GM Performance Is Back!

Affordable performance for a guy who last had the opportunity to buy a truly popular and prestigious, yet affordable car, my 1996 Impala SS, does not seem to be an option in the inventory of the General's future vehicles. Many of us want something to follow the Impala SS with--V8, front-engine, rear drive, newer-technology, better performance. The ONLY cars that even remotely serve the market wear a Chevy badge but end up going to the Middle East from Australia. I am not on a Cadillac budget!

The new FWD Impala SS and Grand Prix V8's are fine cars, I'm sure, but.....what about us, and how much longer will WE have to wait to buy a used CTS or STS instead of a new Chevy that would be the logical follow-on to the late, great B-body.

Ford keeps building and improving the CV, and GM wasnts to build more trucks and SUVs with the Chevy badge. Yes, the TB SS will be a nice vehicle, but no 5 or 6 speed auto OR 6-speed manual...get real, and probably for $40K or more. My 2002 LTZ cost enough as it is, and I'm not sure I'm ready for another, let alone the price of fuel coming this way.

A bit of a ramble, but I hope it has some points to ponder.

Bill Harper
President
Impala SS Club of America

The Cadillac XLR-V looks awesome!! I saw the first XLR on the road just last week and what an insane looking car! I love it! I only wish I could buy one. I think the V series for Cadillac is just what was needed. I hope to see a Deville V someday! As for the other products, I can't say it enough GM is back! 15 years ago, I can't honestly say that there were many GM products that I was interested in. Now, I am excited again. I can't wait to see the new Monte Carlo, finally, you guys are doing what we American car people know best...V8's!! No other country knows how to make a sweet sounding V8 like GM does. By the way, the New C6 is head and shoulders ahead of anything out today. You guys hit a home run. My biggest beef with GM has been addressed...cheesy interiors...The Vette looks great, so much farther ahead of the C5 and hundreds of times ahead of my C4 (1996) Keep up the improvements please and I can guarentee the American car buying public will follow...(If You Build It, They Will Come!)

Ok. I assume you are looking for feedback about the "performance versions" of currently available cars so I will not go into why GM needs a mid range RWD performance car that can compete with the Mustang, 350Z, etc...

SS line: I think the Cobalt SS is a great little car. There is probably demand for an SS sedan. There should only be one SS though, not an SS and an SS supercharged. The Malibus look nice and I wish they all had that front end. The black SS interior should also be available for all Malibus. The new GM standard 3 spoke steering wheel looks a bit out of place in the Malibu though. No comment on the impala or MC...

GXP: Although it sounds too much like GTP, the Grand Prix GXP seems alright. A GXP Vibe might be neat. In the long run though, Pontiacs need to be RWD and AWD.

V series: I love these cars. Im dying to see the next gen CTS-V. The current one is too big for me and has too many issues with wheel hop and poor shifting. On a side note, i'd like to see the next gen CTS come with AWD. The STS-V and XLR-V are very impressive. When the CTS is redesigned, please don't let the interior look like any other GM car; it should really be eye catching.

Buick needs a car to directly compete with the 300C...

Saturn Redline: Good improvements on "just ok" products.

From the sound of things the chief marketer for the Solstice is not drinking from the same cup as your performance division.

Indications today are that Solstice and Sky will have completely different engines and that they are NO plans for any performance engines planned at all for the Solstice. Please say it ain't so.

If Pontiac isn't going to be the performance division of GM it advertises itself as then why? How about the Grand Prix GXP and the G6 GTP, both have been waited for for much too long. You dangle these carrots in front of us so we will stay loyal to GM and Pontiac and then you pull the rug out from under us. If GM for once would introduce the hot versions of vehicles at the same time as the bread and butter models you wouldn't lose sales to the competitors.

I think all Cadillac line is perfect, except maybe with new DTS (B+ for styling).

Cobalt SS - A+
Grand Prix - please, don't kill GTP 3.8 SC! The car is great!
Grand Prix GXP - Super nice!

Solstance - Very nice!

Others look to blend like camry/accord blend - put some identity in to them.

Bring back Camaro/Firebird as $22K sports cars!

Thank you,
Mhack

Cadillac has to keep on producing world-class cars.
The XLR-V is positively a brightest spot yet. So keep up the good work.

I have a problem. I have owned 8 GM performance cars. Currently, I have a 2002 Corvette and want to buy a C6. However, at 400 horsepower it is not clearly superior to other current or coming GM products, not to mention upcoming Ford and DaimlerChrysler products. Yes, I know the ZO6 is, but I do not want a fixed roof Corvette. That is a "deal-breaker" for me, but I have a solution. Keep the ZO6 as it is for those wanting the ultimate Corvette. For those who want more performance than the base car, bring back the Z52 option in the form of the Z51 suspension, ZO6 powertrain and, if possible, the ZO6 brakes. I think you will find that many customers will order the option. As it is now, I will put brakes and tires on my 2002 and wait to see what happens. I really don't want to be in a C6 looking at a Ford Cobra/GT500 or whatever they call it with 450+ horsepower. I think the Corvette experience needs to include a comfort level that GM is committed to keeping the Corvette one step ahead of the competition, especially when the competition is a Mustang.

I love GM's push for performance models of the current line-up, but I will rehash what many have said before.

For the lives of those of us, living in the northern parts of the country, please make a push towards AWD. I was very interested in purchasing a Bonneville GXP, as I love the platform (have owned a few H-Bodies), but as the wheel sizes grow on these performance models, so does the cost of winter tires. From prior experiences with other vehicles, it appears as though fitting a smaller "winter wheel" on the GXP is going to be difficult, due to the large brakes.

