Rumormill: Holden-based, RWD 2012 Chevy SS coming after all?
Chevrolet Lumina SS (Middle East edition) - Click above for high-res image gallery
If it's Monday, there must be a big, rear-wheel drive Chevrolet four-door coming soon. Tuesday? We'll retract and deny everything. We know, we know. We also know we just reported that the next Chevy Impala will remain front-wheel drive – but check this out. We've been hearing rumors for some time now, that despite whatever Fritz Henderson has to say on the matter, a high-performance version of General Motors' Zeta platform that underpins the Pontiac G8 will live on as a Chevy SS model, either badged as a Caprice or (more likely) an Impala. And we're not talking the police special. As Maximum Bob has said, the G8 is "Kinda too good to waste." Needless to say, we totally agree.
An eagle-eye'd AB reader named Jim just caught the following on a Pontiac G8 forum:
"My dealer had sent off pictures to GM of the cable portion of the front seats belts rubbing against the plastic on the side of the front seats. In an email sent back to the dealer, GM says that they have no plans to solve what has already been built but going forward a correction is planned. The email continues: ...a fix is planned for MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS. The fix will involve a protective sleeve that covers the buckle and section of the buckle stem that rubs on the plastic trim."
How 'bout them apples? That might normally be a sliver of a sliver of a rumor, but it exactly what what we've heard independently from a reliable source – and it brings a great big smile to our face. Now, repeat after us, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual, LS3 with six-speed manual... Thanks a million, Jim!
Gallery: 2009 Chevy Lumina SS (Middle East)
[Source: G8 Board]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Other Man 3:34PM (11/16/2009)
I still doubt it somehow.
But oh, how I would love it!
AB and GM need to stop teasing us about it though; pisses me off. Do it or don't.
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Ari 4:25PM (11/16/2009)
GM needs to do this. With all the buzz it's created, and the fact that the platform and engine already exist, this is a no-brainer. Then again, there is no such thing as a no-brainer over at Government Motors.
MC 3:39PM (11/16/2009)
funny how little juicy bits can slip through the cracks =]
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atomicshark 3:42PM (11/16/2009)
These rumors are becoming a joke.
Just bring the damn thing over here already.
PS: If it happens...Please give it a more interesting front clip. Thanks!
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Tony 6:13PM (11/16/2009)
At least it got rid of the stupid fake nostrils on the G8. They always reminded me of the same ones the truck guys put on their rigs and Grand Prix drivers.
Slizzo 10:17AM (11/17/2009)
Those "fake nostrils" on the G8 do serve a purpose, just not for intake induction.
They're there to help vent heat out of the engine bay.
husyk 3:43PM (11/16/2009)
Not this again, notify us when there is truly something substantial. Stop raising my hopes then crushing it. Sucks I am in middle off paying off my existing auto loan and student loans, otherwise I would've gotten a a GTO or G8.
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Nightcrawler 3:43PM (11/16/2009)
So the source of this is some forum poster quoting an e-mail he supposedly got from GM? Excuse me for not being totally sold by this source.
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dal20402 4:16PM (11/16/2009)
What's funny is that this post has been there for several days, and only now is AB making a huge giant deal about it.
Stu L Tissimus 3:44PM (11/16/2009)
Hate to rain on everyone's parade, but it's probably referring to the Camaro SS, which is based off the same platform as the Caprice patrol car and the G8...
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Aprime 3:47PM (11/16/2009)
MY11.5 Chevy Police Program and MY12 Chevy SS
Same platform - but different enough so it can't even be built in Oshawa - you should remember that.
And why exclusively the Camaro SS? Have you read what the fix is about?
Kevin 3:48PM (11/16/2009)
You serious? You must mean something other than the already-out Camaro SS. You know... the one with the LS3.. The fast one...
This article is talking about a possible sedan from the G8...
Nibcrom 3:45PM (11/16/2009)
You're tearing me apart, Autoblog!
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HotRodzNKustoms 3:49PM (11/16/2009)
+1 for such a classic line
tblack 3:48PM (11/16/2009)
Sorry to deviate, but isn't that a rag sitting on the rear wing? How did the photographer and photo editors miss that? Crazy.
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pmalloy4391 3:53PM (11/16/2009)
Yeah, there is also a guy in the driver seat which makes it even funnier
HotRodzNKustoms 3:48PM (11/16/2009)
Stop toying with my emotions!!! I can't take this!
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SPRUNKWN1 3:52PM (11/16/2009)
The G8 is still available...so why wait for a "new" Chevy SS when you can get the equivalent now?
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aliasfox 4:02PM (11/16/2009)
For the seatbelt fix, duh!
j/k
dal20402 4:13PM (11/16/2009)
Good luck finding a G8 GXP (you know, the LS3-powered, stickshift one). There are approximately five new manual GXPs left in the country, and they are either marked WAY up or not for sale.