http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/c...dical-changes/

Chevrolet lineup set to undergo radical changes

The next several years will be crucial for Chevrolet as the brand tackles some of the biggest problems it’s faced in its entire history, namely, the radical shift away from trucks and SUVs due to high fuel prices and tightening fuel economy restrictions. In response, Chevrolet is planning a raft of new model introductions with the central theme among them being smaller vehicles with correspondingly small engines.

First and foremost in capitalizing on this shift is the new Aveo compact, which will be redesigned for the 2011 model year. The future Aveo is said to have taken inspiration from either the Chevrolet Groove or the Chevrolet Trax concepts that were shown at last year’s New York Auto Show, although General Motors executives won’t say which exact model was the inspiration.

Meanwhile, the recently revealed Cruze sedan will arrive in 2010 as the brand’s first truly global model. Powering the Cruze in North America will be brand new turbocharged four-cylinder lineup called the ‘Family Zero’ range. GM is planning to use its Chevrolet brand to spearhead the introduction of the new engine family, which is expected to appear in the rest of the carmaker’s brands.

The introduction of the highly anticipated Volt plug-in hybrid will take place one year later. Its powertrain will be reserved for a number of new models GM is planning, including a possible Cadillac hybrid as well as several Opel models.

Due to financial problems and tough CAFE regulations, a new Impala has been scrapped. GM was hoping to introduce a premium RWD model based on its Zeta architecture but instead the current model will soldier on for the next several years. Additionally, updates planned for the Malibu have also been cancelled due to resource constraints, reports Automotive News.

The new Camaro will enter production in February as planned, but the convertible version may be held back until the 2012 model year due to GM’s financial situation. Joining the Camaro in roughly four years will be the C7 Corvette, however it’s still too early to speculate on the new model’s specs.

In other segments, Chevrolet’s HHR wagon will be redesigned for 2011, and according to an insider will become much more modern in appearance than its current incarnation and may even include seven-seat capacity.

The Equinox crossover will be redesigned and re-engineered for 2010, while the scheduled makeovers for the Tahoe and Suburban have been put on hold while GM looks at downsizing them using a stretched Lambda platform. The Avalanche may also be in for a diet considering that its 2012 redesign has been put on hold.

The Trailblazer SUV is being abandoned and the Traverse crossover is designed to take over from the Trailblazer’s market - even though the Traverse represents the fourth crossover based on the Lambda platform.

Chevrolet’s new focus on downsizing cars and engines will hopefully prove to be a successful strategy, and the introduction of a new Aveo, as well as the Volt, should mark a turnaround for the carmaker if it can succeed in enticing customers away from its Japanese - and cross-town - rivals.

 

This is not good news, if its true. As people move away from trucks and to cars Chevy needs to keep fresh products coming. It looks like cash hemoraging is finally starting to catch up with GM. MCE are non-existent at GM anymore. And complete make-overs are getting longer. How can you stay competitive with the same old carry-over models every year.
Impala is entering its 4th year as a carryover model and looks to have a few more to go, and its already getting stale now. For comparison Toyota's Camry was all new in 2007, is going to get a freshening for 2010 and then will get a all new car in 2012.

Not good for Camaro Convertible, I wish they would introduce a Cobalt SS Convertible to tide things over until we get a Camaro Convertible.

 

i think they need to come up with some different names for their cars. when i think of Aveo, i think of a low quality Metro status car, even though it may not be. that's just my opinion, im sure its a fine automobile, it's just what i picture when i think "Aveo".

 

cant give specifics, but it wasnt pushed back to 2012.

 

If this is true and it is not coming out in early 2010, this may force my hand to get a Challenger convertible or a used Vette vert. I turn 40 next year and the wife said she would buy me a new car. Well I had her sold on the Camaro then she found out the Challenger would be a drop top also in 2010. I cannot wait another 3 years for a Camaro. Heck my 95 will almost be classic status by then.
Can you give us a hint when it may come out? I thought Scott said production would begin in December of 09 with shipments in the spring?

 

All I have to say is, considering this news, A LOT can happen between now and February. I don't care how many disciples/insiders on here keep reiterating the fact that we have nothing to worry about... At this point I wouldn't count on the Z28 OR the convertible. The SS is not a certainty either. 30thz286speed is right - the cash situation is finally catching up to GM, and the tunnel may be starting to close in on them.

 

Yes, things can change at any given moment, no doubt. The bugedtary bloodletting has impacted Camaro. SS is a certainty. Vert was pushed back a bit, nothing that drastic as is being suggeted.

The bulk of the money has been spent for prep of Camaro. That's the upside of the timing of all of this.

 

I know the vast bulk of the money has already been spent, and I know that GM has a lot riding on the Camaro so they'd do whatever it would take to get it right. That's all b*tches and cake, but none of it matters if GM goes under, which is more of a possibility than I think people realize.

 

didn't they cancel the 97 ls1 powered impalla ss at the last minute?

 

Could someone in the know give an idea of how long the vert has been pushed out now (like quarter of a year)? It's getting to the point that I'm going to have to get something else to hold me over. It's going to be absolute torture looking at all those hard tops running around for X months or years?

 

Fbodfather??? Any truth? Input? I really wanted a ragtop, but Since the world is going to end in 2012 I can't wait that long.

 

December 2012, baby! That's why I'm springing for the hardtop.. I want at least 2 solid years of enjoyment out of this car.

 

"oh my god, the sky is falling! and we're all on fire!!!" - my impression of this thread. It's one speculative article. It isn't the first or last speculative article about GMs plans. I don't even see an author's name on it, let alone any references to a source within GM for any of the statements made. I guess what I'm trying to ask here is why would you even consider basing your vehicle purchasing on alleged information contained in that arcticle?

 

True. But on the other hand, if they want to keep the Camaro "fresh" for a number of years it does make some sense to space out the features like Convertible or Z/28. The last thing they want is people sitting on their wallets because there's a 'better' version right around the corner.

Also, with regard to the Z/28, GM is launching the Cadillac CTS-V coupe (priced in the $60K range?) soon. They probably dont want to steal that car's thunder with a cheaper Chevy with the same powertrain.

 

My decision on buying a new convertible has more basis in the time frame I am going to buy one. Originally and still to this day I want a Camaro SS convertible that my wife is buying me for my 40th birthday next year. If one is not available either late next year or by the summer of 2010 I am going to look elsewhere.
That is what I am basing my purchase on.