Either way, keep up the good work. Off to the dealer to see about "some impressive australian car."

Julio,
On your comment:
"Ok. I assume you are looking for feedback about the "performance versions" of currently available cars so I will not go into why GM needs a mid range RWD performance car that can compete with the Mustang, 350Z, etc..."

What do you call the new GTO? Its priced competitively with the 350z, and will be priced with the new SVT Mustang. I agree that I would love to see a Chevy offering (new Camaro) but saying GM has nothing to compete is just wrong.

What ever happened to Buick preformance?

oh yeah I forgot you guys have to "Protect" Cadillac.
Buick used to be the best, it had everything new first, no thanks to you "Protecting" Cadillac Buick is dieng. Good Job :(

Why not keep the performance cars in one division? - like Pontiac - front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, sedans and muscle-cars. If Pontiac is just going to wink at its performance heritage - get rid of the brand. Besides the designers at Pontiac have produced so many ugly vehicles over the years that the perception of the brand is really, really bad.

It is always OK, however, to have special performance versions for Cadillac, nearly every luxo manufacturer does this.

One aspect of "GM performance" is I do not know what is engineering and what is marketing. Please don't get me wrong; Performance engine, brake, and driveline improvements are most welcome!
But there's a lot of stuff on these "performers" that makes no sense.

Example: the showoff dub wheels and skinny tires on many SS versions. Put these on a real road and you'll be riding suspension stoppers most of the time or wrecking the wheels on bumps other cars shrug off.

And what's with the huge spoiler wings? These block vision, add weight and provide little downforce unless you are on a high speed track!

In nutshell; Please offer more performance and efficiency, and less bling-bling, in your performance cars!

Hello from rainy Southern California!
Just a note to tell you that I really appreciate being able to get instant updates on GM’s plans to stay afloat. It's nice to be able to see what Bob Lutz has to say in 'real time' rather than via some journalist’s version of his meeting with Bob.

I'm lucky enough to live in So Cal where I can drive an early Camaro ('71 RS) everyday. It is very disheartening to see gorgeous new Mustangs everywhere I look. So, please, please copy Ford's success. 1.) Hire a great designer like Larry Erickson that can pull off a modern interpretation of an early Camaro (a '68 perhaps? Or how about a 2nd Gen.?) 2.) Sell a jillion of them. It might just save a brand or two. Plus, I’d appreciate the airbags. Thanks.

Hello Mark,

It is good to see GM rebuilding the real perfomance levels of the SS badge. I was pretty interested in the Saab 9-7X, but now hearing the recent news I am particulaly interested in the Trailblazer SS. Is there any similarity in the suspension tuning and braking between the SS and the 9-7X? Also I just read that Jeep is unveiling the Grand Cherokee SRT8 at the same show. How will you stack up handling and braking wise? Going fast is important but not as important to me as stopping fast. I read that the SRT8 has 4 piston caliper fronts. Does the Trailblazer SS have similar calipers or larger rotors to improve braking?

I own a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, 96,000 miles. Its a great vehicle except for the 3.4 liter DOHC Engine which is a ***** to work on, took the dealership 5 hours to just change the alternator. Just Make Grand Prix's 2 door and add hood scoops. My mom owns a 1992 Chevy Camaro RS. But now I find myself looking at Ford more. Thats where the performance seems to be coming from especially with the announcment of the Shelby Cobra GT500.

So far, so good. The only niggles I can think of, with regards to some of the Hi-Po automobiles GM will release soon, are with the transmissions. Sure, the 4T65-E is a great transmission, but hasn't GM realized that 4-speed transmissions have gone the way of the Dodo Bird? I mean, c'mon, what happened to the 6-speed FWD transmission that GM co-developed with Ford? Surely they can handle the modest 241 pound-feet that the 3900 V-6 puts out.

Moreover, it seems that Ford has put out some great product with their version of the 6-speed front-drive transmission, but alas, what has GM done with it? Unfortunately, nothing so far. The point is, the Malibu/Maxx SS could greatly benefit from this transmission, bringing it in line with the Asian competitors instead of keeping this great car behind them. Honestly, though, it’s just that I'm kind of tired of the one-step-forward-two-steps-back illness GM has suffered from for the past two decades.

Oh yeah, while on the subject of getting to know the thoughts of the Fastlane readers: Please tell Mr. Lutz to put the Zeta architecture back into place instead of sidelining it. (And most likely replacing it with hand-me-down architecture, like the current Sigma after Sigma II debuts.)

Mr. Reuss,

How easy is it to take the tooling for C5's Y platform, set it up some place, and start building Camaros with them? Assuming that it's do-able, that ought to be the fastest and cheapest way to bring mid-level RWD performance cars to the market.

Bob,
The Malibu SS is what every Malibu should look like!
The front and rear end are much better looking without the chrone, and the steering wheel and black dashboard are a huge improvement. You should bring that look over into the other models as well.
But please, get rid of the offcenter 'malibu' icon next to the emergency signal. It looks cheesy and ridiculous.

Question:
Why should I pay over $36K for a front wheel drive 275hp Bonneville, when for the same money I can have a more powerful, rear wheel drive Infiniti G35 for the same price???? Oh, and get better resale value??

This is why GM is losing market share. Wrong products, wrong prices. You guys are in a vacuum and you're going to get clobbered by the competition if you don't wake up. It's sad. My Dad worked for Buick back in the days when people laughed at Honda and Toyota ('70s). Now, they're eating your lunch. Sad, sad, sad.

