Will Pontiac G8 become a Chevy or Buick?

I there any chance the Pontiac G8 with get a front end re-refresh and be sold as either a Chevy or Buick in 2010/11?

Like the Chevy Commodore? (same car) I'm thinking yes, but we will have to wait and see.

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4254&d=1206552294

guionM had a post theorizing the idea of the car above being brought here as a police cruiser, with the Crown Victoria disappearing very soon.

I think GM would be a bunch of fools to drop this car. It could really help Buick to get a car like this.

Actually, Buick wouldn't want the car. When G.M. offered Buick dealers the Chinese market Park Ave. ( which is basically a LWB version of the G8 ) they said no as it would hurt the Lucerne's sales. A re-grilled G8 would be seen as a threat to the new LaCrosse. Also it would seem that G.M.'s getting out of the RWD market with the exception of Camaro , 'vette & CTS which is why all the other RWD cars under development were cancelled. And frankly a Buick or Chevy grille would ugly up the car.

Buick is getting an all new Lacrosse that is FWD/AWD. Chevy on the other hand has a dated Impala that needs replacing.

I really see this as a no-brainer for GM. The car is already done for the most part...put the Chevy front bumper cover on it, do your US standards testing, and sell it as a Chevy Commodore or Lumina.

Actually, Buick wouldn't want the car. When G.M. offered Buick dealers the Chinese market Park Ave. ( which is basically a LWB version of the G8 ) they said no as it would hurt the Lucerne's sales. A re-grilled G8 would be seen as a threat to the new LaCrosse. Also it would seem that G.M.'s getting out of the RWD market with the exception of Camaro , 'vette & CTS which is why all the other RWD cars under development were cancelled. And frankly a Buick or Chevy grille would ugly up the car.

Personally, I think a LWB G8 in Buick trim (with the DI LLT, a nicer/softer interior, a little chrome trim, etc) could be sold for more than the Lucerne. The Pontiac G8 starts just $1,030 less than the Lucerne. The DI CTS starts $2,300 higher than the base CTS. It might end up taking away sales from Cadillac instead of any other Buick. :D

A G8/Commodore Coupe would be a great Riviera, Gran Sport, Electra, or even a new name since GM seems to want to abandon the great old names. The top model could get the GSX name. Since the hoodscoops are fake anyway, just move them back on the hood...
http://krang.carcraft.com/images/ccrp_0701_1970_buick_gsx_1024x768.jpg

Also, I see no way the G8 badged as a Buick would sell as many units as it did badged as a Pontiac.

Also, I see no way the G8 badged as a Buick would sell as many units as it did badged as a Pontiac.

It won't.

But as a Chevy it could sell more...

It won't.

But as a Chevy it will sell more...

Fixed it.

I believe a big kick in the nuts for the G8 was its V6's poor gas mileage. How does a Camaro Debut with 29mpg hwy with an auto and the G8 is rated at a measly 25mpg.
A G8 with 29-30mpg can sell like hot cakes with any brand nose on it.

If the G8 could end up as an Impala could the Saturn Sky end up becoming a Chevy Corvair?

If the G8 could end up as an Impala could the Saturn Sky end up becoming a Chevy Corvair?

The Sky would be perfect as a "Baby Corvette". But GM loses a ton of money on each one built, so it doesn't make sense to keep building them.

The Sky would be perfect as a "Baby Corvette". But GM loses a ton of money on each one built, so it doesn't make sense to keep building them.

How much money do you guess that GM loses on each one?

What if the Chevy Corvair ends up being the Saturn Sky coupe that never saw production?

Buick is not getting the G8. That's about as direct as it can be said.

If the G8 winds up anywhere, it's Chevrolet.

There is a plan currently in in GM's restructuring that calls for Buick RWD sedans (Holden Statesman & Holden Caprices sold as Buicks and Daewoos overseas) to be imported from Korea or China. However, we'll have to wait and see how that pans out with what GM is up against between now and June 1st.

If the G8 winds up anywhere, it's Chevrolet.


If the G8 ended up becoming a Chevy, what do you think they will call it?

Chevelle?
Impala? (if current FWD car production ceases)
Bel Aire?
Could the canceled G8 wagon become the Chevy Nomad?

Caprice?

