Could it have a future as Chevy's midsize FWD/AWD coupe riding on the same platform as the next gen Malibu? Or would Chevy and GM drop the Monte completely and just offer a sedan on Epison II? A case could be made with just new sheetmetal and it share the G6's coupe platform variation. Also couldn't the 5.3 LS4 be certified to be used in the Epison 2 platform. I think a 325hp AWD Monte Carlo/Malibu SS would sell really well.

 

It was to be replaced as part of the group of large Zeta coupes.

Not sure what's going to happen with the name.

I can see it going to Impala's RWD replacement, and I can see it going to Impala's spiratual FWD replacement, I can even see Chevy using it on a large coupe, and I can see Chevy killing the name off completely.

The only person who knows exactly what's going to happen to the name, so far isn't talking.

 

Get the hot pokers, and the toothpicks! We'll make him talk!

 

If a rwd Grand Prix could render a GTO, could a RWD Impala also render a Monte? And while im loafing in thoughts, maybe a 4-door Regal and a 2-door Grand National...

Just thinking out loud.

 

To steal V8 Slayer's words, Buick would rather be probed with red hot pokers than bring back the Grand National.

If you think Pontiac is being pretty hesitant in bringing back the Firebird name, imagine a luxury-american road car with Lexus aspirations chosing to return to a car named after a NASCAR race and all it's conotations. Pontiac even decided to run away from it by pulling out of NASCAR completely.

Believe me, though it may sound like I'm being melodramatic, if anything, I'm understating.

GN ain't coming back.

 

I see.

Sorta was a little problem with the current GTO?

European fit and interior but with musclecar name
Musclecar name and 2+2 coupe but with luxury sedan price
Exciting heritage nameplate but with Pontiac economy car front end look....

Reaching a little, I know.

 

No way am I saying that Buick won't have their own muscle coupe. It's that it will fit in with what Buick wants to represent.

Pontiac is going to be well rounded, Chevy is going to be cheap performance and drag racing (and probally NASCAR), Buick will have fast, smooth cruisers. Think Velite.

 

Funny how Toyota has to beg to be in NASCAR...and GM's excitment division (that built part of it's reputation in NASCAR) Pontiac...is snubbing it's bose at it?

 

Thats an interesting point. I think Toyota is really trying to establish itself in the "drive American" crowd. What better way than to infiltrate the one motorsport that is unique to the U.S.

Pontiac has been active in Grand Am and Drifting. I think the idea is to appeal to a more cutting edge type of racing fan.

 

I heard its dead,

No reason to sell two sport coupes next to each other

 

There's an intrinsic problem with that statement (not guionM's) that GM have failed to define...

Chevy.... cheap performance
Pontiac... well rounded? I thought the term performance related to Pontiac?

Sorry for getting OT.

 

Not cheap. Value priced.

 

People cross shop Chevy's with Kia.....what do you call Kia?

 

I call it a cheap, random mess of parts resembling a car.

 

Better.