Why are none of these vehicles represented in Gran Turismo 4 for the Playstation2 or the upcoming Forza on Xbox? Of the 700+ vehicles in GT4 only 3 are GM vehicles that people can purchase at a dealer today. Millions of people aged 16-30 are tooling around the virtual Nürburgring in a Lancer Evo or Impreza STi, and even a Toyota Echo, but none in a CTS-V, STS-V, XLR, Bonneville GXP, ION Redline or Cobalt SS.

Put these vehicles on a boat and GIVE them to Polyphony Digital in Japan if that is what it takes to get them in the game.

-------
"Moreover, it seems that Ford has put out some great product with their version of the 6-speed front-drive transmission, but alas, what has GM done with it?"

It is still in development. The 6-speed Ford is currently using is being purchased from Aisin in Japan.

I think it will take more than a Cobalt SS or Trailblazer SS to get people to notice GM high performance. Cars I would put in my garage right would be a Dodge Magnum Hemi, Mustang GT and a Suburu WRXi. Looks and performance in one package. Front wheel drive is not high performance, it's economy car. I'm not really going to inpress anybody with a Saturn Redline. Cadillac and Corvette is out of my price range. How about a LS2 1/2 ton short box regular cab lowered about 6". Now you might have something.

No doubt about it the CTS-v is a great car. Where you need to focus is on the affordable end of the performance segment since this is where GM has a glaring weakness.

So far the company has ignored those of us which signed on the dotted line for high volume, profitable performance orientated models like Camaro, Firebird, Fiero GT and Grand National all of which were abandoned by GM.

Give us something that is stylish, affordable that we can drool over and keep producing it.

What GM performance needs is to make Pontiac to Chevy what Acura is to Honda. Pontiac should get the DOHC V6, and a car like the G6 should start with 250 hp and a 6 speed auto. If Pontiac put more into their cars, they could move slighty up market, and attract more buyers with more performance technology, rather than offering Chevy mechanics with a set of chrome wheels. Pontiac Interiors shoudl also feature metal trim, and finer materials. Much like how an Acura TL is an Accord with leather, metal trim and 30 more hp. Acura sells a good amount of these, and for $5000 more than the accord costs, without putting a whole lot more into the car.

Performance is back? I agree with a couple people here when we ask, why do you bring out a model for Pontiac that has the same HP as its twin and think that we are going to believe that it is a "Performance Car." Mr. Lutz, you said in your introduction of the Torrent at the LA Show that this is not a rebadge job, that it has different suspension and handling aspects. That may be true for most/all Pontiacs, but the fact remains if Pontiac is the Performance Division it should have something that is better than what is already in the stable as far as horse power and torque.

Also, why is it taking so long for GM to finally mat its Six Speed Auto-Trans to their passenger cars? If you look at any review that is something that is almost always pointed out.

As a Pontiac Only owner I am also disturbed that you are going to think about cutting this division. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT DO THIS!!! If you are looking at Buick or Pontiac wouldn't it make sense to get rid of Buick since you already have that part of the market covered by Caddilac and Saab? I know you need Buicks in China, so make 'em there and keep our Performance Sports Car division. At least Pontiacs have some kind of flair and sporty edge to them. Compared to Chevy's bland styling.

The 6 speed ford is currently using for FWD setups is out sourced from aisin they havent debuted the co-developed tranny afaik.

My gripe is with GM management, and the so-called performance division. I am a pontiac fan (actually a pontiac/buick/olds fan) I am currently restoring an '85 Firebird, my next project will be a fiero, then I'll most likly move onto a '67 Buick Wild Cat (if I can find one). Here's a thought, don't worry about hurting caddy's image, or c**p like that, build cars people want to buy. If they don't want a caddy, build a buick that performs the same, but is styled softer. Build a pontiac that is styled sportier/muscular -- the '02 WS6 Trans Am was the most beastly looking car I've ever seen. Its not looks that killed it, it was price, the F-body had no bussines being 30K+ dollars. It should have been paid for to a point that you could have undercut the mustang at least by 5 grand.

I was looking forward to Zeta, but honestly if you guys can bring out a new camaro/firebird combo (even under a different name) on sigma with the power and handling of the CTS-V (less power even, use the 5.3L I dont care, I can swap an engine easy enough...) I'd be quite pleased.

I know trucks are profitable, but unless you guys have really made some leaps and bounds on city mileage, I think your betting your last dollar in the wrong spot... (I think cars/car based SUV type vehicles are the way to go.)

I think it's great that GM is getting into performance. The Cobalt SS looks amazing, and if I had the money, I would instantly put a down payment on the CTS-V, wow! I disagree with making an SS version of the malibu without a manual transmition, or even an auto with more than 4 speeds. I think that you have done the best possible work with that bones that GM has given you, I hope these sporting traits can filter down to more mainstream GM products so people on a budget can get something with a sport suspension and a manual tranny without going to a Corvette.

My only thoughts about the majority of this new lineup is that GM is abusing its SS moniker. The SS badge simply isnt meant for trucks, but I suppose if Dodge can use HEMI on a non hemi engine, Chevrolet can slap SS on whatever it wants as well.

The XLR is great though, but once again GM manages to get it only decent sports car above $50,000.

GM Performance is back? If I have well over $40,000 to spend or I'm interested in tuner 4 cylinders then sure. No, GM performance will not truly be "back" until I can walk in a dealership and buy a bona-fide Mustang competitor. So Ford just introduced the 2007 Shelby Mustang Cobra, 450 HP for under $40,000...people are going bonkers, and that's on GM message boards. With no Z28 to take it on, enthusiasts will be leaving this camp in droves. And it makes me sick.