Maybe something new for us?
Commodore would work and it would make things easy enough. No plant union has exclusive rights to that name in North America and in reality, that is what it would probably be.

Lumina?

Lumina?

I certainly hope not. I think Lumina means flaccid in some other language. I'd prefer either the Caprice, or just call it the commodore.

I certainly hope not. I think Lumina means flaccid in some other language. I'd prefer either the Caprice, or just call it the commodore.

I agree, Lumina wouldn't fit. That name reminds me of milktoast FWD'ers with 3100 V6s. A large RWD Chevy at least deserves an appropriate name.

Last I read from GMI is that it wasn't going to be either. Next Impala will come on the next Commodore chassis. Current version runs till 2012 or something. It will be gone for a few years and will be a 2015 model.

I am not sure it makes sense to do the investment into the G8 for Chevy as an Impala. The Impala sales aren't as good, but the platform is paid for. The G8 Impala would only be around for a short time as well from when they start. What would make GM more money, selling the old Impala, or selling a G8 Impala. I would think the volume of the G8 Impala would be far less. Although, I don't know how much they make on the current Impala which has turned into a rental car for lots of people.

I don't care what it is called, just make mine with a 6 speed manual and 2.0L turbo LNF with the 290HP tune. I'm sure it could get 32mpg which would make it a perfect commuter/family car for me.

The Camaro's 304HP 3.6L + A6 combo was supposed to be out for 2010. That would be nice too.

If the G8 ended up becoming a Chevy, what do you think they will call it?


Most likely, Lumina.

Or Lumina for the police version, and Impala SS for a civilian Pontiac GXP-like version (the latter is speculation on my part... would explain killing the current Impala SS while keeping the rest of the Impala line, wouldn't it?)


Last I read from GMI is that it wasn't going to be either. Next Impala will come on the next Commodore chassis. Current version runs till 2012 or something. It will be gone for a few years and will be a 2015 model.

I am not sure it makes sense to do the investment into the G8 for Chevy as an Impala. The Impala sales aren't as good, but the platform is paid for. The G8 Impala would only be around for a short time as well from when they start. What would make GM more money, selling the old Impala, or selling a G8 Impala. I would think the volume of the G8 Impala would be far less. Although, I don't know how much they make on the current Impala which has turned into a rental car for lots of people.

Basically, the idea is to make up for the hole in the Elizabeth City production line (and the hole in North American Chevrolet's lineup) by increasing production of Middle Eastern Chevrolet Luminas and export them to the US.

No investment.

No development.

Primarily as a police vehicle, with a gaggle of G8 level vehicles for civilians.

Action would come very quickly after the actual decision is made... by quickly, I mean vehicles on boats in a matter of months, not years.


Impala SS is now dead.... despite having perhaps the highest concentration of retail sales of the Impala line.

Either that's an opening for the imported Zeta Chevrolet, or one hell of a coincidence.

Again, won't know for sure until GM submits their plans at the end of the month, but it's certainly on the board.


That Impala schedule (run the current version till 2012 then wait till 2015 and bring out a new one) is half truth and half fantasy.

True half: the current one will run till 2012.

False half: GM will wait till 2015 to bring out a replacement based on the next Commodore.

The car will be out well before 2015.

Possibly as early as late next year as a 2011 model, giving both the new and old "Impalas" a 1 year overlap... with the old being focused on fleet sales.

Just like what happened this decade with the Cobalt/Cavalier & Malibu at Chevrolet, and the old Taurus/Fivehundred at Ford.

I would love to pick up a Chevy badged G8 GXP.

I hesitate to ask Guy, but what about the Ute?

Have there been any whispers?

Lumina was an awful name used on a mediocre car, if Chevy re-badges the GB they need to use a cool classic Chevy nameplate.

I would love to see the following cars on a Chevy lot:

Camaro
Corvette
Corvair (imagine Saturn Sky coupe)
Chevelle (re-badged Pontiac g8)
Nomad (G8 Wagon)

What if the current Malibu became the Impala upon it's next redesign (since it is fairly big now), and then the G8 became the Malibu?

I would also not have an issue with Nova. If they named it a Chevelle, all the Chevelle fans would have a fit because it is a 4 door. If they were going to steal a 2 door name for the G8 I would rather see it be a Monte Carlo. I am not a fan of Caprice..it makes me think of bloated old people spaceships.

