Naw. Car companies don't "test" platforms like that. I'd expect improvements in the newer Zetas as things continue, though.

 

Can't wait to see it .

David

 

So, buy GM stock now?

 

Im glad to see American companies competing with each other, not imports...

Now if Ford would make something desirable other than the Mustang...

 

Hey Guy, do you know if AWD is in the works for the next "Impala"? I know there is a lot of perception with bad weather and RWD.

It should be interesting to see what Ford does, if anything. They would be the only one that will not have a RWD sedan in their lineup to compete with the "Impalas" and the Chrysler cars. Espcially if they kill the Panther cars.

Also, the only thin being said about the next LX cars for '09/'10 is that Chrysler is going in a different direction in styling. It is believed that they are going to go back to the cab forward design on the LH cars. That is about all that anybody has said.

 

In Australia, styling sells. A mundane design (like Camry) just doesn't cut the mustard. That's why I'm surprised at how the Camry continues to do so well in the US, a stunning design doesn't cost more than a bland design (as Lutz was quoted saying). Styling is also the reason BMW, Audi and Merc are also far more revered than competing Japanese offerings - there's also a lot of DNA in the styling that make those marques instantly recognisable - again, another trait that the Japanese models lack with each generation.

 

I think the cab-forward designs were nice looking for their time, but I'd be shocked if DCX got away from the general styling layout of the current cars, being as how they've been received.

I suppose I can see them trying something different again (I'll give DCX credit for being willing to take more chances, styling-wise, than the other companies when it comes to most of their vehicles, but I just have a hard time seeing them go back to something they just discarded, aespecially since they replaced it rather successfully.

 

If the 300 hit the hip-hop and middle aged markets with that much success, imagine what a 60's styled Impala is going to do.

 

Agreed. I'm just trying to remember teh last time someone offered a "Stunning" Car - and (other then the 300C) I think the 3rd Gen Camaro is about it...

Wow.

 

I can't wait to see the new car as well. It certainly is remaing under the radar. As others have said, the car needs to be called Impala - especially if it look the role. Myself, even though I love F-bodies, I have a fondness for the Imapla nameplate. I grew up with Biscayne, Bel Air and Impala models gracing the drivewy more often than not. In fact my first car was a new 85 Impy. My brother actually has a low mileage 69 327 Impala sedan - what a nice driver it is, even now. Unlike some here, I do like the current Impala and acknowledge that it has undeniable merits, but yes, it definitley deserves RWD especially the SS version.

 

The Camry is mundane, sure. But I think it's inaccurate to say that it doesn't have "styling". The lines on the car are very nice, and there's many small touches that show they put a lot of thought into it. It's the little details that give the car a premium reputation. And it's that attention to small details that's missing from traditional GM 'mundane' designs (eg current Impala). However, the Solistice shows an extremely high-level of design execution, so hopefully that's the direction of the new Lutz models.

 

Espilon 2 is a marginally wider, AWD capable version of Espilon, so I'd expect that before I'd expect an AWD Impala.

That said, the new Zeta is AWD capable. Cadillac and Holden have the setup, so I'd suspect the capability will be part of Impala as well.

 

AWD added to a RWD platform, especially a volume platform, makes soooooooo much more sense than AWD added to a FWD platform.

 

I'm glad to hear this. One thing I like a lot about my 84 Z28 is the greenhouse tumblehome. It's a challenge making a new car now with a lot of tumblehome, due to head impact and crashworthiness standards. Keeping it wide allows them to coexist

It's definitely open to debate... but it sure seems to me, GM's had several stunning designs since then:
1. 1992 (3?) Grand Am GT
2. 1997 Grand Prix GTP
3. Hummer H2
4. Caddy CTS
5. C6 Z06

To name just a few....

 

Right now the rumors to the next LX cars is pretty much nonexsistant. I don't really expect to hear anything about them for another two years atleast. One thing I'm sure about though, I'm willing to bet that Chrysler will do what they always seem to do very well, design a stunning car and reinnovate car design.