RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice?(Lutz retracts statement. G8=dead)

**ChevyRules** · 07-10-2009, 10:20 PM

GM May Revive Its Popular Pontiac G8
Lutz to order a G8 revival?
July 10, 2009

By David Welch

General Motors may have a plan to resurrect the well-liked Pontiac G8 sports sedan, which goes away this month as the automaker emerges from bankruptcy as a smaller company. GM stopped production of the car in June, but there is talk of bringing it back as the Chevrolet Caprice.

Initially, GM decided against the idea. The G8 is built in Australia, so currency fluctuations and expensive shipping make the business case a tough one. But recently reinstated GM Vice-Chairman Robert A. "Bob" Lutz is keen to revive the G8 as a Chevy.

It wouldn't be much of a stretch. GM's Australian Holden subsidiary already builds a Chevrolet Caprice and a Lumina for the Middle East using the same hardware that hosts the G8. GM uses the Chevy names in the Middle East, and in Australia it calls the car the Holden Commodore, with a longer version of the sedan dubbed the Statesman.

http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/...710_847893.htm

Hitman1970 · 07-10-2009, 10:22 PM

Duh. Is Lutz the only person with a brain at GM?

**ChevyRules** · 07-10-2009, 10:23 PM

A) Why not under the Impala nameplate? Makes more sense. Easier to market it as a redesign then trying to hype up the Caprice name plate again....

B) Why would it need to be redesigned for crash safety? It wouldn't be a bad idea to have two Chevy theme designs to easily distinguish between Chevy's RWD lineup and their mainstream FWD models. Just bring over the Lumina as is and call it Impala and be built in Oshawa.

Tomko · 07-10-2009, 10:24 PM

If this actually comes to be true then let us praise the Lord and bow towards Meca.

Hitman1970 · 07-10-2009, 10:24 PM

I am thinking Caprice would be used to justify the limited quantities and "above" Impala price levels.

T'Cal · 07-10-2009, 10:27 PM

Why not both Caprice and Impala SS as GM did in the mid-90s?

FoMoCo Fan · 07-10-2009, 10:28 PM

It's clear that the Impala, even if a redesign has been delayed, is going to remain the full size FWD family sedan. RWD isn't going to be "mainstream" it's going to be for enthusiasts. I don't much like the Caprice name, as I don't think it "fits" a sports sedan, but so be it. The real question is will they invest in the marketing to do it.

BTW, the G8 should have been a Chevy to begin with.

mjd1001 · 07-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoMoCo Fan

It's clear that the Impala, even if a redesign has been delayed, is going to remain the full size FWD family sedan. RWD isn't going to be "mainstream" it's going to be for enthusiasts. I don't much like the Caprice name, as I don't think it "fits" a sports sedan, but so be it. The real question is will they invest in the marketing to do it.

I agree. While a lot of people on here would like Chevy to go RWD with the new Impala, why not have both FWD and RWD if it is possible?

LoneWolf · 07-10-2009, 10:31 PM

With Pontiac out of the way, Chevy won't even have to fight to get all the good stuff anymore.

T'Cal · 07-10-2009, 10:37 PM

With the 250HP 3.0 DI V6 as the standard engine, this vehicle would likely get 30 MPG hwy ratings. GM could advertise it as a contemporary, yet traditional American family sedan with the balance of RWD, great quality, and the excellent economy of modern power plants. Add the Camaro SS's driveline (6.2L V8, AFM, 400 HP, 6-speed automatic) as an option and you can't go wrong.

dreese_us · 07-10-2009, 10:38 PM

Bring the G8 back as a Impala SS, freshen up the current Impala and re-name it Caprice. The Caprice would then be Chevrolets bread and butter car, leaveing the SS Impala the niche vehicle.

oklapike · 07-10-2009, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T'Cal

Why not both Caprice and Impala SS as GM did in the mid-90s?

You know, I don't always necessarily agree 100% percent with you...but honestly, I think that's brilliant. Base the Caprice (loosely) on Holden's Calais, give it the 3.0L DI and a couple of 3.6L DI options (~280 hp and ~300 hp), and have two Impala SS trims based more or less on the G8 GT and GXP models.

Meanwhile, run out the W-body Impala for a couple more model years and rename it Impala Classic.

fastball · 07-10-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by T'Cal

Why not both Caprice and Impala SS as GM did in the mid-90s?

Because GM tried that and they are where they are today because of decisions like that. Its called market saturation.

One large sedan. That is all they can do. And the G8 is a far better sedan to do that with than the current Impala.

If someone wants FWD they will go to Malibu.

jAustin · 07-10-2009, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Robert A. "Bob" Lutz is keen to revive the G8 as a Chevy.

Aw man, the moment I heard Slutz was coming back I had this thought at the back of my mind, "maybe... just maybe... he will be the push GM needs to keep the G8. If anyone would, it would be him..." If he can pull through on this, that would be great. Screw Hinderson with his "I'm against rebadging" remark! It's not rebadging if the Pontiac version is gone. What a bunch of political BS...

1G6 · 07-10-2009, 11:02 PM

Caprice it is. Awesome news.

