GM plans new RWD cars
GM, the Company Most Likely To Stab RWD Fans In The Back - hey, I own a '96 Impala SS, so I've got the right to be bitter - has announced that its Zeta platform is on again and will yield some product for the showroom in 2008 or 2009. That's, oh, only 12 years after the B-body was canned, 6 years after the F-body disappeared, and 4 years after the success of Chrysler's LX platform surprised only those who are clueless about the allure of a big V8 and RWD. Expect to see a concept or two at the 2006 Detroit auto show, including a Camaro with strong first-gen ('67-'69) cues, and some sort of four-door full-size sedan that hopefully looks more like a '94 Impala SS and less like a '91 Caprice (unfortunately, rumor has it that it looks more like a 300C knock-off than a proper B-body successor). As the Auto Prophet says, what took them so long? All will be forgiven if these products kick ass.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
redman 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
And GM's got the engines to do it too.
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james 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
GM should convert some of their current models to rear wheel drive. The G6, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Impala, and Monte Carlo, all could use it. And while they're at it they can fire whoever changed the headlights on the 2006 Monte Carlo.
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V?or Rubiera 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
And here we again with the copycats.
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JustJase 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Actually they should fire whoever designed the current Monte Carlo, period! And the pre-'06 Impala, too. Ugliest cars in the world. Thank god the Impala got such a nice makeover this year. It's actually a nice looking car inside and out.
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Hank 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
They should've fired the guy who made the old Monte Carlo headlights.
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james 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
The new Monte Carlo (with the bowtie headlights) and the pre-2006 Impala are great looking cars. They are fresh distinctive designs but still call back to their heritage. Nothing else looks like them and they sure standout in a good way. Compare these models new and old and you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.
It's really sad that Chevy's new styling direction is bland and boring, or just a knock off of a competitor. Take off the badge on any new GM model and you'll never tell them apart. I don't find anything wrong with bland cars, but they definitely should not use the Impala or Monte Carlo names on them.
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Dirth Pitranger 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
They should have fired Lutz. AND all those guys who went for fwd. But, if they did, I would not have the the new Charger in the garage.
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kyle 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
wow your stupid lutz is the one who is trying to bring back rwd but ok
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Dirth Pitranger 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Kyle, you are a little misguided. Lutz has systematically destroyed GM with his programs. He may now endorse rwd, but has been doing so receintly only after market pressure. This "change of heart" is like the murderer on death row who suddenly finds Jesus.
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Rob Phillips 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
For the love of all that is sacred, GM needs to make a car that will save Buick. A RWD Riviera with a high power Grand National edition will drive people into showrooms!
Please GM, make me a new GNX!
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Chris Morgano 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Hey, Whats with the 91 Caprice crack ?
I have a 91 Caprice fixed up real nice.
Not all of us can afford impalla SS's.
YOU SNOB !!!
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Scott 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
One of Lutz's first projects was the Solstice. That car is a certifiable hit.
Where's the problem, Dirth?
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Lee Gibson 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Now all they need to do is stop trying to out-boring Toyota.
The Cobalt, Impala, and Monte Carlo...faces that only a really, really, really dull person could love...
Engines? Great. Right wheel drive? Fine.
How about something that looks cool? Is that really so much to ask?
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010111 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
isn't the new RWD platform more a G-body sized platform? vs. a B-body size? as in small->mid size like the A/G car were always considered vs. full-size like the old B-body was considered? that seems to be my take on it anyway.
Camaro might be nice. but i sort of think the name might do a little better with a few more years off the market.
i'd personally much rather see a Chevelle on the new platform. a name that (since everyone pretends 73-77 never happened it seems) hasn't been really tarnished and has a lot of nostalgia appeal these days. sort of like the Charger name. plus the Chevelle name could easily exist as both a sedan as well as a coupe and not be heresy to the nameplate.
if the 3.5L V6 works in rear drive apps... that could be the base engine perhaps. maybe the I5 or I6 would work too. then 5.3L V8 for the upper end. and of course LS2 for the SS.
AWD as an option on this platform might be nice too. sort of like how if the new-style Impala SS (or even Cobalt SS / Malibu SS / Maxx SS) had an available AWD option i might even think it was sort of decent. unlike FWD... which i don't.
i actually would rather see a Camaro sized as a compact (compact in the american sense. not international sense) like the original was. and based on the Kappa platform. since we already know Kappa can underpin decently priced cars. i have the feeling they are mismarketing the new Camaro and it will end up way too bloaty and upscale for it's own good.
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egs 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
another "Johnnie come lately". and in typical GM fashion, it'll be half-a$$ed.
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BF 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Lutz has bascially saved Cadillac upgrading everything they had in the pipeline. Lutz also has a big hit in the Solstice/Sky which are the first ground up projects under his tenure. Let's not forget the GTO either....yes I know some folks hate the looks, but it is a blast to drive.
Also by all accounts that I have read in the media, the next wave of GM cars coming out of the GM Design Dome for late 2006 and 2007 are among the best ever. Let's give Bob another model year or two before we past judgement.
# 10 Rob, I agree, a Buick GNX would be great. I always loved that car. My father had a Buick Rivera with the HO V6 Turbo like the one the GNX had as a company car. Man that car could move.
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Joel A 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
But before all these RWD vehicles, arrives, there's still the General's other--and more real--offerings:
BEFORE THE REAR-WHEEL-DRIVE VEHICLES:
New GM models are already in the works
http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/rearwheel-bar115e_20050815.htm
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Nutbags 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
What are the odds that GM gets it right the first time? Or will it be canceled when they finally get it right?
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HAVOC 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
GM is only digging themselfs into a bigger hole. they always manage some way to screw up 90% of there vehicles.
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Dirth Pitranger 10:25PM (12/18/2005)
Lutz has invested in some rwd. Most of which is lower volume,(Cadillac, Solstice) but has failed to embrace the company bread and butter buyers of Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, and whats was Olds. This is the volume market, of which GM has lost tremendous share. READ MONEY. This is why GM stock is now junk status, and why they will eventually have to screw their retirees, forcing taxpayers to anti-up just like United. People who think he is now on track should consider why this moron ever was so far off track. No vision for the furure is the answer. Firing is too good for this idiot.
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