Large RWD Chevy and Buick Cancled, Yet Again - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

stovt001 · 05-26-2008, 10:01 PM

http://blogs.edmunds.com/.eea7965/1

Well the RWD Impala was shot down for good long ago, and the RWD Buick has been off and on and off and on. I'm tempted to call reports of its final death as greatly exaggerated, but who knows. It could come back, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I really don't think Buick needs RWD. It seems to be more about style and comfort than performance (or at least GM wants it to be about that) so FWD should suit it fine. The majority of car buyers out there either don't care or prefer FWD anyway. As long as Chevy, Pontiac, and Cadillac keep RWD, and as long as Alpha isn't dead, I'm totally happy with this decision. The G8 and Cadillac's lineup is a good variety of large RWD cars, and the Camaro, Vette, Solstice, Sky, and hopefully upcoming alpha cars provide a good variety of small RWD cars too.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 05-26-2008, 10:51 PM

Keep in mind they plan on merging Zeta and Sigma to create a less expensive "super-RWD" platform. One that's more easily sustainable cost-wise...

*DGthe3* · 05-26-2008, 11:33 PM

I've resorted to flipping a coin to figure out what the status of other Zeta cars is. Its alot quicker than searching for the latest info, and just as accurate.

Muscle Master · 05-27-2008, 12:10 PM

I think its time to can the impala again and bring back the Caprice Classic.... love the sound of that name

Scotsman · 05-27-2008, 08:56 PM

I'm OK with this. Just keep the amall RWD cars coming!!!

AirGoya · 05-28-2008, 12:42 AM

I'm fine with this becuase i think GM is sorting out there brands. I think Pontiac should be the brand getting RWD cars. Pontiac needs to be GM's only performance brand (ofcourse not including the vette or camaro). And Buick should be like a more affordable Lexus brand. Luxurious and that RWD isnt necessary especially with CAFE and all. Chevrolet shouldn't have any more RWD vehicles IMO. Chevrolet should be a brand that everyone can afford and use daily. The impala should stick to its wide selling FWD, because FWD has a larger customer base and it has better mpg than RWD cars usually.

Scotsman · 05-28-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirGoya

I'm fine with this becuase i think GM is sorting out there brands. I think Pontiac should be the brand getting RWD cars. Pontiac needs to be GM's only performance brand (ofcourse not including the vette or camaro). And Buick should be like a more affordable Lexus brand. Luxurious and that RWD isnt necessary especially with CAFE and all. Chevrolet shouldn't have any more RWD vehicles IMO. Chevrolet should be a brand that everyone can afford and use daily. The impala should stick to its wide selling FWD, because FWD has a larger customer base and it has better mpg than RWD cars usually.

And of course all Cadillac passenger cars should be RWD (always). Cadillac is a world class luxury brand and RWD is necessary to be both relevant and competitive in this segment.

stovt001 · 05-28-2008, 02:10 AM

Pontiac and Cadillac are affordable and luxury performance, respectively, and as such should both have RWD. Buick, as mentioned above, should be more like Lexus, focused more on style and comfort than top performance (I would sharply disagree that it should be "affordable" though. Make it a quality product worthy of a premium price. Certainly not Cadillac prices, but in low luxury car territory, like Acura, Volvo, and Saab). FWD would allow it to be roomier, easier to drive, and more cost efficient. Chevy is the catch all lower brand, and while it should keep its heritage performance cars (Vette and Camaro) the rest of the lineup should accommodate the average American driver and his/her family. A FWD Impala would offer more room and be a bit more forgiving than a RWD Impala, perfect for a large family that just doesn't want a crossover, van, or SUV. I could see a basic level for those on a strict budget who need good, reliable family transportation all the way up to a dual mode hybrid, fully optioned out model with plenty of comforts for the family that has the money but doesn't want a luxury car and all the added costs and hassles that come with that. The next Impala can be a great car that matches the needs of average drivers facing higher fuel prices. A RWD Impala would have been cool, but the market for an affordable high performance sedan is pretty niche, and the G8 fills that niche perfectly. Great call GM. Now make that next Impala and Lucerne (better name please?) real knockouts!

AirGoya · 05-28-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

Buick, as mentioned above, should be more like Lexus, focused more on style and comfort than top performance (I would sharply disagree that it should be "affordable" though. Make it a quality product worthy of a premium price. Certainly not Cadillac prices, but in low luxury car territory, like Acura, Volvo, and Saab). FWD would allow it to be roomier, easier to drive, and more cost efficient.

Yea 'affordable' was probably not the word i was looking for.

The way you explained it is what i meant (Acura, Saab,...). I just meant more affordable than cadi.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

Now make that next Impala and Lucerne (better name please?) real knockouts!

I really hope Lucerne changes to the name Invicta. IMO it sounds cool, it means invincible in latin. Now thats just bad a$$

*DGthe3* · 05-28-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirGoya

Yea 'affordable' was probably not the word i was looking for.

