Saturn Sky, Cadillac STS-V and Corvette Z06 at NAIAS

Things are starting to look up. I presently drive a 2004 GTO and two Saturns. Give the Aura 250 horse with a slick shifting six speed and I will be a very happy man. A wagon version would also be most welcome.

I love GM. The corporation has always been apart of my life.

The Sky and Solstice are beautiful and fresh yet I'm afraid they are not very practicle given that with the roof up you can barely fit a gym bag in the trunk, never mind with the roof down. They are weekend toys at best. That's why GM needs to build coupe versions with a hatch. The Solstice coupe concept was very exciting. I hope coupes are in the works. I much enjoyed the Nomad. Perhaps the front end was a bit retro but overall I thought the car was fantastic and practical with the hatch. I thought it could use some wide fender flares just like the Aura. Just think what a coupe version could do on the track! I also hope hi-performance versions will soon follow. Perhaps a turbo or SC version of the 2.4L. Perhaps the 3.5 V6 or turbo 3.5 L5 can be shoehorned in there. I think the Kappa platform has huge potential for coupes and even small sedans.

The Aura is great. I wouldn't change a thing and keep that funky brown leather.

On second thought the Sky pulls off the new front end better than the Aura. I would suggest tweaking the Aura front end. Narrow (up/down) the upper grill opening and horizontal chrome bar. Make the chrome bar less tapered from end to center, like the Sky. Also incorporate the Sky's fog lamp pocket treatment to the Aura and it will look much better. The metal lath lower grill could use some work as well. The diamond metal lath look is getting old, overdone. Perhaps a thin horizontal bar treatment. The headlamps are huge, perhaps narrow those down a bit and don't have them ride up into the hood so much. Have the hood fit over the headlamps. Easier to build as well.

Thanks

Let me state the obvious, the C6 Corvette is awesome! I currently own a 1999 Corvette convertable and am tempted to get a C6. The supercharged Northstar for the STS-V sounds pretty cool, good to see GM continues to work on hi-tech engines as well as old school large displacement push-rods.

These upcoming production cars are great but a huge disappointment for me was the Buick LaCrosse. This is the model that is supposed to turn around Buick? It looks like a slight MCE to a LaSabre! The interior is nothing to envy either.

By the way, how mad is Caddy's design team that Ford's new mid-size stole their design cues!?!

I attended the Detroit Autoshow this week (1/17)and was surprised that the GM exhibit did not include a Solstice that consumers could sit in(touch, feel, smell). Momentum/anticipation has been strong and growing on this product since last year's show, but I am afraid we might have missed an opportunity to carry-on that momentum right into the showrooms this fall [by not having hands-on display]. Who decides the strategy/plan for vehicle arrangement of our products at the autoshows?

Why does GM continue to pit one division against another; example Pontiac Solstice vs. Saturn Sky. This tends to "water down" the excitement of the Pontiac Solstice. Instead of a home run you'll probably have a couple of singles....

i tip my hat to gm with the introduction of the sts-v. three comments though, if you rrrreaaallly want an m5 buyer to take you seriously (read: even consider you).

(i) cadillac's NAIAS display deserves a public apology...i thought i was in pontiac when i tripped on a cord and found myself in cadillac. i cannot believe that kia had a better environment than cadillac...it was terribly symbolic of cadillac's major obstacle to renaissance -- the shabby state of the dealer network -- the environment is as important as the machine (reference: any BMW or MB retailer)

(ii) lose the "supercharged" badge on the side of the car...this takes me back to days when gm would slap option content badges on cars (anti-lock brakes)...one year later, you're thinking "what the hell were they thinking with all these badges". the "V" on the STS says it all, we don't need an essay beside it to enlighten us further...just tacky

(iii) personalization. have you been to BMW's site lately? or a retailer? i mean, we're talking a level of personalization that deserves its own award. choose from 20 different leathers, 100 different wheels, 50 different wood stains...look, you're making huge inroads in interiors, though you're still one gen behind in my view as far as luxury goes, but the customization & personalization for luxury cars is a cash cow, and soon becoming a cost of entry. i hope you catch up before BMW invents the next big thing in luxury.

