Have there been any progress (or discussions about) toward RWD/AWD mid-size and large sedans from GM recently?

I understand there are cost constraints for GM right now in the wake of missed sales in recent years so new platforms will take longer, but have the big guns at NAIAS given any word? I (along with many other) were hoping GM would unveil a mid-to-large sedan concept (Caprice/Bonneville?). I am actually hoping the idea of a "larger" sedan is just not Gucchi/sexy enough to warrant a concept is why there was nothing (thus far) at NAIAS.

I must admit, I have been using search and trying to weed thru the Sigma/Zeta/Velite et al discussions and honestly get a little lost in what all of the diffrences are and what-is-what. I am wondering if a "sporty family car" (how's that for an oxymoron ) will be available anytime soon. Based on the general "flavors" of the different lines, I'd lean toward a Pontiac offering but so far there seems to be nothing on the horizon to replace the Bonneville. I still hate the looks of the 300M and the interior of the Charger, wont drive a Japanese import (mainly out of principal and price) and I can't afford a BMW 5 series, but they are compelling.

If this has been beat into the ground and I have not looked at the right threads, please don't flame-spray- a re-direct would be appreciated . Just planning a purchase and I'm willing to wait a few years to get somthing worthwile from GM (or any domestic). A RWD/AWD Bonneville with real power and clean sporty looks (inside and out) would be in my garage tomorrow if were on the market.



Thanks in advance!
Allen

 

Lucerne or CTS-V?

 

Maybe I missed something, but I thought they (the CTS and Lucerne) were FWD <hiding since I'm risking showing my ignorance >?

Two extermes....

I have nothing against the offerings from Caddilac, but I am not a fan of the angular lines adopted by them in more recent years and they are too pricy right now (looking at 30k range).

The Lucerne is frankly bland on the inside- targeting their core market (nothing wrong with that either).

The market I'm talking about is the sport-sedan like what the 300M and Charger are looking at. I know the BMW 5 is pricier (and I think a little smaller), but in the same segment- that is the drift.

I liked the looks and size of the final Bonneville (although I thought the interior was busy but comfortable), but FWD and price (of the GXP- only version I really considered) were show-stoppers. Looking for the RWD/AWD (V8) replacement potential. The Grand Prix is very nice, but same issue with a FWD and it is a smaller car.

Thats why I'm asking.

Allen

 

On the way. You'll have to wait for awhile though.

 

Maybe

Hopefully

David

 

What he said. You might wanna get that Charger to tide you over for 3-4.5 years.

 

No flaming needed.

Bob Lutz ruled out Canada (meaning Oshawa) for the Camaro. He also pegged the Camaro (though I feel he meant all Camaro based coupes) at 150,000 per year, and the fact that one of the Oshawa plants are closing, that can leave onlythe Wilmington plant (currently using a small part of it's 200,000 capacity making 35,000 Solstices).

The Oshawa plant that's closing will be shut by 2008, and currently makes LeCrosses and Grand Prixs.

This leaves the single Oshawa plant that's currently making Impalas and Monte Carlos.

By this, you can safely assume that:

1. Current Grand Prix is dead after the 2008 model year.
2. Current Lecrosse is dead after the 2008 model year.
3. Something's gotta replace these cars, or they will all move into Chevy's assembly line, leaving a complete, vacant plant to be rennovated to make all the "W" body's replacement.

Still working on this one.

 

I just can't stand making payments on something I dont like! I would consider leasing one, but historically the MOPAR brands have horrid resale values that leads to equally horrid residuals- and higher lease payments.

I am in the very fortunate position that I dont NEED a car anytime soon. The better half loves our Avalanche and I seldom drive the Camaro since I (even after moving) can ride 90% of the time, and honestly prefer to ride vice drive. The Electra Glide keeps the cold off well this time of year and I've never minded riding in the rain. In fact, folks think it's funny my new bike, an '05 has more miles on it than the '02 Camaro!

We'll be in a good position in a couple of years (ie NO car payments and cheap insurance finally) to afford something we really WANT. I'm just hoping GM can produce a sedan that we, along with many others, will want! I can't see any reason an outfit like GM with all of it's resources can't build something exciting (can you tell I'm a Pontiac fan? ) and solid that can thumb it's nose at the Lexus, Acura, BMW and any other comers for that matter.

Thanks guionM for the reply from an industry perspective. I honestly wish I had the chance to work within the auto industry. I know there is only so much one person can do to influence a platform, considering the capitol investment a manufacturer has to make to get one to market, but a small voice is better than none! Based on the looks of the Camaro concept, it seems GM takes ideas from here and other similar sites to heart! And why not, we provide real-time free market analysis and concept testing, as long as we stay on-topic and sift thru the crap!

I'd be curious as to what are considered the current benchmark products GM would be trying to tackle and surpass for their new sedans. As a layperson/consumer I'd venture a few of guesses:

Caddilac- Mercedes/Lexus
Pontiac- BMW
Buick- Volvo/Acura
Chevy- Toyota/Honda

I'm just glad GM is re-vamping the lineup, including RWD/AWD in the future. It will be nice to see GM (hopefully) setting the industry standard, rather than playing catch-up and being compared to it. I'll be in the showroom (again, likely the Pontiac one) when they hit the streets! The waiting is getting old though, I'm getting the new car bug again !

Allen

 

They have said Pontiac is supposed to become America's BMW but I and others on this board think that Mazda is a better target.