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Old 09-06-2008, 05:14 PM   #154 (permalink)
eb110americana
3.0 Liter SIDI V6
 
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Pasadena, CA
Drives: 1998 Pontiac Trans Am WS6
Posts: 688
Re: Pontiac's Uncertain Future

Pontiac's old lineup:
  • Sunfire (coupe, sedan, & convertible)
  • Grand Am (coupe & sedan)
  • Grand Prix (coupe & sedan)
  • Bonneville (sedan)
  • Firebird/Trans Am (coupe & convertible)
  • Trans Sport/Montana (minivan)

That's 6 models with 11 different body styles available (counting a coupe as unique from a sedan, etc.). Of these 11, only 2 were RWD.

Pontiac's current lineup:
  • Vibe (tall wagon)
  • G5 (coupe & sedan)
  • G6 (coupe, sedan, & hardtop convertible)
  • G8 (sedan & pickup)
  • Solstice (coupe & convertible)
  • Torrent (crossover SUV)

We still have 6 models and 11 different body styles available. Of these 11, only 4 are RWD.

Here is what I propose for Pontiac's future lineup:
  • "X-factor" youth compact hatch based off of heavily modified Astra to fight Mini Cooper
  • G4 (coupe & sedan)
  • G6 (coupe & sedan)
  • G8 (sedan)
  • Solstice (coupe)
  • GTO (coupe)

That's still 6 cars, but with only 8 body style variants. Moreover, the past and present lineups used 6 separate platforms to create a 6 model line. Not so with what I have proposed. The compact hatch would share Delta II, requiring less investment, but it would be a unique, volume model and Pontiac's only FWD vehicle. G4 would be a sub-compact, 4-cylinder-only, RWD sedan sharing a small RWD Kappa II architecture with Solstice and using some components from Alpha. Speaking of which, Alpha would underpin the G6 and GTO. Lastly, Zeta would support a G8--but would need to get lighter and more fuel efficient or die off as gas prices mean only the affluent can afford large performance sedans. That's a full lineup off only 4 platforms.

The former FWD G6 following would be split into several groups:
-Those wanting a FWD midsize car, who would be directed to Malibu, Aura, LaCrosse, or 9-5 (all on Epsilon II, many flavors to choose from)
-Those wanting a unique Pontiac performance sedan who would be able to buy a RWD G6 with slightly less interior volume, or select the smaller RWD G4
-Those wanting a fun, FWD Pontiac with decent interior space for very little money would purchase the compact hatch
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