OK I have an idea... It's a little out there but hang with me... We still have the Cavalier, what if GM gave it a small V8 and rear wheel drive??? Maybe call it a Monza or Vega? It's been done before in small cars why not now? With the import scene so HOT these days maybe a little car like this is the answer to both our requests and also for the import crowd. I would definatly require some styling changes but hey what do you think?

Cavalier - Coupe/2617 lbs Sedan/2676 lbs
5.3 V8 - 285HP/350 lb torque

OH yeah thats a nice combo!!!

 

That would be bad, for sure. Ain't gonna happen though.

 

If they want to attract the import scene a turbo 6 would be better. I still want an RWD v8 Camaro.

 

I don't know, I think Pontiac ought to get it.

They're about the least 'set in stone' of brands and they're really in a position to switch directions.

Just give them a super basic small coupe, RWD, four cylinder (Ecotec or whatever's the cheap 4-banger). Sound suspension and steering. Let the aftermarket make it a performance car. That can be the new Sunfire (or more properly-named base model Pontiac).

 

It's not feasible to stuff a V8 into the Cavalier's chassis-- so many things would have to changed that it would essentially become an all-new car (floor pan, rear suspension, fuel system, and engine compartment to name just a few). Not to mention the structure itself is not built to withstand V8 torque.

If you were thinking about the next generation, well, that doesn't work either. Remember the Cavalier's mission is to be a cheap, roomy, economical car. Building it as RWD loses all the packaging and cost-savings advantages of FWD so that it can no longer be competitive in its main market. Sure, enthusiasts may like it, but that won't sustain a 200,000-300,000 cars-per-year program.

There's a reason why the Solstice is taking 4-5 years to make it to market.

 

Ughhh...well...it would be the fastest POS wouldn't it