My Ideal Chevy Lineup (2nd Ed.) - Update 7

[Bravada]

Well, I believe that if you have as many brands as GM has, you shouldn;t have more than 5 models per brand, which makes some of the present Chevrolet models redundant already... But that's YOUR ideal lineup

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by Bravada

Well, I believe that if you have as many brands as GM has, you shouldn;t have more than 5 models per brand, which makes some of the present Chevrolet models redundant already... But that's YOUR ideal lineup

lol, feel free to post yours Everyone has their opinions, and mine is a car for ever person... aside from, of course, Cadilac's, Saab's, and Buick's. lol

[Bravada]

Well, my "ideal" Chevrolet lineup is pretty much the Euro Chevrolet lineup, if you'd throw in the trucks and some serious regular-size minivan (not that CSV thing). I'd think about that and post mine when I'm finished

[AmericanRevolution]

Updated! Added list of engines and platforms, and how many times each is employed.

[soloyosh]

Don't need an AWD minivan. For me FWD is fine and fuel economy is key. If GM built a minivan that got over 30mpg on the highway, I'd buy it, even if it was the lame CSV. We do enough trips to Grandma's house in L.A. from Phoenix that 31-35 mpg on the trip would me awesome. I am hoping that VW's version of the DCX van offers a TDi option.

Cheers
Brett

[Bravada]

VW version of the Chrysler minivan? Did I miss something? A Volkswagen Voyager? And perhaps Seat Town & Country! Hell will freeze over....

Anyway, here I go with my promised lineup for Chevrolet.

Let me say first that I envision Chevrolet as a GLOBAL brand, not as a North American brand also sold abroad. That means that they need a lineup that would work for every market, even if some models would have to be dropped for certain markets. I will also skip the pricing part due to that (each market is different), and not make choices of engines. Platforms are more or less obvious.

Please also remember that I see Chevrolet as the rock-bottom budget brand. It's for other brands to have specialty vehicles.

OK:

Spark

As it is, the basic city car with 5 doors and a very low sticker One of the nicest names for an entry-level car anybody ever came up with! This model would not be sold in markets such as USA or Middle East, where there is no need for city cars.

Body styles:
5-door hatchback

Aveo

A new-gen model built on the Corsa/Punto platform, albeit stripped off some more expensive elements.

Body styles:
3-door hatchback (high-roof style)
5-door hatchback (high-roof style)
4-door sedan
5-door wagon

Alternative naming proposition:
Hatches go Viva, sedan and wagon Vega


Chevrolet Combo

A passenger/delivery van on stretched Corsa/Aveo platform to replace Opel Combo. In essence similar to Fiat Doblo, Renault Kangoo, Citroen Berlingo, VW Caddy Life et al. I would follow VW Caddy for smooth looks suitable for both passenger and delivery versions. High roof, sliding rear doors.

Body styles:
multiple combinations of either panel or glazed rear quarters, sliding doors on both sides (perhaps on one side for base delivery version), with or without removable rear seating for 3 people. More passenger-friendly versions feature better sound insulation and fully-upholstered interior.


Chevrolet Montana

A pick-up riding on the stretched Corsa/Aveo platform - basically replacing the current Brazilian Chevrolet Montana based on Corsa C. In my plan, Pontiac finally stops doing minivans, so the name is free to be used around the world.

Body styles:
2-door pickup with many versions, starting from stripped-to-basic cheap truck
4-door pickup with limited cargo area, sold only as more expensive recreational vehicle with standard tonneau cover.


Cobalt

This is the replacement for the current Cobalt, built on the next Delta, which I see as just an evolution of the current Astra C platform rather than current Delta.

Body styles:
4-door sedan
2-door coupe

Alternative naming propositions:
Sedan is Beretta and coupe is Monza.


Suburban

I would pass the responsibility for a truck like the current Suburban to GMC alone, so the name would be free again and could be placed where it belongs. It's pretty much the current HHR - a heritage-inspired compact minivan. I would a panel-van option for delivery purposes and consider sliding doors. Five-passenger seating.

Body styles:
5-door compact minivan


Malibu

Chevrolets midsize Epsilon car, answer to Camrys, Accords, Sonata et al of that kind. The basic family/rep car - no frills, but a decent vehicle. Somewhat like the base Ford Mondeo Mk I - dependable and a good daily driver. Platform - SWB Epsilon.

Body styles:
4-door sedan
5-door wagon (SWB too!) - proposed name: Chevrolet Malibu Suprema


Impala

Chevrolet's biggest model, competing with likes of Ford 500 or Dodge Charger. Perhaps not available in markets such as Europe and Latin America. LWB Epsilon or cheaper version of GM's RWD platform, if there'll be one. Bold, heritage styling in contrast to current impala.

Body styles:
4-door sedan

Alternative naming propositions:
I would stick with the Impala, but there could be numerous heritage names used for trim levels/special versions - such as Caprice, Bel Air, Del Rey and Biscayne.


