gm4life

This is wonderful! I am so glad a few lucky owners will be able to drive one! Why GM won't release these to the public is beyond me, it would make 10,000 maybe 20,000 happy customers a year! I am sure this will end all chances of a consumer like me being able to get my hands on one new in the future. It will have to be pre-owned, but pre-owned could mean 10 miles on the clock too. I figured there would be a loop hole in all of this and a smart dealer has found it!

I have something brewing Camino but might not get to it for a while. I have been rather busy as of late.

Uploaded the window sticker.

Could you please get a few more photos of the interior and exterior of the truck Oldsmoboi? I just love looking at this beast! Anyways just look at the window sticker... It is certainly pricey but you get a TON of truck!

I do have a few questions... How is riding/driving it? How did it perform in tight areas (parking lot) and on the back roads? Did it feel as feel like a big truck? Also if you get a chance how did the bed handle a load? I am already enjoying the photos, and might like one of these for myself but with a 6.0L.

Better looking than the first five door concept. I like this thing. If it would sell and they can build a business case for it, I would love to see them on the road. A 2.0L Turbo would make it nice to drive as well.

Strange, it's very much like my 1969 Pontiac Custom-S, what's strange about that?

Your sig... It tells me something good is about to happen... Whatever good that might be I can't wait to see it.

Last Saturday I spent the day in a family members 2011 Ford Taurus SEL FWD Rapid Spec 401A with the 3.5L Duratec 35 V6 and six speed select shift automatic. This Taurus listed for $28,895.00 and was painted in Kona Blue Metallic with 18 inch alloy wheels, along with a long list of great features, that I will talk more about next.

As an American car fan, but one who prefers GM some of things I have to say are hard for me to accept but I must. The Taurus SEL with the Rapid Spec 401A which adds Sync and rear parking assist is a great fullsize FWD sedan full of many neat features. Lets start with the Sync it performed like a champ, super easy to use and was a true tool especially for a road warrior! The dual zone automatic climate controls were fairly easy to use and worked great, and the multi-line radio screen display was bright and easy to understand. The center stack was full of many widgets enough to keep any pilot busy, all buttons were arranged logically and functioned well. The seats were covered in nice material and were very supportive and comfortable. The gauge cluster looked very cool and was easy to read. The shifter had a nice quality feel to it and the steering wheel as well. The materials used on the dash and the door panels were impressive for a sub 30K car and many were "soft" not the typical hard plastic used in domestic cars years ago. Over all the interior from the "flowing" center console to the sharp looking silver/gray trim with black cloth it was clearly a winner. Did I mention the huge truck and rear seat?

The 2011 Taurus SEL is clearly no CTS or CTS-V and nor should it be, but for a large fullsize FWD sedan it certainly was impressive. The car took corners with confidence, and was always pretty responsive to driver input. The 3.5L DOHC six was a joy to ring out up to the 6,500 rpm redline, and paired with manual paddle-shifters it provide a pretty good driving experience. Once again spot on for a fullsize front driver. The car launched with authority, and really moved when you would drop the hammer. At 80 mph the car is a delightful cruiser and passing was a total breeze with the big twin cam six which would rev right up and serve up 263 horses on driver command. The six speed automatic shifted crisply and never seemed to be in the wrong gear, and paddle-shifters were fun as well. If this car was scored on powertrain alone it would be an A, because it was pleasure to drive. Along with the responsive steering and sporty but not overly firm ride the SEL is a clear winner.

The 2011 Taurus left me impressed with what the folks at the blue oval can do. They seemed to have hit the market spot on just like Chevrolet did with the Impala back in 2000. I must say compared to the current Impala the Taurus is a far superior car. The interior features, powertrain and stlying just can't be matched by the current Impala any longer. GM needs to take the Taurus as a seriously threat and build a car even better than it, if they seriously want to win in this segment and not just on price alone. Which brings me to the best news of all GM has some great vehicles to battle with in the market place, and something to shoot for. If I was in the market for a fullsize sedan lets just say it would be on my short list. Now if asked the question would I buy one? That all depends on how much extra one would cost over an Impala.

Any thoughts, ideas or comment are always welcome!

Please someone tell me I am crazy liking and now preferring a Ford product!

*Note the photo above is not of the actual vehicle, but looks just like it.*

This is good news. Pop this in a new "small pickup" (Colorado replacement) and you would really have something. This motor would also be great in a CTS Wagon or juat about any other GM vehicle. It would work will with Enclave/Traverse/Acadia as well.

Also a white '71 Pontiac T37..I've seen this car around the last couple years, but they recently took off the vinyl top, revealing evil rust around the back window...the car is solid and straight overall, though. Saw a faded but clean lt green '72 Buick Electra 225 4dr ht w/ white vinyl top..have seen this one before from a distance, parked down a side street..saw up close tonight.

