RUMORS: Pontiac Shakeup; G8 Concept @ NAIAS

[ragingfish]

The following highlights are RUMOR - but based on highly credible sources - about a pending shakeup in Pontiac's lineup.For the full article, visit:Source: http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/show ... hp?t=40488* Current generation FWD "G6" cancelled as of 2010, tentatively to be replaced by RWD-based 3-series type performance car.* Current "G5" to be replaced by RWD-based "G4" compact car. Kappa would be the most likely platform (current Solstice platform).* RWD "G8" to debut at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit.In similar news, Leftlanenews.com is predicting that the introduction of a "G8" concept could signal the demise of the "Grand Prix' nameplate, thus laying to rest the last surviving nameplate of Pontiac's past. Quote, originally posted by Leftlanenews.com »Predicting the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix / G8The October issue of Motor Trend magazine features a cover story on the possibility of General Motors bringing the new Holden Commodore VE to the United States as a Pontiac. The magazine put together an artist's rendering of how such a car might look — essentially the Commodore SS V with a Pontiac face. Rumors first broke that the car could be imported to America shortly after the debut of the 2007 Commodore. Holden — GM's Australian subsidiary — openly expressed an interest in supplying its American counterpart with a new rear-wheel-drive sedan. Later, Holden chairman Denny Mooney reiterated his desire to see the sedan exported to America. Most recently, the Chicago Tribune suggested GM might import the car under the G8 moniker and retire the Grand Prix nameplate. Whatever the case, momentum is growing for GM to make a move.Source: http://www.leftlanenews.com/20...x-g8/

[joatmon]

interesting, but when I replace the Vibe it will be with the same criteria that led me to the Vibe, the best mpg in a US made car that I can fit in. That G8 won't meet either the first or second criteria. Interesting though, the RWD emphasis has been a rumor for a while, this makes it sound more likely. The Holden GTO was not a big seller for Pontiac, so if they go for another repackaged Holden, maybe giving it a new model name won't offend Pontiac loyalists.

[VforVIBE]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »The Holden GTO was not a big seller for Pontiac, so if they go for another repackaged Holden, maybe giving it a new model name won't offend Pontiac loyalists.Well, the Toyota Vibe turned out quite well EDIT: oh and I'm sure have only 2 options on the GTO didn't help sell, and the fact that it is one heavy car.http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=24886

[ragingfish]

I suspect the Vibe will remain around for a while, at least, in some form or another. It is selling well.IMHO, it would sell better if Pontiac kicked the Toyota outta it and made it true-blue GM.I wouldn't be surprised to see a Delta - or if the RWD only rumor is truthful, a Kappa - version come out eventually.

[MACMANIAC]

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Saturn is going in the right directions as Pontiac is going in the wrong direction with RWD drive cars and less fuel efficient vehicles. Actually, you are half right. The changes at Saturn are starting on the right foot with the Aura and no new models with center dash gauges, but they still have a long way to go. A complete redesign of the Ion's, and a replacement or major restyle and name change of the Vue would also help.As for the switch to rear wheel drive being "the wrong direction" ask Chrysler how well that works out. The hideous charger and magnum, and the even less inspiring 300 somehow made money for them. The biggest issues with domestic brands continues to be reliability, fit and finish, and a continuation of the shortest basic warranties in the industry (G.M.'s latest warranty changes not withstanding).As for MPG....it's always a bonus, but it is rarely a primary consideration in a car purchase.

[ragingfish]

Quote, originally posted by MACMANIAC »Actually, you are half right. The changes at Saturn are starting on the right foot with the Aura and no new models with center dash gauges, but they still have a long way to go. A complete redesign of the Ion's, and a replacement or major restyle and name change of the Vue would also help.A new VUE comes in 2008, based on the Opel Antara. It will look very little like the current generation:The Antara:The ION will be laid to rest, and replaced by the Opel Astra (to be named Saturn Astra) in late 2007. Also, the RELAY CSV (which stands for Concepts that make Stupid Vehicles ) will end production before the end of 2006.When the all-new VUE comes in 2008, NO Saturn in the lineup will have been on the market for more then 20 months. That's pretty damn impressive. The entire brand revitalized in just 3 years.Quote »As for the switch to rear wheel drive being "the wrong direction" ask Chrysler how well that works out. The hideous charger and magnum, and the even less inspiring 300 somehow made money for them. I agree. Quote »The biggest issues with domestic brands continues to be reliability, fit and finish, and a continuation of the shortest basic warranties in the industry (G.M.'s latest warranty changes not withstanding).Not entirely. GM's reliability and quality ratings have shot up drastically in recent surveys. Are they at top? No. But they're back in the game. The biggest issue with the domestics - Ford excluded - is that they're cursed with a poor reputation that will take months, or even years, of continued quality improvement and groundbreaking designs to beat down.Quote »As for MPG....it's always a bonus, but it is rarely a primary consideration in a car purchase. Sad, but true. According to an article in the Boston Globe:Quote »It ranked 18th among 56 buying considerations for shoppers early this year, says CNW Marketing Research, but it fell to 21st in September as pump prices began to retreat.A low monthly payment was tops in the CNW's surveys, followed by quality, styling, visibility, and the manufacturer's reputation.And the fuel economy argument can easily be trumped by the fact that new technologies make the V6 and V8 engines of today far more efficient than in past models. Soon we'll see DoD, hybrid drivetrains, diesels, and even combinations of the above, showing up in vehicles left and right. Granted, the new EPA tests for 2008 models will show a significant drop in numbers (it has been altered to more accurately account for "real world" driving behaviors), but I still don't think the majority of consumers are scared by the recent trend in rising fuel costs.

[ColonelPanic]

I hate to see 'em get rid of yet another nameplate that has some history behind it. But today's car buyer seems to appreciate cup holders more than heritage. The upcoming rides do sound quite good though. It's good to hear that Pontiac may have a wee bit of a future! I hope that Pontiac doesn't go too far though, if the only things they sell are cars that directly compete with things such as the Bimmers, well, they've just alienated the majority of their buyers. Having something upscale is good, but not everyone can afford that.Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »Not entirely. GM's reliability and quality ratings have shot up drastically in recent surveys. Are they at top? No. But they're back in the game. The biggest issue with the domestics - Ford excluded - is that they're cursed with a poor reputation that will take months, or even years, of continued quality improvement and groundbreaking designs to beat down.Perception in this industry really does lag behind what is reality... And once a brand becomes damaged, it is very difficult to pull themselves out of the hole they dug. The general public seems stubborn at times to come to terms with the fact that a brand may have been improving throughout the years that they have been trashing them. I should know, considering what I drive. Best car I've ever owned, but I'm sure many probably think it's a pretty big piece of crap because they were 20 years ago. Pontiac can easily repair their image with the right products and a constantly improving level of quality. Seeing where GM has gone just in the last 5 years, I think they can make it happen...