There are a couple of threads over at C&G that indicate that the reportedly stunning '08 Malibu is either delayed or cancelled.


http://www.cheersandgears.com/forums...opic=3809&st=0

 

It appears that it is just being delayed so that it can use the new global Epsilon II platform.

 

I believe this to be more likly true.


..... although if this said to be stunning grand slam car was to be cancelled it wouldn't suprise me.

seems GM would rather try to save money than make money.

 

I can't imagine the car is cancelled.

I can, however, see it being pushed back... since the current car only came out in MY2004... a MY2008 release would make the current car only a 4 year run... which would be a great thing to see from GM (faster product cycles) , but I can see it as something that could easily get pushed back.

 

Similar rumors are circulating about the 2008 Saturn ION replacement.

 

I think we can hold off on a replacement to make sure it goes right on EPII. The current one isn't long in the tooth yet (imo) and will be fine holding off another year. I am anxious to see this though considering the hype that (was it evok?) has been around concerning it.

 

I don't think either cancelled or delays is good news at all. While the current one isn't long in the tooth...it isn't setting anyone's soul on fire either.

This is the market where GM really needs an outstanding hit, especially if SUV sales continue to drop.

It's a really tough situation: get it absolutely right a year (or two?) later or get a stunning design out (that's really needed) that's 90% - 95% (I'm guessing) done and will get people looking your (GM's) way?

 

His latest post suggests the '08 Malibu delay is just the "tip of an ice berg."

Ohhh boy not good.

 

The Ford Fusion and 2007 Toyota Camry will make the Malibu look dated and unattractive fast.

At least GM haas the Saturn Aura coming out his fall.

 

While I haven't seen the new Camry, the Fusion is one unattractive car. I don't know what you guys see in it. I think it is one of the fugliest designs to come out of Ford in awhile. They went from bland to just plain weird on that one, imo.

 

GM sure isn't in a hurry to source a lot of the NA EPII content. As far as I know, Europe's EPII is moving ahead as scheduled. So if it is true, they might not end up losing too much time.

Edit: Ok, so I looked at the C&G thread. I thought it was common knowledge that next gen Malibu was global (EPII) epsilon based? I guess not.

Food for thought...why can't all small/midsize cars be built off of one "platform"?

 

Well the main problem is that GM ties it's future car development budget to current sales. So if sales go down, development budgest goes with it (I may be wrong on this). With the current sales slide, I guess they are having trouble spending money to replace the Malibu/Impala when they already sell quite well.

 

I hate to say it, but the Malibu can use as much of the development budget it can get. It isn't exactly overwhelming in the styling category.

 

If Chrysler can use the same platform for the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass/Pioneer, and 2007 Dodge Stratus/Chrysler Sebring, could GM consolidate Delta and Epsilon, at least in the U.S. market? Could Ford consolidate the Focus (C1/C170) and Futura (CD3) platform?

 

Yes...and maybe(but doubtful)