GM's plan for the future
08-09-2004, 05:04 PM
#1
GM's plan for the future http://www.autonews.com/article.cms?articleId=49281
Here are some of the more interesting pieces of information: (sorry for any reposts)
Here are some of the more interesting pieces of information: (sorry for any reposts)
BUICK
Flagship sedan: A new sedan developed on GM's rwd Zeta vehicle architecture is expected to debut for the 2007 model year.
Engineered by Holden Ltd. in Australia, the Zeta architecture will be used for premium vehicles, such as the next-generation Pontiac GTO. Buick's sedan will have V-6 and V-8 versions.
The Buick Velite is more than a concept, say GM insiders. A coupe version is expected for the 2008 model year.
Coupe, convertible: Derived from the four-seat Velite concept on the new rwd Zeta architecture, Buick's halo vehicle will appear in the 2008 model year.
A coupe will come first, and an open-roof version may follow.
Vehicles developed on Zeta will have a long wheelbase. For example, the Velite's wheelbase is 0.9 inches longer than a Park Avenue's, although the overall length of the car is 20.8 inches shorter.
CADILLAC
Flagship sedan: GM is considering a $100,000-plus, rwd sedan for later in the decade. Inspiration is expected to be drawn from the Sixteen concept that debuted at the 2003 Detroit auto show.
CHEVROLET
Rwd car: The timing is unclear, but a Chevrolet nameplate is expected on GM's rwd Zeta architecture.
Corvette: The restyled and re-engineered 2005 Corvette is being launched this summer; a convertible arrives this fall. A 6.0-liter V-8 engine producing 400 hp is standard. The Z06 model with a 7.0-liter, 500-hp V-8 and a fastback roofline is on tap for the 2006 model year.
SSR: Chevrolet answers criticism that the SSR lacks street-rod power by replacing the 5.3-liter V-8 in the 2004 model with a 6.0-liter V-8 for the 2005 model. Power is boosted to 390 hp, up 90 hp.
The SSR will offer an optional six-speed manual transmission; previously, only an automatic was offered.
PONTIAC
GTO: The GTO gets a new engine for the 2005 model year, the LS2 V-8 with 400 hp. The previous engine pumped out 350 hp. To the relief of traditionalists, an optional hood scoop will be among exterior design tweaks for 2005.
The next-generation GTO is slated to appear on the Zeta rwd architecture for the 2007 or 2008 model year.
SATURN
Roadster: Appearing in early 2006, a small rwd roadster will display the Saturn grille seen in the Curve concept at the 2004 Detroit auto show. But the 2007 model year car mostly will resemble the Vauxhall Lightning concept produced in England. GM cannot market the Lightning in Europe because of upcoming pedestrian safety regulations, so the vehicle is moving -- largely intact -- to Saturn. The car will be developed on GM's Kappa vehicle architecture.
Flagship sedan: A new sedan developed on GM's rwd Zeta vehicle architecture is expected to debut for the 2007 model year.
Engineered by Holden Ltd. in Australia, the Zeta architecture will be used for premium vehicles, such as the next-generation Pontiac GTO. Buick's sedan will have V-6 and V-8 versions.
The Buick Velite is more than a concept, say GM insiders. A coupe version is expected for the 2008 model year.
Coupe, convertible: Derived from the four-seat Velite concept on the new rwd Zeta architecture, Buick's halo vehicle will appear in the 2008 model year.
A coupe will come first, and an open-roof version may follow.
Vehicles developed on Zeta will have a long wheelbase. For example, the Velite's wheelbase is 0.9 inches longer than a Park Avenue's, although the overall length of the car is 20.8 inches shorter.
CADILLAC
Flagship sedan: GM is considering a $100,000-plus, rwd sedan for later in the decade. Inspiration is expected to be drawn from the Sixteen concept that debuted at the 2003 Detroit auto show.
CHEVROLET
Rwd car: The timing is unclear, but a Chevrolet nameplate is expected on GM's rwd Zeta architecture.
Corvette: The restyled and re-engineered 2005 Corvette is being launched this summer; a convertible arrives this fall. A 6.0-liter V-8 engine producing 400 hp is standard. The Z06 model with a 7.0-liter, 500-hp V-8 and a fastback roofline is on tap for the 2006 model year.
SSR: Chevrolet answers criticism that the SSR lacks street-rod power by replacing the 5.3-liter V-8 in the 2004 model with a 6.0-liter V-8 for the 2005 model. Power is boosted to 390 hp, up 90 hp.
The SSR will offer an optional six-speed manual transmission; previously, only an automatic was offered.
PONTIAC
GTO: The GTO gets a new engine for the 2005 model year, the LS2 V-8 with 400 hp. The previous engine pumped out 350 hp. To the relief of traditionalists, an optional hood scoop will be among exterior design tweaks for 2005.
The next-generation GTO is slated to appear on the Zeta rwd architecture for the 2007 or 2008 model year.
SATURN
Roadster: Appearing in early 2006, a small rwd roadster will display the Saturn grille seen in the Curve concept at the 2004 Detroit auto show. But the 2007 model year car mostly will resemble the Vauxhall Lightning concept produced in England. GM cannot market the Lightning in Europe because of upcoming pedestrian safety regulations, so the vehicle is moving -- largely intact -- to Saturn. The car will be developed on GM's Kappa vehicle architecture.
Last edited by Drivn2Fast; 08-10-2004 at 08:51 PM.
08-10-2004, 07:46 AM
#3
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So the Solstice is going to get competition from a Saturn? Way to go GM, you really know how to slice up that pie to that point it isn't profitable anymore.....ugh.
FWIW though I do like the Vauxhall more than the solstice, but you will never see me in a saturn.
FWIW though I do like the Vauxhall more than the solstice, but you will never see me in a saturn.
08-10-2004, 07:53 AM
#4
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CHEVROLET
Rwd car: The timing is unclear, but a Chevrolet nameplate is expected on GM's rwd Zeta architecture..
Rwd car: The timing is unclear, but a Chevrolet nameplate is expected on GM's rwd Zeta architecture..
... fixed 
08-10-2004, 09:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Shinkaze
I do like the Vauxhall more than the solstice, but you will never see me in a saturn.
This is also the first I've heard of Saturn getting a similar roadster to the Solstice. The plan always seemed to be crafting different small cars from it's guts, not rebadging it.
