Tosca Update?

[nadepalma]

Here is a spyshot of a possible Tosca update. No word on whether or not it will spread to Europe and Australia or not. Thought it was worth posting, see link below to source, more pics.




MORE PICS HERE

[nadepalma]

Quick Observation: If this is genuine and the Tosca is getting an update, it really makes me think about how "together" other parts of the GM-Empire are compared to some actions GM-North America has/is taking.

Granted, GM is getting better all the time and big things are coming.

But consider that it seems as though the Tosca JUST got to the market a short time ago. And yet they are bringing out an update already. That's pretty good and follows a refresh/replacement every 2 years strategy.

But GM doesn't do this (consistently) in North America. The Cobalt/G5, G6, Equinox/Torrent, etc. are STAPLE products and haven't gotten the attention they need to keep them fresh or viable in the market.

Yes, the Cobalt gets the new SS Turbo, but very little has changed since it's inception except for some interior trim changes (radio, steering wheel, etc). The G6 got a new engine and transmission, but no cosmetic changes. The Equinox/Torrent each got some engine/trans changes and a revised center stack --- but that's it.

Why can GM's other outposts visually refresh their products in a timely manner, but not GMNA?

I know there are cost reasons -- but still makes me almost envious when we see refreshend Toscas (and soon, Epicas, I'd assume) running around global markets so quickly after being launched.

My two cents.

[WishIhadatruck]

It is important to have regular refresh/replacement cycles because people won't buy the same car over and over again. People usually want something new and different. If 5-6 years go by and your Equinox is the same as the last one you bought then why buy another? You either don't buy anything or go buy from the compeition.

[FenwickHockey65]

I think this is one of GM's major weak points. They need to update their cars periodically. Take the G6 for example. When it debuted, it was extremely popular. What did GM do? Nothing. They produced the same G6 year after year. All they did was add an option here and there, change a trim line, that's it. GM hopefully has learned to capitalize on the early popularity of their cars.

[nadepalma]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I think this is one of GM's major weak points. They need to update their cars periodically. Take the G6 for example. When it debuted, it was extremely popular. What did GM do? Nothing. They produced the same G6 year after year. All they did was add an option here and there, change a trim line, that's it. GM hopefully has learned to capitalize on the early popularity of their cars.

I agree 1000% with this.

The G6 is the only version of the three-domestic branded sedans in GM's lineup with a "sporty" image. And yet, they haven't given the product its proper due.

Why does it still have the "old" radio instead of the new one? Why hasn't the interior received the same lavish interior updates that the Malibu and Aura have? Is it THAT hard to update a few little things to make it viable? They even did this for the SRX's interior and the Equinox/Torrent as well --- so it WAS done. What gives?

Wha'ts further, why hasn't it retained the stick-shift for "sporty" customers --- even as a new Altima and Mazda6 are here or on the way? How does it expect to compete with these perceived competitors when it doesn't give them what it needs?

I know that some will argue that the G6 is going to soldier on until Epsilon II debuts or that they don't have the money right now or that GM is trying to get Alpha up and running so Pontiac will just have to make due.

But all of that is nonsense. GM really needs to get on the ball with some of these things or else suffer the fate of "damaging" their product image in some segments, just as they are trying to rebuild them in others...

My 2 cents...

[uujjj]

the Equinox and G6 were new for 2005. they are not that old.

[stevecmh]

Originally Posted by uujjj

the Equinox and G6 were new for 2005. they are not that old.

but they both need a major redo.. Espically the G6

[KIDDIESEL79]

Thats a nice car. What is it though.

[lightbrotha2004]

Everytime I see that car I like it more and more. They need to bring this over asap and slot it at Buick or dare I say Pontiac.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by lightbrotha2004

Everytime I see that car I like it more and more. They need to bring this over asap and slot it at Buick or dare I say Pontiac.

I can see it as the styling for a new G5.

[bcjohnso99]

Originally Posted by stevecmh

but they both need a major redo.. Espically the G6

Agree - but I'm glad they put all of the focus on the Malibu rather than splitting effort between it and the G6 - otherwise we might have two half-a$$ed cars.

[paul8488]

I was at a training session the other day and one guy was late... we saw him drive by outside the window... one guy said "Oh there he is... the guy in the Mercedes"... and he was driving a black Epica! I didn't say anything, but loved it! Sharp car! EVERY vehicle needs regular updates to keep fresh... first year out is asking alot, but after a couple years vehicles like the Cobalt and G6 deserve a little attention.

[cmutt]

While the G6 'only' came out in 2005, that means it's went 4 model years (05,06,07,08) without any major changes. Yes, I know that the convertable and the 3.6l could be factored in, but GM didn't address any of the car's significant shortcommings. If it's any consolation, other mfg's pick-and-choose which models get timely updates and which don't as well: how long did the previous-gen Corolla languish before it was finally 'updated' - and what a woefull 'update' that is, btw.

Personally, with gas prices having everybody looking at smaller, more economical forms of transportation, my bigger issue is the Cobalt. It's older than the G6 and if it were provided a 'mild refresh' (add a smaller, base 2.0l for those 35-38mpg people, and an updated/more refined interior) and it could easily soldier on without trouble for many more years.

[paul8488]

Originally Posted by cmutt

...how long did the previous-gen Corolla languish before it was finally 'updated'...

The difference is the Corolla sold nearly as well (if not better) in its last year as it did years before (somehow). The G6 is nowhere near the success the Corolla was, and is already fading (with very high fleet sales, apparently). Your right on one thing... all manufacturers have to pick and choose what to redo... GM just seems to struggle more with it then others.

[dederer]

It appears that gm likes to update cars that are hot sellers and cars that are mediocre or worse don't appear to get the engineering dollars