to find another Subaru in Portland :p

ZHP Sparky, the 5th > gmctavish needs more space 06/17/2016 at 16:03

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ha, true. As much as I loved that car it’s still too big for me...and a bit too old at this point to put my trust in someone else’s 10+ year old turbocharged Subaru. But most likely I would like to try getting a newer WRX (if I can get this crazy idea of buying yet another old BMW out of my head).

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > interstate366, now In The Industry 06/17/2016 at 16:11

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is it a prius?

interstate366, now In The Industry > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To 06/17/2016 at 16:44

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No, another Prelude. It's a beater.

JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder! > Funktheduck 06/17/2016 at 16:52

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:( I like to forget about that part!

Die-Trying > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 17:28

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vent windows....... the faster i go..... the cooler i am.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 18:28

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The horizontal crease that runs back from the headlight, through the front fender, into the door handles, then back into the taillights.

Jack Does Cars > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 18:33

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I fuxxx with a breakfast pizza, deadass.

al-zo - Now with an Acura! > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/17/2016 at 19:54

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I have 3 feet of tail lights

TDogg > The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock 06/17/2016 at 22:20

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It gives it a very mean, evil genius kind of look. I dig it!

Nauraushaun > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/18/2016 at 22:42

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I don’t like those things. I think they’re trying too hard to do the Skyline thing. A few cars do it, I always view it as cheap copying.

I like my popup lights. But there are a hundred things on the outside of an MR2 I love.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Caleb "If a rally car can do it, so can my Malibu" M. S. 06/22/2016 at 14:12

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All of them, but dem headlights and drawn-out fender lines in particular.