GM wouldn't be showing the concept if the production version were already on the streets.

This pretty much puts the nails in the coffin of the "Late 2007 theory" - of which I was personally hoping for. I think we're definately looking at 2008.

 

I agree, and with this news article

http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/A...nancing_060615

I think we are looking at late 2008 at very best

However that would make it a 2009 model......

 

There is alot of pressure to get this car out earlier than originally planned.

Will it actually happen on the new timeline? That IS the question.

 

Yeah, we can speculate all day long, but that really is the bottom line…

Only a very few select people can answer that question..

 

I read that article too, and I have to be completely honest here...I immediately let out a large bittersweet sigh - happiness coupled with a large amount of frustration and uncertainty.

Frustration, because despite all of GM's recent changes and efforts, they are still the same 'ole GM: Bloated, beaurocratic and politically crippled. They are still behind the 8-ball and all their changes barely keep them afloat for another day's fight.

Uncertainty, because they desparately need a competitive mass selling vehicle such as the new Impala/Malibu now - not in 3 years. They desparately need an aggressive, forward looking muscle car now - not 2 years from now. The Cobalt is in dire need of a refresh, and there is no indication whatsoever that is going to happen - all leads point to a repeat of the Cavalier(something with potential, completely wasted and left to rot on the vine).

We don't know what the future will hold...this industry changes face every 6 months. But we do know this: The competition is out for blood. It is a nasty dog fight out there. The competition is not going to wait for GM. What GM plans for today just to catch up, may not be relevent in three years time when they finally come to fruition. That all adds up to uncertainty.

 

I hope that we'll be able to make you eat those words. i still am saying earlier than anyone knows.

-steve

 

Its a canadian publication also right?
I'm sure they desperately want the camaro as much as we do here.
I believe the GTO will be a 2008 model.

 

Trust me, I'd be more than happy to eat crow over this one too

 

I'll be very worried if it doesn't come out late 2008. I'll wait to hear it from Scott when he's able to tell us, until then, I believe nothing!

 

Since when is the Cobalt in "dire" need of a refresh? And the current Impala and Malibu are competitive and selling rather well, too.

The Cobalt is in its 2nd model year. It may not be absolutely best in class at everything with the new Civic out, but it certainly need not be ashamed in its class. The SS Supercharged is probably currently the best bang for the buck in the category, now that the SRT-4 is dead. But even the regular Cobalts (and the N/A SS cars) are solid entries, imho.

I certainly agree that we don't want it to languish too long like the Cavalier did, but when only 2 model years into it, with improvement shown from one to the next already (addition of the 2.4L/SS cars), I think it is a bit early to be painting such a dire picture, isn't it?

 

i think that they can get the car to production a hell of a lot faster than 09.. i mean look at the hhr.. wasnt it just a concept at NAIAS in 05.. and guess what.. its a production car in 06?!?!

or so thats what my car and driver calander said!!

seriously, im with you Marc, until its out of scotts mouth, publically, i believe nothing

 

I understand your point, but I see it differently. I don't believe GM should be in the business of trying to achieve 2nd in class. The Cobalt didn't even outclass the old Civic, let alone the new one. I understand this may be subjective, but sales numbers for the Civic are about 40k units more this year than the Cobalt. I think the chances of Cobalt sales catching up are zilch.

As far as the Impala/Malibu, I agree that they sell well. But again, here's GM trying to get away with 2nd best. Camry sales almost equal Impala/Bu sales combined. If Ford can create a Camry killer(Taurus), then GM ought to be able to do the same. For once in this decade, I'd like to see the Camry lose to a domestic. I am hoping the new Impala/Bu will do that. Ford certainly isn't in the running and DCX is a no-show.

Here's the original gist of my comment: I am beginning to feel better about GM's direction...its just that the timeline scares me. 2009-2010 is a long time to wait to get a car that outclasses something produced today.

 

http://www.canadianbusiness.com/mark...ntent=b061563A

GM executive Bob Lutz says no new plans for investments at Oshawa plants

MONTREAL (CP) - General Motors (NYSE:GM) has no plans at this point for new investments at its operations in Oshawa, Ont., says Bob Lutz, vice-chairman for global product development.

Lutz said in an interview Thursday that a published report saying that GM may soon approve a $400-million investment in Oshawa is only speculative.

The report said the investment would transform GM's two Oshawa car plants into one leading-edge plant, and would be linked with a new GM platform called Zeta to launch the company back into rear-wheel-drive cars in the mid-sized vehicle market.
Lutz also reaffirmed that plant No. 2 in Oshawa is scheduled to close in 2008.
That could wipe out about 2,500 jobs

 

I don't think that since it's booked for a year and half, necessarily means the production model will hit the streets in a year and a half. Though I would love to think so.

 

How, he said it's booked solid for a year and a half (18 months). It is June '06now, plus 18 months equals Dec. '07. So that statement does not put the nail in the coffin as '07 is still PLAUSIBLE (however unlikely it is still possible). Just b/c the concept is booked through the end of '07 doesn't mean GM can't have a production car out and still show the concept for the sake marketing.