Also saw an absolutely worn out looking 1st gen CTS--dark gray paint faded out, heavy oxidation, cracked rear bumper cover, scuffed plastic on fascias...

I'd kill for the T37!

Cool..were you out there on vacation? I miss Colorado..got to go back for a long weekend soon.

Yes I was as a matter a fact. I am from Iowa actually so it was nice to get away for a week!

Yup you are correct sir, it was head South West toward Denver from Nebraska.

You know GM made those small flares in smooth, painted style too. I wonder what those would look like, painted Cyber Gray (to match the lower bumper trim) or Gold Mist (a pale silver-gold to match the bowties). If anyone cares to, please post your choice of plain black textured, or painted one of the two colors mentioned (or pick a color yourself).

I would go with a painted set in the factory color, then again I am boring. Actually I do personally like Colorado's without them. Or a set in gray to play off of the two tone look would be cool. Anyways sweet truck, and I would love some more photographs of her!

Okay. We've had a current Malibu, 2 in fact, I've had a G8, and we currently have a Camaro 2LT RS.

I voted Regal 2.0T, 2nd place going to the Regal DI 2.4L...

The Camaro is a stunner. It's built like a tank--amazes me how solid the thing is inside & out, that you feel when even washing. Plus the lines are just too cool and over a year since intro, continue to get gas station comments I've been told. Mom traded her '08 Malibu 2LT 4-cyl for the Camaro, the 'Bu being mostly comparable to a Regal now, just not as up to date. Kids have their own cars, mom has always had the family mobile and the newest car. She went from a Suburban to the Malibu, and the Malibu while not huge, was comfortable for 4 tall adults, efficient and peppy enough in daily use, and really comfortable. Around town, to work, trips, errands, shopping, etc. there was never a doubt. Long holiday trips, 3 people, 3 dogs, and all their stuff would get piled in and away it went. Again, no question, and all were comfortable without having an SUV, van, etc.

The Camaro is a different story. Mom wanted "her car" period, coupe and all. She got it. The front seats are very roomy, there's a lot of leg space, etc. You can get in the back seat, but there's very little leg space and at 6'-0" or taller, you hit the ceiling in a non sunroof car. Visibility wise, it's a big adjustment, but you get used to it and after a few minutes, you're fine. Just different than a "typical" car. Backup sensors on 2LT, 2SS, etc. models that were a late intro were a very good idea.

No issues. The DI 3.6L is a grunty, growly, grrr OHC V6 that works very well in such a RWD platform. So far, in 3k miles, mom hasn't been winning any fuel mileage records, driving 3 miles each way to work and back with lights, saying she averages around 17. But it never warms up and is stop-go-stop-go, park. She's actually only had it on the highway twice, once when we bought it and once a few weeks back going to Baltimore, where she said she was doing 92 without realizing it at one point...NEVER said that in the vroom but go nowhere non-DI 2.4L Malibu...and then said she averaged 24mpg because of the traffic and, well, driving so fast. People with these cars realistically get 30'ish on the highway, as rated, and with the 6-spd & tuning it's not hard--just depends on conditions.

So why would I recommend a Regal over a Camaro? Practicality. Coming from a Suburban, then a Malibu, then into a Camaro, I've seen some big changes for sure. The Camaro has been a terrific daily driver for mom and she loves it. Loves showing it off, loves romping on it, and can still go mega grocery shopping with dad and what is a pretty big trunk in all honesty. Yet, it's still a task to get in & out of, the back seat can be used if you're under 6ft and slide the front seats forward, and so on. As a 2 person ONLY car, it's workable. Very workable. The issue comes in if you do anymore than that, like a roadtrip with more than yourself, have a dog or two, grandkids, etc. You can't really take them with you easily. It's a blast to drive, gets good mileage with strong power, is RWD, looks cool and DOES have nice trunk space, etc. But it also makes you go "umm...I don't think..." if you do anymore than that. Mom wanted & bought quick, then after only to realize & say "well...I really don't want to visit PA or family anymore..."...seriously...when I brought up the issue of 3 dogs, luggage, and so on that she's been used to tossing in the car and road tripping for years. Still haven't figured out how she's going to handle this.

As for snow, as I learned with my G8 GT, RWD works well with Stabilitrak & otherwise, but a sports sedan/coupe is still a sports sedan/coupe. A Camaro with the 18/19" all season tires is better, but I wouldn't recommend testing skills out in winter in a Camaro with the 20" summer Pirelli's. When it snowed several times in the past months, the Camaro was parked, period. I had driven my G8 GT with summer Bridgestone tires the year before once or twice without much issue, but I knew from reading that the Camaro Pirelli's with even a shorter sidewall weren't to be messed with in such conditions. They're really not suited for it. It took my mother a while to still understand what "summer tires" actually meant, but she learned quickly once the car was stuck even in its driveway parking space after shoveling. The automatic V6 also does not have a limited slip, only manuals and V8 cars do, something else that helped my G8. Dad also commented a few times when it was in the 40/50's out and rainy "it feels weird sometimes...like it's letting go from the road..." I said it was, basically, because cold+wet=summers Pirelli's no like.