Bel Air would work nicely, I think.

Chevelle would be fine if a coupe was added to the lineup, but that just isn't going to happen.

What if the current Malibu became the Impala upon it's next redesign (since it is fairly big now), and then the G8 became the Malibu?

I would also not have an issue with Nova. If they named it a Chevelle, all the Chevelle fans would have a fit because it is a 4 door. If they were going to steal a 2 door name for the G8 I would rather see it be a Monte Carlo. I am not a fan of Caprice..it makes me think of bloated old people spaceships.

There were more 4 door Chevelles sold than 2 doors.

here's an idea, sorry if it was already posted, i skipped over all the junk about new and old names.


if it has 4 doors, Impala. there's your RWD version folks, now shut up.
if it has only 2 doors, Monte Carlo, and it's got RWD!! now shut up!


either way, SHUT UP. jus gimme an Aveo5 SS or a hybrid Camaro.

/end stupid rant.

There were more 4 door Chevelles sold than 2 doors.they also made wagons too.

For the Cop car..I would imagine Caprice..think of it..its a known name in the polcie community..

And like said..I think the Impala SS might be the G8...when it comes out taking the place of the FWD SS..think the way GM's been pushing two models each time..

Then when the civi Caprice/Impala comes out fully..it might be Impala and Impala SS..

or
what about the old platform that the Impala is on now? is it getting canned or living on as something else?

reffrshing of the current Impala and calling it the Caprice Classic?

they also made wagons too.

...and verts and El Caminos.

That's what I want to see (generally speaking not simply in this case).

It is a winning strategy to create a family of cars around a single nameplate(and architecture), and I'd like to see GM doing more of that going forward.

I wish those of you throwing names around would take the time to check Holden's vehicle line-up. For instance, the G8 is already sold as a Chevrolet Lumina in the mid east and Africa, and they already build a larger full-size RWD sedan called Caprice.

For what its worth, if they do move G8 over to Chevrolet in North America, which btw the current "official word" is that G8, like Pontiac is dead; I for one would rather see a completely new name unrelated to any previous models from Chevrolet's past. :p

I hesitate to ask Guy, but what about the Ute?

Have there been any whispers?

Although I don't see why Ute wouldn't be back as a Chevy or GMC, the info indicates a focus on filling the hole left on the Holden VE line from Pontiac, taking advantage of the hole being left in law enforcement vehicles by the soon to be discontinued Crown Victoria, a way to continue maximizing GM's investment in creating the G8 and taking advantage of G8's strong sales trend, and finally, filling an opening in Chevrolet's lineup for a premium sedan.

Lumina was an awful name used on a mediocre car, if Chevy re-badges the GB they need to use a cool classic Chevy nameplate.


Actually, Lumina was a very well built and very popular sedan, especially the 2nd generation. Then, of course, it was arguably the most famous NASCAR coupe Chevrolet ever had (just before NASCAR abandoned anything resembling the looks of actual cars you could buy).


Not particularly knocking anyone, but some of the names being proposed might be put in better perspective if some time were taken in looking at it's actual place in the market and it's actual history.

Nova was no more glamourous or sporty than a Cavalier. In short, zip.

Chevelle was a cheap family mover. The only reason anyone thinks of it as a performance car is because the only versions people took the time to restore were the rare 396 & 454SS. Mom had a Chevelle station wagon & a neighbor had a Chevelle sedan. If you wanted a good midsized GM car, you got a Buick... or at least a Monte Carlo.

If you were raised in the 90s, then you caught the tail end of the Chevy Caprice's life. The Caprice has a long and actually very good history as a top line, full size Chevrolet sedan. GM Holden kept the name (and spirit) of the Caprice alive in it's own lineup.

Belair hasn't been a worthwhile model since the 1950s. From the day Impala came out, Belair waslast in a 2 car line. When Caprice came out, it was last in a 3 car line, used only by police and taxis (perhaps, it's fitting afterall?).


The 90s era Impala SS has had a reputation as being a "Bada*s" vehicle (though the current FWD Impala SS would soundly thrash it). The Impala had a reputation of beeing nothing more than a moderate or bottom beeder family sedan when the SS came out in 1993. Even Car & Driver didn't know what to make of it, or who it would sell to.