How is it that the SSR gets a 6 speed but not the Trailblazer SS? Same engine. Same platform.

Mark,

This is one area where GM has done some amazing things recently. The CTS-V, for instance, is spectacular. I've never been into Road Racing until recently - now I watch the Grand Am Cup whenever I can to see those Cadillacs and Cobalts running with Acuras and BMWs. It's so much more interesting than the fiberglass fakery that goes on in other racing series, and inspires a true sense of pride in GM's ability to compete.

I would have bought a Bonneville GXP if the interior hadn't been almost identical to my 2000 SSEi, but that's a niggling complaint compared to the good things coming out of your division recently.

Now that you have built these great cars, however, you need to get the people in Marketing to extend the awareness of these cars through non-traditional means.

There is no excuse, for instance, for why the Cobalt SS, ION Redline, Cadillac CTS-V, and others are for the most part absent from the car lists of big racing games like Gran Turismo 4 while Ford has no problem getting their cars like the 2005 Mustang into them. Teens and young adults salivate over the wide variety of Toyota, Nissan, Ford, and Honda cars in these games, and GM has only nostalgia on its side through muscle cars of the 1960s, and a handful of late model 'Vettes and Camaros in their in-game lineup.

You've done the work, now please kick those marketing guys in the pants and get them out there. A car enthusiast friend of mine had never heard of the ION Redline or Bonneville GXP - that's just unacceptable.

On a side note, what was the deal with calling the Pontiac Bonneville GXP the "GXP" in Pontiac commericals? That's almost as confusing and meaningless as the "SS" Concept Car was, especially now that the Grand Prix GXP is on the way...

Lutz, I like the XLR-V but what about the two brands you have put on the chopping block? For gods sake, you screwed up. When you mess up, don't chop the division you messed up on, fix it. IF either Buick or Pontiac get discontinued, your going to loose a lot of customers. I'm going to be one of them--don't lose me to dcx or toyota!

Mark,

Good to hear from you. GM needs to get a Mustang competitor out there soon. The enthusiasts are clamoring for a competitor. Why can't GM do what Ford did with the Mustang? Call it Tempest or whatever. Give it to Pontiac. If Pontiac is not going to get RWD performance cars (or at the very least FWD performance), then it has outlived its usefulness to GM. I don't believe most of the public would miss Pontiac too badly.

Also, could we please get the manual option back into our cars? That new Grand Prix with the v8 is a perfect candidate for a manual 5 or 6. I love my 2004 GP and wish it had a stick and the v8. It is one car that GM has 90+% correct. Keep the good stuff coming!!

Mark,

Given Toyota's recent announcement of the Lexus GS 450h, what a pity you don't have something to say about high-performance hybrids. We have a superior solution to THS (or your JV with DC) which is being funded by the British government. Yours for a (relatively) small fee, batteries not included (you won't need any).

Regards,

Chris Ellis.

Please make your "sporty" vehicles availible without the "boy racer" spoilers--they are ugly, block rearward visibility, whistle, and most importantly, do not serve much of a real purpose.

I would rather have a car that goes real fast but looks like nothing special than a car that looks like it goes real fast but can't.

GM has come a long way in quality and design (Cobalt & Sky). I love the new G6 GT I just picked up, much better than Grand Am.

The lacking is SS on vehicles that just plain old don't make sense. Example: The Silverado SS is a joke. You put it in the worst possible combo-extended cab. The demand for crew cabs is much stronger and makes more a more dynamic choice. Conversely the regular cab would have been a better performance idea-look at the Lightning/SRT-10.

Trailblazer is already pricey enough and that 6 litre is only going to make it further from reach. SSR took too long and did not have the punch nor the manual to make it a real player.

Cadillac looks the best. The product and performace are stellar. I have driven the CTS-V and loved it. Design of each is a jewel for GM. Great work!

Also, if there is anyone in Detroit who is just now thinking Camaro!, you're too late. Which if GM's mantra! Ford is selling record numbers of Mustangs and now have a Cobra on the horizon. The GTO is great, but a truly American design is needed. That will also involve a Camaro. The MC is a poor choice for a flagship in the performance arena. It cares the NASCAR faithful, but does nothing pulling up to a light versus a new Mustany GT. Not to mention it's FWD! If the coupe market is dead will someone please tell that to Ford, Nissan, and Acura. You can pump all the performance you want into the cars, but it really comes down to the car.

Did you guys ask how many SS Silverado, SSR, Impala SS, and MC SS buyers would havd opted for a new Camaro is it was true to its old format? Or better yet, how many people driving new Mustangs would be planted in a Bowtie 2-dr if it was available? you could have used the other SS development for a new Camaro and been competing with Ford right now! I am tired of 40K performance vehicles (save Vette)--it defeats the purpose and is why you aren't selling them!

GM needs to concentrate on MARKET-SHARE performance, not niche performance, big-bucks, mediocre vehicles.

Mark,

The brand that requires the most performance engineering input from GM is Pontiac. And that is why Wagoner and GM Beancounters will want to kill it with the rumors of cutting a brand floating around. Why?

Because despite your efforts, GM is a marketing company first, and a car company second. Buick can justify itself as Chevy with Leather and Quiet Tuning. Pontiac can't get real street cred with Chevy "SS" clones with hood scoops and wings. GM will follow the path of least engineering, I predict, and Pontiac will fall.

Kudos to you, though, Mr. Reuss, for giving us some great product, even if GM turns around and rebadges the basic performance mechanicals as something else (Grand Prix GXP / Impala SS, ION Redline / Cobalt SS Supercharged).