It can handle winter and plenty of Camaro drivers do so with dedicated winter setups, but ours was parked in a Delaware beachy winter and that should say something. Even a non-RS with the A/S Pirelli's isn't the best, it'll go fine but is an adjustment for anyone used to a FWD sedan or otherwise. All relative.

Terrific car. I love it. I know people of all ages with them, including retired couples that it's now just the 2 of them, and single girls & guys. But these people all have "another" car/truck/SUV to also use, and that's pretty much a must unless the lack of space and needing a winter setup--if you experience anymore than a freak snow flurry and live down south. It's just pushing it as a DD if you do or need anything more than that. It would work great for me, for instance, as a single guy with just his own stuff...but...

So I recommend the Regal. Preferably a Turbo model once they're out to give it some kick. Looks to be another great car, looks terrific, and yes it's a Buick sedan, but that's a cool thing anymore. Better yet, it's all season capable right off the lot, it's not a trapeze act to get in & out, visibility is normal, there's a back seat and doors for visitors, family, dogs, stuff, etc. and so on. Plus the 4-cyl's should be peppy and really efficient, easily matching or comparing to a recent OHV V6 from GM in a lot of ways. It's just a more functional car without being boring, and in the first year, very cool being German--in a way--and the first return of the Regal. Functional. Cool. "Special" without being a chore to worry about daily tasks, visitors, winter, or otherwise. Heck, right now I'd even try a Lacrosse CXL 3.0L if the size isn't too much--maybe it's a good thing. The Regal is a sportier, trimmer package, but both are worthwhile looking at for the heck of it.

Hope that helps. Long, but still

Thanks Caddy for all the info. You said with a set of smaller wheels and all season tires the Camaro is much better, so will a set 18's or 19's off an LT fit on an RS? That way they could have summer/winter set-up. She is still sold on the Camaro though, and if a winter set (wheels and all season tires from a 1LT or 2LT) would work then I think they would be fine. Also keep in mind her husband will have a new 2011 Ford Taurus SEL so they will have one "practical" car. They have looked at the LaX but they weren't sold on it, he likes the look of the Regal better. If they did not live in the midwest there next car would be a Camaro no question. Honestly they don't need something super practical like they used too. I think the back seat in the current Impala has been used about a dozen times. That really isn't the issue, being able to use it year round, and with a winter tire/wheel combo it doesn't sound like a problem.

I'm going to respond, I swear, I'm going to respond...been busy...but I voted a couple of days ago.

Malibu, G8, Camaro, we've had & have a collection I've become familiar with on a year round basis. Stay tuned.

Just the man I was hoping to hear from! I can't wait for your unique and informed perspective.

SMK complains about the depreciation STS goes through. The S500 4Matic was close to $90-95K brand new. Now in 4-5 years residual value is less than 40% of the MSRP. Talk about depreciation!

I personally think Regal GS if they can wait a little longer, if not go for the 2.0T.

The only problem with the GS is it will priced more aboue 35K I am told and they don't want to spend more thank 30Kish.

They are very well balanced. So if you have snow tires, you should be fine.

I had Dunlop Wintersports on the CTS and was very happy with them.... all the snow performance of Blizzaks at 2/3s the price.

What about all season tires? Continental has a set that of all seasons that just came out that fit the RS front and rear. I think they would pop for those. I have yet to see a set of snow tires that match and fit the Camaros 20's is the main problem. Although I think a set of 18's off of a LS or 1LT would fit right? Then you could put snow tires on those.

I'd definitely go Regal Turbo. Think gas prices 4 years out... not just today.

Oh trust me they really don't care about the price of gas. Nor have have they once complained about the 3.9's fuel economy. They say if its empty we fill it.

Anyways back to the two options...

Anyone have any comments on snow or all season tires for the Camaro? Or how they drive in winter?

For around $30k they could get an 05-06 S-class 4Matic, that is much better equipped than any new GM car and will probably last longer too. But I suppose if I had to chose a car from that group, I'd say the Regal. It seems like they are traditional sedan buyers, and the Camaro is pretty aggressive and a fairly big departure from full size family sedans.

That will happen when pigs fly. I can't even begin to think of myself suggesting a used Benz! Also they don't want HUGE repair bills either. You are corrent they HAVE been traditional sedan buyers, but for the first time they have option to get something fun.

I think it would depend on where they drive everyday.

