How about a Pontiac built alongside Camaro with some different engine options... V6 w/forced induction? Doesn't have to be a "Firebird," just a sporty Pontiac coupe "big brother" to the Solstice. Extend the Solstice's design language into something slightly edgier with more creases.

Something akin to this:

 

Like I said on C&G , If I were a gambling man .....I'd be betting the farm the Camaro is the only Zeta , save for the imported G8 the US will see . And if any other Zeta model survived the cut , it would be the DTS . They would almost need the DTS if they want to play equals with BMW and Merc . Then Alpha full speed ahead .

Pontiac has just got to have the biggest case of blue ***** ever with all these on again off again on again off again platform changes .

Just an opinion

 

Thank you!!

 

I agree with 90 Z28SS, I don't see how relevant Cadillac can be HERE without the DTS/STS replacement, and the only platform that makes sense right now is Zeta. But please give use smaller Cadillacs!

 

Since you like to talk about *****....you're dead nuts wrong. Pontiac is fine!

I hate to hear people claim one brand after the other is on the chopping block only to hear a few months later that GM "finally knows what they are doing."

Mark my words right here and now:

Pontiac will be the future PERFORMANCE aspect of E-Flex in the next 10 years.

End.Of.Story.

 

I didnt refer to Pontiac as doom and gloom or on the chopping block . They possibly get GTO , then no GTO . They possibly get the ute , then likely no ute , they possibly get the G8 ST ...then no ST =blue ***** . Dont read more into what I said than the simple humerous statement it was

 

Wow. Apparently I'm WAY behind on the times!!! Why has GM decided to scrap all plans for other Zeta chassis cars?!

At one time, there was "hypothetically" supposed to be:
- Camaro
- Impala
- G8
- Buick ???
- Cadillac ???

..... correct? ... and now it's cut down to only Camaro!? That doesn't sound good.

So then, what are the future plans for the Impala? Or the G8? (it IS a Zeta chassis, isn't it??) Like someone else mentioned, since they're already converting Oshawa over to build the Camaro, why not run other cars of the same chassis down the line with it? Unless GM really wants to excercise the "FLEX" option of the Flex-line? (have Camaros, CUV's and full-size trucks rolling off the same assembly line?! )

 

Can you offer a $20,000-$25,000 car on the same basic platform as a car costing twice as much (or 3 times at some trim levels)? Still doesn't seem to make sense.

You thought Vette guys had a s--- fit when XLR hopped on the Y-body train.....

 

Who is to say the Solstice would stay at the $20k mark? Who is to say the Solstice will be comparable in power?

A Turbo DI 4 cylinder Solstice around 300 hp would be the ultimate 'Billy Bob' that the FRC was supposed to be. And offering it in a different showroom, in a different marketing channel for $10k less than the Vette and not offering the performance would certainly differentiate it.

 

Mmk, so why do I want to pay just $10k less than the Corvette for non-Corvette performance? Seems like a losing proposition to me.

I think the current Solstice/Sky's appeal is that it's a fun little car at a great price. It would seem to be much more expensive than it actually is, and its only direct competition is the Miata. A $35k-$40k Solstice puts it up against entry-lux roadsters like the BMW Z4, the Mercedes SLK....these aren't great areas for a Pontiac to play in.

 

Anyone know what the contractual obligations would be regarding Zeta, Oshawa and the CAW?

 

I think that's a real long shot. I certainly don't think that GM is prepared to spend much, if any money on something like that, unless you're suggesting a Zeta based SUV to replace the Escalade? Even then....

I see the handwriting on the wall. Zeta has a very short life expectancy in NA. That's pretty much a done deal.

My concern is for the Camaro. Not just now, but in the future. It makes little sense to dedicate a whole assembly line to an orphaned Zeta Camaro for very long. Therefore, I'd expect those within GM who are friends of the Camaro, to already be pitching a 6th gen.

 

There is just no way I can believe that the entire 09 Camaro cost only twice as much as retooling the hood, front fenders, headlights and wheels on the 98 Camaro.

 

Sorry. But it sure seems to me that your judgment in speculations such as this is clouded by your dislike of certain attributes of the new Camaro itself.

 

I dont think so . Save for definately the Camaro and maybe one more Zeta ( not including the imported G8 ) it sure does sound still born to me as far as NA is concerned .