Mark, the GMPD does a great job. I would be interested in how the powertrain decisions are made for these cars. For example, the CTS-V took the LS6 from the C5-Z06 but STS-V and XLR-V gets a new Northstar 4.2 with a supercharger.

It’s great performance is FINALLY being recognized as a priority, too bad you have to be rich to buy GM. Now, if GM can just make V8 performance accessible to the mainstream public like Ford and Chrysler are doing.

I don’t care what you call it, just please meet the following points with at least one future car:

1. RWD LS2 V8 for $25,000 or less. That is low, but can you imagine how well the market would respond. Plus it accounts for the Dealers jacking the price up another $10k.

2. Comfortable Seats (reference the 16k PT Cruiser)

3. Attractive *new* body designs like the Sky, Solstice, Vette, SSR, etc. (but no mid-'90s Jelly beans please)

Mark,

I'm sure you and Bob are tired of hearing this, but I cast another vote for a re-born CAMARO. Enthusiasts want an affordable RWD perf car. The GTO is too bland, and overpriced.

Chrysler has PVO, Ford has SVT. These performance oriented divisions take current and future models to a whole new level of performance and style. Witness the Ford Adrenaline and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8.
High powered AWD trucks? Who ever would have thought that up? Oh, right, you did with the Syclone and Typhoon!

Please build some real performance trucks and SUVs again, as there are many of us loyal GM fans that are becoming disillusioned.

Gm needs to work hard on affordable performance. Niche products are fine. I think they are important. However you need to think more middle America. Baseball, hotdogs and chevrolet. If i remember the marketing from the past? GM needs to build gotta have products. The time is certainly overdue for a value priced rwd performance vehicle.

I could see a camaro/firebird product that would be avail in 2.8I4-3.5I5 canyon/colorado engines std. the 4.8 V8-5.3V8 with the displacement on demand feature as the optional powertrains. The styling must be true to GM and its proud traditions. GM does not need to reinvent the wheel. Just give us an honest product at an honest price with gotta have performance and style.

Just put a 1969 Z28 camaro on display in your showroom in your Manhattan New York city headquarters and watch peoples reaction.

I think the wake up call is here!! I am hopefull GM will wake up and become more responsive to middle America and lose some of its arrogance!

The same comments as many others, front engine, rear drive, v8, coupe, under 25k.

It doesn't need all the gee golly, wizz bang stuff, no need for irs; a solid axle will do. also bring it to market soon, we are loosing confidence in you. we dont want to wait 2-5 years for it.

I just want to comment on ya'lls performance lineup. I own a '98 Z-28, '87 Z-28 and a '79 Z-28 camaro. I absolutley love my cars but it makes me sick among others that you guys would kill a legendary muscle car to produce trucks and SUVs. The problem GM has is the pricing, why would anyone want to pay $30,000.00+ for a camaro when you can buy a decked out GT mustang for under 27,000.00?? Thats why the camaro died, redesign the car, lower the price and be competetive and they will sell. If you keep on making these big, ugly, overpriced, joke of a performance line vehicles then I will have to buy a new Cobra mustang to fullfil my need for performance. Wake up and build true American muscle again!!!

All I want to say is : bring those cars to Europe! They are world-class vehicles and it's a pity they aren't sold there.

Mr. Reuss,

Fix Pontiac or kill it. You can't make cars that look like they are sporty, but really are not much different from the Chevrolets and Saturns they share parts with. A sporty brand must be sporty--quick reflexes, tight grip, lots of power, manual trans options.

If Pontiac is not going to walk the walk, then it will continue to not sell, and will fade away.

I hate to be negative, as I'm really rooting for GM to pull it together, but as far as NY Show debuts go (for performance vehicles), GM has gotten its clock cleaned this year by Ford and Chrysler.

The XLR-V is very, very cool, but it doesn't really look any different from the regular XLR. I understand that the idea is for it to be understated, but there is such a thing as TOO understated.

Ford will own the NYIAS this week with the Shelby Cobra GT500, a car that pushes every single emotional button. The classic look. The iconic name. And the b**ls to back it all up. It's spectacular.

Chrysler brings the SRT8 Charger to the show. Very nice.

The Trailblazer SS is nice and all, but the Grand Cherokee SRT8 unveiled this week makes it instantly forgettable.

The brightest spots for GM performance at NY this week are, in my opinion, the two Malibu SS models. Both look much better than their "standard" Malibu counterparts, particularly the sedan.

Too bad GM doesn't have a Camaro to steal Mustang's thunder. THAT's what's needed, not more SS trucks and FWD vehicles.

A convertible Z06 ( should have been done on the C5 ) and no more Holden Monaro "GTOs."

Dear Mr. Reuss,

Your boss lets you have the hot seat. Got to love it!
;-). I had to echo an earlier comment. In terms of marketing, why weren't any other Chevys, Pontiacs and especially the Caddy CTS-V added to the Gran Turisom 4 game. It's too bad, as young kids and some adults learn about car models from these games. Pretty bad oversight in terms of youth marketing for future buyers.

I read the comments on this site almost every day and while I'm learning quite a bit, I can't help but ask are the entries made by typical consumers or by serious car enthusiasts who more than likely share a different view of automobiles than the general public.

I never thought of Saturn as a shortcoming of GM. I looked at it as an affordable option that was reliable, good on gas, safe and if I ever did have a problem, the dealers would take care of me.

I never looked at FWD as something bad. I preferred it in my cars.

I don't care how fast I can go off the line, I don't race, I don't pull out in front of traffic and I rarely have the need to pass anyone.

