It's been a while.....another G8 resurrection thread
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 766
From: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
That Statesman/Caprice also serves as the Buick Park Avenue in China. If people here think that the VE G8 was a "big" car at 114 inch wheelbase and 196 inch length, then the WM car would be seen as monstrous with its 120 inch wheelbase and 206 inch length.
Maybe the Caprice should be the WM version here since it would be historically size appropriate, but personally, I think the tidier dimensions of the VE would fit the bill just great.
Maybe the Caprice should be the WM version here since it would be historically size appropriate, but personally, I think the tidier dimensions of the VE would fit the bill just great.
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 13,713
From: The Golden State
Only 2 wheelbases.
Only 2 Holdens sold there.
Commodore/G8 is the Chevrolet Lumina.
The Statesman is sold as the Chevrolet Caprice.
Great looking photoshop. But there doesn't seem to be a budget (or even time) allocating any redesign. Look at either the Lumina or Caprice, and what you see is what we'll get... and like I mentioned some time ago, once the decision was made, we'd get it pretty straightaway.
The WM is 206" long.
Our current Chevrolet Impala is 202" long.
Cadillac DTS is 208" long
The VE Commodore at 192" long (4894mm) is about as long as a Ford Fusion.
Only 2 Holdens sold there.
Commodore/G8 is the Chevrolet Lumina.
The Statesman is sold as the Chevrolet Caprice.
I'm OK with Caprice. It's been pretty much the top o' the Chevy sedan heap since 66 with only the 94-96 Impy SS anomoly. I think it would still work for the "new" GM going forward.
I think they should do away with the Pontiac hood scoops and low level spoiler (maybe) though. Use the wing on the SS-V and Lumina - it seems more Chevy to me that the low-rise spoiler on the G8 although I suppose it could come off as "low-rent" looking given the breathing room Chevrolet seems to have now style-wise.
For talking points I found these at Edmunds....
This is pretty cool looking IMO - the front grille looks a little more Chevy contemporary like the Malibu as opposed to the Lumina grille. The hood scoop should go though. The doubling up on the taillights is a nice point of separation from the G8 too. Although, in this setup, the low-rise spoiler does look understated, but still sinister enough.
I think they should do away with the Pontiac hood scoops and low level spoiler (maybe) though. Use the wing on the SS-V and Lumina - it seems more Chevy to me that the low-rise spoiler on the G8 although I suppose it could come off as "low-rent" looking given the breathing room Chevrolet seems to have now style-wise.
For talking points I found these at Edmunds....
This is pretty cool looking IMO - the front grille looks a little more Chevy contemporary like the Malibu as opposed to the Lumina grille. The hood scoop should go though. The doubling up on the taillights is a nice point of separation from the G8 too. Although, in this setup, the low-rise spoiler does look understated, but still sinister enough.
That Statesman/Caprice also serves as the Buick Park Avenue in China. If people here think that the VE G8 was a "big" car at 114 inch wheelbase and 196 inch length, then the WM car would be seen as monstrous with its 120 inch wheelbase and 206 inch length.
Maybe the Caprice should be the WM version here since it would be historically size appropriate, but personally, I think the tidier dimensions of the VE would fit the bill just great.
Maybe the Caprice should be the WM version here since it would be historically size appropriate, but personally, I think the tidier dimensions of the VE would fit the bill just great.
Our current Chevrolet Impala is 202" long.
Cadillac DTS is 208" long
The VE Commodore at 192" long (4894mm) is about as long as a Ford Fusion.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,154
From: All around
The manual trans/engine updates were supposed of the 2010/2011 refresh. I heard the plan was offer the DI v6's with 6spd auto and manual transmissions. With the right gearing, it could get the Commodore to some pretty good mpg numbers while offering better performance and more fun.
Then the bodywork half would (as said) hopefully reduce vehicle weight and improve the interior.
I vote on Caprice. Plenty of cops out there that'd love the idea, and if GM can do pricing contracts, it'll get a lot of good volume that I bet Holden would appreciate. Also, increased volume will be necessary if Holden parts are to be more available Stateside.
If it was a perfect world, I'd say bring over the Statesman "Caprice" for Police only purchase (and protect residuals for consumers), while offering the Commodore as the more "consumer" vehicle. Thank god Bob is staying!
Then the bodywork half would (as said) hopefully reduce vehicle weight and improve the interior.
