Saturn Outlook could be a key contender in the midsize SUV wars for 2007

[CrunkedRL]

My apologies if this has been posted already, I didn't see out here on the GMI forum yet.


Outlook Called One of the 'Models that Matter' in 2007
September 2, 2006

The Detroit Free Press published an article this week putting the spotlight on seven new models coming to market over the next 12 months "that could be the difference between overtime and layoffs, profit sharing or plant closures a year from now." One of the vehicles on the list was the Saturn Outlook (and its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia). According to the newspaper, "GM's trinity of new SUVs are vital to three of its brands, and should give it fuel-efficient competitors to hot-selling models like the Honda Pilot, Lexus RX330, and Toyota Highlander. Standard equipment will include a six-speed automatic transmission and curtain air bags. The Outlook and Acadia go on sale this year; the Enclave follows in 2007."

The newspaper cited the Outlook's key selling points as interior room and flexibility, car-like ride, fuel efficiency, and optional V8 available in some models. The V8 hasn't officially been announced by GM or Saturn, but has been rumored to be an available option for quite some time. "I've seen them, sat in them and looked over their specifications, and I can't help believing in them," Rich Homan, editor in chief of Edmunds' InsideLine Web site, told the Free Press. "They look like real players. They've got the styling to get them in the door; the rest is up to price, quality and GM's dealers." The newspaper adds that the Outlook, Enclave, and Acadia "give GM its first credible entries in a growing segment. [They] could boost GM sales at the expense of arch competitor Toyota."
Below is a list of the "models that matter" according to the Detroit Free Press:

• Chevrolet Silverado
• Toyota Tundra
• Ford Edge
• Honda Accord
• Nissan Altima
• Chrysler Town & Country, Dodge Caravan
• Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook

[tgagneguam]

Outlook (and its corporate cousins, the Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia) Called One of the 'Models that Matter' in 2007.

Right. That's what happens when you put your best foot foward, GM: people praise your work! Go figure.

Barring some unforeseen calamity, how could these three vehicles not move a combined 200,000 units annually?

[WishIhadatruck]

I can't wait to see how they are priced. I expect they will do real well, they are great looking vehicles with more room and towing ability than their competition with gas mileage that is competitive.

[91 s-10baja]

Yeah, until the media drives them, then they won't recommend them, because the headlamps don't light up correctly when the ebrake is set, or some crap like that!!

[akbar]

Originally Posted by tgagneguam

Right. That's what happens when you put your best foot foward, GM: people praise your work! Go figure.

Barring some unforeseen calamity, how could these three vehicles not move a combined 200,000 units annually?

Yes they will, but will take a big chunk out of the GMT 900 sales. Either way one could expect some GM plant to face reduced production time.
Only way these vehicles can be considered a success is if the MDX, RX330, Pilot & Highlander all have about 15 to 20% drop in sales in 2007 compared to this year.

[Randle2I]

I have HUGE expectations for these vehicles (especially the Enclave). With all the hype they've been reciving (myself included) I'm expecting nothing short of a first class effort by GM.

[goblue1999]

Originally Posted by 91 s-10baja

Yeah, until the media drives them, then they won't recommend them, because the headlamps don't light up correctly when the ebrake is set, or some crap like that!!

you are right, there are Nissoyotonda driving members of the press that will find any reason possible to dis' them. Fortunately, just like the liberal press no longer can get their socialist message out unilaterally, the buying public has other means of obtaining objective information....these babies will sell!!

[igor]

how are the lambdas "midsize Suv's"?

I thought they were full size crossovers the size of a minivan/tahoe

PS: someone pulled out the specs of Acadia and Sienna and they are all witthin spitting distance of each other - wheelbase, weight, length, height, width etc ... I think it is interesting ...

Overall. however the Lambdas will do well they are to GM what Edge/MKX is to Ford - they are well designed, well optioned and will be priced well - and they will do wonders for people to realize that the Big2 are not dead yet.

Igor

[goochman]

When is GM going to start generating thei own buzz for the Outlook/Arcadia? I cant find much info on either one of these - I signed up for brochure via mail and not much was provided outside of a few pictures.

Come'on GM - generate some pre-release buzz. Get folks lined up!