BREAKTHROUGH

Aura and Sky borrowed heavily from Vauxhall and Opel. Why not just bring those vehicle over and save on development cost.

The cars do look beautiful, but it should have been out at the same time as their European counter part and not wait until after 07.

GM is the biggest auto manufacturer in the world, it doesn't need halo cars. With prices targeted around $25000, I can already see $5000 rebates for the Sky. The Sky is distracting from what should be the primary objective for GM: developing world class quality cars that can really compete with the likes of Toyota and Honda. Mr. Lutz, I think it's a disgrace that with all the talent GM has, GM has virtually surrendered entire segments like minivans to the Japanese.

I really like the 2.8/3.5/4.2L engines that GM has come out with recently.. moving the torque curve higher up in the rpms, giving nice HP when needed (1% of the time)but delivering better gas mileage at cruising speeds, similar to the japanese variable cam engines... very smart. GM should have put one of these engines in the Equinox.. with the 5 speed auto or even better yet, a CVT.. I would buy one anyday over a Crv or Highlander. Almost there GM. You are starting to make a believer out of me that America can make very competative vehicles again! Also I've read that GM beleives the fuel of the future is going to be Hydrogen so they are not pursueing Hybrid technology that Honda, Toyota, and Ford are using now. My question to them is even if this is true, a hydrogen vehicle coupled to hybrid technology is still going to be more efficient, so why not pursue that technology today and start paying off the cost of it's development sooner than later?

Just picked up a 04 GTO at the end of 04 cause it was time to relive those GTO "Hot Rod" days. I'm talking about days street racing (Chicago/Oak Lawn Ill) my 67 "Goat" with 389 HO (438 HO Heads) 4:33 Gear, Muncie 4sp, Tri-Power (66 manual type) TRW Pistons and headers and Ram Air IV. Sure that 67 was wicked and I never lost a race, but I can honestly say that the new 04 pushes all the same buttons for me and then some. Wicked performance & handling! There is nothing like (occasionally) putting this car through it's paces. The fact that it was not linked specifically to "Big Bro" with hood scoops and split duals doesn't matter to me one bit. If you were/are a true "Gearhead" and you test drive the new Goat you will buy it. Now that the 05 posts 50 extra HP, bigger brakes & for those of you that need scoops & split duals its "Soup Now". Don't make me have to tell you again folks! Drive it!!!
I'd like to personally thank Mr. Lutz for bringing this GTO over from down under and keeping the HP War alive and in GM's corner. I can say without reservation I'll look forward to those days when I pull up at a light next to a Mustang or that Luxo Charger or just about any car and blow them away (just occasionally folks/not trying to void any warrantees here).

PS: I have participated in many driving schools and raced on road course. drag raced YADA YADA & I'd like to propose a little wager. Take the best Ford Mustang, the best Charger and take them to the track. (sure if Lexus, Nissan and anyone else including BMW want to play go for it) Pros drive one set & guys like us drive the other set. I can assure you that the GTO would blow them away in road course & quarter mile in both groups. I'm willing to pony up a "G-Note" on the Goats right now! Any takers????

Isn't that the objective folks! Have fun, pride in the wheels your in, talk trash???

See you on the streets of Detroit

Who names the vehicles? In a span of seconds I saw a new Corvette, a '57 Chevy and a billboard with the new "Aveo". I hate the name. What is an "Aveo"? It ranks right up there with Previa, Achieva, Integra, Prius. What happened?

Hi Bob,

Can I get my Saturn Sky with a hard top? Living in Colorado, the drop top is not practicle for a primary vehicle. Also, will it be available with traction control? It snows here occasionally, you know. Not to offend the enthusiasts but, will there be a 5-speed automatic option?

The Sky looks great! Keep up the great work!!!

Just wanted to say that now Saturn is under the G.M. National contract. All Saturn will be is just another G.M. product. The true heart of Saturn was the fact that it used to be a different kind of car company well it's not anymore it's going to be a division of G.M. So if you think you are buying a true Saturn check out where it is built. The truth is I wouldn't buy one. You are no longer buying a Saturn you are just buying another one of the G.M. global cars.

