GMI Rumor: Aura To Get A Revised Interior?

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by nsap

Revenue is nice, but would they make enough profit off of 5,000-10,000 navi units a year to rewire the Aura, Malibu, and G6? Doubt it. Not when the whole platform is on its way out.

So at first you say the take rate is 1-2%...now you claim only 5-10 thousand of GM's nearly one million units per year of midsize sedans. Sounds like you are rounding down to try and support your argument.

But still - 5,000 navigation units per year is still $7,500,000 in gross income. Even at your low number...your (and GM's) argument doesn't hold up.

[gmhashope]

Many reviews have said the Aura has the best interior of any GM model ever and it rivals or is better than the Accord and Camry.

[I-Love-Pontiac]

Nice. Now they need to fix the center stack on the Malibu.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by gmhashope

Many reviews have said the Aura has the best interior of any GM model ever and it rivals or is better than the Accord and Camry.

- The arm rests on the doors are horrible - go compare them to the competition - especially the new Accord.
- The Aura (like all EPI sedans) lacks a folding center armrest?!
- The Aura (like all EPI sedans) lacks the option of an in dash navigation system.
- The Aura (like all EPI sedans) lacks dual zone automatic climate control

These are real life features that people want and often compare when purchasing a new car - especially when looking at the Accord EX and the Camry XLE. The Aura XR doesn't compare - even with the FAKE morrocon leather inserts in the leather seats.

Yeah...better than the Accord and Camry.

[Hoosier Red]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

EXACTLY!! If GM is to win back those that left in the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today - they need cars that score 100% on the test and ace the extra points. That is the only way they stand a chance in this midsize segment. And the navigation option is part of that test. Saying "we got an A...not to bad" isn't going to cut it. GM needs to be the best at everything...that includes having navigation, fold down center rear armrest with the split fold seat option, six speeds with every FWD sedan engine and finding ways to wow the customer with new class leading innovation. The 1-2% that demand navigation aren't going to listen the argument that "the wiring architecture doesn't support it....but come back for EPII in two-three years."

The will go to the competition probably never to return.

This guy must know what he's talking about since he agrees with me!

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by I-Love-Pontiac

Nice. Now they need to fix the center stack on the Malibu.

Haven't you heard? GM is in love with the cut out anti-integrated center stack. They are featured in nearly every mainstream GM vehicle. The 2008 Malibu is designed with this cutting edge 1984 technology. Why change it?

[impala02]

Originally Posted by boblutzfan

And before you or anyone else says they opted not to have a fold down center armrest due to the fold down rear seat...my Mazda6S has a split fold down rear seat with a fold down center armrest....so it can be done if you set your mind to it.

My almost 6 year old Impala has a 60/40 split fold down rear seat with a center armrest. Functionally, the fold down reat seat has been really useful. As for the center armrest, rear seat passengers like it and the cupholders integrated in the armrest are nice too. It is really a simple concept and not hard to integrate into the design. I fail to understand why the Aura doesn't feature that.

As for Nav, I think it definitley should be an option. Dealers don't have to stock many, but it should be available.

That said, I still think the Aura is a competent car in its class.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by impala02

My almost 6 year old Impala has a 60/40 split fold down rear seat with a center armrest. Functionally, the fold down reat seat has been really useful. As for the center armrest, rear seat passengers like it and the cupholders integrated in the armrest are nice too. It is really a simple concept and not hard to integrate into the design. I fail to understand why the Aura doesn't feature that.

As for Nav, I think it definitley should be an option. Dealers don't have to stock many, but it should be available.

That said, I still think the Aura is a competent car in its class.

Great point - GM has this feature (fold down center arm rest with fold down rear seats) in other cars but designed the EPI platform without it...cost cutting at its worst. So not only does the low volume Aura lack it - so does the G6 and Malibu...even the new for 2008 Malibu.

[Hoosier Red]

Originally Posted by gmhashope

Many reviews have said the Aura has the best interior of any GM model ever and it rivals or is better than the Accord and Camry.

Some of this is subjective, I will admit. However, let it be known that I will never buy a car from someone other than the big three until they are all out of business.....that's how loyal I am.......perhaps blindly loyal to a fault. Even with that disclosure, I'm not sure the Aura interior tops the Camry and Accord. There's a tactile feel that I'm sure the engineers can describe and I would guess that it costs money to get, but it's there in those cars and not in the domestics. I've owned a Oldsmobile Aurora (8 cylinder) and it just didn't compare with the equivalent Acuras or Lexus of the time. I had my Corvette in for service at Sewell in New Orleans a few years ago and sat in the first gen CTS - I was disappointed at the "feel" of even the Caddy. Don't get me wrong.....I'd be perfectly happy in the Aura - I like the safety ratings and I think it's a pretty efficient package. But it's going to take a little more to get the generation or two weaned on the imports to come back. As for nav - yeah, it's a "prestige" item that probably needs to be there as an option. For the life of me, I can't imagine why anyone would pay that much money for it. Unless I was in sales, I'd have almost no use for it and I'm about as clueless at directions as they come. I can get to work and get to the kids' activities......where else is there to go?

[stevecmh]

that looks really wonderful.. i hope it comes out fast... i mean really great looking

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by Hoosier Red

But it's going to take a little more to get the generation or two weaned on the imports to come back.

This is the point of having the things that only 2% of the buyers choose. It adds to the perception that GM has pulled out all the stops and is commited to doing their midsize entries better than anyone else.

[boblutzfan]

Originally Posted by stevecmh

that looks really wonderful.. i hope it comes out fast... i mean really great looking

If GM is serious about the Aura - then this needs to come out in January as an early 2009...along with standard six speed automatics on every Aura built.

[TJ95GAGT]

How come one can add a NAV unit to the Aura and have it look like this

http://www.saturnfans.com/photos/sho...hp/photo/43978

but GM's excuse to not offering it is rewiring the whole car? Seems an adapter or 2 was all that was needed to retain steering wheel controls and Onstar.

I sat in alot of midsize cars today at an auto show and didn't see much to criticize about the Aura IMO, other than the standard EPI car gripes.

[Lawnchair8]

Looking good. Can't wait to see the new aura. I hope they have as many interior combinations as the new malibu. Ambient lighting would be nice, but I probably shouldn't be getting my hopes up.

[Hitman1970]

Hope this does not become a too little to late like the fixes for Ford Five Hundred, err Taurus. You only get one chance to make a first impression with the automotive media.