There's plenty of info starting to come out on the upcoming zeta sedan, but I'm not at liberty to post them here. However, I can make general statements about what to expect regarding these cars.

Without going into details, here's some non-specifics:

*They will be marketed as sporty RWD performance sedans NOT 4 door family cars or fleet rentals the way Impala, and to a lesser degree Bonneville and LaCrosse are.

*These cars will feature V8s. They'll have V6s standard. But don't expect it to be like the current V6s.

*These cars will HANDLE! You won't be disappointed with the suspensions on these cars.

*More expensive sedans don't always have to be bigger than cheaper family sedans.

*These cars aren't going to be cheap. They will be priced competitively, but don't expect Impala or LeCrosse prices on these.

*Yes, the success of Chrysler's LX cars seem to have made an impact.

So, if you are up for a RWD performance sedan, but aren't quite up for the 300C's weight or size, but want similar performance, you may want to wait at least another 18 to 24 months before you decide what to buy.

Personally, I think this is going to be another example of a car that outhandles the competition, though it doesn't quite outrun them.

And yes, I've loaded this post with hints.

 

Here is just two things that stand out to me, off the top of my head.


1. That pretty much rules out pushrod V6's it will all be the 175Kw & 190 KW HFV6's. Also I don't see Holden designing the car to handle both engines.



2. Most of the cars will be the SWB Zeta platform...

 

Holden has said they are gunna ditch the pushrod HVV6's, but might not be a good idea for Chevy and Pontiac. Buick would be better suited for the HFV6's because of th smooth running of the OHC. But power and value with the pushrod HV's will be a big asset of the Chevy and Pontiac. Im sure there will be some OHC V6's in the line up.

 

1. I'm little concerned about where a possible, upcoming Camaro will fit in price-wise if the cars are priced higher. Mustang hasn't exactly priced itself out of the market with the 05 model. Indeed, it's pricing is somewhat similar to Impala, if you consider the range of MSRP from base to Impala SS. I'm hopeful that pricing will be a wee, wee bit south of CTS pricing, for example.

2. Great, it's just too bad that we have to wait another year and a half or so to see the General's replies to the 300 et all. While I would indeed like to see these cars - now, I really wouldn't be able to get one - now. I'm locked in until spring 07 with my current car. On the other hand, I can't wait until then, the choice from GM hopefully will have my head spinnin', and my tongue hangin' out.

 

We almost certainly won't likely be able to buy base V8 Z28s with a MSRP of $23,000 anymore, but if Chevy's performance coupe starts at $25-26,000, then it will still be competitive with Mustang's GT.

Seems the last few years most performance Camaro buyers opted for $30,000 SSs anyway, so I'm sure the people at GM who set prices will be taking that into account.