I fill up on gas about once a week. I take my kids to school, gymnastics, grandma's and story time, and while I don't like the price of gas these days, I love my Rendevous and the room it gives me for two carseats, a stroller, a potty chair and sometimes even a wagon in addition to all the groceries.

I made it through winter with fwd, 2wd, anti-lock brakes and traction control just fine.

Last night, performance became an issue for the first time when I found myself avoiding a huge dead deer in the road and I instinctively yanked the wheel to the right and then yanked it left to avoid a ditch. The car recovered flawlessly.

I just hope Bob also finds a way to get the average consumers opinion.

And by the way, the biggest reason I read the blog is to try to understand why people feel the Japanese are better. It is all such load of bull. Go to the Toyota Mortor Corp Global Site and see whose company you are helping. Look at their top managers, view the net sales (in YEN), check out the pictures of all the offices in Japan and then look at their domestic production and their overseas (us) production figures. When you buy a Japanese vehicle, this is who you are putting on top, plain and simple. You can split hairs to justify the purchase, but the bottom line is the U.S. does not benefit in the long run. For those commenting on how they feel GM is copying or just trying to catch up to the Japanese, where were the Japanese in 1897 when Oldsmobile became the first car company ever???? Seems to me they copied from us!

Mark
If you were to look back into the '60s, performance sold cars. Across every brand of GM. For a particular displacement motor there would be many combinations of HP ratings. Today that might not be practical, but offering an upgraded performance package. Starting with intake, ignition, exhaust systems even synthetic oil, and offer it on your everyday drivers cars as well as trucks. With this addition it would be possible to improve performance as well as fuel efficiency.
It's just a thought, it created a lot of excitement back then it just might work again.

Wow! More nice GM cars that I may never afford. Hey, I'll go buy a Cobalt SS! Except I don't like the wing, the FWD, or the solid beam rear axle. Come on GM, Dodge's pinnacle of cheap cars, the Neon, has a fully independent suspension.

What happened to the innovative GM of yesteryear? The corporation that brought so much innovation... cars like the turbo Corvairs, the Olds Jetfires, ZL-1 Corvettes and Camaros, the turbo Buicks, the ZR-1 Corvette, the Syclones and Typhoons.. are all gone. Now, with the exception of the most expensive brand, there is pretty much nothing innovative about GM.

Stop b****rdizing the SS moniker by putting it on overpriced, slow trucks and front wheel drive shitboxes like the Monte Carlo and give it a vehicle worth of it.

Stop benchmarking! Right now, I bet the two reasons that people choose an GM mainstream sedan over the import competition is lower price or brand loyalty.

But if you feel the need to kill Buick, oh well. At least my Grand National will appreciate in value, something GM vehicles haven't done in...how long?

I'll start off by saying the only US division which has done an average job of executing is Cadillac. The new cars are decent but surely not the cup of tea for most people interested in a Mercedes, BMW or Lexus. "B-"

As I suspected when this recent financial crisis unfolded, GM would start complaining about high health care costs. In fact I posted that very statement on here. Within a week Lutz fell right into the predictable GM response. While GM does have a significant albatross around its neck, having employees pay $20 per month for health care will have no significant impact on GM's long term prospects. Instead, it is another validator of a very insular management which will not admit the obvious to itself or the market: Product is weak, brands are damaged goods, GM's management has not created an ownership culture, execution is very week and, generally, management has not learned a lot from its forty years of consistent mistakes.

We are only a matter of months removed from one of the ugliest automobiles ever to be producted, the Aztec.

I tend to disagree that GM's performance is back as a general statement. I don't consider plastic ground effects on an ugly Saturn, ditto on a Bonneville and an oversized redneck spoiler on a Cobalt
a sign of performance. Again, GM has no concept of how to attract new buyers. Now there is nothing wrong with making product your traditional customers want, er, are forced to buy or not buy GM, but where is the new product for the traditional import buyer? Frankly, take away the millions of cars GM sells to employees, suppliers and family of both and it would have already gone bankrupt. Still not a totally unrealistic proposition if a few major problems take a significant turn for the worst.

GM's bonds could soon be junk, putting a tremendous burden on international financial markets and the company. The interim answer is to try to find a private buyer for part of GMAC near a housing cycle top. Are you kidding? Can you say desparation and financial foolishness? And we get statements that management is finally getting serious. After forty years of market share declines, it rings hollow. What, pray tell, have you been doing for the last forty years if now is a time to speed up the product cycle?

If GM didn't use its negative cash flow to finance a totally unrealistic dividend, the stock would be half of what it is. We may yet see that.

Again, I wonder when the GM board will be heard from. They are just as culpable as GM management.

It's time for a new senior management team. Preferrably interspersed with proven leadership from Europe and/or Japan or outside of the auto business all together. Gerstner proved that selling computers and services at IBM is no different than making cookies at Kraft. Frankly, an outsider would have a mandate to put a sense of urgency and wholesale change into the business. The current team has had its opportunity. GM remains the consumate good ole boy club with big company disease. What a shame. Once an American Icon ruined by the worst management in the auto industry year after year after year. GM needs a little Ghosn-like blood in its veins.

Mark,

The return of GM Performance is great. However, as a thirty something with a fifty-year-old brother what I remember about “SS” was that you could buy a base Chevy with the “SS” option group and have a Bad A** Car for not much more than the most striped down version. In my humble opinion this is were the new “SS” products go wrong, they seem to all be the most decked out expensive cars in the line. It seems to me that a kid that can only afford a $15,000 car may be able to scrape up a couple grand for engine and suspension upgrades but the five to six thousand dollar premiums created by all the claptrap blows them out of the water. The other issue related to this is that the additional cost is pushing these cars into categories in which they don’t belong, why by a Cobalt SS for G6 money? In short keep it simple make “SS” once again mean segment leading affordable performance.

