In 1955 GM was considering closing down Pontiac. GM gave Semon E. "Bunkie" Knudsen 4 years to turn it around...or GM would kill Pontiac for good.

Consider yourself a modern day "Bunkie", and you've been given 48 months to do your work to save Pontiac.

And BTW, the only platforms you have to work with are Kappa and Epsilon, (until you succeed). However, you have free reign to cherry pick whatever you want from GM's parts shelf for them.

Ok, let's see some "excitement".

 

I suppose one way to utilize those platforms would be with a "Mean and Green" approach.

Pack the most powerful available powerplants with the two mode hybrid (or other fuel saving tech) system in each available platform for the designated Pontiac. Give them all the sportiest handling pieces for each platform as standard equipment, but make them a balanced act as the GXP where there is not much trade-off between ride and handling. Also offer (include?) highline stereos (with available Nav) that feature brand name (ie: Bose, Pioneer, etc) to attract younger, trend setting consumers. Then, and this is the most important part, market the vehicle at a price comparable to the competition's mid-grade offerings in the same class.

And puh-lease market the vehicles in a way that shows the weaknesses of the competition while glorifing the Pontiac, but be very up front and "in you face" about it with "Action". Make no excuses about how the Pontiac is better than everything else in the market.

Simpified of course, but the "Mean and Green" approach could separate Pontiac from the other GM, as well as every other manufacture's, offerings and finally get the media to get on board.

MPG + HP + Value = Sales!

 

Why only kappa and epsilon? What about Delta, Zeta, and Theta?

Edit: Also, Vibe?

 

What I was wondering, and what is the budget? How much can you modify the chassis?

 

Yeah, you're right. I should have been more clear. All the Delta, Theta, rebadges remain..as well as Vibe....or you could drop them.

But the ones that you could have freedom to re-style, re-engineer, re-market, re-position are Kappa and Epsilon.

The reason I didn't say Zeta is I'm afraid of:

"First I would build an LS7 GTO. Then I would build an LS7 Grand Prix. Followed by an LS7 Firebird with a live rear axle for $21,000. And that's how I would save Pontiac".

 

My plan (includes Vibe, Delta, and Theta since pontiac already has or is getting the vehicles):

Don't change Solstice one bit, except to bring GXP to market as quickly as possible. Add optional AWD.

Turbocharge Vibe, bring redesign to market as quickly as possible. Optional AWD.

Add optional Turbocharger to G6. Rename to Grand Prix. Replace 4-door with quad coupe. Optional AWD.

2 door and sedan Delta. All wheel drive at least optional. Turbocharger available. Name Grand Am or Lemans.

Lower ride height of Torrent with wide tires and AWD. Turbocharger optional.

Edit: I was writing this as you responded. The rebadges could be easily tweaked. Does it still count?

Randy

 

48 Months is too long there is a quicker solution.

 

OK, let's hear it!

 

Solstice = Kappa (keep it as is)

G6 = Epsilon2 ($2000 AWD option with all engines,6 speed manual option with all engines, 6 speed auto standard. engines = 2.4L, 2.4L Hybrid, 3.2L DOHC DI 250HP on GT, 280HP 3.6L DI DOHC on GTP) Coupe/Sedan/Vert

Grand Prix = Streched EP2 with LS4 and AWD options, 3.2L DI DOHC base engine, 280HP 3.6L DOHC on GT, 320HP LS4 on GXP, same tranny options as G6. Sedan or Quad coupe.

Kappa Sedan = 3 series sized, $22K base price, same engines and trannies as Solstice

Firebird = Coupe version on the Kappa sedan but with different sheet metal and optional LS4 V8


G6 will be that value leader at $16,995 base for the G6 2.4L, Most expensive car would be a Grand Prix AWD w/ LS4, NAV, etc.. at $33K MSRP

 

I think it's critical for Pontiac to do more with G6 as well. Especially in the powertrain and branding department. And I agree strongly that manuals should be available across the board. I would look to the Mazda6 for inspiration.

 

I really like where this is going. I wouldn't add a thing. I like the Streched EP2 idea. Almost 5 series in nature. This would be a good line up for a BMW directed toward the Middle class. Kudos

 

Bring the Commodore to the states. Projected volume could be limited to about 40-50k. The GP is a fleet car so I would not compare the volumes. GM could probably work something up and have something to sell by April 07.

It would give them the time they need to develope other vehicles to round out the porfolio. Pontiac needs something soon and the Commodore is the best they have on the table that fits the timing.

 

What kind of vehicles?

 

It has something for everyone, RWD, FWD, AWD, V8, Turbos, hybrids, DOHC Direct injection V6s, Sedans, coupes, convertables, large cars, smaller cars, Muscle cars. All on two platforms with current production engine (or soon to be)

 

Not quite everyone: trucks, minivans, SUVs.