Zeta Impala Delayed
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
But that's just it, with current V8 and 6sp manual/auto tranny technology, the MPG ratings in the 30's are not just attainable but realistic.
As someone else mentioned, my hope is that the guys with the 800 pound heads in engineering are looking at ways to trim a bit of weight to push the mileage up further. Add in that Zeta is AWD capable (as I understand it) you present a winning combo that compliments the EPI platforms (i.e. new Malibu) and you fill out the offerings to a full line.
I would think, based on common sense, that the next gen Impala will not sell in as many numbers as the current one, and thats what Malibu is for. Numbers down slightly for Impy and up significantly for Malibu for an increase in net sales. If the Zeta is properly executed.....
Hell who knows, maybe the "delay" is to fully develop AWD and get a bullet-proof 6sp auto in full production to handle Zeta's demand. Throw in a new LS3 into the GXP/SS lines and I'll put a deposit down TODAY!
As someone else mentioned, my hope is that the guys with the 800 pound heads in engineering are looking at ways to trim a bit of weight to push the mileage up further. Add in that Zeta is AWD capable (as I understand it) you present a winning combo that compliments the EPI platforms (i.e. new Malibu) and you fill out the offerings to a full line.
I would think, based on common sense, that the next gen Impala will not sell in as many numbers as the current one, and thats what Malibu is for. Numbers down slightly for Impy and up significantly for Malibu for an increase in net sales. If the Zeta is properly executed.....
Hell who knows, maybe the "delay" is to fully develop AWD and get a bullet-proof 6sp auto in full production to handle Zeta's demand. Throw in a new LS3 into the GXP/SS lines and I'll put a deposit down TODAY!
The best I've gotten in my 2002 A4 2.73 Camaro is 24.5 on trips between the bay area and LA, where I set the cruise to 77, when I can. Normal around town driving is closer to 20.
I'm not patient enough to try a trip to LA at 55-60mph to see what I would get
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,165
From: Sterling Heights, MI
I got 29.2 MPG on my last road trip with the cruise set at 80 and the A/C on for a few hundred miles.
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 649
From: Clinton TWP, MI
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,712
From: Ontario
Like most things there's going to be range of results for similarly-spec'ed cars. My 2000 A4 2.73 Z28 would return around 28-30 on the highway at 75 mph, and I don't think that was at all unusual. (It was also a strong runner turning in a best trap speed of 107.1 with everything factory including the RS-As.)
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
From: Kings Bay, Georgia
The couple of responses here already demonstrate my point. A 5 year (or more) old F-Body with a 6sp manual hits mid-to-high 20's in mileage consistantly. Couple that with improved tuning, AFM and a 6sp auto then the high 20's up to 30 IS realistic.
I understand the added weight compounds the problem and is what I was asking IRT the delay. I also understand that AWD adds more weight and drivetrain loss, but I am willing to accept the trade-off for AWD flexibility.
I hope issues with AWD, weight and mileage are the details driving the delay and there will be no compromises with performance and styling, especially in the interior.
With that, no one has touched the UAW question.....
I understand the added weight compounds the problem and is what I was asking IRT the delay. I also understand that AWD adds more weight and drivetrain loss, but I am willing to accept the trade-off for AWD flexibility.
I hope issues with AWD, weight and mileage are the details driving the delay and there will be no compromises with performance and styling, especially in the interior.
With that, no one has touched the UAW question.....
Last edited by RMC_SS_LDO; May 4, 2007 at 04:55 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 3,132
From: Santa Clara, CA
I don't know. I still think a 30mpg Camaro is like a 60 mpg Prius. Maybe the tank refill shut off early, or perhaps there was a calculation error, or maybe people really are bettering the EPA highway mileage on a regular basis (though if that were so, there would not be a push to restate the ratings to something lower). Oxygenated gasoline would have somewhat of an effect, too (we have that here). For the poster from Ontario, I presume you weren't talking Imperial MPG.
In any case, rather than get into an argument over whether a Z28 is really a 30mpg car, which is not something that can be proved one way or the other on this forum, let me say that it would not be good to have a fleet of EPA combined 20mpg cars when the gov't or high fuel prices drive a market demand for EPA combined 35mpg cars.
In any case, rather than get into an argument over whether a Z28 is really a 30mpg car, which is not something that can be proved one way or the other on this forum, let me say that it would not be good to have a fleet of EPA combined 20mpg cars when the gov't or high fuel prices drive a market demand for EPA combined 35mpg cars.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 241
From: Kings Bay, Georgia
Teal,
Agreed.... but the question remains what is actually driving the Zeta stall.
The more I ponder this UAW thing in my own little pea-brain, the more it adds to the big picture if one endulges in speculation. Could be nothing, but it makes me wonder.
Agreed.... but the question remains what is actually driving the Zeta stall.
The more I ponder this UAW thing in my own little pea-brain, the more it adds to the big picture if one endulges in speculation. Could be nothing, but it makes me wonder.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,712
From: Ontario
Correct, that's US gallons ... I tend to "US-ify" things when posting here. But as I said, it's not unusual to see V8 f-bodies get around 30 mpg on the highway. Also, GM's onboard computers report mpg in US gallons even in Canada.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,646
From: Portland, OR
They might, but 'can't do Bob' said it'll cost ya $5000. plus, in addition to weight, car are getting bigger which increases surface area which increases drag which.....
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,154
From: All around
The EPA rules are changing - and rumors are flying around that the 60mpg Prius will drop to 45mpg. The Zeta platform should be able to go dual-mode hybrid just like Chrysler (as they developed the transmission together with BMW).
I can understand a year's pause - and knowing that the rules are changing from the government - it makes sense. I still wonder what a VVT/AFM hybrid LSx sedan would rate in EPA tests - and I bet we'll find out soon enough...
I can understand a year's pause - and knowing that the rules are changing from the government - it makes sense. I still wonder what a VVT/AFM hybrid LSx sedan would rate in EPA tests - and I bet we'll find out soon enough...
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 4,600
From: Pewee Valley, KY
Just to clear something up that I see mis-stated a lot, the dual mode hybrid system Chrysler and the others are using is the modified GM dual mode hybrid that will first appear in the Tahoe Hybrid. The tech is all GM, using the GM 6 speed auto as a base.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,209
The EPA rules are changing - and rumors are flying around that the 60mpg Prius will drop to 45mpg. The Zeta platform should be able to go dual-mode hybrid just like Chrysler (as they developed the transmission together with BMW).
I can understand a year's pause - and knowing that the rules are changing from the government - it makes sense. I still wonder what a VVT/AFM hybrid LSx sedan would rate in EPA tests - and I bet we'll find out soon enough...
I can understand a year's pause - and knowing that the rules are changing from the government - it makes sense. I still wonder what a VVT/AFM hybrid LSx sedan would rate in EPA tests - and I bet we'll find out soon enough...