Mr. Lutz

congratulations to the C6 design and Z06 engine they are giving the new Corvette back what the first Stingrays had, appeal, relevance and image.

But what was GM thinking, when launching the new C6 with a 4-speed Automatic.

Mercedes is out with 7-speed Automatics and BMW offers their M5 with an automated 7-speed Manual with performance launch option, steering wheel shift pedals for tap-up and tap-down, etc...

It is time that your Powertrain Prince kisses his transmission Cinderella, so that it awakes.

With 0-60 times below 4s in a Z06, 6-speed manuals are no fun any longer, try the M5 with the SMG with the shift pedals at the wheel and you know what the Z06 needs.

Mr Lutz,

I have owned three Corvettes - 1967 coupe, 1994 coupe and the one I just sold a 2002 C5 Z06. I sold the 2002 in anticipation of buying the C6 Z06; however, GM missed the mark on styling.

The previous Z06's were distinctive with their Fixed Roof Coupe look. There is nothing that really distinguishes the new Z06 from other Corvettes.

It would seem that a car that is going to cost between $65 and $75k would have had better styling.

We have owned several C5 'vettes, currently drive two special editions '02 Firebirds, and have on order for the wife an '06 Z06, and think the styling is right on.

Well GM screwed up again. I went in to a Pontiac dealer to check out the Solstice. I was planning on replacing my 92 Miata with it. Unfortunately while the car is drop dead beautiful, I did not even ask to test drive it. The complete lack of a trunk is a joke! This is my "play" car so I am not asking for hauling capabilities, but I at least need room for a weekend/gym bag with the top down.

If that wasn't bad enough, if you want to use the trunk with the top up, you need to disconnect the top just to open the hatch.

What a poor design. ALL the other cars in this class have storage area for a weekend bag. How on earth are you supposed to go away for a fun weekend in the sun with this car?

As the owner of a 1998 Cadillac Concours and several Corvettes (1990 ZR-1, 1967 NCRS FI, 1966 big block roadster, et al), am looking forward to placing an order for the STS-V when they become available. First Caddy was 1959 & first Corvette was a 1957 FI soft top only (which I still have).

"The true heart of Saturn was the fact that it used to be a different kind of car company well it's not anymore it's going to be a division of G.M."

Totally agree!

The Saturn Sky is the most beautiful and econonical of the roadsters. However, its lack of on-the-fly convertability is a limitation for those of us who live in four season climates.
Any chance of a retractable hardtop like that now available on the Miata to come to the Sky? It would make the car nearly perfect and invite more than just the warm weather buyer to the table.

I find the Sky or Solstice almost perfect as my next car. I live in Vancouver where it rains a lot, so a nice hard top would be much better than a soggy wet soft top over my head. Please consider it as an option...

I have a '07 Sky Redline (turbo) and LOVE it. I kept my older Saturn for bad weather day driving. The fact that I can get 0-60 in 5.5 sec AND almost 30MPG is perfect for me.

Kent S.

I keep hearing all the fuss about the lack of storage space in the Sky...some even go as far as to say there isn't even room for a gym bag. These people are either misinformed, lack common sense or just don't have the ingenuity to know how to pack a trunk. I've gone on several 500 mile three to seven day trips, shopped at Sam's Club, etc and never have had a problem fitting everything I need in the trunk. Sure there is not tons of space but you can still fit a lot in there if you try. Also, all the fuss about the lack of a electric top...it takes less than 30 seconds to put it up or down when you need to. Sure you have to get out to do it, but stop all the whinning...if your going to whine then spend the extra 15-20k and get the crappy looking Z4. You'll still get smoked by the RL and the RL still looks way better, plus everyone and his brother either has a Z4 or a Mustang Conv or god forbid...a miata...their a dime a dozen, Skys are rare.

When will GM produce a coupe version of the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice? An easy fix would be to offer a removable hardtop as an option, ala Mercedes. Vend out the engineering and production so it will happen in a timely manner.