When I lived in eastern Iowa I had to drive up a rather steep hill to get home so RWD was a bit of a pain for me. If they only drive where its pretty flat it should be OK with mabye just some ballast in the trunk, and the snow tires if possible.

Well her drive once out of town is VERY flat and great road. In town they have two hills one very slight (should be no problem) on there street and the other is on a main street so I am not worried.

Regal GS

I had mentioned that to them. Although I think the price will easily surpass 35K (in G8 GXP range) and far past the roughly 30K they want/can spend.

I hope everything works out, and the price or pain are that bad.

Go Camaro, unless she needs the practicality of the 4dr. Unless she's a total ditz of a driver, she shouldn't have a problem with the Camaro with a set of Blizzaks on it in the snowy weather. Oldsmoboi had a set on his CTS when he had it, and he's still here to tell us about it.

Well that is what I am thinking but that might mean investing in another set of rims. Blizzaks do not come in the size of the orginal wheel 20 inchers, so would a set of 18' off a 1LT or steelies off a LS fit? No she is not a total ditz, just a careful driver.

Funny, I didn't see that as a poll option when I voted... I'm sure your input helps gm4life out greatly.

Ahh Roger love having you around... Yes where is Caddy Cruiser when you need him?

With all due respect to my brother from the great white north...make it a Camaro 2lt rs!

Chris

That is what they seem to "want" and trust me folks like these most often don't "want" a car but "need" one.

I'll be the lone dissenter and say go for the Regal 2.0T.

It seems that it would be more livable from day to day. Especially the interior.

EDIT: Wow, more people have voted Regal than it shows in the comments.

They all must be hiding... Except for you and Von that is! Figuring what the price a 2.0T it puts it right in prime 2LT/RS price range, and that would push them closer to the V6 powered sports coupe.

Make the Regal as a wagon and there's no question- Regal 2.0T.

Thanks for the input and I respect your view, but the Camaro is just so much "more" than any front driver can be. (Even a great on like the Regal 2.0T.)

Hello everyone! I have been very busy with life lately so I haven't been posting as much as I would have liked to lately. Anyways I was talking to some people in my family and we got talking about what the next ride could would be.

Some backgroud information...

My brother and his wife will be in the market for a new car soon (before the end of this year) more than likely and have two very different options to select from. They recently became empty nesters and now have the freedom to really drive whatever they would like. My brother who is interested in cars, (not crazy like me) wants something with some serious "balls" as he would put it. That is his first thing on his list. After that the list moves onto style and function. His wife values style/luxury and is young for her age, she has exceptionally good and dare I say expensive taste. Currently in the stable they have a 2008 Chevrolet Impala LTZ in Precision Red with black leather and silver interior trim. The car has also has a sunroof and six disc CD changer. The car they handed down to there son, is currently getting long in tooth and high mileage. They will be needing it to replace it soon thus the need for a new car. They figure might as well get something new so he can take what they currently have and know it has been taken care of. The Impala currently has about 40,000 miles on her as she is driven 250-300 miles a week due to her daily drive to work. So her next car will see roughly 1,000-1,200 miles a month on average. It is a 50 mile round trip drive on four lane at 65 mph. They also have a fairly steep driveway and keep in mind they live in Iowa. In addition to the Impala my brother has a current generation Grand Caravan as his company vehicle (he travels alot and is in sales). His next company vehicle will prolly be a new Ford Tarurs SE or SEL (which I suggested to him).

Keep in mind this is Iowa and we do have snow and winter to contend with, and with that in mind here is what they have narrowed it down too... (Also the car must be GM they have had great luck with GM products and maxed out there GM card!)

2011 Buick Regal CXL 2.4L

2011 Buick Regal CXL 2.0L Turbo

2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT (automatic)

2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2LT RS (automatic)

So before I go out and push the Camaro which based on the looks alone and excellent fuel economy they are both pretty much sold on (for entirely different reasons) does a V6 Camaro RS stand a chance in the winter? Mind you if the weather is bad she doesn't go into work most times but still. Is a RWD car with summer tires and 20 inch rims a deal breaker? Anyone know how they get around in snow? Have any experince with the Zeta platform and comments on the durability and longevity of it or the 3.6L DI V6? Would they be okay on the summer tires year round, if they put some weight over the rear axle?

I would just like some comments and votes, I really would love to see them in the Camaro. But do they stand a chance especially with the RS package in the winter? (They both want the RS package and called the car bumble bee when they saw it in yellow...)

Decent car, just needs a little cosmetic work. I hope he has good luck with it.

Time they have... Just not more than a year or two... Because in a year or two I hope to be crusing around in a V8 powered fullsize RWD car and if GM doesn't have one, I'll have to buy a Mopar. (If I can get a back room deal on PPV fine, but if I can't then screw it, I'll reward the company that has what I want!)