GMI Asks: Keep Impala FWD, Take RWD, Kill?

[JiveMonkey]

I have to agree with mikmak, your plan makes sense.

Unfortunately, with GM trying to scrimp money re-badges aren't going away anytime soon. I can't figure out why the execs feel this need to keep going back to what doesn't work. They make minor changes that prove to be productive and then they tank things by going back to doing things they used to. Like the saying says, if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.

I think the designs and plans GM has are great, but until they shake off the old habits the future looks a bit bleak.

[ogg vorbis]

how about AWD on EPII?

you can't proliferate models on fewer and fewer architectures and have them all be relevant or profitable. with the trend being premium chassis with differing levels of content, there won't be much difference between a bargain basement chevy, and a top of the line cadillac built on the same platform. some brands need to die.

[jaywestfall]

Pontiac RWD first, just like Cadillac gets there stuff first. Then, if Chevy determines RWD Impala is the best for the plate, fine, but Pontiac gets all of the Commodore offerings first because after all we are the Performance Divison, AVAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

[nailhead425]

RWD/AWD and world-class.

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

Our sales people state many potential customers come in all excited over the new "Grand Prix replacement", as they relate the G8 despite sales telling them it is all new, people love the car & the until they find out it's RWD...then they look at a LaCrosse or Impala, or they leave for a Camry!

How many could actually tell the difference?

Originally Posted by Quickening

Because Pontiac needs to die.

I have always taken a strong stance against the killing of more brands. However, I find it ironic that a strong Saab supporter is suggesting the death of any brand.

[xjug1987]

Chevy has some historic and great names its not using. Malibu should stay what it is, but they need a "next step" such as the Toyota Avalon and the current Impala is not it. GM needs a short term fix, perhaps a version of the outgoing Lucerne/DTS. Its a solid platform, thats paid for. GM would make money on everyone they sell. This car should be the Chevy Caprice.

The Malibu should be the bread and butter, but an "Ultimate Version" should be the Impala. This would be similar to the Altima/Maxima scenario. Impala is a great name and performance is a part of its heritage. Sell 2 cars off the same platform at the same dealer. Do it!

My suggestion for the "Traverse" would have been "Bel Air". "The new Chevy Bel Air" just sounds better than, "The New Chevy Traverse" .... the what?

GM needs to use its names. So many are collecting dust and there is significant name recognition in many of them. The new Cruze should have been the "Chevy Chevelle".

[96_impala_ss]

Originally Posted by GMCSonoma

If Pontiac fades away as planned, Chevy should have BOTH...Impala FWD, revive the Caprice as RWD...solved.

Our sales people state many potential customers come in all excited over the new "Grand Prix replacement", as they relate the G8 despite sales telling them it is all new, people love the car & the until they find out it's RWD...then they look at a LaCrosse or Impala, or they leave for a Camry!

Wouldnt the Impala be better off being the RWD car and the Caprice FWD? I mean during its last 10 years of its life the Caprice was nothing more then what the Crown Vic is today. I think the Impala nameplate has more meaning to people then Caprice. If not maybe the Lumina name should be on the FWD versions. I mean after all the current Impala isnt much more than a Redesigned Lumina.

[knightfan26917]

Originally Posted by 96_impala_ss

If not maybe the Lumina name should be on the FWD versions. I mean after all the current Impala isnt much more than a Redesigned Lumina.

Yep.

Maybe the Lumina nameplate would be better for the FWD versions since that is the original W-body...which replaced the Celebrity.

[BBDOS CV8]

Holden can't make enough cars for Impala volume, unless it was a limited edition hi-po model selling alongside the current one, which would make not much sense. If you wanted a RWD Impala it would be better to build it in Oshawa.

Holden's flexibility would be best served producing smaller run niche models - it's what Holden's good at.

A Caprice in 30-40K numbers would be far more sensible, require minimal investment - almost able to be built now - and the Lumina Caprice/Park Avenue actually looks similar enough to the current Impala to be it's bigger brother, plus it is actually physically larger while the G8 is within inches of the Impala in most dimensions.

Similarly, a large limited Buick and maybe even a Cadillac off that chassis, with their own design language - again you wouldn't be going for fleet sales, more premium retail. The Caprice uses the same floorpan as the G8, just with offset suspension members and larger panels to gain the extra wheelbase. But all the other components are close enough to bolt on. There's even a long, long version of it!

And for those upper spec cars, things like MRC is available on both wheelbases, supercharged engines, luxurious interiors are either there in one model or another or well on the way. HSV has LS9 and LSA versions of the VE/G8 in the works.

I wouldn't doubt that adaptive cruise and lane-change warnings are in the works, too.

[TorrentRS]

how could someone even think about the Impala getting killed? I say slap on the CTS platform. Price it @ 25K about you won't use a whole lotta money. Basically a 4 door Camaro.

[mikmak]

The CTS platform is far more expensive than camaros. Utilising the already developed Zeta is far more cost effective and can be produced alongside Camaro. Sales of both can add development dollars ensuring survival of the platform and keeping the factory ticking over.

The Zeta was also developed for AWD in the early stages so getting that snow capability on line would no be too cost prohibitive.