No doubt, cars like the Mitsu EVO and Subaru WRX have made an impact with enthusiasts. Both here and internationally. Overseas, Citroen, Peugeot and Ford Focus compete with Sube and Mitsu.

If Chevy wants to make a splash in this segment....(and since Chevy wants some international penetration in Europe, Asia, etc,)...shouldn't it try to be a serious contender in WRC? And do it with a version of Cobalt.....which also would be available in a street version.


AWD, 250 hp turbo Ecotec, IRS, electronically controlled center diff, and six speed....and anything else it might need.


Thoughts?

 

No, I think Chevy doesnt have to enter it. Opel would be nice, but I dont think that Chevy needs to enter it. If any American car company would like to enter, I would like to see Saturn get a car in there. Then again, Id like to see Opel cars come to America, badged as Saturns so that makes sense. What about a turbo, awd kappa? Id like to see a hatchback come into the GM market place as well. I had seen a Opel or Vauxhaul hatchback the other day. would make a great WRC car.

 

Well, the way I see things...Saturn probably isn't GM's hot ticket into WRC. Saturns are only sold here, so why would GM want to invest in Saturn for an international series.
But GM sees Chevy as a global brand. It plans even further overseas penetration. Eventhough some of these Chevys will be marketed as rebadged Daewoos, Opels and Holdens....they will be Chevys --nonetheless.

Chevy...on the otherhand...could benefit from the limelight of such a well known "world" series. WRC fits the bill for Chevy...that is unless Chevy plans a serious foray into F1 (SARCASM ).

 

I think Chevy's non-stop winning in ALMS is better then WRC. Yeah, it would be nice, but I dont think Chevy needs to. I would much rather see Opel enter. The Cobalt probably wont be sold across the pond, so having something that is sold here and in the EU would be nice. Epsilion is a great chassis with IRS and is made in many variations, and has the ability to go AWD.

Malibu Maxx Rally Car!! YES! AWD, turbo 2.0 making 280hp, 6spd, room for 4, and tons of cargo room.

 

You know what?

I think I like that idea better than Cobalt!

 

They would have to get rid of that electrical assist steering. I am honestly thinking of getting a Maxx as a daily. I gotta get rid of my Ford. Its hard to bash Ford when you drive one

 

The new Astra would make for a great rally car. I also think it would make for a great replacement for the Vibe/Sunfire in Pontiacs line up. To cut down on overlap, a nice 5dr hatch would add a little flavor to the line up, not to mention that 2.0 turbo motor.

 

I don't think that long wheelbase would work well on those tight curvy roads. None of the other successful rally cars have a wheelbase nearly that long. I would imagine the car is rather heavy in comparison as well.

The Cobalt would probably be the best bet - but does GM even have a 2.0 engine and AWD system to use in this car?

 

I think Pontiac would be the best choice for an AWD 250HP+ turbo car, but since Pontiac is a North American brand Chevy would probably be a better choice.

Can't the Delta platform work with AWD?

 

WERM, yes GM does have a 2.0 motor. The Cobalt and Ion's supercharged motor is 2.0, and all forged. Saab, and most of GM Euro uses teh 2.0 motor.

I was kidding about teh Maxx. I know its too big. A small, 3dr hatch or 4dr sedan would be better.

 

Let's face it, just how popular is WRC in the States? I don't think a Chevy entry would add a whole bunch to marketing the Cobalt for sales in the US. Opel totally makes sense though.

What is the top of the line performance Cobalt? The Cobalt SS Supercharged of course. What racing series is there already a long established history of Chevy Super Sports and Superchargers? NHRA of course.

I look for Cobalt to dubut in Pro Stock to replace the soon to be defunct Cavalier. If and when the Pro Stock Cobalts make a big splash in NHRA and IHRA, then you can look for a direct translation to marketing and sales.

 

Id rather see GM spend the money pushing Caddy into F1 after they develop their GT program a little more. If caddy wants to market itsself as a Mercedes/BMW then it needs to get high exposure as a company who can compete - and beat - those companies in a racing environment with more exposure than the GT class offers.

 

The SRT-4 from Dodge has proven successful in this segment without a major racing campaign. I don't think they need to wait for participation in WRC to reap the benefits of offering a performance-minded compact. Could it help? Sure, just as with racing and any other line of sports cars. But it doesn't mean sure success. Hyundai runs an Accent in WRC. Does that make you want to buy one?

Ultimately, do the car right and it will sell.

 

I would love to see chevy race WRC. They wouldn't get any recognition for it in the U.S. but it would force them to build a decent car for this segment. I would be more into Chevy's WRC program then their Monte carlo stock cars.

 

I'd also rather see GM devote funds to get Cadillac into F1. Maybe GM could just enter a corporate team in F1 that wouldn't have any specific brand attached to it... I think WRC would be good move too. It would help the world realize that GM is serious about building a solid small car. Hopefully GM will stop wasting money on NASCAR and begin to promote their other motorsport entries.