A car name's reputation is only as good as what it's on now.

The Lumina name on a car like the G8 isn't likely to make people turn away.

Can GM even call this car an Impala if it isn't made in Canada? I thought they had the rights to the Impala....

Although calling it an Impala SS would be odd considering it is nothing like the Impala currently available I think Impala SS would be most appropriate if they are able to use it.
Lumina is ok, nothing against it. When i think of Caprise I think of a station wagon or the huge lead sled "Caprise Classic" from the 80's.

I disagree with that last point on people not turning away because of names. it's inherently attached to an image of the vehicle, and at least at first, helps build the perception around the car. the name lumina is not bad altogether, but it neither inspires nor defeats, it's not powerful or bold, and it is more feminine. eventually, though, any name can be overcome with a good car, just like a hot and sexy sylvia or claudine.....:)

so i neither agree with lumina, chevelle, or caprice or many of the past names for the chevy G8. i most prefer commodore. though if they prefer to use less marketing force and publish an already existing name, go monte carlo

though if they prefer to use less marketing force and publish an already existing name, go monte carloonly if they make it a coupe.

I hate to say this among Lumina haters but.... No matter WHAT name you put on that car, yo ucant go wrong! Hell, "G8" is perfect proof of that.

If they named it a Chevelle, all the Chevelle fans would have a fit because it is a 4 door.

True, but Dodge did that with the "Charger" and it still sold well.

A car name's reputation is only as good as what it's on now.

For a car maker to refer back to icons of it's past (like they did with the new 69 influenced Camaro) is not a bad thing, even though history is obvious tainted with rose color glasses, GM can use anything rosey at the moment.

Pontiac did it with the GTO and it pissed every old school Pontiac guy off, lol

The Dodge crowd hasn't had a car to be happy about in 30+ years, so when the Charger came out they couldn't help but love it.

I'm with Branden, if they called it a Chevelle it would piss old schoolers off all over again.

Either call it something with out a cult following, or find a new name. it's the only way






of course, this is all if they actually bring it over as a chevy, lol

I never really liked the look of the front end on middle east Lumina, it's looks too much like they just stuck a Chevy symbol on the Commodore (which is what they obviously did). I hope if they turn the G8 into a Chevy they do more than what they did with the middle east Lumina.
I did this quick photoshop to see what the G8 would look like with Chevrolet's new grill on it and I think it would look pretty good on the G8.
http://aa0nyw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pRJHc_mYUu6MZ-Vn1yg82aFGr9d8eT7nYGXZbi8nSdpeIXnkD3p5It3DWVyesKMn Ckok_jun-Bims8JbCl0dAKWfXOskHtHD4/chevyG8.jpg

I did this quick photoshop to see what the G8 would look like with Chevrolet's new grill on it and I think it would look pretty good on the G8

Looks good.

Why are we even pondering this, I said what was going to happen weeks ago to the G8 once the decision was made to ax Pontiac.

It becomes the Impala.

Why are we even pondering this, I said what was going to happen weeks ago to the G8 once the decision was made to ax Pontiac.

It becomes the Impala.

When? :)

Why are we even pondering this, I said what was going to happen weeks ago to the G8 once the decision was made to ax Pontiac.

It becomes the Impala.

who and when said this??

who and when said this??

Josh452 said it, of course ;) weren't you listening to him at his press conference?

I must of had my speakers off or something...

I think the Lumina name will turn away people under 35. Chevelle or Impala on the other all ages would like.

I think the Lumina name will turn away people under 35. Chevelle or Impala on the other all ages would like.

I agree. Put the Impala badge on it and it will sell.

Considering the new Camaro should be bringing much needed floor traffic to Chevy dealers, they could use a slick RWD sedan right now to sell off the Camaro hype.

I never really liked the look of the front end on middle east Lumina, it's looks too much like they just stuck a Chevy symbol on the Commodore (which is what they obviously did). I hope if they turn the G8 into a Chevy they do more than what they did with the middle east Lumina.
I did this quick photoshop to see what the G8 would look like with Chevrolet's new grill on it and I think it would look pretty good on the G8.
http://aa0nyw.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pRJHc_mYUu6MZ-Vn1yg82aFGr9d8eT7nYGXZbi8nSdpeIXnkD3p5It3DWVyesKMn Ckok_jun-Bims8JbCl0dAKWfXOskHtHD4/chevyG8.jpg

Great job on the chop :). And I have to say that's one of the best interpretations of the Chevy 'face' I've seen on any car, period. I'd love to the G8 live on as that.

