carman21

This Malibu is clearly the best midsizer from GM since the 1997 Malibu. I hope this time they make it hypercompetitive with the Camcord. Please! Chevy do it right, avoid the foolish mistakes of Pontiac & Saturn(partial opening line-up,etc.). It would be cool if Chevy shocked everybody with a bold line-up and a bold list of engines and transmissions. I hope that Chevy sets up the following line-up for this great car. LS $18k 2.4L 167hp I-4 5 speed man/5spd auto LS V-6 $20k 3.5L 224hp V-6 5 speed man/5spd auto LT $20k 2.4L 167hp I-4 5 speed man/6spd auto Sport $22k 2.4L 167hp I-4 6spd man LT V-6 $24k 3.6L 275hp V-6 5spd man/6spd auto LTZ $24k 2.4L 167hp I-4 6spd Auto Sport V-6 $26k 3.6L 275hp V-6 6spd manual LTZ V-6 $28k 3.6L 275hp V-6 6spd auto Of course, I could be wrong, . The Impala would go further upscale. I'd expect it to be priced against both the Charger and 300.

I still don't know why Buick didn't just get an Epsilon LaCrosse in the first place. Enough with the Freaking W-bodies already.

Ahhh! I give up! I'm not even gonna try to continue to defend this wholly foolish argument fro this plan. May this would be good only if GM Killed off Chevy & Saturn, otherwise its just plain stupid. The scary part is that this is a business model that some dumba$$ bean-counter could find attractive. Do you see how easy this business plan could be used by some stupid GM executive? I surely, pray Lutz keeps a nightmare scenario like this from EVER happening. I really just wanted to see how true GM fans would react to this. I guess my intial estimate was not far off at all. I mean are you kidding me a Corolla-based Buick, LOL! Just before you all burn me at the stake, here's what I hope GM does. Pontiac needs a good compact. The G5 is a decent stop-gag but, Pontiac really needs a compact sedan(a RWD compact seems unlikely for at least 5 years) but, I'm guessing the Cobalt will see an update for 2009. At that time Pontiac should do a better job of making a distinctly Pontiac compact sedan & coupe. Kill the Vibe! Why help make Toyota save any money on their craptastic Corolla? The G6 should continue to do well, I hope it gets an upgrade for 2009 to increase its competitiveness. I hope the next Grand Prix will be on the SWB Zeta. It would serve as a good alternative to the Maxima or TL. Finally, I hope Pontiac gets another GTO on Zeta or at least a Firebird. Buick needs two great cars. a midsizer and a full-sizer. During the late 1960s heyday of Buick it had a midsize car with a fuel efficient I-6/V-6 and a Full-sizer with a V-8. This I guess would mean a modern midsize Buick would be on the SWB Zeta platform or the Epsilon platform underpinning the Aura and have a I-4?/V-6. A likely pricing model would be a mesh of the Camry and the Passat. V-6 models will target the ES & TL. If on Zeta I'd expect a V-8 "Super" model, this may be why Buick will introduce a V-8 LaCrosse for 2008. Another logical thing may be that the LaCrosse and Grand Prix will be on the same SWB Zeta platform will make Zeta more cost effective as a project. The Lucerne will be great as a LWB Zeta, expect a V-6 and a V-8. I hope the burn Carman21 at the stake crowd is going to take this for what it is, just a point that to GM that this FAUX-plan is something almost all GM buyers and fans DO NOT WANT!!! SO, WHAT DO YOU THINK NOW?! AM I STILL THE INFIDEL? OK, I hope you guys really do forgive me, I really just had to see what could happen, if GM annouced this as their plan. Does anybody think that the Grand Prix & LaCrosse could both be on the SWB Zeta? After all they both are are platform siblings now? What do you think about an all-RWD Buick? Aside from the Enclave?

Well, let's just remember just because, we are not bringing back GM of the 1960s doesn't mean that an idea that will save two important brands after one major GM brand died because, it refused t recognize the realities of the modern car market. If GM does not start building cars and brands for the real world market of the 2000s and get over that the 1960s are dead and buried. As long as GM and GM fans remain obsessed with relics of a long ago age GM will continue to become a relic of a long ago age. There is a reason Toyota has been devastating GM other than Toyota is brainwashing people. I plan continuing my GM loyalty until the ship goes down, if it does. I tell you something if GM doesn't start building cars that are actually competitive with Toyota & Honda. Toyota will become the only choice for more and more Americans. That is more terrifying than building a Buick compact based on a Corolla.

