ZL-1

With the right styling, a definite IMO91z4me's question is very interesting: I'd like to see GM's RWD cars sharing a lot with each other. Have the basic engineering aiming at state-of-the-art and differenciate with less expensive components for the volume products. Yeah, first they kill the LS, then all of a sudden they start talking about a 4-door Mustang derived product, which I believe is on the same platform as the LS they just killed. Ford sometimes seems to be a little off, or lacking direction...

But it doesn't make sense to leave products based on a dated platform in the market for 2-3 years more if they can be replaced by state-of-the-art products in the very short-run...

I agree it will take years to change perceptions, but that doesn't make the "lets settle for a base instead of a home-run" mentality right.

So... when will they go on sale? An idea: why not a rebodied Commodore as the next G6?

We have to entertain the possibility he is leaving for simple reasons such as personal/family stuff. It may not have any meaning that deserves an 'analysis'.

I agree with her on the wheels and wood trim. Most of us have only seen the press photos, and other wheels and trim might look better.

When will these cars be shown? Summer '06?

Then Saturn's overhaul will need an overhaul, because the only exciting thing in Saturn's portfolio is the Sky.

If Toyota starts looking down on consumers or downplaying issues, then they'll be in trouble. But I think they won't repeat any of GM/Ford/Chrysler mistakes.

To go in the dumpster or to be the 'excitement' brand?

And cars are sold to fleets at lower profit margins too. At least they were when I worked at Renault. On the othet hand, fleet sales are useful in keeping plants running near 100% capacity... In the end it all comes down to balance, and the US automakers have let the balance sway to the fleet side of the business. Hopefully, fleet sales will be more evenly spread between manufacturers in the future.

:rotflmao:

In the... dumpster?... I hope that's not the case, as I see Pontiac having potential as a youthful 'excitement' brand if things are done right.

I was thinking that if the next Vectra has similar wheelbase to today's LWB EpI cars, that might open up some room for an Astra sedan (which would be the volume Astra model in the US). Since Opel doesn't really have a head-to-head competitor to the VW Jetta right now, this could be interesting.

Exterior: new front end. This car shares its badge with the Velite/Enclave and not with the Jaguar X-Type. Interior: real wood and navigation (full colour screen). Mechanics: 2.8L and 3.6L V6 both with 6sp auto.

Well, unlike the Aura's radio and HVAC controls, the ones in evok posted don't seem to have been simply rammed into the dashboard.

Reminds me of the Aura, but with properly integrated controls in the centre console.

The fact they've been designed does not indicate they'll be produced. It merely means they were/are considered for production. I'll wait for an official announcement on Zeta, Global RWD, or whatever they are going to call it.

It is good that the author liked the car in a real world driving experience.

I apologise for quoting myself, but I went straight to the totals and didn't read the PR text. It says in there that fleet sales were down 10.5% and daily rental sales were down 23%, while retail sales were down 5%. I'd like to throw question out there: is GM trying to make fleet managers to look to other manufacturers?

Car total down 18.1% Apr-06 vs. Apr-05 and down 12.5% YTD Jan-Apr? Surely this drop can't just be justified by the 'moving away from the fleet/rental business' PR talk.

I think it isn't a breakthrough car, but I do like the Vectra front end. The interior is nice (again not breakthrough), except for the radio/HVAC controls that look like they were rammed into place. IMO, Aura has what it takes to meet sales expectations but it still isn't the mid-size car that GM needs.

Yeah, I hope that RWD platform is something they'll be able to push through the budget constraints. Re the Malibu, I have to clarify that I actually meant refresh or redesign on the new platform.

My conclusion would be that either Pontiac is really facing termination, or the lineup will be radically overhauled. I mean, the G6 is Pontiac's volume seller, right? And it doesn't make any sense to leave your volume seller in a void, does it? EDIT: re the NG Malibu, I am expecting a substantial update, both in terms of styling and percieved quality. Some inspiration from the 'good old days' in the style department might make a real difference: it's something Japanese brands cannot leverage in their favour, but GM can do it.