When we read in Motor Trend that the Alpha platform would find its way beneath the bow tie instead of the next G6, we were a little disappointed. It didn't make sense that GM would forego the performance-oriented image of Pontiac that Blogger Bob promised us for the more family-friendly, high volume Chevy brand. If you can believe that Maximum Bob returns emails from fanatical Cheers and Gears message board posters (we definitely wouldn't put it past him), then we have nothing to worry about.
In the alleged email, the industry's most outspoken executive cut right to the chase to tell the wide-eyed emailer that Motor Trend's story was "totally untrue." Heck, maybe we'll get the best of both worlds and the General will make a Alpha-based performance Pontiac and a stylish, fun and affordable Chevrolet. We've been denied many of the best overseas platforms for too long, but nothing can make us forgive and forget faster than a couple of world-class RWD sedans that aren't the size of a freighter.
[Source: Cheers and Gears via The GM Source]
GM shrinks Volt's gas tank, range drops from 600 to 360 miles
MINI dealers to sell Alfa Romeos in the U.S.
Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London
With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary
Next BMW M5 will nix V10 in favor of twin-turbo V8
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Lincoln MKS
Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S
First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Avinash machado @ Dec 6th 2007 9:35AM
Not that Motor Trend had much credibility to begin with.
Avinash machado @ Dec 6th 2007 9:36AM
Not that Motor Trend had much credibility to begin with.
Avinash machado @ Dec 6th 2007 9:37AM
Not that Motor Trend had much credibility to begin with.
Carlos @ Dec 6th 2007 9:54AM
Why does anyone take Motortrend seriously? Take everything that they say with a huge grain of salt.
Andrew @ Dec 6th 2007 10:04AM
Unless I am stuck in an airport/train station I don't read the print mag, or any print auto mags really, because frankly anything with that long of a delay-to-print and full of ads is more trouble than its worth. But from their website, I think motor trend occasionally goes beyond the conventional wisdom (CTS car of the year etc.) and their bloggers seem like intelligent people with interesting and valid opinions. What makes you guys question their legitimacy?
Andrew @ Dec 6th 2007 10:04AM
Unless I am stuck in an airport/train station I don't read the print mag, or any print auto mags really, because frankly anything with that long of a delay-to-print and full of ads is more trouble than its worth. But from their website, I think motor trend occasionally goes beyond the conventional wisdom (CTS car of the year etc.) and their bloggers seem like intelligent people with interesting and valid opinions. What makes you guys question their legitimacy?
Carlos @ Dec 6th 2007 2:15PM
Considering that they've never been spot on with any "future drives" I would never trust them as a source for automotive intel.
DJ @ Dec 6th 2007 10:32AM
Gee, Bob better be nice to MT or they'll stomp their feet, throw a temper tantrum and take away his COTY award for the CTS.
Dave @ Dec 6th 2007 10:33AM
Great.
Now leave enough room to replace the pumpkin with an electric motor. And give us a RWD series hybrid.
GM hasn't been able to build a decent rear differential lately anyway.
oby @ Dec 6th 2007 10:49AM
Someone should gently lead ol' Bob out to pasture. So many of the things he says are contradicted by other big shots in GM (sometimes in the same news conference)! Another sick joke is the notion of Pontiac as a performance division. proof positive that GM has no idea what performance is (except for a certain sports car in the CHEVY lineup).
sleepdog @ Dec 6th 2007 11:13AM
A better question is why anyone would take some clown at Cheers and Gears seriously. Give me a minute, I'll e-mail Bob and be back w/ GM's lineup plans for the next 5 years. Geez... Yeah, MT sucks, MT doesn't know what they're talking about, yada, yada... blah, blah blah...
Drew @ Dec 6th 2007 4:02PM
He does return e-mails from Cheers and Gears members. I e-mailed him and asked him to sell the diesel CTS in the US. We exchanged emails about it a few times, but ultimately, the answer was no.
George @ Dec 6th 2007 11:25AM
Lutz is an incontinent old fool. I don't know how this dinosaur found his way to the internet a few years back but no under 40 cares. I can't take anyone that looks like Leslie Nielsen seriously.
Why is the G8 taking so long? I won't be holding my breath for the Volt either.
Reality Check @ Dec 6th 2007 7:48PM
Good thing he is white or we would be calling you a bigot to! His age has nothing to do with anything. Except to show that you are a fool who dislikes old people.
Owain Ozymandias Buck @ Dec 7th 2007 9:00AM
George, I really have to ask for clarification. Did you mean incontinent or incompetent. He could be incontinent and still be fairly competent. Likewise, if he is incompetent, that alone is no marker that he wears depends undergarments.
Precision in thought demands precision in language. ;)
s @ Dec 6th 2007 12:28PM
Some folks on C&G also seem to have predicted Pontiacs demise is right around the corner. I would see that as a very strong possibility given the protfolio has consisted of nothing more than rebadged Chevys and Holdens for years.
"Tick-tock" as they say.
Mike @ Dec 6th 2007 3:30PM
And the fact that Lexus sports nothin but rebadged Toyotas, and Acura Sports rebadged Accords is no nevermind to anyone. Every automaker out there does it. I just wish people would stop highlighting GM as if they're the only ones that use this technique.
Holden's for years? Last I checked, the GTO was the first Import.....
naggs @ Dec 6th 2007 4:07PM
why would GM bring out brand new models (solstice, g6, g8 and now new alpha car) if it was even considering killing the brand?
absolutly not going to happen
Mike @ Dec 6th 2007 3:28PM
I remember posting on the other thread saying that "Until I hear official news from GM I won't submit to any of these theories."
Once again, Maximum Bob corroborates my belief (although not personally). So ya'll can relax now. :p
naggs @ Dec 6th 2007 4:14PM
g8 taking long?
0.o
what is the time period between the showcar and the car hitting dealer lots?
and the volt program is well under way
why is it that lutz bashers consistently have no clue what they are talking about?