With all this talk about the new V8 FWD in the Grand Prix, Impala, and Monte Carlo, I am wondering when/if Zeta will ever get here. Consider that if GM still operates in 6 or 7 model year cylces, the FWD V8 will be played out in 2012. So where does that leave us with Zeta? Is it coming out in 2013? I certainly hope not.

 

The last I heard, we should see something in model year 2007... on a Buick.

Other cars should follow, including Camaro... this could be MY2007, but also could be MY2008...


Not sure how "written in stone" that is, but it seems to be the best guess at the moment.

 

Holden should be producing the first zeta in april/may 2006. add a few months for NA production I guess.

 

1st zeta based Buick is due late next year as a 2007, followed by certain 2008 cars phased in the following year.

GM isn't operating on 7 year cycles anymore according to Bob Lutz. GM will have quicker turn arounds in design.

You can tell by the amount of money invested that the FWD Impala is going to be around longer than the Monte Carlo, which basically got Impala's nose and a new interior while the Impy got a whole new body as well.

Don't automatically assume the Impala is going to be completly replaced with a RWD car. As is even demonstrated here on this site by certain people's preferences, there is still a very strong market for FWD. Doubtful GM is going to completly walk away from that market, especially when the chassis has long been payed for.

 

Yeah, its possible that a large Zeta sedan will come in while the Impala spends its last few years as a FWD car.
One thing is deffinatly clear, the monte is not going to be with us for much longer. Im surprised that there isnt 20 threads about what does the monte's face and butt lift mean for Camaro?
I think that the GP and MC will be the first to be phased out of W body production. I think that its possible that the Impy and LaCrosse will stick it out for some time. I mean, what else is gunna be there at the bottom of Buick's line up to take up the mid size FWD cars? Unless Epsilon II can be really flexable, I see the need for a new FWD chassis coming soon.

 

I'm not so sure about that. As long as the W-car is in production, and MC can move 60-70K units per year in it's very specific little niche, it may be around longer than you may think.

 

Only reason I would think would be that the Monte would be in Chevy's line up would be for
1- a larger coupe
2- NASCAR

Which reminds me....which car will Ford use for NASCAR now that the Tauri's days are limited? Futura or 500?

 

What ever they use will still be a joke

 

Don't you mean which grill and headlight decal will be used?

 

If the Buick is still on...or has not been delayed...the timetable that Guy mapped out up top is accurate. Zeta is well, well, well on it's way towards making the timetable GM has set for the project.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the first Buick scheduled going to be on LWB Zeta in the form of a new Roadmaster?

 

I know Invicta was trademarked by Buick recently.

 

I like the sound of Invicta.

Although my favorite is the Electra 225. Or the Electra duece and a quarter as some called it.

 

Too early to guess the final name, but Roadmaster is the one that's seed to be kicked around the most.

As for Ford & NASCAR, who cares. As Z28 pointed out, it's just a few decals anyway.

Monte Carlo actually isn't going to be around very long. My guess, you won't see the new redesigned Monte for more than 2 or 3 seasons, meaning it should be dead or replaced in '08 or '09.