Went to the GM ASIM today.

Solstice: Really nice handling, fun to drive car.

Impala SS: Fast and nice noises. But doesn't handle or brake anywhere near the GXP.

Corvette: Well, you guys know.

CTSv: For me, probably GM's most fun - best balanced car. Desperately needs a new interior.

Cobalt SS Supercharged: Great "fun to drive" factor.

Cobalt SS (n/a): Very nice car. Worth a look.

SSR (6 speed): Too bad it's so pricey, it makes for a very fun truck.

GTO: Fast, fun cruiser. Just don't expect to win any autocross trophies with it.

GP GXP: Like it more all the time. I appreciated the '06 interior revisions.

Acura TL: Someone at GM needs to benchmark this car.

BMW 530 and 325: Anyone who thinks these Krauts don't have it going on regarding chassis dynamics is nuts. Awesome handling!

 

Oh, and I really wanted to drive a G6 GTP. I saw at least 3 parked on the side. For some reason, we weren't able to drive those.

 

did you get a chance to drive the HHR? i know the other thread has everyones attention, but i need some input on how they feel. thinkin about getting one maybe in the near future(depends on how long the trans in my p/u lasts)and none of the dealers around me have them on lot for more than a day or 2.

 

The HHR is a very cool car. Lots of car for the money and lots of utility. It drives pretty nice too. Suspension might be alittle on the soft side for my tastes though. If it's chassis were tuned like the n/a Cobalt SS it'd be just about perfect.

 

can the SSs suspension be transfered to the HHR seeing as how they are chassis mates?

 

Damn!!! The show was here in DFW a couple of weeks ago, but the Solstice was only a display model. There were a couple of them parked in the staging area, but they weren't available to drive. At least not on the day I went there (Thursday).

I have somewhat similar views on the cars you listed. A couple of exception, though:

Cobalt SS Supercharged: I liked the Ion RL more than the Cobalt. Cobalt felt much more flimsier than the Ion. :dunno: Didn't bother driving the N/A SS.

HHR: I was actually looking very much forward to driving it, but when I did, I have to say I wasn't really impressed. People have been ranting and raving about the interior and how stylish and high quality it is, but I didn't feel it. Sure, it is a lot better than the GM cars of a few years ago, but still. It is also GROSSLY underpowered. You could feel it already at the kind of short track. I still like the looks of it, though, and might even consider owning one once the used market picks up.

TS

 

Well, I suppose we need to remember that the HHR isn't really intended to be a road rocket. The one that I drove had the 2.4, and I actually thought it had more than adequate power - for what it is.


But.....

I certainly can't deny that if it had the Cobalt SS's blown motor, manual trans, and better suspension/steering/brakes.....I'd be all over it.

 

isn't there going to be a turbo HHR?

TONY

 

I have no personal knowledge of that, other than the rumors I've read on this board.

But I sure think it would be cool.

 

I can't wait for the 2007 2nd Gen CTS with Lutz interior. 2008 CTSv should be awesome

Just imagine this powertrain setup in a much lighter and cheaper Colorado ZQ8. THat is where 2nd gen SSR develipment money (if there is any) should go.

 

Charlie,
Glad you appreciate the '06 revisions to the GXP inside. I must admit, if I had bought the sport red '05 we had like I planned, I would be kicking myself now. The '06 interior is WORTH not getting the Employee Discount It still isn't as nice as a G6 inside, but it is far more worthy. Isn't it amazing what a few simple changes can do as a whole?

As for the N/A Cobalt SS, I saw my first one at the dealer I bought my Z from the other night...WOW. I thought it was an S/C model until I saw it had the normal spoiler!!! I like this little thing...A LOT. I can see a white or blue 5 speed version in my driveway...too bad the longer I own my GP, the more I learn to appreciate it

 

The LS2/6 speed combo would be a thrill ride in a Colorado. But I could see how that powertrain could easily overpower Colorado's chassis.....

 

It drove really nice, handled really well and had more than adequate power. For 18-20 grand, would I buy one over a tC or Mazda3? Don't know, but it certainly would be a contender.

 

What did they change? I notice there was something diff about it, but wasn't quite sure what they did.

 

I saw the Solstice in person this weekend. They had a Black one parked outside BW3 at Purdue this weekend. Beautiful!

Funny thing was they were parked illegally and they came over the Intercomm and said "Whoever is driving the Black Pontiac Solstice please move it before it get's towed." Some Chick jumped up and ran like hell towards the front door. LOL