GM's Product To-Do List

[nsap]

Originally Posted by bmlvu97

Another item to add to the list...

2 Doors!!!

I am sick and tired of everything being 4 doors in the whole GM lineup. Think about it...Chevy has the Monte Carlo, Cobalt, and Corvette, Pontiac has the G6 and Solstice, Saturn has the Ion & Sky, Buick - Nothing, and Cadillac only has the XLR (I am probably missing something, but anyways...). In a couple of years we can add the Camaro (God willing) but beyond that - there isnt anything. There is a decent segment of people who do not want a sedan and do not want a truck or SUV.

Maybe you build a 2-door similar in size to the LaCrosse and give it to Buick.

Brian

Cadillac is adding a CTS Coupe. Pontiac will have the new GTO.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

Oddly, I find myself agreeing. Mainly on the quality and design 'tips.

As far as the keys. I don't see a big issue. There are more important things to conquer first.

On the quality 'tip. According to JD Power, Buick and Cadillac rank above Toyota. The "perceptions" have not caught up with the reality, however. But, true, until Pontiac and Chevrolet can be held to the Toyota-level, or above, several consumers will not consider Chevrolet or Pontiac.

And, True. Several accomplishment can be cited. The quality gains are one. Another would be the new committment to design. Which I for one, genuinely welcome.

Several recent accomplishments I would cite are the G6, Solstice, Sky, Lucerne, Corvette, SSR, HHR, Equinox, Enclave, Tahoe, Yukon, Impala. I'm sure I'm missing a few.

On the design 'tip. A few well-paced "heritage" inspired products, I would welcome. Actually "heritage" design, I feel could be found on all of the products. Hear me out before you judge. I don't mean to "copy" a vehicle from the past outright like what Ford did with the Mustang. But a couple products could be "copied". The Camaro concept is a prime example. I think it was well done (except for that too-pointy nose. I was hoping for something more tamed and '69-ish. Although, I've already thought of budgeting in a car payment for one). I've heard the NG Impala will use the '66 Impala for inspiration. I'm hoping that will look cool.



I guess what I really mean, are fender line from the 1930's say. Or a roofline from the Nomad concept. A rear line like a '51 Buick say. The tailights from a '51 Buick say.



All of these photos and design stamps need to be floating around GM someplace. I would hope the old drawings were not destroyed. I understand that today's manufacturing techniques do not lend themselves to grabbing a drawing from 1949 or 1951, and running to the shop floor to make it. But the designers at GM should be able to take inspiration from these photos and drawings. I don't mean to copy 'em, more to take inspiration from. As I said, a fender swoop here, a roofline there.

Me personally? I would love to see something reminiscent of the 1958 Impala. I think this car is gourgeous.







I really like that rear talight configuration of the '58 Impala. (Hey Toad, don't give me no grief). Anyone who has seen 'Amercan Graffiti' will understand that.

I don't think the GM designers need to "reinvent the wheel". I think their answers are right under their noses (literally). Hiddent away in a musky vault somewhere. I would hope that somebody scanned in those drawings, and the designs for those products from the 1930's, 1940's and 1950's were not destroyed.

I think those designers would feel quite flattered that their drafting pencil strokes from 50-60 years ago were being air-brushed and revived today. Use those drafting pencil strokes from 50, 60 or even 70 years ago. Those designers would be flattered.

[303montecarlo]

I would say in this context every one has their opinion,so beauty is in the eye of the beholder.This is like a good woman, the cost is high on the really good ones.(and how many are still looking for this perfect one) I would challenge you all to put your perfect car, or as close as you can. This would be nice to see, what in your mind is the best in production today. Then take a good look at what you are asking for. The experience I have had working in GM ,in Detroit . you are all wet,wet dreaming and juvenile if you think GM is like Mum and dad to give you ,what you want in this life time.( stamp your feet ,spit on the floor but do grow up a little faster than you have) I know most of you have grown up given what you wanted but it was not right.