Astro

Now, as this great name was freed, it returns on GM's finally proper regular-size minivan. I would consider "spaceship" styling (throwback to the first minivans, which I really liked), or retrying the heritage theme as on the HHR. SWB and LWB versions, and also panel delivery vans. Sliding doors.

Body styles:
5-door SWB (3-seater panel van, 5/6-seater mixt van, 5-seater passenger van, 7-seater passenger van)
5-door LWB (as above, perhaps with a 9-seater option -> 3x3)


Corsica

Chevrolet's entry level "recreational" SUV (no real off-road capabilities), competitor to all kinds of "beach cars" and "crossovers". Based on the Theta.

Body styles:
3-door SWB SUV - five-seater, available softtop (Opel Frontera-style)
5-door LWB SUV - five or seven-seater


Blazer

The replacement for Trailblazer brings back the original name.

Body styles:
5-door SUV (as the Trailblazer is now)


Tahoe

The Tahoe as is. No stretched model (Suburban) - this is to be taken care of by GMC.

Body styles:
5-door SUV


Colorado

As is today.


Silverado

As is today.


As concerns Corvette - I would spin it off as a separate brand, as it is in most countries. I see no need for the Camaro if Pontiac is to be the performance brand, although I know I shouldn't be saying that here

EDIT: This is my post number 911. This means that you need to listen to me as the absolute oracle of motoring!

[AmericanRevolution]

Some major updates, including a new model and some model-cutting!

[KingElvis]

MEMO
FROM
Feedback Department
TO
American Revolution.

First of all I love doing stuff like this. I've wiled away many hours mulling over different lineups and engines etc. Please take the following as constructive criticism from one "lineup nut" to another:

BAD:

1. Too many models. In your universe we would only need Chevy, and then Cadillac would offer a few models in the $40K to $60K range.

2. "Perfect world" pricing. A version of the SS concept for $24K? A "Blazer" that is apparently a two door Tahoe for $16K? Tack on another $10K and we'll talk.

3. Too many platforms. You've got the Aveo on a unique platform, Kappa (remember they can't produce that many Kappa cars due to a unique build process) for a Nomad. I see this was posted ages ago, but how about a commercial version of the Venture as an alternative to the Astro?
You've got a crossover, plus the Venture, plus the Astro - these could all be one basic vehicle built to three different roles.


LIKES:
I would PRAISE you however for the idea of promoting the Malibu into about the place the Impala now occupies (larger intermediate front driver) rather than having two FWD 'mid size' sedans.

Also building three models (Impala/Camino/Monte Carlo) off of the "zeta" or whatever platform is a good step.

The Blazer is great. Important also to offer a 4x2 version. It had its faults, but I loved my XTREME 2002 Blazer in concept at least. A softer ride, better interior and more power and I would never have gotten rid of it. A short wheelbase, low riding SUV is AWESOME for city driving. Appears bigger than it really is and parks like a champion.



SUGGESTIONS:

Instead of a Monte Carlo offer a two door "Nomad" on the zeta platform as a kind of Dodge Magnum two door. Perhaps their could be a four door with a third row, rear facing seat as an alternative to the minivan. Maybe Chevy doesn't even need a big prestige 4 door sedan, but more utilitarian large car is appropriate - save the big sedan for Buick or Pontiac.

Also Chevy should either choose a Camaro or Monte Carlo - the two door market is tiny now compared to the glory days of two doors in the '70s. Maybe Monte Carlo could be a "rally" version of the Camaro with the same body, but with all wheel drive and would be a larger version of the Subie WRX.

I agree with 89IROC wholeheartedly. They should offer a stripper version of the Cobalt intead of the Aveo. Maybe it could have an iron OHV engine and be "decontented" with cheaper interior materials, small steel wheels etc. They could build them in large batches like taxis or cop cars, with very little variation to keep costs down.

In summary, IMHO Chevy should cover more bases with fewer models. Make each platform cover three markets instead of devoting a unique model to each niche.

[AmericanRevolution]

KingElvis - Wow! Nice feedback! Thanks!

[AmericanRevolution]

Updated the Camaro and Corvette!

[AmericanRevolution]

I have updated the vehicles, except for the equipment (will be done soon enough.)

Check them out and let me know what your thoughts are.

[AmericanRevolution]

Slight updates.

[2b2]

hey AmericanRevolution
I've been working on a CAFE/Depression-ready lineup for 'my' brand(s)
and thought to suggest it for yours. Interested?

imho even if we don't think 'the worst' will happen, believe every realworld mfg better have plans in place

[AmericanRevolution]

Originally Posted by 2b2

hey AmericanRevolution
I've been working on a CAFE/Depression-ready lineup for 'my' brand(s)
and thought to suggest it for yours. Interested?

imho even if we don't think 'the worst' will happen, believe every realworld mfg better have plans in place

Sure, I'd love to check it out.

[AmericanRevolution]

Massive engine updates!