I vote on Caprice. Plenty of cops out there that'd love the idea, and if GM can do pricing contracts, it'll get a lot of good volume that I bet Holden would appreciate. Also, increased volume will be necessary if Holden parts are to be more available Stateside.
If it was a perfect world, I'd say bring over the Statesman "Caprice" for Police only purchase (and protect residuals for consumers), while offering the Commodore as the more "consumer" vehicle. Thank god Bob is staying!
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 681
It would be cool to have both the VE and WM come here as Chevys. I don't like the Lumina name, though. They could call it Chevelle. (note- I own a 70 Chevelle)
Anyone know how the Middle East ended up with their VE being called Lumina? Did they have the FWD version and it was replaced with the Holden supplied car?
Anyone know how the Middle East ended up with their VE being called Lumina? Did they have the FWD version and it was replaced with the Holden supplied car?
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 16,176
From: Chicagoland IL
I'm okay with the Caprice name as long as it's based on the SWB G8/Commodore. I certainly would consider such a car if I were going to replace my CTS. An available manual trans would put me over the edge.
The name Chevelle would be way down on my list of name choices though.
The name Chevelle would be way down on my list of name choices though.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Why not rename Camaro too while we're at it.
Perhaps call it the Corvair.
This rename-everything-to-signify-a-new-GM direction that seems to be gathering a herd is downright silly.
These names have history and equity.
If anyone feels that GM must start abandoning names simply for the sake of newness, I won't simply tell you to go play with hand grenades (as satisfying as that might be), but instead dust off your near history books and look at past efforts by both GM and Ford to try to create "new" images by renaming cars whose names had high equity.
If you like the car, then you'll buy the car. If it has a recognized name with a strong history, then that's icing on the cake.
.
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Things change, opinions change.
Caprice is fine and has history.
It took introduction of a single sedan that rean a mere 3 model years to change the image of the Impala name from 30+ years of being a mere mid level family sedan to being the evil looking, Darth Vader of sedans that to a large degree, to this very day still hangs a cloud over all the Impalas that have come since.
Caprice is a fine name for the new big Chevy.
Perhaps call it the Corvair.
This rename-everything-to-signify-a-new-GM direction that seems to be gathering a herd is downright silly.
These names have history and equity.
If anyone feels that GM must start abandoning names simply for the sake of newness, I won't simply tell you to go play with hand grenades (as satisfying as that might be), but instead dust off your near history books and look at past efforts by both GM and Ford to try to create "new" images by renaming cars whose names had high equity.
If you like the car, then you'll buy the car. If it has a recognized name with a strong history, then that's icing on the cake.
.
.
Things change, opinions change.
Caprice is fine and has history.
It took introduction of a single sedan that rean a mere 3 model years to change the image of the Impala name from 30+ years of being a mere mid level family sedan to being the evil looking, Darth Vader of sedans that to a large degree, to this very day still hangs a cloud over all the Impalas that have come since.
Caprice is a fine name for the new big Chevy.
I agree making a new name like G8 isn't as good as using an existing name that people already know it a Chevy. But Chevy has 4 choices, Lumina, Chevelle, Caprice, and Impala. Impala would be best since it already has a positive image and is currently a car that is built. Like you said, why keep changing the name. But because of Union contracts in Canada it looks like they might have to. So that leaves us with Chevelle, Caprice and Lumina for this sporty Chevy sedan.
I figured I'd make a poll and see what people in the lounge thought https://www.camaroz28.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=699068
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From: Kilgore TX 75662
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,505
From: Charleston, WV
A little more....
http://www.motorauthority.com/end-of...ontiac-g8.html
http://www.motorauthority.com/end-of...ontiac-g8.html
Speaking with Automotive News, an insider familiar with GM’s product planning has now revealed that one possible option is to make the G8 a Chevrolet flagship sedan and price it relatively high. The insider also reaffirmed Lutz’s comments that the car would likely be renamed the Caprice, as well as revealing that the 415hp (310kW) G8 GXP may be retained as a sort of a “five-passenger Corvette” type of vehicle as well as a law enforcement vehicle.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,505
From: Charleston, WV
Great looking photoshop. But there doesn't seem to be a budget (or even time) allocating any redesign. Look at either the Lumina or Caprice, and what you see is what we'll get... and like I mentioned some time ago, once the decision was made, we'd get it pretty straightaway.
