Because some things were told in confidence, and others may need to be kept quiet for other reasons. Then there's also the paradox of the more you keep secret, the more info that comes your way.

Also, we don't want to get sources in hot water. My own rule is that I don't post info unless a) It's posted somewhere else first, or b) the person passing the info gives me permission to post it & I'm confident it's true. I know it's probally irritating that I may hint at things or talk in circles, but when the story does come out you'll know what I was trying to say, but couldn't.

Finally, early on, the number of people involved in something is pretty small, and info leaks are easy to track down. By the time things get to the point vendors are involved, it gets easier because more people are involved. When it gets to the testing stage, so many people are involved, info is relatively easy to get & share.

That's why I can say with certainty you'll see 2 US sold Zeta sedans within 2 years. I can also tell you that there's going to be at least 1 Zeta based vehicle imported for one GM division. Unfortunately, I agreed not to say which divisions are involved besides Pontiac (since there's a picture of it plastered on another thread, I think I can get away with that one).

Beyond 2 years, no one can say with certainty what's going to happen, because alot can change. That's why GM doesn't give final approval till the absolute last moment they can get away with, normally 18-24 months.

Anything beyond that is essentially crystal ball, under development stuff.

 

Man, I really should have taken greek as my foriegn language. Is it just me or is GM being run by a bunch of frat boys????


Anyway, if there is starteling news to come, I assume that it's going involve an official statement about cancellation or postponment of the 5th gen, (or zeta) and we're not going to like what we hear. Since there has been no official statement that a 5th gen is in the works, Im going to have to assume this upcoming news will be about the Zeta platform.... Which doesnt make me lose any sleep.

 

No, it isn't just you. Trying to read between the lines of this crap annoys the **** outta me! I'd compare it to reading Chinese translated into Cuneiform, though!!!

 

In actuality guys....this is one of the BIG reasons GM doesn't talk about future models.....other than the obvious ones.

The manner in which decisions are made and the overall process is ALWAYS subject to change...up until the go-no go date.

If they talked about all this stuff to early.....and then made changes or cancellations, they'd look like a real mess......not only to the buying public, but the stockholders too.

Internally, this actually allows them the ability to change with future market conditions.

 

This is getting to be a bit like arguing advanced physics. Making up names for things that you see evidence for, but have yet to be proven to exist. Beta, Sub-Zeta, etc....

Sure it's frustrating at times, but it's also very interesting. I used to come here just to check up on the Camaro, and though I still hope I can get a 5th gen I'll be proud of, nowadays though it's just fun to see the story unravel. It's like a long mystery novel...and I've been reading for 5 or 6 years now...

 

being unfamiliar with the car industry and how it works, can someone do the "reading between the lines" and email me their "personal opinion"??????
I would appreciate it.
Joe
elysium155@yahoo.com

 

Good point. I was thinking the exact same thing after reading all this "GTO is in trouble" stuff. Perhaps we should think of another scenario?

After seeing the Holden Monaro, Bob Lutz wants to "test" the American Market to see if there really is still a demand for RWD 2+2 sports coupe. He figures that with some effort he can test what is essentially a rebadged Monaro on US soil to see what happens. However bringing both a Chevrolet and Pontiac product to take the place of the Camaro and Firebird isn't practical. First there is the naming thing with the CAW. Secondly, Holden quite possibly couldn't support bringing two cars to the NA market; and since Chevrolet already has the Corvette, Pontiac makes a better choice. Choosing to dip into Pontiac's historic past, they pull out the name GTO. However perhaps the long term plan isn't for GTO to necessarily become Pontiac's flagship of the future. Afterall, this is only a "test".

The rest of the GTO story we know.

But what if the plan all along has been to find a suitable replacement platform for both the Camaro AND Firebird? Now, there are those that will say this isn't practical, as the Pontiac version will always get the "bigger" motor than Chevy, because of the Corvette. I remind you then of the early 1970's after GM stopping placing big blocks in Camaros, yet still offered the 455 in the Firebird. So what?

 

I agree. The automotive industry is fascinating to me. How it operates, does things and adapts to current trends is pretty tricky.

So from what I gather, it sounds like a possible Camaro could be quite different from the mainstream Zeta stuff, which is a good thing IMO. Also while the "GTO in trouble" talk is good for the Camaro seemingly, it could really make GM look like a bunch of fools if the new GTO only has a short lifespan before getting laid to rest, AGAIN.

 

So, Camaro, RWD, V8 powered car a go. GTO to be cancelled? Is that what I'm hearing? LOL!!!! That is very funny.

 

No, that is not what your hearing, not from any official source anyway. Those are conclusions drawn by "reading between the lines" as we like to call it.
You always seem to be in the know, why don't you share some info, or at least try to be helpful, instead of mocking other people's best guesses?

 

Automotive news is reporting the HHR will be assembled at Ramos plant. Wouldn't that help fill the excess capacity there?

Source: Automotive News - 02/21/05 - Page 47

Quote:
"General Motors' Ramos Arizpe, Mexico truck plant began producing the Chevrolet HHR in January. Twelve HHR's were built last month.

GM's Lordstown, Ohio plant will work overtime Saturday February 26th for the first time this year. The plant produces the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit."

For the week ended 02/19/05, Automotive News figures show the following production figures: Cobalt - 5,422; Pursuit - 582 and HHR - 4.

 

Here is some more wood on the fire.

from ls1.com.au

 

Very interesting tidbit. I'd say the door is still open a crack. I sense a hedging of bets and a juggling of production capacities.

 

Monaro is still a go............

 

Built in the U.S. or in Oz?