[ZL-1]

Possibly some adjustments are being made to the program.

http://www.detnews.c.../705030373/1148

Maybe.
What I don't get is why we never heard anything about GM developing a modular RWD/AWD platform like Audi's new platform (I know the Audi is FWD/AWD, but it has longitudinally mounted engines like RWD cars). The Audi platform will underpin everythin from the A4 to the A8, and the idea might be attratcive from a cost of development and component sharing perspective...

[prototype66]

Is there any word on any MCE in the Impala line between now and the new SOP?
The two mode could really enhance the sales of the Impy until then. Some more dramatic sheet metal wouldn't hurt either.

[Sandles]

Is there any word on any MCE in the Impala line between now and the new SOP?
The two mode could really enhance the sales of the Impy until then. Some more dramatic sheet metal wouldn't hurt either.

not going to happen

[Oldsmoboi]

Keep in mind people that the new Malibu is coming and it's growing in size. I would expect the new Malibu to take over the Impala's sales Altima style. Impala could be trimmed back to Impala Classic and sold to Avis for a year or two before the Zeta comes.

With the new, larger than before Malibu on the lot, why would you want a W-body with lesser hardware?

[Sixty8panther]

Jesus Christ. The W-body needs to die already.

It's been obsolete since the last gen. Commodore
and should have been thrown in the dust bin while
WE should be making just as much RWD product
as Australia but instead we have more & more &
MORE craptastic FWD-ers.

Zeta can NOT come fast enough.

[Camino LS6]

I've thought this over, and I can't see this delay as anything other than a mistake.

[Oracle of Delphi]

Camino, we are almost neighbors. I can come up there and hold your hand as you try to work through this. What else are friends for?

This post has been edited by Pontiac Custom-S: 03 May 2007 - 09:33 AM

[Windy-57]

Wow, give them a break. This isn't a linear business and plans need to change sometimes. Extending the current Impala with an MCE in the middle will put it on about a normal cycle anyways. Yes, GM could really use the Zeta Impala, but it's better to wait a year and get it right than to make band aids to get it here earlier.

I know there are a number of things that could have caused this, but here's my speculation. All of the RWD delay stuff came about when the details of Bush's fuel efficiency bill came out. As I've mentioned before, the RWD setup of Zeta will allow for an easier application of dual-stage hybrid (it's a RWD hybrid transmission). If GM had plans for a dual-stage Impala, they would likely debut it about a year after the initial introduction. However, with the new fuel rules, they may need the hybrid version at initial launch to help the Impala line meet standards.

I also like the thought about diverting funds to the Volt. That would make sense too.

Pure speculation, but I think it makes sense.

[ToniCipriani]

Could this be the explanation?

Diesel Impala anyone?

http://www.autoblog....burns-less-gas/

[Sandles]

O.K. let me try and explain a few things. First someone mentioned that Fall was the SOP date not June. That is correct. When I say June I am talking earliest when buildups begin. The actual full launch date is/was Sept. 09, That has now been moved to Sept. 10. With no official word as to why (not many people have actually been informed as of yet period) the only thing being mentioned is that it could be political posturing with the union and governments. Both the US and Canadian governments have recently outlined plans that could negatively impact this type of vehicle program. So while that has been the decision made, there is enough time for further alterations if the issues are cleared up. It could also be that they legitamately need the extra time due to changing regulations. Either way, the announced date is now Fall 2010(June 2010 when things will get going). Again there is time for things to change again with time frames as it is a while away (hopefully).

Can someone please explain how vehicles built in Canada affect the CAFE rating. Am I wrong but I thought it only encompassed cars built in the US.

[roadwarrior]

Can't argue with 406 ft/lbs of torque.

I can...does Goodyear make any rubber that can hold onto that kind of power?

[ponchoman49]

So now we can watch the current Impala/GP and LaCrosse wither for a year longer as GM will just keep decontenting them and shuffling colors/options around while the world passes by and Toyota keeps growing.

[Oracle of Delphi]

With NAFTA things made in Canada and Mexico count as if they were made in the good old USA.

[Cubical-aka-Moltar]

So now we can watch the current Impala/GP and LaCrosse wither for a year longer as GM will just keep decontenting them and shuffling colors/options around while the world passes by and Toyota keeps growing.

True enough...it will be up to the Malibu, G6 and Aura to compete with the big 3 (Toyota, Nissan, Honda) and keep GM out of complete irrelevance with the mainstream sedan buyers...

This post has been edited by moltar: 03 May 2007 - 10:22 AM

[91z4me]

Maybe.
What I don't get is why we never heard anything about GM developing a modular RWD/AWD platform like Audi's new platform (I know the Audi is FWD/AWD, but it has longitudinally mounted engines like RWD cars). The Audi platform will underpin everythin from the A4 to the A8, and the idea might be attratcive from a cost of development and component sharing perspective...

Zeta and Sigma are both modular RWD/AWD platforms.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

GM, tripping all over themselves, taking forever to make a simple sandwich.

this is getting so laughable it's not even funny. if they are using the $$$ to rush the volt to production, ok, but this just reeks of typical really bad management.

+1....

GM needs to get Chevrolet in line, and fast...

No MCE Cobalt yet, a delayed malibu, now a delayed Impala.... By the time the RWD Impala hits the market, the name will be so tarnished that it'll be irrelevant.

C'mon GM! You have other brands besides Saturn.... Chevrolet & Cadillac especially are now starting to show a lack of direction

And as far as GM becoming irrelevant to mainstream sedan buyers.... that happened about 3 years ago. Now GM must fight to get BACK INTO the minds of consumers.

This post has been edited by FUTURE_OF_GM: 03 May 2007 - 11:05 AM

[Ravenfreak13]

wutever...only time will tell

[stillen]

Yeas they need to bring it on out.

Thgank goodness thPontiac G8 will be out sooner than later that will be my new car more than likely.


stilllen

[Sixty8panther]

Yeah... it's frustrating to see GM drop RWD sedans in 1996 like
they were yesterday's newspaper, then spend a decade giving
us millions of SUVs and DOZENS of models of FWD cars... and
just when there's light at the end of the tunnel there's a cave in.

[Dragon]

Can someone please explain how vehicles built in Canada affect the CAFE rating. Am I wrong but I thought it only encompassed cars built in the US.

http://en.wikipedia....omy#Calculation

For the purposes of CAFE, a manufacturer's car output is divided into a domestic fleet (vehicles with more than 75% U.S., Canadian or (after the passage of NAFTA) Mexican content) and a foreign fleet (everything else).