GM News Release Thread. (All questioners stop here 1st!)
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Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
The Cutlass has been everything I know it has been a G, W, and N body. The G was in the early 80's (think 85 Monte SS), W from 90ish to about 95(think Lumina), and N from then till now (think Malibu). It has sure been a mutt.
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Regarding GTO enthusiasts less than roaring endorsement of the new GTO's looks:
http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=6239
“We do understand that,” acknowledges Meyers, noting that there are already aftermarket programs underway to develop accessories, such as hood scoops, that would give the “goat” a more traditional, muscle car appearance. And GM “is looking at how fast we can do one, as well.”
Sources inside GM and on the supplier side of the business have been hinting there’s an aggressive effort underway to restyle the GTO, perhaps in as little as two years after its upcoming launch.
“It always was in our thinking that we would do other things relative to appearance. It always was in our thinking, from Day One,” says Meyers, though she won’t say how far GM might go — nor how soon.
Sources inside GM and on the supplier side of the business have been hinting there’s an aggressive effort underway to restyle the GTO, perhaps in as little as two years after its upcoming launch.
“It always was in our thinking that we would do other things relative to appearance. It always was in our thinking, from Day One,” says Meyers, though she won’t say how far GM might go — nor how soon.
Last edited by guionM; Aug 22, 2003 at 09:24 PM.
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2003 FRANKFURT AUTO SHOW: Opel concept is 1st of a new GM family
Parts will be used in many sedans, crossovers
September 9, 2003
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER
FRANKFURT, Germany -- General Motors Corp. plans to build a new worldwide family of mid- and full-size sedans and crossovers based on the underpinnings of the 344-horsepower Opel Insignia concept car it will show at the Frankfurt International Motor Show today, executives said Monday night.
The car uses a new architecture for cars that could be built on as many as four continents -- North America, Europe, Asia and Australia -- said GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. An architecture is a set of common parts and processes that can be used to produce a wide variety of vehicles.
Lutz would not say what GM calls the new architecture, referring to it simply as "a premium rear-wheel-drive architecture that will be used worldwide." It could form the basis for cars, for example, ranging in size from the Mercedes-Benz midsize sedan to the limousine-like Mercedes S-class, he said.
As many as four or five of GM's brands could get V8-powered vehicles based on the architecture, he said, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Opel/Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia.
"It's an example of what can be done when we look beyond geographic boundaries" of GM's operations around the world, Lutz said.
The first cars based on the architecture are expected to go into production in North America in 2005 or 2006.
While the Opel Insignia concept car is about the size of GM's Sigma architecture, which is the basis of the Cadillac CTS sedan and SRX crossover wagon, the new architecture was developed to cost less than those luxury cars, Lutz said.
"It could be used for Pontiacs or Chevrolets," he said, but it could include high-cost components like all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and magnetic-rheological suspension" that quickly senses and reacts to changes in the road surface for premium cars such as the Opel concept.
Opel will decide whether to build a car like the Insignia by the end of the year, said Hans Demant, Opel chief engineer. Opel, based in Ruesselsheim a few miles south of Frankfurt, is GM's main European unit and is responsible for engineering most cars GM sells outside North America.
The Insignia could give Opel a flagship model to help create a premium image for the brand, Demant said. Opel would probably only sell 30,000 to 50,000 such cars a year, too small a number to repay the investment of developing a new architecture, he said. The low volumes have kept Opel from developing a top rear-drive model to replace its aging Omega.
"We need to decide if we will build the Insignia soon," he said. "The idea will not stay fresh."
The concept car, which features an aluminum V8 engine producing 344 horsepower, "truly captures the Opel tradition of large luxury cars," Lutz said. The Insignia would accelerate from 0 to 62 m.p.h. (100 kilometers per hour) in less than 6 seconds and have a top speed of 155 m.p.h.
The large and luxurious concept car features a striking exterior design with a long wheelbase and very short front and rear overhangs to create an extremely spacious interior that was trimmed in dark piano-lacquered wood, light-brown leather dashboard and doors and dark saddle leather seats.
The rear power doors slide backward, not unlike a minivan, but a cantilevered hinge eliminates exterior tracks for the doors, allowing for the car's sweeping rear fenders, which extend up to a dramatically sloping rear window and tailgate.
The concept car seats four or five, depending on whether a center console is kept in the rear seat or moved into the trunk. The rear seats also fold flat to create a large cargo area.
Parts will be used in many sedans, crossovers
September 9, 2003
BY MARK PHELAN
FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER
FRANKFURT, Germany -- General Motors Corp. plans to build a new worldwide family of mid- and full-size sedans and crossovers based on the underpinnings of the 344-horsepower Opel Insignia concept car it will show at the Frankfurt International Motor Show today, executives said Monday night.
The car uses a new architecture for cars that could be built on as many as four continents -- North America, Europe, Asia and Australia -- said GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz. An architecture is a set of common parts and processes that can be used to produce a wide variety of vehicles.
Lutz would not say what GM calls the new architecture, referring to it simply as "a premium rear-wheel-drive architecture that will be used worldwide." It could form the basis for cars, for example, ranging in size from the Mercedes-Benz midsize sedan to the limousine-like Mercedes S-class, he said.
As many as four or five of GM's brands could get V8-powered vehicles based on the architecture, he said, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Opel/Vauxhall in Europe and Holden in Australia.
"It's an example of what can be done when we look beyond geographic boundaries" of GM's operations around the world, Lutz said.
The first cars based on the architecture are expected to go into production in North America in 2005 or 2006.
While the Opel Insignia concept car is about the size of GM's Sigma architecture, which is the basis of the Cadillac CTS sedan and SRX crossover wagon, the new architecture was developed to cost less than those luxury cars, Lutz said.
"It could be used for Pontiacs or Chevrolets," he said, but it could include high-cost components like all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic transmission and magnetic-rheological suspension" that quickly senses and reacts to changes in the road surface for premium cars such as the Opel concept.
Opel will decide whether to build a car like the Insignia by the end of the year, said Hans Demant, Opel chief engineer. Opel, based in Ruesselsheim a few miles south of Frankfurt, is GM's main European unit and is responsible for engineering most cars GM sells outside North America.
The Insignia could give Opel a flagship model to help create a premium image for the brand, Demant said. Opel would probably only sell 30,000 to 50,000 such cars a year, too small a number to repay the investment of developing a new architecture, he said. The low volumes have kept Opel from developing a top rear-drive model to replace its aging Omega.
"We need to decide if we will build the Insignia soon," he said. "The idea will not stay fresh."
The concept car, which features an aluminum V8 engine producing 344 horsepower, "truly captures the Opel tradition of large luxury cars," Lutz said. The Insignia would accelerate from 0 to 62 m.p.h. (100 kilometers per hour) in less than 6 seconds and have a top speed of 155 m.p.h.
The large and luxurious concept car features a striking exterior design with a long wheelbase and very short front and rear overhangs to create an extremely spacious interior that was trimmed in dark piano-lacquered wood, light-brown leather dashboard and doors and dark saddle leather seats.
The rear power doors slide backward, not unlike a minivan, but a cantilevered hinge eliminates exterior tracks for the doors, allowing for the car's sweeping rear fenders, which extend up to a dramatically sloping rear window and tailgate.
The concept car seats four or five, depending on whether a center console is kept in the rear seat or moved into the trunk. The rear seats also fold flat to create a large cargo area.
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From: Australia
seeing as it hasn't been posted in this thread yet, here is some future GM product news. Approx. 2meg from memory.
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Posts: 358
From: AU
Holden cue: Insignia to be worn
http://www.drive.com.au/news/article...XNR5T3HKD.html
Under the skin of this Opel concept is the next Commodore -- a significant sign of things to come.
Australia's most popular sedan, the Holden Commodore, may replace the German car that spawned it a quarter of a century ago.
The original Commodore of 1978 came substantially from General Motors affiliate Opel and there have been close ties in each of the 12 Commodore models since.
But the Opel Omega, on which the current Commodore's architecture was based, stopped production last year and Opel now lacks a large rear-drive car. Opel is understood to have several options to replace the Omega but the Australian model appears the front-runner.
The German brand is deciding whether to engineer and develop its own large car platform (the frame or "skeleton" on which cars are built), stretch the existing Vectra's underbody, use a US-developed platform -- or borrow that of the all-new 2006 Commodore.
Building its own platform is deemed too costly, according to Opel insiders, and the US version may introduce unnecessary duplication. In a separate -- but relevant -- development, cars based on the next Commodore range are also expected to be built in the US from 2006.
All of this is expected to work in the Commodore's favour. It will allow Holden to make a greater investment on the next model, given that it will be sold in more global markets than ever before, in various guises.
Opel is reportedly keen to rejoin the large, rear-drive sedan market and, according to insiders, it wants V6 and V8 sports sedans to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E Class.
The Insignia, unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this week, is the maker's second successive V8-powered, rear-drive concept car in as many shows.
Beneath the Insignia's skin, it is believed, are the underpinnings of the next Commodore. Opel refused to identify the platform -- but its dimensions are eerily similar to those of the current Commodore.
There is one significant difference: the show car has double-wishbone front suspension, the Commodore has McPherson struts. A Holden spokesman said a decision on whether the next Commodore would have such suspension was yet to be made.
Holden's chairman and managing director, Peter Hanenberger, wants to export the Commodore to Europe. Last month he said the company needed to establish its US program before it considered Europe.
But the Opel development might best suit the plans of both players. Instead of exporting whole cars, Holden can short-cut the process and get Opel to assemble Holden-designed and engineered vehicles.
The Insignia points to other aspects of Opel's design direction with its chrome-slatted grille, sharp creases, curvy roofline and pronounced rear "shoulders".
Such cues will not necessarily appear on the next Commodore, however. Opel says the Insignia's coupe-meets-wagon shape is the way forward for family cars, given their need for more space and greater practicality.
The front doors have conventional hinges but the electrically powered rear doors slide out and back on patented hinges, people-mover-style. The long tailgate is also powered to assist loading. Inside, the Insignia converts from four- to five-seater thanks to an electrically operated centre rear seat.
What does it all mean?
To cut development costs, the Commodore and the German "donor" car have had close ties but have never been identical. Holden has generally widened and lengthened the Opel and fitted larger, more powerful engines.
If the Opel deal goes ahead, Holden will not build the cars but will supply the engineering expertise for everything under the skin. Opel will duplicate the tooling and build the car in Germany.
In the US, the next Commodore range could be sold under various badges (the ute as a Chevrolet El Camino, the Statesman as a Buick. The Monaro is confirmed as a Pontiac GTO).
Significantly, instead of getting assistance from larger GMs affiliates, Holden is providing engineering expertise to the US and now, possibly, Europe.
http://www.drive.com.au/news/article...XNR5T3HKD.html
Under the skin of this Opel concept is the next Commodore -- a significant sign of things to come.
Australia's most popular sedan, the Holden Commodore, may replace the German car that spawned it a quarter of a century ago.
The original Commodore of 1978 came substantially from General Motors affiliate Opel and there have been close ties in each of the 12 Commodore models since.
But the Opel Omega, on which the current Commodore's architecture was based, stopped production last year and Opel now lacks a large rear-drive car. Opel is understood to have several options to replace the Omega but the Australian model appears the front-runner.
The German brand is deciding whether to engineer and develop its own large car platform (the frame or "skeleton" on which cars are built), stretch the existing Vectra's underbody, use a US-developed platform -- or borrow that of the all-new 2006 Commodore.
Building its own platform is deemed too costly, according to Opel insiders, and the US version may introduce unnecessary duplication. In a separate -- but relevant -- development, cars based on the next Commodore range are also expected to be built in the US from 2006.
All of this is expected to work in the Commodore's favour. It will allow Holden to make a greater investment on the next model, given that it will be sold in more global markets than ever before, in various guises.
Opel is reportedly keen to rejoin the large, rear-drive sedan market and, according to insiders, it wants V6 and V8 sports sedans to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E Class.
The Insignia, unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show this week, is the maker's second successive V8-powered, rear-drive concept car in as many shows.
Beneath the Insignia's skin, it is believed, are the underpinnings of the next Commodore. Opel refused to identify the platform -- but its dimensions are eerily similar to those of the current Commodore.
There is one significant difference: the show car has double-wishbone front suspension, the Commodore has McPherson struts. A Holden spokesman said a decision on whether the next Commodore would have such suspension was yet to be made.
Holden's chairman and managing director, Peter Hanenberger, wants to export the Commodore to Europe. Last month he said the company needed to establish its US program before it considered Europe.
But the Opel development might best suit the plans of both players. Instead of exporting whole cars, Holden can short-cut the process and get Opel to assemble Holden-designed and engineered vehicles.
The Insignia points to other aspects of Opel's design direction with its chrome-slatted grille, sharp creases, curvy roofline and pronounced rear "shoulders".
Such cues will not necessarily appear on the next Commodore, however. Opel says the Insignia's coupe-meets-wagon shape is the way forward for family cars, given their need for more space and greater practicality.
The front doors have conventional hinges but the electrically powered rear doors slide out and back on patented hinges, people-mover-style. The long tailgate is also powered to assist loading. Inside, the Insignia converts from four- to five-seater thanks to an electrically operated centre rear seat.
What does it all mean?
To cut development costs, the Commodore and the German "donor" car have had close ties but have never been identical. Holden has generally widened and lengthened the Opel and fitted larger, more powerful engines.
If the Opel deal goes ahead, Holden will not build the cars but will supply the engineering expertise for everything under the skin. Opel will duplicate the tooling and build the car in Germany.
In the US, the next Commodore range could be sold under various badges (the ute as a Chevrolet El Camino, the Statesman as a Buick. The Monaro is confirmed as a Pontiac GTO).
Significantly, instead of getting assistance from larger GMs affiliates, Holden is providing engineering expertise to the US and now, possibly, Europe.
Last edited by Ude-lose; Sep 12, 2003 at 03:39 AM.
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Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
GM pushes Solstice, but Opel bows out
By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / September 15, 2003
FRANKFURT - General Motors' business case to produce the Pontiac Solstice roadster and other rear-wheel-drive derivatives is proceeding despite Adam Opel AG's decision to abandon the program.
The proposed small-car architecture has not been approved for production. But it now has a name, Kappa, said a GM source familiar with the project.
Hans Demant, an Opel board member, said that "with the current economic situation in Europe, we are not in a position to go forward" with the project.
Demant was interviewed Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Frankfurt auto show.
Demant said that while Opel is not part of the business case, it might rejoin the program in a few years if Kappa gets a green light.
In June 2002, Demant said Opel was considering a variant off the platform.
He added that a vehicle for sale outside North America likely would be necessary to achieve profitable production volume.
But last week a North American GM executive said Opel's decision will have no impact on the proposed vehicle architecture and that Opel's participation was not needed to make the platform profitable.
"The business case is moving along," said the GM executive, who asked not to be identified. "We will announce the program when we have everything finalized, and we are getting close."
The Pontiac Solstice is a two-passenger, rwd concept that was a star of the Detroit auto show in 2002.
By Rick Kranz
Automotive News / September 15, 2003
FRANKFURT - General Motors' business case to produce the Pontiac Solstice roadster and other rear-wheel-drive derivatives is proceeding despite Adam Opel AG's decision to abandon the program.
The proposed small-car architecture has not been approved for production. But it now has a name, Kappa, said a GM source familiar with the project.
Hans Demant, an Opel board member, said that "with the current economic situation in Europe, we are not in a position to go forward" with the project.
Demant was interviewed Tuesday, Sept. 9, at the Frankfurt auto show.
Demant said that while Opel is not part of the business case, it might rejoin the program in a few years if Kappa gets a green light.
In June 2002, Demant said Opel was considering a variant off the platform.
He added that a vehicle for sale outside North America likely would be necessary to achieve profitable production volume.
But last week a North American GM executive said Opel's decision will have no impact on the proposed vehicle architecture and that Opel's participation was not needed to make the platform profitable.
"The business case is moving along," said the GM executive, who asked not to be identified. "We will announce the program when we have everything finalized, and we are getting close."
The Pontiac Solstice is a two-passenger, rwd concept that was a star of the Detroit auto show in 2002.
Last edited by guionM; Sep 14, 2003 at 08:54 AM.
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Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
It's probabally been mentioned, but I didn't post it on this one stop thread yet.
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...256E3200098684
"The drive for the expansion of Holden’s design facility and the creation of an advanced studio derives from the international adoption of the architecture for the forthcoming VE Commodore.
Known as the Zeta architecture within GM, it is a highly flexible set of components that can underpin both rear and all-wheel drive, left and right-hand drive as well as a multitude of body styles.
Wheelbase, overhangs, H-point height and powertrains are all independent of the Zeta architecture.
In the US, both Chevrolet and Pontiac are expected to employ Zeta, while Opel and Saab are both considering it for future large cars – in Opel’s case the production version of the proposed Insignia concept, and for the Swedes, the next generation 9-5.
American media reports quote GM Europe boss Hans Demant as saying that building the big Opel in North America, or even Australia, is an option.
Known as the Zeta architecture within GM, it is a highly flexible set of components that can underpin both rear and all-wheel drive, left and right-hand drive as well as a multitude of body styles.
Wheelbase, overhangs, H-point height and powertrains are all independent of the Zeta architecture.
In the US, both Chevrolet and Pontiac are expected to employ Zeta, while Opel and Saab are both considering it for future large cars – in Opel’s case the production version of the proposed Insignia concept, and for the Swedes, the next generation 9-5.
American media reports quote GM Europe boss Hans Demant as saying that building the big Opel in North America, or even Australia, is an option.
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...256E3200098684
Last edited by guionM; Feb 11, 2004 at 01:08 PM.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Just upkeeping the "One Stop" thread. 
GM's product czar Bob Lutz shows zest for Zeta architecture
By BRUCE NEWTON 20 February 2004
GENERAL Motors product czar Bob Lutz has forecast a "huge" future for the new Holden-developed VE Commodore architecture, predicting it will underpin a minimum of 400,000 cars worldwide.
And Mr Lutz’s estimate on build numbers is regarded as conservative within Holden.
Mr Lutz is at the head of a heavyweight GM delegation visiting Holden this week which also includes world engineering boss Jim Queen and design chief Ed Welburn.
The group was given an in-depth tour of the VE, the Zeta architecture and various spin-off concepts at Holden’s Fishermens Bend headquarters on Monday.
"Holden has a major, major, major role to play in at least one worldwide architecture," Mr Lutz said at a press function on Tuesday at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground.
"It’s potential could be huge. We’re talking rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, V6, V8. Some of the plans are still very fuzzy, but if you look at the European potential, the Asian potential, Holden and the United States and it could be 400,000."
At least some of GM’s plans for the architecture codenamed Zeta – which will be first employed under a production car when the all-new VE Commodore is launched in the first half of 2006 – could be announced as soon as the second quarter of 2004.
That date was mooted by new Holden managing director Denny Mooney on Tuesday.
The announcement could coincide with a Zeta-based Buick convertible show car tipped to be unveiled at the New York auto show in April, although that concept is far from confirmed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The difference with Zeta is the architecture technology would be primarily exported for overseas manufacture
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holden sources say it is more likely that Zeta’s global role will be first announced in Australia. The Zeta architecture will be manufactured in Australia under VE Comm-odore, its derivatives and exports, in the US under Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs, and is also under consideration to underpin a forthcoming Opel large car and the replacement for the Saab 9-5 luxury model.
The first foreign model expected to emerge is a Buick sedan late in 2006.
Holden already exports Commodores, Monaros and long wheelbase cars as Chevs and Pontiacs to various export markets, the best known being the Pontiac GTO.
The difference with Zeta is the architecture technology would be primarily exported for overseas manufacture and the sheetmetal on top would not necessarily bear any resemblance to a Holden.
Asked about Mr Lutz’s 400,000 build estimate, Mr Mooney responded: "It could be more than that, 400,000 isn’t even two plants. You’ve got to remember a plant in North America in a two-shift operation will run about 240,000 units, a three-shift operation will do over 300,000.
"I think that (Lutz estimate) is conservative."
By BRUCE NEWTON 20 February 2004
GENERAL Motors product czar Bob Lutz has forecast a "huge" future for the new Holden-developed VE Commodore architecture, predicting it will underpin a minimum of 400,000 cars worldwide.
And Mr Lutz’s estimate on build numbers is regarded as conservative within Holden.
Mr Lutz is at the head of a heavyweight GM delegation visiting Holden this week which also includes world engineering boss Jim Queen and design chief Ed Welburn.
The group was given an in-depth tour of the VE, the Zeta architecture and various spin-off concepts at Holden’s Fishermens Bend headquarters on Monday.
"Holden has a major, major, major role to play in at least one worldwide architecture," Mr Lutz said at a press function on Tuesday at Holden’s Lang Lang proving ground.
"It’s potential could be huge. We’re talking rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, V6, V8. Some of the plans are still very fuzzy, but if you look at the European potential, the Asian potential, Holden and the United States and it could be 400,000."
At least some of GM’s plans for the architecture codenamed Zeta – which will be first employed under a production car when the all-new VE Commodore is launched in the first half of 2006 – could be announced as soon as the second quarter of 2004.
That date was mooted by new Holden managing director Denny Mooney on Tuesday.
The announcement could coincide with a Zeta-based Buick convertible show car tipped to be unveiled at the New York auto show in April, although that concept is far from confirmed.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The difference with Zeta is the architecture technology would be primarily exported for overseas manufacture
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Holden sources say it is more likely that Zeta’s global role will be first announced in Australia. The Zeta architecture will be manufactured in Australia under VE Comm-odore, its derivatives and exports, in the US under Buicks, Chevrolets and Pontiacs, and is also under consideration to underpin a forthcoming Opel large car and the replacement for the Saab 9-5 luxury model.
The first foreign model expected to emerge is a Buick sedan late in 2006.
Holden already exports Commodores, Monaros and long wheelbase cars as Chevs and Pontiacs to various export markets, the best known being the Pontiac GTO.
The difference with Zeta is the architecture technology would be primarily exported for overseas manufacture and the sheetmetal on top would not necessarily bear any resemblance to a Holden.
Asked about Mr Lutz’s 400,000 build estimate, Mr Mooney responded: "It could be more than that, 400,000 isn’t even two plants. You’ve got to remember a plant in North America in a two-shift operation will run about 240,000 units, a three-shift operation will do over 300,000.
"I think that (Lutz estimate) is conservative."
Struggling GM division to lead the way on Holden new technology for the US
By BRUCE NEWTON 26 February 2004
STRUGGLING US brand Buick is set to be the first North American recipient of Holden’s Zeta architecture.
General Motors has plans to reposition Buick as its direct opposition to Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus. Holden technology will play a key role in making that happen.
First signs of the co-operation should come in April at the New York auto show with the unveiling of a convertible concept expected to be called Velite.
But Buick will have to wait until 2007 before being able to exploit the architecture with a production car.
And according to GoAuto sources in the US that won’t be all, with the production convertible set to follow it on to the market in 2008.
As you can see from the launch schedule reproduced below, Zeta will also underpin Chevrolets and Pontiacs in North America. And the list we have obtained is by no means complete.
Zeta has been developed by Holden for the VE Commodore and its derivatives but, as part of GM’s global architecture strategy, the technology will be exported internationally to underpin a new generation of vehicles.
Zeta can be formatted in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, with V6 and V8 drivetrains and in a variety of wheelbases.
Last week, during an Australian visit, GM product czar Bob Lutz put the worldwide opportunities for Zeta at about 400,000 units per annum, but that is a very conservative number.
Zeta production is expected to start at the Buick plant in Oshawa, Canada, in 2006. In 2002 215,727 Buick Century and Regal models were built there.
Add the potential for a second US plant, Fishermens Bend production and possible European use (Saab and Opel), and the Zeta total climbs beyond 500,000.
So why Buick first? Because it’s in a much weaker state than Chevrolet or Pontiac. Last year it sold 259,348 vehicles, a 30 per cent slide from 2002.
GM plans to reposition Buick more upscale with higher prices, more standard equipment and options not offered on current models.
"It will be American premium luxury,” GM North America president Gary Cowger told Automotive News this month.
"When you think about Buick, you’ve got to think about going right head-to-head with Lexus – only (with) American premium luxury, distinguishing itself with very tasteful executions of interiors, getting back to more classic designs."
The first step in Buick’s resurgence came at the Chicago auto show when the mid-size LaCrosse was revealed.
Replacing the Regal and the Century, the LaCrosse was one of Mr Lutz’s first targets when he re-joined GM. He killed the original proposal and closely managed the exterior and interior styling re-designs.
Significantly, Mr Lutz’s previous utterances about Holdens he would like to sell in the US have not only included the Monaro as GTO and the SS utility as a Chev El Camino, but also the long wheelbase Statesman as a reborn Buick Roadmaster.
ZETA ROLL-OUT
2007 Buick luxury sedan
2008 Buick convertible
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008 Pontiac GTO
2008/09 Chevrolet coupe and convertible
2009 Chevrolet Impala
2010 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
By BRUCE NEWTON 26 February 2004
STRUGGLING US brand Buick is set to be the first North American recipient of Holden’s Zeta architecture.
General Motors has plans to reposition Buick as its direct opposition to Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus. Holden technology will play a key role in making that happen.
First signs of the co-operation should come in April at the New York auto show with the unveiling of a convertible concept expected to be called Velite.
But Buick will have to wait until 2007 before being able to exploit the architecture with a production car.
And according to GoAuto sources in the US that won’t be all, with the production convertible set to follow it on to the market in 2008.
As you can see from the launch schedule reproduced below, Zeta will also underpin Chevrolets and Pontiacs in North America. And the list we have obtained is by no means complete.
Zeta has been developed by Holden for the VE Commodore and its derivatives but, as part of GM’s global architecture strategy, the technology will be exported internationally to underpin a new generation of vehicles.
Zeta can be formatted in rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, with V6 and V8 drivetrains and in a variety of wheelbases.
Last week, during an Australian visit, GM product czar Bob Lutz put the worldwide opportunities for Zeta at about 400,000 units per annum, but that is a very conservative number.
Zeta production is expected to start at the Buick plant in Oshawa, Canada, in 2006. In 2002 215,727 Buick Century and Regal models were built there.
Add the potential for a second US plant, Fishermens Bend production and possible European use (Saab and Opel), and the Zeta total climbs beyond 500,000.
So why Buick first? Because it’s in a much weaker state than Chevrolet or Pontiac. Last year it sold 259,348 vehicles, a 30 per cent slide from 2002.
GM plans to reposition Buick more upscale with higher prices, more standard equipment and options not offered on current models.
"It will be American premium luxury,” GM North America president Gary Cowger told Automotive News this month.
"When you think about Buick, you’ve got to think about going right head-to-head with Lexus – only (with) American premium luxury, distinguishing itself with very tasteful executions of interiors, getting back to more classic designs."
The first step in Buick’s resurgence came at the Chicago auto show when the mid-size LaCrosse was revealed.
Replacing the Regal and the Century, the LaCrosse was one of Mr Lutz’s first targets when he re-joined GM. He killed the original proposal and closely managed the exterior and interior styling re-designs.
Significantly, Mr Lutz’s previous utterances about Holdens he would like to sell in the US have not only included the Monaro as GTO and the SS utility as a Chev El Camino, but also the long wheelbase Statesman as a reborn Buick Roadmaster.
ZETA ROLL-OUT
2007 Buick luxury sedan
2008 Buick convertible
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
2008 Pontiac GTO
2008/09 Chevrolet coupe and convertible
2009 Chevrolet Impala
2010 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
Last edited by guionM; Feb 26, 2004 at 03:22 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Re: GM News Release Thread. (All questioners stop here 1st!)
I would bet it will be around Aug 1st because I know that is a picture release date and I would also bet that some new press releases will be out.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,428
Re: GM News Release Thread. (All questioners stop here 1st!)
can someone bullet the main posts. you guys write too much.
also giuonm, i have been wondering when we would see that v-12 since we got a complete rpo list about a year ago. it also had a twin-turbo v-12 listed on there as well.
also giuonm, i have been wondering when we would see that v-12 since we got a complete rpo list about a year ago. it also had a twin-turbo v-12 listed on there as well.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Re: GM News Release Thread. (All questioners stop here 1st!)
Originally Posted by number77
can someone bullet the main posts. you guys write too much.
also giuonm, i have been wondering when we would see that v-12 since we got a complete rpo list about a year ago. it also had a twin-turbo v-12 listed on there as well.
also giuonm, i have been wondering when we would see that v-12 since we got a complete rpo list about a year ago. it also had a twin-turbo v-12 listed on there as well.
