Why is GM continuously screwing up...Solstice

GM may not be on the ball but they do have "SOME" things decent still left.
Okay, let's look at the 1960s/1970s. There were some fast American muscle cars, definitely. HOWEVER, they still only made up a VERY small percentage of the total cars on the road. A ton of cars were RWD V8s, true, but the majority of them were inefficient pigs, driven by weenies.
Mind you, the Japanese have stepped up in a big way, and nabbed a big chunk of the young, stupid kid market, that IS a change since then, but the fact is, the VAST majority of cars sold have always been sold to weenies, by weenies.
In regard to the Solstice, it makes no sense from a marketing standpoint to sell an LS2 Solstice. Why would they sell a low margin car (which it is) vs. the much higher margin Corvette, especially when the Solstice would KILL it if optioned with similiar HP. GM won't make another GN mistake, you can count on that.
If anything, GM is finally catching on; what stops them from selling cars hasn't been lack of HP (actually, most of the GM cars/trucks are very competitive in HP, and especially torque), it's been lack of QUALITY (mostly interior quality) and mainstream accepted designs. They are slowly coming to grips on getting the interior quality up to par, and cutting down on the amount of plastic/cladding stuck on vehicles, as well as going to "modern" engines. All of these appeal to the everyday driving weenies, and will sell cars. It just sucks for us is all. At least there are still a few people there worried about building acceptable Halo cars.
Good for GM, but not good for GM salereps or customers......Excellent point, but you know how the American public is on conspicuous consumption.
I can understand the delay on Z06 specialty vehicles, but an ordinary production vehicle?????
2-sides to every story I suppose
Its bad enough their designs are bland (chevy cars) but when you have all that HP in your arsenal and dont use it...they deserve to be in financial trouble. A new Camaro is an disaster waiting to happen.
What do you guys really think is the problem?
Have you actually driven a newer GM full size SUV or truck and other brands out there to base your opinion on? People love to rip on GM's SUV's and full size trucks but I can honestly say from experience they are some of the better ones out there. The GM interiors are much better than other comparable brand models out there including the Nissan Titan. The Titan engine does make good power, but it's mpg sucks compared to the GM engines. It's pretty sad when my full size SUV gets better mileage towing a vehicle than the Titan does with truck alone!
BTW - The Tahoe equipped with the 5.3 already comes equipped with 4.10's from the factory.
Last edited by DrkPhx; Feb 8, 2006 at 10:31 PM.
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
I've drivin the new Solstice and quite honestly... It is WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY too small even for me.. I'm only 5'9 170, and I felt cramped... I wouldnt consider buying the car if it had an LS7 in it. (an LS1 would be scary as hell in this car, let alone the 7!). Sure its cool, but not for me. I'm not saying others wouldnt buy it, and its worth some consideration... Cost would be phenominal i'm guessing........
If you want an LS2 then pay Mallet $18k and they will make one for ya
Probably find a decent amount of parts for the 05/06 GTO's would be interchangeable for that little Chevy

hmmm 5.7 for the high end... maybe they are still using the 04 layout...
Okay, let's look at the 1960s/1970s. There were some fast American muscle cars, definitely. HOWEVER, they still only made up a VERY small percentage of the total cars on the road. A ton of cars were RWD V8s, true, but the majority of them were inefficient pigs, driven by weenies.
Mind you, the Japanese have stepped up in a big way, and nabbed a big chunk of the young, stupid kid market, that IS a change since then, but the fact is, the VAST majority of cars sold have always been sold to weenies, by weenies.
In regard to the Solstice, it makes no sense from a marketing standpoint to sell an LS2 Solstice. Why would they sell a low margin car (which it is) vs. the much higher margin Corvette, especially when the Solstice would KILL it if optioned with similiar HP. GM won't make another GN mistake, you can count on that.
If anything, GM is finally catching on; what stops them from selling cars hasn't been lack of HP (actually, most of the GM cars/trucks are very competitive in HP, and especially torque), it's been lack of QUALITY (mostly interior quality) and mainstream accepted designs. They are slowly coming to grips on getting the interior quality up to par, and cutting down on the amount of plastic/cladding stuck on vehicles, as well as going to "modern" engines. All of these appeal to the everyday driving weenies, and will sell cars. It just sucks for us is all. At least there are still a few people there worried about building acceptable Halo cars.
GN mistake? two years of a great car (intercooled) and Everyone wishes they would do it again. They need to make the GN mistake. More people can afford a $25k LS2 Solstice than a $50 C6...its all about volume.
Last edited by SAM98WS6; Feb 13, 2006 at 09:46 AM.
Have you actually driven a newer GM full size SUV or truck and other brands out there to base your opinion on? People love to rip on GM's SUV's and full size trucks but I can honestly say from experience they are some of the better ones out there. The GM interiors are much better than other comparable brand models out there including the Nissan Titan. The Titan engine does make good power, but it's mpg sucks compared to the GM engines. It's pretty sad when my full size SUV gets better mileage towing a vehicle than the Titan does with truck alone!
BTW - The Tahoe equipped with the 5.3 already comes equipped with 4.10's from the factory.
But I agree the GMs get a little better gas mileage than the rest...especially the Hemi and Titan. But I want GM to give the people the POWER option. For those of us that dont give a **** about 1 less MPG..we want the best. They can do it with the motors they have already. Not everyone can afford a Denali or Escalade like you so that isnt even up for debate. Make the 6.2L a $3000 option on the Avalanche and Tahoe let alone the Duramax. I would pay it.
If you think you can find a Tahoe with 4:10s you are dreaming...it took me a while to find an Avalanche with them. Most GMs come with 3.42s now for fuel economy. Drastic difference in acceleration. The 5.3L is 7 years old and can barely compete Powerwise with the competition. Make the people want GM.
The Silverado SS is a great idea...just underpowered for the money...and the Trailblazer SS would be tops 3 years ago...now its behind.
I wouldnt have let the press say the only problem with the Solstice is the power to weight ratio.
Last edited by SAM98WS6; Feb 13, 2006 at 03:06 PM.
I owned a 2001 Silverado Z71. In 2004 I drove GM, Ford 5.4L, Titan and Dodge Hemi. I bought an Avalanche because of its cab space..otherwise it would have been the Titan. All it needs is the 6.0L and better HVAC controls to be the best full size vehicle in my opinion. 4 Friends bought Titans..they went from Ford and GM trucks. 2 Friends bought new Fords..they are loyal and die hards. One went from GM to Dodge Hemi. Thats 8 Gm Silverado sales lost in the last 2 years.
My wife and I have been looking at the Solstice since it was a concept, and fell in love with it back then. We now have two Trans Ams, an Expedition, and a Solstice. Talk about overkill. Anyways I told her the closest thing to an import she'll ever own while she's married to me is a Ford, and well she got an Expedition a few months ago. Anyways I'm happy with the price, I love the car, and I'm quite happy there isnt alot of them out there. Makes it worth it to cruise the car around and have people staring at ya.
There is a red one running around here..in the winter...




