I think GM's problem is that the want each vehicle to be profitable

Originally posted by Joe K. 96 Zeee!!
I don't see why wanting a vehicle to make money is a problem.

Maybe you mean the problem is the approval process?

Originally posted by Burmite
Umm... you do read all the threads here about automaker management and the process of building cars, right? Even if they were to just make one instantly, they can't. It takes millions of dollars in investment, construction and purchase of plant and equipment, research and development, etc. It's not a quick thing. The Tubular chassis what they're "making like everyone else." Have some patience here...

Originally posted by WERM

But forget about Toyota and Mazda for a minute - this same General Motors created a LOW COST MID ENGINE CAR in the 1980's. They shared lots of parts, and they made it work, even without a small RWD platform.

GM yet to produce Solstice
Auto show hit depends on still-to-be developed rear-wheel drive platform
By Ed Garsten / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- Auto show crowds last year fell in love with the little two-seat convertible concept car called the Pontiac Solstice, but General Motors Corp. product chief Bob Lutz says the company still does not have a proper platform to put the car into production.

"Obviously, it would take a small rear-wheel drive architecture, which we don't have anywhere at GM, not in Asia, or anywhere else," Lutz said during a recent interview.

When the Solstice concept was built for the 2002 auto show circuit, it was never intended that a production model would follow, Lutz said.

But crowd reaction was so positive the company reconsidered. The main hurdle, during a time when automakers are looking for ways to cut costs and maximize production capacity, has been building a business case to justify the Solstice program.

Experimental versions, not far enough along to be called prototypes, are now being tested at GM's Michigan proving ground in Milford.

Prototypes are only built after a vehicle program receives approval from senior management -- something the Solstice lacks.

Just as major automakers have come up with so-called "world" engines and architectures, which can be used in a number of vehicles, Lutz said the fate of the Solstice will be decided with the development of a world small rear-wheel drive platform.

"Assuming we would create one, this would be the ideal opportunity to spread that all over the GM system and use modular architecture for a whole wide array of vehicles," said Lutz. "They would not all have to be convertibles, they could be coupes or sedans."

In an example of how such a flexible platform could be leveraged, GM's British unit, Vauxhall, last week unveiled the VX Lightening concept car, modified for British tastes, but built on the same underpinnings as the Solstice.

Another possible candidate for the new platform is a production version of the Saturn Sky concept car, which is also a two-seat convertible, although Lutz says there are no current plans to build it.

If the small rear-wheel drive architecture gets the go-ahead, the Solstice will be the first vehicle in the program, according to GM spokesman Tom Kowaleski.

"With the four-cylinder Ecotec and high-feature V6 engines going worldwide, it's going to be easier and easier to do a Solstice in North America," said Lutz.

Lutz said recently he'd like to see the Solstice priced at or below $20,000.

At that price, the Solstice could provide Pontiac with a valuable weapon in its fight to revive its reputation as the "excitement" division, according to Mike Wall, an analyst with Northville-based CSM Worldwide. "Solstice gives you somewhat of a halo vehicle. It adds excitement to the brand and at that low price would boost sales at the lower end," said Wall.

Originally posted by Z284ever
Yeah, I know Lutz mentioned the HF V6....but my latest info says a Solstice platform will be designed around the Ecotec only...