$25 Billion Auto Bailout may mean some RWD projects will move forward at GM

[Millefune]

Originally Posted by Me

Mustang, Miata, Corvette, Audi (oops), Lexus, BMW, Mercedes... what?

Originally Posted by RedVee8

Audi RWD?
R8, everything else is fwd/awd surely?

Okay, maybe I messed up with Audi. I'm not high-class enough (you know you're poor when your "good/luxury car" is a Pontiac) to even think of researching them. I just assumed that they were like the other high-class brands. I'll add to the list of RWDs that "aren't hot sellers" I thought up though.

Ferrari (waiting lines), Porsche (some AWD too), maybe Lamborghini (or are they only AWD?).

[Gm786]

Well isn't this Great news for GM!!!! It's about time the government helps U.S Automakers and especially GM with the condition the Economy's in. Now bring back the Cadillac SIXTEEN GM!!

[Exploder]

I actually only recently learned that outside of 4WD Audis are actually FWD, which utterly shocked me.

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by Millefune

Okay, maybe I messed up with Audi. I'm not high-class enough (you know you're poor when your "good/luxury car" is a Pontiac) to even think of researching them. I just assumed that they were like the other high-class brands. I'll add to the list of RWDs that "aren't hot sellers" I thought up though.

Ferrari (waiting lines), Porsche (some AWD too), maybe Lamborghini (or are they only AWD?).

Originally Posted by nsap

The Epsilon II G6 is due out in 2011 MY (so 2010 launch). I can't see GM spending money to refresh the G6. I suspect GM has about maxed out their intended investment of Epsilon I.

Originally Posted by nsap

You are confused.

There is going to be a mild, mild reface of the current G6. Basically the current car with a G8-ish grille.

The upcoming Epsilon II G6 will be a rebadged Epsilon II Malibu.

So....yeah. RWD isn't exactly ideal for what's essentially a Camry chaser.

[Xenon]

Originally Posted by Exploder

I actually only recently learned that outside of 4WD Audis are actually FWD, which utterly shocked me.

Don't be fooled. The AWD system in Audis is a full-time system with a 40/60 split. Also, the higher powered Audis have the engine placed back a few inches and is mounted longitudinally, so its not a FWD based system like you are thinking. The chassis are pretty much engineered to be AWD first.

[member12]

Originally Posted by forsbach427

I would buy a RWD Impala, if I had the money I would fork over the 40K for a GXP G8.

The G8 is a great car, no doubt.

My only problem is the Pontiac badge on the grille and key chain.

I'd love to see a RWD Chevrolet Impala....I'd bite, because by the time it comes to market, my truck will be 5 years old and I'll need a replacement.

[buildacariwant]

Originally Posted by Xenon

R/D procces takes time. It's not very wise to rush the R/D process unless you want quality to go down the gutter. If anything I'd rather see the Cruze come to the US sooner. Its already being built here, and is on sale in Europe very shortly. Also making the Astra have a lower base price than 17K would be nice too. GM should just build all their small cars here to minimize losses on their small cars.

my point was that taxpayer bailout cash should not be used for business as usual. the astra, cruze, alpha, etc GM needs to figure out on their own. especially since business as usual is causing GM to zoom towards bankruptcy.

rather then band aid the products GM should be able to get right without the bailout, these "loans" should be used for fastracking future R&D of their volt powertrain for more vehicles. the future vehicles of GM that will leapfrog the others. not saying rush a POS to market thats undercooked.

[Gm786]

I think that GM should bring back plans for the Cadillac Sixteen and resurrect plans for a RWD Chevy Impala. I'm pretty sure that the Impala would probably sell 2 times better than it is if it was on a RWD platform... If GM does indeed decide to bring it back to market they are going to have to focus on either near best in class MPG, design, and obviously performance.