Buick has a myth that it is a near-luxury brand. Aside from the Park Avenue, there have been no other Buicks that could be considered true luxury cars. The Lucerne is too big to be a direct ES competitor and it lacks a modern powerful V-6. Buick would be better served comparing the Lucerne to the Avalon. Still yet the Avalon has a better V-6 and transmission, more options and has more expensive V-6 models than the Lucerne. The Enclave will have similar problems being compared to a RX, the enclave is a great crossover but, it is way too big to be comparable and it will priced at least $5k less than the smaller RX. The Enclave is just a more efficient Full-size SUV a comparable alternative to the Yukon. The LaCrosse when on epsilon will take on the Camry a heck of a lot better than anything else from Acura or Lexus. So called Buick fans claim that it is sacrilege for any Buick to offer a 4-cylinder engine and/or a compact car. May be 20 years ago it was stupid to offer the terrible badge job Skyhawk but, today compacts are hot. A Corolla-based Buick would be a totally different car from the Cobalt sedan so Buick’s compact could look far more upscale. Buick’s traditional older buyers are switching to compacts in droves. Have you not been wondering how even before gas prices went up that Corolla sales have doubled to rival the Camry’s. The reason is that young people often prefer compacts over larger cars as their first cars is that they have lower incomes and college debt and seniors need more fuel efficient cars due to fixed incomes. So, a Buick without compacts avoids gaining the young into the Buick fold and loses seniors to other automakers. Tell me how Buick can survive when they refuse to create an entry point for younger costumers and an exit point for seniors before they stop driving. Buick needs a midsize sedan and coupe with a two engines an I-4 & V-6. Buick has the quality and the ability to sell a great alternative to the Camry. May be Buick doesn’t need the CXS version; I’ll leave that to the G6. The G6 would have models to take on the Camry CE, SE, & SE V-6. The G6 coupe/convert would take on the Solara SE & SE V-6. Perhaps instead of gutting Pontiac we could produce the G6 as the sporty alternative to the Allure. Pontiac can keep the Vibe but, Buick still keeps the Excelle. Pontiac’s Car Line-up G2 5dr wagon G5 coupe Vibe wagon G6 sedan/coupe/convt Is this better? Buick’s Car Line-up Excelle sedan Allure sedan/coupe/convt Lucerne sedan This Buick Line-up seems reasonable enough. The GTO is not coming back. I know it’s sad to say but, it is not. Thank the Camaro for that one. The Solstice will remain the only RWD Pontiac. A G8 is a sick joke, it will only hurt Buick or force Buick to up market itself into extinction. Pontiac will never go RWD entirely ever in the next decade if it ever does. Pontiac should provide a youth alternative to Mazda & Scion. Honda is more like Toyota. The Pontiac G2 will take on the Scion XA, Honda Fit, & Nissan Versa. Looks Like a great Pontiac The Pontiac G5 will take on the Scion tC, Honda Civic coupe, etc. The Pontiac Vibe will take on the Toyota Matrix and Mazda 3 5-dr 2008 Toyota Matrix, Looks like a good Vibe. The Pontiac G6 will take on the Mazda 6, Mitsu Galant /Eclipse, & Toyota Camry/Solara CE/SE/SE V-6 The Buick Excelle takes on the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Nissan Sentra. This car can't be turned into a Buick? 2008 Corolla Shot 1 2008 Corolla Shot 2 2008 Corolla Shot 3 2008 Corolla Shot 4 I think the Buick Excelle would be the best compact sedan in its class, bar none. The Buick Allure takes on the Toyota Camry/Solara, Honda Accord, and Nissan Altima. The Malibu will make a great basis for a Buick The Buick Lucerne takes on the Toyota Avalon & Nissan Maxima. Zeta Anyone? Well, I hope this cools some heads. This is my more moderate alternative. I’m just promoting debate on the future of these “damaged” brands. Realize that Buick and Pontiac will both sell much better under my plan.

