So the Cobalt is supposedly an '05 model, correct? So does that mean that it is launching next year?

What about the SS version, is it supposed to arrive at the same time, or will they delay it to keep interest up in the new name?

Also, after the introduction of the Cobalt, will the Cavalier still be kept around? If I remember correctly, GM wants to price the Cobalt closer to 20,000, and discontinue the Cavalier name since it's come to be associated with big discounts and the like.

Anyone have any solid info?

 

Cobalt is an 05 model.

Cobalt should be released in calander year 04... not sure, but I believe it will get an early launch before the other 05 models... but likely after the spring launch of the 05 Equinox.

Cavalier is not going to continue. Cobalt replaces Cavalier and will be built at the same place (Lordstown, OH) as the J-car.

From what I understand, the Delta assembly line (used for Cobalt) is seperate and free from the J-Car (Cavalier & Sunfire) line. Since Sunfire is supposed to continue for U.S. sales, it sounds like they will keep the J-car line functional, unless something changes with their unioon contract which required all J-cars sold in the US to be biult at Lordstown... they build J-cars in Mexico for other countires).

An interesting quote from one of my sources (I live right near Lordstown) , who has a hand in the project, is that "The J-car line will be kept functional incase Cobalt flops... that way they can go back and build Cavaliers again" I found that odd and a bit scary, but I think the continuation of Sunfire explains why the J-Car line will remian in tact better... but it's hard to dismiss what he says...

I imagine the sporty version (probably SS) will be released either late int he model run, or perhaps in 06.

 

Let's just hope GM doesn't consider it a "flop" if it doesn't meet previous Cavalier sales' marks. I wouldn't be surprised if Cavalier continued for fleet sales, though. If Cobalt receives positive reviews and demonstrates better perceived quality (see Malibu), the press should be kind. I can also imagine that a higher pricetag might turn off some buyers who dismiss the re-badged Daewoo as a legitimate alternative.

Waiting a year for the SS sounds like something GM would do, and honestly does make sense (to maintain interest and press for the car).

Anyone know if the Cobalt is confirmed for NAIAS?

 

If the Cavalier still sells in the numbers it does, I cannot imagine Cobalt will flop. Certainly it can't be as controversial as the Ion, can it??? PLEASE tell me GM learned its lesson...

 

The rental car thing is an interesting idea, buit I don't know that it'd be worth while to run Cavalier's AND the Classic (old Malibu) just for fleet sales... but you never know.

 

I believe it is.

 

I agree... I believe Red Planet said in the not too distant past that C6 and Cobalt will debut at Detroit.

 

Wouldn't surprise me if they continued the Cavy until the Colbalt production gets ramped up. GM has done this several times in the past (ie Classic Malibu, C/K pickups) and will probably do it again.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I figured someone in this forum would have a pretty good idea

 

Darth is correct. C6 and Colbalt will debut at LA & Detroit shows next month, and Colbalt will be in production by the end of the summer. The SS will be out from the start, and I believe the S/C SS will be out shortly afterwards.

From all accounts, the Colbalt is a really great looking car, and it's interior is supposed to be miles ahead of the Cavi in quality, so I don't see it failing.

 

But do you see it making money? Base models of the Neon and Focus are being plugged for $9,000! Sure, we're talking model year closeouts, but both vehicles are fairly decent.

GM has decided to turn the $2,000-per car loss on the Cavalier into a small profit on the Cobalt. That plan is tied to selling the new car without huge incentives. Unless GM plans to rocket ahead of the industry leader (currently Nissan) in terms of productivity, I don't see how the Cobalt will be a goldmine.

 

The Colbalt is engineered to take less manpower to assemble than the Cavi, and more of it's assemblies are outsourced, so it shouldn't be sold at a loss. It's the same thing GM did with the Malibu.

As far as Cavaliers being sold for $9,000, their wholesale prices start at $8,875, so that means they are breaking even on the base models. So called "Invoice" pricing on the base is $13,000, and the MSRP "sticker" price on base models are $14,000 before rebates, so as you see, it's basically just a big pricing game.

Just the same, GM is loosing about $2-3,000 per Cavalier, but more than makes it up just on mid sized cars (ie: Impala) alone.

Why do they do it? Balences out the CAFE numbers for GM's more fuel hungry (and profitable) rides.

 

I can confirm this... been a lot done with our local UAW... a lot of early retirements and what-not to thin down the work force at Lordstown, yet keep everyone happy.

 

good riddence either way, cavaliers and sunfires are both deathtraps, so don't be caught dead in one...

 

All this talk about the C6 is well and good, but the Cobalt is the one car GM absolutely must get right. You can make a very strong argument that this car is more important than the C6...although it won't get much more mention around here. This is where it's all going to start.