How hard would it be if you could build them all on the same line like what CG is trying to do with all the LX cars?

 

Thegriffon, an insider over at C&G, has suggested the idea that the G6 go RWD, with the GTO being a top of the line V8 version of the coupe. If they can get the G6 to be RWD and on the Camaro platform, that would amortize costs a lot quicker, and unique styling could be done for both the GTO and obviously G6. The question is can people do with a G6 that is RWD. Is the Camaro platform capable of AWD? I think it is, and that would be great for the weenies [sorry weenies, it's just that I drove for two years in Chicago snowstorms, pretty bad snow IOW, with a RWD with no salt, no traction control, no ABS, and yes I slipped a couple of times, but that car was totally worth it for the fun I had it in it the rest of the year]. Okay, I would love to see some more RWD action, and Pontiac could really benefit from having this unique entry in the marketplace. Who else can you think of is offering a RWD sedan in the 20k price range. And this car could have real aggressive styling. So what does everyone think? Can we do a poll over here like the one at C&G, or GMI I think has one that might be a better question to follow. Thanks.

 

I think griff should actually have posed that question as a G8 coupe being the GTO. The Camaro platform is obviously smaller than VE as it has changed the attitude of the program. Now the question is "Will the sedan have a longer wheelbase?" If the answer is yes I seen no problem making the GTO off this wheelbase with the Camaro being shorter and sportier.

 

Well, if the GTO was "an easy business case" when the Chevy platform was supposed to be larger, what's the big deal about utilizing the smaller Camaro platform to make a Firebird instead???

Oh, how the mind wanders...differentiate Firebird by making V8 standard, making it more modern looking...yummy

Yes, I know it won't happen for our "American BMW" lineup

 

To correct to correctors, what I meant was it did not sell according to GM's numbers for yearly sales.

The GTO fell short both years, even after more h.p., bigger brakes and cosmetics and a reduction in estimated sales over the previous year.. If the design was better styling wise, I am sure the GTO would have sold much more. If selling less than GM's expectation is considered a success, then that is great. It is open for interpretation.

What really does suck is that the GTO seems to be on hiatis again even if I did not care for this latest GTO. No GTO at all is hell of a lot worse than one I did not like styling wise. At least there was a car we could debate on. And I really hope it comes back soon, I just do not know what GM's plans are for it.

 

I don't think GM has a clue, either

 

First impressions are everything. The GTO didn't sell at introduction (re-introduction?) for a lot of reasons, only one of which was the tame styling (call it classy and restrained or boring and dull, whichever you please). Pontiac dealers adding $5,000 to the sticker, not allowing test drives, not hitting lots until dead of winter; all these things conspired against a strong start. And we all know how the national media work; once a story is submitted that something is a "flop" it's forever branded. It worked out great for me, personally, since I got to buy one for $25,339 (nearly $10,000 off sticker). BTW, this is a $60,000 car in Australia ($45,000 in USD).
And how can you say sales fell short "both years?" 2005 aint over yet! There are a lot of dealers that have yet to receive a 2006 model GTO.

 

Jason, don't get that started again. You don't want to upset all the Camaro faithful here about a Firebird return.

 

Technically you are correct. But do you honestly believe the GTO will pick up the remaining sales figures to hit their target of 15k for the year? You are very optimistic.

 

The target was 12k for 2005 due to trying to get the 2006's on the lots sooner.

Chris

 

Kevin's still bitter they canceled barney purple in the 05s.

 

NOT!

You're in the right forest.


I'll just throw out a few things to consider.

Most everyone here is aware that Chevrolet is making a small RWD coupe (Camaro) and a large sedan off of the same structure. It's also mostly known that this structure is something GM seems almost frantic to get done... even going as far as taking money and resources from other projects (as was done to help the high volume GMT-900 get done right).

Is there anyone here who honestly thinks:

1. GM is cutting serious costs to just finance a Chevy sedan & a coupe?
2. That GM would put a fast track on a structure that would be used for just 1 brand?
3. That GM would postpone other car lines just for a single sedan and coupe for 1 brand?
4. That Pontiac is going to sell the current FWD Grand Prix past 2010... over 10 years of production, go nearly a decade without a Bonneville replacement, or is going to survive with just a G6 and an ancient Grand Prix?

Chevrolet may be "lead" in this structure (meaning it's being made according to Chevrolet's desires). That DOES NOT mean that they will be the only ones using it, or that no one else will have a car ready when production begins.

Then again.....you can choose not to believe this.....

 

This is off subject but this taking money from other programs be somehow connected to the delayed/canceled/whatever stuff they have been talking about over at Cheers and Gears?

 

That seems to happen alot around here when the Firebird's name comes up.

 

And that it just plain makes sense...