Okay, before you read this hold your breath. Then, relax and breath easily. This is a radical yet possible idea to rebuild Pontiac and Buick. Remember that these are just ideas and reflect little in fact. Pontiac and Buick will both see major reform but, Pontiac will be altered significantly. Pontiac will be a youth niche brand in the mold of Scion. Buick will be the second broadest brand behind Chevrolet in the model of Toyota. GMC would target Toyota trucks. Here's how it could go down if this were to happen. 2007 will be the last year for the Buick Rainier, Rendevous, and Terraza and the Pontiac Vibe. 2008 will be the last year for the G6, Grand Prix, and LaCrosse and will be the final year for the front drive Lucerne until it goes on Zeta for 2009. The Torrent prepares to be renewed with an all-new model for 2009. Now onto new or updated models. 2007 is the first year of production for the Pontiac G5. This car appears to be a good albeit less flashy alternative to the Scion tC. Despite its simple badge-job status, it is a great car and it will do well. 2008 will be a year of change for these brands. Buick will get an all-new compact based on the all-new Toyota Corolla and will be called the Buick Excelle. Buick will get the all-new Enclave crossover the price will start around $31k. 2009 will be a banner year with tremdous changes in this channel. -Pontiac will get a new Torrent that is based on the Saturn Vue SWB Theta. -Pontiac will get an all-new updated version of the G5 via a Cobalt update, expect a better differentiation between the Cobalt and the G5. -The Opel Corsa is imported as the Pontiac G2 3-door & 5-door and will target the Scion xA & the Toyota Yaris hatchback. Buick will be dramatically different for 2009. -First, the Lucerne will go on the RWD Zeta platform. The 3.6L V-6 models will take on the Toyota Avalon while the V-8 GS model will take on the Chrysler 300 SRT8. -The Buick Allure will be based on the same updated Epsilon platform as the Malibu & Aura. The Allure will have be modeled after the Camry and Solara similar to how the 2008 Malibu followed the Sonata. -The Buick Siginia is a Buick version of the LWB Theta platform and is modeled after the Toyota Highlander. This is Pontiac in 2009. G2 3dr/5dr hatchback 1.4L 108hp I-4 SE $12k GT $13k SLE $14k G5 coupe 2.4L 180hp I-4 SE $16k GT $17k SLE $18k Vibe wagon 1.8L 146hp I-4 SE $16k GT $17k SLE $18k Torrent compact crossover 2.4L 180hp I-4 3.6L 275hp V-6 SE $20k GT $22k SLE $24k SE V-6 $24k GT V-6 $26k SLE $28k This is Buick in 2009. Excelle sedan 1.8L 146hp I-4 CX $16k CXS $17k CXL $18k Allure sedan/coupe/convert. 2.4L 180hp I-4 3.6L 275hp V-6 CX $20k CXS $22k CXL $24k CX V-6 $24k CXS V-6 $26k CXL V-6 $28k Lucerne sedan 3.6L 275hp V-6 6.0L 430hp V-8 CX $28k CXS $32k CXL $36k GS $40k Signia midsize crossover 2.4L 180hp I-4 3.6L 275hp V-6 CX $24k CXS $26k CXL $28kk CX V-6$28k CXS V-6$30k CXL V-6 $32k Enclave full-size crossover 3.6L 275hp V-6 CX $32k CXS $35k CXL $38k So, if you can get past the death of the G6,Vibe, Grand Prix, and GTO and these brands could be transformed into a serious challege to Toyota. Chevrolet will still retain its traditional role as GM's volume brand and it will easily outsell PBG. However, the more sophisticated buyers that default to Toyota will only be dragged away by sophisticated Buicks not Chevys. I see Gen-Xers being attracted to Saturn. I see Pontiac attracting Gen-Yers. I see Buick/GMC attract back boomers to GM. Finally, Chevy and Cadillac/Hummer will both attract a broad spectrum of buyers. Well, then again I could be totally wrong.

I still think that Chevy & GMC should have Lambda minivans. This is just dumb.

A good answer to the Rav4

stupid ecoterrorists, serves em right, hopefully the next hummer the burn is with them in it,lol!

awesome!

The Lambda Crossovers are the replacement for all minivans. Expect Toyota & Honda to follow up by dropping or phasing out their Minivans in favor of Full-size Crossovers. GM should build a midsize theta to compete with the Highlander & Pilot. Crossovers should all be like this, Compact CUVs with only an I-4 Midsize CUVs with either an I-4 or a V-6 Full-size CUVs with only a V-6 Well, Chevy def. needs a Lambda.

starting in 2009 as a 2010 Aveo

Here is my solution, Nissan gets Chrysler's unused factories and use of the next LX Platform for the next Maxima and access to Chrysler's Minivan Platform. Chrysler gets use of Nissan's midsize and compact platforms as well as Renault's Subcompact platforms. So, Nissan benefits by making more money off its platforms, gets more factories, and gets a cheap RWD platform for the Maxima. Chrysler benefits by making more money off its two biggest non-truck platforms, turning its underused factories into assets, and gaining access to excellent global platforms. Again who knows?

