GMI Interviews: Dave Smidebush

[SAngelo]

This really kills me about the G6. Essentially all this car needs is a new center stack with the corporate radio and maybe some brushed aluminum. Then tweak maybe a few things. The exterior of the car is fine for another year or two. In terms of engine, give this car, the Aura and Malibu an optional 3.6 with DI for the fall. We all know the Nav is not coming.

Come on GM !!!!

[eb110americana]

Originally Posted by Rocket 88

Just to end on a productive note, I think performance is a silly criteria or role for a divsion. Every manufacturer and almost all brands offer relatively hi performance vehicles these days and in the land of CAFE requirements planning a whole division on huge HP figures seems short sighted.

Pontiac needs to be the one division from GM aimed toward younger buyers with products that aim for Sexy, Modern, YOUNG and FUN without the Scion "I'm a silly Tuner guy into coffee can mufflers" feel. The better come up with something or Pontiac is the next Oldsmobile.

I agree with most of what you said, except I think you might be unfairly equating performance with a powerful engine. Performance can also mean light weight, nimble handling, and responsive and engaging controls like brakes, steering, and shifter. That is why a Solstice still makes a good Pontiac. I think this is the fun factor of a car you are talking about, and what we realistically can expect. There are other fun types of vehicles, but many of them belong in the Saturn stable if they are Scion-like, or at least in the Chevy lineup if they are more mainstream American. One could easily describe a Wrangler as fun, even though it isn't fast, powerful, nimble, quick, or sporty in the least, but that doesn't make it a Pontiac.

Otherwise though, seems we're mostly on the same page as far as wondering what GM is thinking with Pontiac and Buick.

[TwoRedPontiacs]

Nice interview. Two disappointing points though.

1) It would appear the G6 will carry on essentially unchanged. She needs at least an interior refresh to keep her up to speed with the Malibu and Aura. A does of more power would be nice too.

2) The G5 not getting the turbo 2.0 liter. This to me should be a no-brainer. I know a lot of you think Pontiac shouldn't even be selling this Cobalt clone, but since it is, it should at least get the muscle to back up Pontiac's performance image.

[tholland]

Thanks, but I can't believe you didn't ask about the Coupe 60... did you? We should never be missing an opportunity to ask... pester every chance you get.