RJB, NICE post re: Corporate excess etc.
Trevor,
Even tho I've complained about "one dimensional images", I'm starting to think that all the brands (except Cadillac, they're fine) need a 'signature' car at the moment (Not the same as a 'Flagship') to embody what each brand is going to be.
Pontiac - G6-size Rwd (sorry*) sport sedan AND (same platform, completely different body and name... ?Trans-Am?) coupe.
Buick - youthful luxury... Riviera (ie fairly large) coupe-cabriolet hard'vert?
Chevrolet - well from what we've heard, maybe the next Malibu will do it BUT maybe it should be something smaller? Like a completely redesigned Cobalt SEDAN. Ford has nothing in that 180" size (yet). A model that crams CamCord room/features into a car this size, that doesn't look like a coupe's afterthought, could re-arrange the best-sellers list.
Saturn & Saab - I have no idea... other than someone better define them soon. Each new model/concept makes them more confusing.
ps I guess it's possible that GM is trying to do this already. But this uncertainty means they aren't there yet.
* although enthusiasts make up a small per cent of buyers, they influence many buyers.