1) Accord 2) Altima 3) Aura 4) Legacy 5) Camry 6) Mazda 6 7) Sonata 8 ) Milan 9) G6 10) Passat 11) Fusion 12) Malibu 13) Optima 14) Galant 15) Verona 16) Sebring 17) Stratus

Well, it seemed outlandish 10 years ago for a true full-size Toyota pick-up/SUV to sell well in the US. Why can't a Toyota Full-size rear-drive V-8 sedan or a Toyota Muscle car, lol

Does anybody know if Toyota in particulr is coming to the table with a cheaper RWD platform similar to Zeta or LX. I wonder the implications of a RWD V-8 Avalon to Detriot. Even more daring what about an answer to the Camaro and Mustang. It may be corny but, imagine a RWD Midsize Celica with a 3.5L 268hp V-6 and a 5.7L V-8 with 381hp from the new Tundra. Wow, this world is getting scary for a GM fan. Let's hope it take Toyota 20 years to catch this All-American Trend. Then, again they aren't exactly slow.

With the new Tundra out soon, does anybody know anything about the next Sequioa. I'm guessing the 2008 Sequioa is all-new. I guess the LX will get much nicer for 2008.

Is this the next, Scion xA?

I just thought of an interesting idea. I know this is too early and a little crazy but, I'll say it anyway. It does not makes sense for Chrysler & Dodge to be essentilly the same price for each brand. Dodge doesn't even sell true compact cars anymore. The Stratus and Sebring are jokes and their replacements are Jokes too. Just wait for GM to roll out the Zetas, then the 300 and Charger will become jokes too. Three companies could benefit from this. Ford could trade Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover to Mercedes for Jeep & rights to use Chrysler's new Minivan Platform. Nissan could buy out Dodge and then kill it and the union contracts to use excess compacity for Nissans and Infinitis. Hyundai could then buy Chrysler from Nissan and buy rights to Dodge's next Pick-up platform. As a result Hyundai kills or sells off Kia. Hyundai uses Kia's new Factory to build Chryslers union-free. In others words, Chrysler group should be broken up into the peices that other more competent companies could use to expand their interests. Ford is not exactly the best automaker but, dumping losers like Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover for Jeep and Cash in a truly Bold Move. Mercedes is better equiped to save Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover than Ford. Jaguar could be used as a buffer against Lexus. So, what happened? Ford got Jeep, good Minivans, and Cash. Nissan got factories. Hyundai got Chrysler, better Minivans and Pick-ups/SUVs. Mercedes got Jaguar, Volvo, and Land Rover and its pride back. Well, we will have to see if Mercedes even sells of Chrysler group.

My question is whether or not the MPG figures for Toyota's 3.5L V-6 are accurate. GM's 3.6L V-6 appears to match Honda's 3.0L V-6 on MPG. Toyota may be benefiting from Direct Injection. GM should develop DI across the board including 4 cylinders.

Dumb Idea, If GM thinks the Corvette is too expansive for Chevy then give it to Buick.Don't dumb down a classic.

The Impala will come out sometime during the Winter of 2009 as an early 2010. The Impala is expected to have classic Impala styling from the mid 1960s. It will be either on Zeta or Chi(a Lambda derived FWD car platform). If on Chi, the Impala will likely only have a 3.6L 275hp V-6. The Impala will likely be the best-sellling Full-Size Car. The Impala will be priced and equiped against the V-6 Camry. In fact the V-6 Impala outsells the V-6 Camry today so when the Impala is on equal terms with hp and refinement I'd suspect the Impala could rise to 400k annually. If on, Zeta the Impala will definitely take on the 300.

The Enclave is the rebirth of the traditional wagon. Think of an Enclave as a 21st Century Vista Cruiser. The Minivan is dead as a main family hauler. Minivans are good as cargo-haulers hence its dentiny to replace BOF minivans like the Astro and Safari. As far as the Acadia, its really a pointless vehicle. GMC should not have it period. Buick needs a star not just an alternative to the GMC. The Minivan is a living relic like the BOF Full-size Wagon was in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A generation that grew up in Minivans will want something that is much nicer. The Lambda Wagons appear to fit the bill.

Interest Rates have leveled off. GasPrices are collapsing. Finally, GM's is coming out with more fuel efficient trucks and SUVs not to mention the massive expansion of excellent car products that are begining to come out of Detriot, specifically from GM. Toyota and Nissan spent tons of money on pick-ups and SUVs and the have failed to gain market-share and they actually are not competitive with GM or Ford both in MPG and in power. Not to mention capability. Nobody mentions that in the Japan,Inc. media.

Does anyone realize that the current Vue has always been fugly. This new Vue is very competitive with the Rav4 & CR-V.