[mjd1001]

The Saturn Outlook is the first vehicle by GM in a long time that I am anxiously awaiting to see in person at the dealers. I saw it at the NY auto show this spring and was a bit dissapointed with how it looks (I thought it looked good, just not a knockout) and I was hoping it would weigh a bit less, but still, It is a very interesting and intriguing vehicle to me.

This along with the redesigned Saturn Vue....as well as how quickly GM can integrate the 6 speed auto transmissions into the vast majority of their vehicles are the main things that have me optimistic about GM.

Even though the Outlook is much bigger than what I'd normally consider to purchase for a Vehicle...if it 'drives' well (meaning the nearly 5,000 lb curb weight isn't too much for an engine with 270 lbs of torque) and if it is available for under $30,000..it just might be something we consider next year for our next vehicle.

[elderon]

I'm very much looking forward to all the Lambdas.

[1BadPig]

The wife is already talking about the Saturn (may be GMC) as her next vehicle after showing her the pictures.

[New_Mexico_Sunset_on_Rt66]

I think price is the big issue here. Materials are excellent. Styling is nice.

These are priced out of the range of the Pilot and Highlander, and rightly so. The trio is a league above the Pilot and Highlander.

Would the MDX, RDX and RX330 buyer consider these?

I think price will tell the story. They need to be priced right. You probably won't be able to get a Lambda for the price of a Pilot or Highlander. If so, great! But I would expect these to be priced right in between the Pilot/Highlander and MDX/RDX/RX330.

[member12]

member12's opinion: It's early but these new crossover utility vehicles seem to be the right product at a pretty good time. The uni body chassis provides extra room that family cars need while giving it a lower curb weight, an advantage to body on frame trucks like the T360s, T900s, Expedition, Durango, and Sequioa. This allows the base engine to be a very adequate V6 instead of a V8, helping fuel economy.

They are large in size, larger than the Trailblazer and Tahoe...and will likely be priced somewhere in between.

Since the new Tahoe is an obviously road-oriented Sport Utility Vehicle, and the Trailblazer can only handle moderate off road situations, I predict that the new Lambdas will steal sales away from both. I feel like the Lambdas are not going to be cars designed to look like trucks, but the Tahoe and Trailblazers are trucks trying to be like cars.

I think there are two markets now for utility vehicles. Crossover utilities (CUVs) and Sport Utilities (SUVs). Crossovers are what most people want and need....but the SUV is more rugged, and will become more niche. The Crossovers will do everyday duties better than every truck based SUV.

The body on frame trucks must remain true to their roots. Off road capability, simple design, towing capacity, and ruggedness must be the primary design and marketing factors. I think the future of vehicles like the Tahoe and Trailblazer are very short if GM doesn't let trucks be trucks. With cars like the new Lambdas in the stable....the body on frame vehicles might as well not compete for the soccer mom buyers, nor should the lambdas try to snag ranchers, construction supers, fisherman, and sportsman.

Body on frame trucks will become more trendy but functional...think FJ, Wrangler Unlimited, Xterra, VehiCross, and others. They will sell in niche markets. The Tahoe and Suburban market being obviously big families who may have a large boat, horse trailer, or need for off road capability.

Its pretty obvious to me that the Lambdas will be in almost every other driveway in America within a few years. However, I think GM should immediately start butching up the body on frame trucks so they can cover all markets like Toyota and Nissan seem to be doing.
The Z71 versions of the T900s couldn't have come at a better time...but its the Trailblazer/Envoy's turn now. I am thinking more FJ cruiser/Xterra in the design.

[t-rex]

I think the Lambdas will be a huge hit, but it'll be the deathknell of the GMT360's and CSV's and will likely cannibalise from the GMT900's as well.

My parents (mid 60s) are looking to replace their Rendezvous soon (don't get me on what a piece of junk it is) and were looking forward to the Enclave, but finding out that it's more Tahoe-sized than Pilot-sized disappointed them, since they don't want such a large vehicle. The reason they bought the 'vouz in the first place is because they wanted a 3-row-seating wagon that WASN'T a minivan, and Tahoe/Yukon/etc. were too big and truck-like for their taste. They're waiting until the Lambdas are released so they can judge the size of them. If it's TOO big, they'll likely end up in a Pilot.