07-10-2009, 10:20 PM	#1 (permalink)
ChevyRules GMI Staff Member Join Date: May 2005 Drives: 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 Saturn Aura XR Posts: 3,648	RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice?(Lutz retracts statement. G8=dead) GM May Revive Its Popular Pontiac G8 Lutz to order a G8 revival? July 10, 2009 By David Welch General Motors may have a plan to resurrect the well-liked Pontiac G8 sports sedan, which goes away this month as the automaker emerges from bankruptcy as a smaller company. GM stopped production of the car in June, but there is talk of bringing it back as the Chevrolet Caprice. Initially, GM decided against the idea. The G8 is built in Australia, so currency fluctuations and expensive shipping make the business case a tough one. But recently reinstated GM Vice-Chairman Robert A. "Bob" Lutz is keen to revive the G8 as a Chevy. It wouldn't be much of a stretch. GM's Australian Holden subsidiary already builds a Chevrolet Caprice and a Lumina for the Middle East using the same hardware that hosts the G8. GM uses the Chevy names in the Middle East, and in Australia it calls the car the Holden Commodore, with a longer version of the sedan dubbed the Statesman. http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/...710_847893.htm __________________ Follow me on Twitter Last edited by ChevyRules : 07-28-2009 at 11:20 PM.

07-10-2009, 10:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
ChevyRules GMI Staff Member Join Date: May 2005 Drives: 2007 BMW 335xi, 2007 Saturn Aura XR Posts: 3,648	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? A) Why not under the Impala nameplate? Makes more sense. Easier to market it as a redesign then trying to hype up the Caprice name plate again.... B) Why would it need to be redesigned for crash safety? It wouldn't be a bad idea to have two Chevy theme designs to easily distinguish between Chevy's RWD lineup and their mainstream FWD models. Just bring over the Lumina as is and call it Impala and be built in Oshawa. __________________ Follow me on Twitter

07-10-2009, 10:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
Tomko 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Ottawa - Canada Drives: 1996 Impala SS 1999 Tahoe POC Posts: 1,440	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? If this actually comes to be true then let us praise the Lord and bow towards Meca. __________________ Tomko Current Fleet: 2008 DTS Lux III (9,000 km on the odometer) 1999 Tahoe POC (daily grinder) 1996 Impala SS (garage queen) Retired Fleet: 1988 Caprice 9C1 (first new car) 1984 6000 STE (first car)

07-10-2009, 10:27 PM	#6 (permalink)
T'Cal 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago Drives: '08-Tahoe PPV '09-CVPI Posts: 403	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? Why not both Caprice and Impala SS as GM did in the mid-90s? __________________ Buy American! I believe that whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you stranger.

07-10-2009, 10:28 PM	#7 (permalink)
FoMoCo Fan 6.2 Liter LS9 Supercharged V8 Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,251	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? It's clear that the Impala, even if a redesign has been delayed, is going to remain the full size FWD family sedan. RWD isn't going to be "mainstream" it's going to be for enthusiasts. I don't much like the Caprice name, as I don't think it "fits" a sports sedan, but so be it. The real question is will they invest in the marketing to do it. BTW, the G8 should have been a Chevy to begin with.

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
GM Inside News Forum Advertisement

07-10-2009, 10:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
LoneWolf 5.3 Liter Vortec V8 Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Central Louisiana Drives: 04 Saturn Vue Posts: 1,339	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? With Pontiac out of the way, Chevy won't even have to fight to get all the good stuff anymore. __________________ Current ride: 2004 Saturn Vue "Serenity" 1995 Buick Park Avenue "Big Red" 1996 Ford Ranger "Patton" 1992 Chevrolet Beretta "The Green Lemon" "The patriot volunteer, fighting for country and his rights, makes the most reliable soldier on earth." - Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, CSA

07-10-2009, 10:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
T'Cal 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Chicago Drives: '08-Tahoe PPV '09-CVPI Posts: 403	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? With the 250HP 3.0 DI V6 as the standard engine, this vehicle would likely get 30 MPG hwy ratings. GM could advertise it as a contemporary, yet traditional American family sedan with the balance of RWD, great quality, and the excellent economy of modern power plants. Add the Camaro SS's driveline (6.2L V8, AFM, 400 HP, 6-speed automatic) as an option and you can't go wrong. __________________ Buy American! I believe that whatever doesn't kill you simply makes you stranger.

07-10-2009, 10:38 PM	#11 (permalink)
dreese_us 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 111	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? Bring the G8 back as a Impala SS, freshen up the current Impala and re-name it Caprice. The Caprice would then be Chevrolets bread and butter car, leaveing the SS Impala the niche vehicle.

07-10-2009, 11:02 PM	#15 (permalink)
1G6 4.6 Liter Northstar V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: In a marshmallow slop barge. Posts: 1,786	Re: RUMOR: G8 may be revived as a Chevy Caprice? Caprice it is. Awesome news. __________________ Considering a Toyota? Think again. 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham 1976 Cadillac Coupe deVille 1979 Cadillac Sedan deVille 1986 Buick Electra Estate Wagon 1992 Buick Roadmaster 2008 Buick Lucerne CXL Gone, but not forgotten 1972 Pontiac Bonneville 455 1976 Chevrolet C-10 1994 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight LSS 1997 Oldsmobile Regency 1998 Chevrolet Malibu 2000 Cadillac Deville DTS 2001 Chrysler 300M 2001 Chrysler Sebring Coupe 2005 Cadillac CTS

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode