http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...ht=monte+carlo

 

ewww that sucks. Seems to me, the only way GM will have a full size coupe is if the chevy version went to fleet. no wonder they are hesident to bring it back. Beside retail value, is there any reason why 50% of MC's going to fleet would be bad. I still think they could get 40,000 MC's, which would still offset some cost to the GTO.... and if the next Monaro is based on the GTO it only helps the cause.

 

It's nice to see American car companies go back to making American style cars once again

 

Monte Carlo fleet sales are more like 68.5% not 50%. Fleet sales, I'd imagine, have a much lower profit margin than retail, and are more "dumped" rather than sold.

 

Interestingly enough, the lower end of that range was about the volume for the 1996 Impala SS.

With regards to Accord Coupe production, I've heard anything from 5-15%. The lower number is likely closer to the truth, which puts yearly production somewhere around 20K.

 

I think this is the same source as Z284ever's fleet numbers (2006-MY):

Toyota Camry Solara 9,092 (17% fleet)

Note that's with a convertible. And at least around here, Accord Coupes are much more plentiful.

Except I would argue that the Camaro nameplate/image/legacy/retro-potential/etc/etc is about a 1000x more potent than Monte Carlo's. Even if Chevy does produce another coupe in this mould, I could see the MC nameplate going away.

 

I won't argue the possibility of the Monte Carlo name is going away.

The only point I would argue is Chevrolet having a larger-than-Camaro premium grand touring performance car. A Dodge Challenger/Pontiac GTO type vehicle that will be more loaded and be more upscale than a Mustang or Camaro. As far as the name, I'd expect it might be called Chevelle as much as Monte Carlo, or maybe even simply "SS" (since Pontiac's called simply GTO).




In all discussions on this, the thing to remember is that unlike times in the past, there has been a drastic amount of both cost and time taken out of development of the variations that would show up on the NA RWD platform. 1st there was the large chassis. Then there was the big debate on developing the small chassis.

From approval to assembly line is now 2 1/2 years at GM for all new structures. The skin wrapped on that structure needs far less time (12-18 months is what GM is now saying), meaning that different divisions or different models that don't require changes in the inner structure can be done in mindbending speed.

The Camaro structure can change wheelbases at virturally no cost (the front suspension cradle is simply mounted farther forward on the framerails) and the Impala structure can do the same, plus (if like the VE) will need barely more structurally than a new stamped "B" pillar to convert into a coupe. In both instances, a coupe can be made for essentially the price of a reskinning. Easily cheap enough for a low production coupe..... or coupes.

If we were talking about making an all new structure, then anything scheduled for 2009 would have to be approved NOW, as Camaro was.

However, as a reskinned, long wheelbase, slightly taller Camaro (or on the bigger 2010 Impala), since the structure development is independent, GM won't need to give final approval till next summer for 1st quarter 2009 calendar (2010 model) in order to reach showrooms almost at the same time.

 

Interesting ... although I'm not sure why Chevy would want another coupe showing up at the same time as Camaro. Just for marketing/hype reasons, I would keep any "Chevelle" plans on the down-low until 1-2 years after the Camaro launches to extraordinary success etc.

 

I dont see the need for a large coupe in Chevy's stable. I see it as a good move for Pontiac and maybe Buick.
I would like to see a coupe based of the upcoming Malibu, but I think that might be too much with the G6 line up, not to mention possibly fight off some sales for V6 Camaros.

 

If the styling of the next Impala is a home run like many say it is then I think it would be wise to make an Impala coupe. It would be cheaper and easier than making a Monte or Chevelle that would overlap the GTO.

 

hmm makes you wonder ig the 25% is real or not that Toyota is toughting???

 

I agree. I'd expect Camaro to suck most of GM's coupe oxygen out of the room for at least awhile.