During the last gas crisis what was GM's best selling car?

A compact? No.

A mid size rwd line-up? Yes.

The Cutlass Supreme and Buick Regal were...Think about that size and level of style applied today to modern rwd car. Much like the people that turned in their Detroit dinosaurs for relatively smaller, stylish mid size coupes and sedans--my generation would love to turn their large suv's in for more fun to drive rwd sedans and coupes that are stylish in the American idiom. The late '70s - early '80s GM coupes were not a huge gain in efficiency...but were just enough of a gain and added great styling.

Why can't you see the model you left behind...when you were the undisputed leader. These weren't muscle cars...but they were real american cars. That's the performance you need. Something that anyone can relate to.

Hey where is GM's performence other than Caddy, Chevy, and the GTO? And even their it's not best in class power. If you want the XLR-V to be a sports car then rebadge the sixteen XLR-V. And take on Buggati and Lambo and Ferrari. Make the Chevy SS to take on the 300C. But give it 550HP to take on the BMW M-SIERIES. But keep the price under 45K. And give the VETTE that new V10 with like what 650HP. And make it a supercar killer. Make your performance cars best in class with power. Use superchargers or twin or even quad turbos if you have to. And make the GTO all American not Austrarican. And rule one for the chasis is they all have to be RWD. Rule one for drivetrains is have an option between 6 speed manuals and 6 speed autos. Rule 2 for drivetrains is nothing that has an HP rating below the competetors. Til any of this happens performence isn't back. And surprise us with a production ready Comaro or Chevelle at NAIAS next year with some serious Mustang killing power for the same price. An LS2 or an LS6 could get the job done. Other than that your doing a good job.

Reintroduce the "gotta have" high performance Camaro/Firebird and build them at Bowling Green (Corvette & XLR) where rearwheel drive V-8's are already being built. Produce about 80,000 units total to maintain price point (no rebates) and exclusivity at $18,000-24,000. This price can be achieved because BG produces two high priced profitable vehicles. Costs would be absorbed by the additional units, improved productivity & plant capacity utilization. Do this or I swear I'll buy a Mustang for my next vehicle.

Mr. Lutz-- First off, I would like to express my appreciation for creating an avenue John Q. Consumer can use to express their transportation wishes directly to corporate leadership. Truly admire your courage to stand in the crosshairs and take the brunt of years of brewing frustration expressed by the many devoted GM guys/gals who respond to your subject call.

Mr. Reuss--Congrats to you and your team's successes on the track and translating some of that performance technology into street-able pieces. Unfortunately, guys like me will never reap the benefits of this technology, because y’all pushed it into too expensive of a package.

Sorry you’ll need to add this one to the list of frustrated respondents who are genuinely disappointed in the types of cars currently offered by GM. I sincerely hope you are seeing the recurring message--Affordable RWD performance is the expectation!

To clarify, I‘m not talking about reliability or fit and finish—-These are the only reasons why I continue to buy GM, however, your other two chief competitors are stepping up to the plate with quality, affordable platforms that suit my taste.

I know I can’t be the only person out there who thinks GM (particularly Chevrolet) has abandoned the concept of producing affordable rear wheel drive muscle cars. While the Cobalt may be appealing to the tuner crowd, there are a greater number of us out here who absolutely despise front wheel drive vehicles. I’m certain the later group long for a basic rear wheel drive, 2 DOOR, grocery getter that possesses a generous to insane thrust to weight ratio.

The Corvette, SSR, and GTO are absolute knockout vehicles, but for most of us, they are beyond the reasonable purchase threshold. Not to take away from the truck divisions, but pick ups are just that, pick ups; so injecting the hot rod theme into a 6000 lb brick is truly a loss (this includes SUVs). Y’all almost had it right when you introduced the S-10 ZQ8, however, fell grossly short, because it was never offered in a V8 version. Bet if you surveyed current truck owners, you’d find a good number of them are really car guys forced into pick ups, because they wanted new/reliable rear wheel drive daily transportation--I’m one of them.

Does it require a blog entry to figure out what goober hot rod guys like me want? Well, for starters--An injected small block V8 or a very high output V6, 5 or 6 speed manual trans, posi-trac rear end, mounted to a short wheel base platform that is strong enough to handle performance modifications. I could care less about power windows/locks, cruise control, HUDs, RDS, high output stereos, Onstar, GPS, or MP3 capability. I’ll gladly forego the moon roof, goofy graphics, and juvenile plastic wings/skirting options for a set of large disc brakes and a low restrictive exhaust. When it comes to respectable roll control devices, I’m looking for sway bars and traction bars not electronic traction control, that’s what I use my right foot for.

When contemplating production of future performance vehicles I would think looking to the past would yield sound direction. The early Novas, Chevelles, and most Camaro/Firebirds were and, through their evolution using late model parts, continue to epitomize the American muscle car. The market value of these nameplates is out of sight and the huge readership of publications dedicated to hot rodding should be a strong indicator that there is a new car market for such vehicles today. Everyone realizes GM has to pay the light bill, but with this large of audience, wouldn’t a small inexpensive hot rod yield a generous return on investment? There must be, because I’m seeing those overpriced SSRs roaming the streets with issued license plates bolted on.

I doubt you’d be able to keep a Cobalt sized car in the showroom if it was an all aluminum 5.3 or a supercharged 3.8, rear wheel drive. The hot rod and tuner crowds desire to own one would ensure demand out lived the initial new car honeymoon sales.