[member12]

GM should be focusing on the Epsilon I replacement for Saturn and Chevrolet.
Those need to be pushed to the market soon- I mean, in a year or two the Malibu is going to get a little stale, and they need to follow it with another home run. Other products that need to be pushed to market is the Delta II cars for Chevrolet and the Aveo replacement. These are already on their way, but GM needs to speed them up.

Cadillac will need a sub-CTS 3 series fighter in a new Alpha, and Pontiac and Saturn will need a new Solstice/Sky based on this car and perhaps a small sedan.

The next Pontiac G8, a Buick sedan, and a Chevrolet sedan should be in the works on the new Zeta.

I think that if GM doesn't see the success that Chrysler had with the 300C and Charger, then they are completely stupid. Toyota can't make cars like that easily, and Honda probably couldn't do it profitably at all.

[ehaase]

With 35 mpg combined CAFE for cars and trucks, this thread is just wishful thinking. By 2018, if GM survives, the Cruze will be the largest Chevrolet.

[jmlee0695]

GM still needs a zeta II. what is the DT7 going to go on? What about the XLS?

[Gm786]

Originally Posted by ehaase

With 35 mpg combined CAFE for cars and trucks, this thread is just wishful thinking. By 2018, if GM survives, the Cruze will be the largest Chevrolet.

That's the reason why GM has to spend the money properly and put it towards R&D for fuel efficient cars and trucks. That doesn't mean that GM can't make an attractive car, truck, or SUV that's powerful, fast, very well designed inside and out. I believe that all those things can be in a car, suv, or truck but with good fuel consumption and I think the new Chevy Cruze is a prime example of that effort on GM's part.

[AmericanRevolution]

Likely the only thing keeping me from exploding onto a rant and possibly getting myself banned is that I love GM. I'm going to keep my mouth shut, and point everyone to www.campaignforliberty.com

[Downandout]

Hmmmm Alpha anyone....



http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/s...006301,00.html

Holden eyes building small car at Elizabeth


KIM WHEATLEY, STUART MARTIN
October 03, 2008 12:01am


GM HOLDEN secretly has been investigating building a small car at Elizabeth to secure the plant's long-term viability and the future of its 3400 workers.

The move would substantially change the focus of operations from large cars which are suffering shrinking sales amid rising fuel costs and the shift towards more environmentally friendly cars.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union told The Advertiser yesterday it discussed the small car project five weeks ago with senior management as part of enterprise bargaining negotiations.

State secretary John Camillo said Holden managers told him the development of a small car "is crucial for us to have flexibility out of the next round of EBs".

"They said they seriously want to produce a small vehicle and that they are putting in place a plan for a small vehicle for the Elizabeth operation," Mr Camillo said.The Elizabeth factory produces more than 160,000 Commodore and Statesman models each year, with half bound for export, including to the Middle East, South Africa and North and South America.

Holden has canvassed the idea of building hybrid and diesel models of its Commodore.

Mr Camillo hopes this latest plan revolves around full production rather than just assembling cars from overseas "crates".

"That gives job security for the people at Elizabeth but also the opportunity for growth so we've got potential for putting more people on at Elizabeth," he said.

"It's a very big operation, that's why its crucial that Holden wins the small vehicle. The GM senior management are very confident they can get that money together. Once they've got that they go to GM Asia-Pacific, then to Detroit."

Holden has refused to confirm any speculation on building a four-cylinder vehicle. Communications manager Kate Lonsdale said: "We can be no plainer. We have no announcements to make. We're not in a position to confirm or deny these rumours."

Holden built 21,687 Vectra sedans and wagons at Elizabeth in the late 1990s but the factory since has undergone a $532-million refit. That upgrade allowed Holden to build outgoing VZ and new VE models, suggesting line versatility could cope with a small-car, too.

[asrapid]

Originally Posted by jmlee0695

GM still needs a zeta II. what is the DT7 going to go on? What about the XLS?

According to rumors there won't be DT7 for another 5 years. So who knows what can happen until then.