I think the most appropriate name for the car (if it becomes a Chevrolet - I still believe we won't see it here period) is Chevelle

It doesn't matter that MOST Chevelles were grocery getters. What matters is the image that pop culture holds for the car.

Therefore, Chevelle (which pop culture has a VERY positive image of) is an excellent name.

Lumina would be a joke... Again, it doesn't matter what we as gear heads know about the car or the history of the name. The average person sees "Lumina" and thinks "80s-90s GM crap". (BTW, I owned a Lumina and it was an excellent car)

Caprice is largely the same way, albeit probably not as bad... But then again, it didn't share as much limelight as Lumina (in it's later years)

Impala would be nice, so long as GM cans the FWD Impala. But even then, the Impala's image is good, but does it necessarily still fit in with what this car would be? A lot of people know what Impala REALLY means. But then, a lot of people connote Impala with "Avis" as well.

As much as I would LOVE to see Bel Air reused, I think that's a bit risky. Bel Air is "The quintessential CHevy" to a lot of people, so the G8 (as it were) might be set up for failure much like the GTO was set up for failure from the beginning (image-wise)

Me vote goes with Chevelle... Big, subtle, classy, useful and MEAN if it needs to be. That pretty much sums up what this car is all about.

Great job on the chop :). And I have to say that's one of the best interpretations of the Chevy 'face' I've seen on any car, period. I'd love to the G8 live on as that.

Not bad at all....

I LOVE the G8, but I can tell you that if GM we're to just "bring the ME Lumina over here unchanged" I would not be happy. We need something MORE aggressive.

The sheep can all buy Malibus, Cruzes and Impalas. This car should be for US (GM owes us that now that Pontiac has been squandered) And GM should work to build a trifecta of performance in Camaro, Corvette and Chevelle (G8) while the iron is HOT from the Camaro intro.

Me vote goes with Chevelle... Big, subtle, classy, useful and MEAN if it needs to be. That pretty much sums up what this car is all about.

I understand your reasoning, but still don't think Chevelle is right. As mentioned above, regardless of the facts, most people (myself included) think of Chevelle as a large 2-door muscle car. Also, it feels like an 'old' name.

I think "Impala" still has a positive image, especially for those who remember the B-body SS. It could carry right on at the top of Chevy's sedan hierarchy when the W-body is retired.

the Chevelle name would work well enough. Didn't some models have a 115" wheelbase? That's just a hair longer than the G8's 114.8" WB. But back in the day, that was only a midsize car.

I still think that the names Del Ray, Biscayne, Bel Air, and Caprice would be very good names to use. Despite what position they held when they were produced, people typically remember positive things about those cars. The Bel Airs were available as a coupe, sedan, convertible, and wagon. Heck, the Bel Air was even once built in Oshawa...

Alternative historical names:

Beauville
Biscayne
Brookwood
Celebrity (j/k)
Kingswood
Parkwood
Townsman
Yeoman

I vote Chevette. :yes:

I understand your reasoning, but still don't think Chevelle is right. As mentioned above, regardless of the facts, most people (myself included) think of Chevelle as a large 2-door muscle car. Also, it feels like an 'old' name.

I think "Impala" still has a positive image, especially for those who remember the B-body SS. It could carry right on at the top of Chevy's sedan hierarchy when the W-body is retired.

I agree...

I'd love to see it called Impala. What I'm NOT okay with is having a W-Body Impala in the showroom along side the rumored "Impala SS" G8.

I think Impala still has a great image with the public. But that image now consists of cheap, reliable, solid (READ: mundane but positive) transportation.

To introduce a new fire breathing Impala that sells in limited numbers is going to confuse people. To introduce an "Impala SS" along side the W-Body Impala is going to confuse people even more.

But I do think Chevelle or Impala would be the best name.

I vote Chevette. :yes:

Corvair!

I kinda like "Chevy Commodore". Global branding is important. Only problem is that some people might remember the computers.

Bel Air is also good. Or they could even start raiding Pontiac's trademarks and call it the "Chevy Tempest" or something.