The way you explained it is what i meant (Acura, Saab,...). I just meant more affordable than cadi.

Perhaps 'entry level' as opposed to 'premium'?

The problem is, Caddy's don't cost all that much. They would need to go up a bit, which I think they should, and have buick about a half step below. Let Buick be classy, while Caddy can be a bit more bold.

Dan · 05-28-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Keep in mind they plan on merging Zeta and Sigma to create a less expensive "super-RWD" platform. One that's more easily sustainable cost-wise...

If thats true I wonder if the Camaro will have a short run before they have to redo it for a different chassis.

Scotsman · 05-28-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

If thats true I wonder if the Camaro will have a short run before they have to redo it for a different chassis.

Too much money invested into the program. It will run it's course the length of a typical model life cycle. I expect the next generation car to shrink though.

05-26-2008, 10:01 PM	#1
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,810	Large RWD Chevy and Buick Cancled, Yet Again http://blogs.edmunds.com/.eea7965/1 Well the RWD Impala was shot down for good long ago, and the RWD Buick has been off and on and off and on. I'm tempted to call reports of its final death as greatly exaggerated, but who knows. It could come back, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I really don't think Buick needs RWD. It seems to be more about style and comfort than performance (or at least GM wants it to be about that) so FWD should suit it fine. The majority of car buyers out there either don't care or prefer FWD anyway. As long as Chevy, Pontiac, and Cadillac keep RWD, and as long as Alpha isn't dead, I'm totally happy with this decision. The G8 and Cadillac's lineup is a good variety of large RWD cars, and the Camaro, Vette, Solstice, Sky, and hopefully upcoming alpha cars provide a good variety of small RWD cars too.

05-26-2008, 10:51 PM	#2
Mr. Wyndham I used to be Dragoneye... Drives: 2018 ZL1 1LE Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 31,873 View My Garage	Keep in mind they plan on merging Zeta and Sigma to create a less expensive "super-RWD" platform. One that's more easily sustainable cost-wise... __________________ *"Keep the faith."* - Fbodfather

05-26-2008, 11:33 PM	#3
DGthe3 Moderator.ca Drives: 05 Grand Am GT Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Niagara, Canada Posts: 25,366	I've resorted to flipping a coin to figure out what the status of other Zeta cars is. Its alot quicker than searching for the latest info, and just as accurate. __________________ Note, if I've gotten any facts wrong in the above, just ignore any points I made with them __________________ Originally Posted by FbodFather My sister's dentist's brother's cousin's housekeeper's dog-breeder's nephew sells coffee filters to the company that provides coffee to General Motors...... ........and HE WOULD KNOW!!!! __________________ Camaro Fest sub-forum

05-27-2008, 08:56 PM	#5
Scotsman Auto Pilot Drives: Gunmetal Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: L.A. Posts: 1,307	I'm OK with this. Just keep the amall RWD cars coming!!! __________________ "Let the rest of the world dream of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and dinky little British two-seaters. In this country speed doesn't look like that." Got SS?

05-28-2008, 12:42 AM	#6
AirGoya Drives: 2012 Camaro SS Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chicago/Carbondale Posts: 815	I'm fine with this becuase i think GM is sorting out there brands. I think Pontiac should be the brand getting RWD cars. Pontiac needs to be GM's only performance brand (ofcourse not including the vette or camaro). And Buick should be like a more affordable Lexus brand. Luxurious and that RWD isnt necessary especially with CAFE and all. Chevrolet shouldn't have any more RWD vehicles IMO. Chevrolet should be a brand that everyone can afford and use daily. The impala should stick to its wide selling FWD, because FWD has a larger customer base and it has better mpg than RWD cars usually. __________________ -Tim

05-28-2008, 02:10 AM	#8
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,810	Pontiac and Cadillac are affordable and luxury performance, respectively, and as such should both have RWD. Buick, as mentioned above, should be more like Lexus, focused more on style and comfort than top performance (I would sharply disagree that it should be "affordable" though. Make it a quality product worthy of a premium price. Certainly not Cadillac prices, but in low luxury car territory, like Acura, Volvo, and Saab). FWD would allow it to be roomier, easier to drive, and more cost efficient. Chevy is the catch all lower brand, and while it should keep its heritage performance cars (Vette and Camaro) the rest of the lineup should accommodate the average American driver and his/her family. A FWD Impala would offer more room and be a bit more forgiving than a RWD Impala, perfect for a large family that just doesn't want a crossover, van, or SUV. I could see a basic level for those on a strict budget who need good, reliable family transportation all the way up to a dual mode hybrid, fully optioned out model with plenty of comforts for the family that has the money but doesn't want a luxury car and all the added costs and hassles that come with that. The next Impala can be a great car that matches the needs of average drivers facing higher fuel prices. A RWD Impala would have been cool, but the market for an affordable high performance sedan is pretty niche, and the G8 fills that niche perfectly. Great call GM. Now make that next Impala and Lucerne (better name please?) real knockouts!