Nothing says high performance better than a small block under the hood with a bow tie on the grill. The GTO; the perfect plain wrapper hot rod, should have been badged SS Chevelle with the bottom line reading $22K. I would have been standing in the showroom with GM card in hand!!

Another year of disappointing new vehicle releases, another sales opportunity lost for GM and my brand loyalty is fading.

Mr. Lutz

What GM needs to give auto enthusiasts is image as much as speed and power. It's probably not worthwhile for GM to get into Formula 1 yet because of low American market penetration, but you can definitely do much better than Cadillac managed at LeMans last time around.

Get into GT racing in Europe with American brands and use their success to give them a 'European' image if that's what customers in America want. And if not that, then bring back America's rear wheel drives and real muscle cars - they've a much sportier image!

And yeah, like Jay said above - get a performance division for every brand except Pontiac (that's supposed to be itself).

One last thing - how about a Performance Hummer?

Mr Lutz,

I never thought I'd say it, but I've lost my GM faith.

After 30 years of owning new GM cars it doesn't matter to me which division is whacked because for the first time I no longer find any of the GM cars in the under 35k range appealling; they are just transportation. By the way, I'm tired of trucks.

My first deviation from GM products was last year when I purchased a new Acura TL, great car so far and only the CTS came close in my final decision, but I thought the Acura was a better overal package. I decided to buy what I liked this time instead of being forced into another GM car just because of discounts or because "I've always had them."

I think you've heard enough about affordable rear drive performance needs and the Camaro. I also currently own an '02 Z28 and I think the development money on the SSR and the HHR would have been better spent on a Camaro replacement. Make good daily drivers first, then concentrate on niche vehicles. The 4th gen F bodies failed due to lack of appeal to the masses, lack of continuous improvement to keep it fresh and poor marketing and I believe the F bodies out sold the SSR even at the lowest point.

Before GM even considers a Camaro type car again, lessons learned from the GTO launch should be considered. The GTO would be a fantastic car with a different skin and a price tag starting in the upper 20s, with options to load it up, but for my money right now, the Mustang has more bang for the buck.

I've never owned a Ford but I went for a test drive and my order went in yesterday for a new GT to replace my Z. My Z is still a great car, but it's time to replace it and GM doesn't have a replacement anymore that offers V8 performance and great styling in an affordable package. As much as I would like a Vette again, it's just not as practical for the budget.

Once you lose lifetime customers, it takes exceptional product to lure them back. Sorry GM.

Somewhat off the topic, but since we are talking Cadillac...Why not 300 HP out of the current excellent 6 and the six speed transmission in the next CTS?? I drive an '04 CTS (my second, had an '03) and love the car, chassis dynamics and handling are excellent, I just hate being slower than 300C's.

I like your automotive and non-automotive links. I'm a TechBargains reader and was surprised to see it on an auto blog. That said, it would be a nice showing of "guts" (bad pun intended) if you linked to AutoExtremist, even if you don't agree with their assessments.

I am disappointed at the use of the TrailBlazer platform for the Saab SUV. Now, I understand there is to be a "performance" version of the same vehicle. Consumer Reports recently ranked the TrailBlazer and TrailBlazer EXT as two of the three most unsatisfying midsize SUVs, and I have no reason to doubt their assessment. The rankings of both were similar to the antiquated Mazda B-series and Ford Ranger pickups. I doubt that a Saab or performance version can fix the ailments that make this vehicle so unappealing. The Chevrolet Corvette and Subaru Impreza WRX were both listed under the "Most Satisfying" list. Six GM products made the "Least Satisfying" list.

I am extremely intrigued by the new Saturn Aura. The styling is attractive, and the two-tone interior is beautiful. That said, I will not be interested unless the driving experience, especially the feedback and overall level of ride "tightness[1]," is not as good as or better than the new Passat. I will probably also not be interested unless there is a subsidized lease deal. I should not be expected to effectively pay a back-end fee when I sell the car because of Saturn's poor resale value, caused by both its past sins and current deluge of rebates and incentives.

[1] The feel of a German car is hard to describe, but it's like the car is cast from a solid block of granite. I drove the G35 when it came out, billed as a Japanese BMW. They missed the mark. I understand that the attention to detail in much of the engineering is what makes German cars more delicate, and therefore more expensive to own and operate. Lexus-like reliability is good, but I'm not prepared to sacrifice things like responsiveness and road feel to achieve it. I am, however, willing to sacrifice electronic gadgets not related to safety, like XM radio or a navigation system.

Not that Mr Reuss or Mr Lutz need any defense. Well maybe since they haven't felt compelled to respond.

But I wanted to comment on Mr. Nunez comments. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but the Charger, come on man. Granted the Malibu is nothing to sneaze at but the Charger is not good. The SRT-8 makes it more attractive but it is not a good looking car. Now the SRT-8 300 is gonna be a problem for the CTS-V sales. I also disagree with your view on the Jeep Cherokee SRT-8 as well. The Trailblazer SS is much better looking, I just hope it performs better. I do think Ford and Chrysler are coming in with better designs. I hope this changes for GM, maybe they can use some of the world class Saab designers.

With all due respect, not all of us who are starving for a RWD performance vehicle are on a GM Executive budget, therefore, we can't all get the SSRs, Vettes and GTOs on the blink of an eye, not to mention that these vehicles don't meet everybody's tastes and needs. What are you waiting for? I have read at least 80 entries in here begging for a Camaro, RWD, and here's the magic word, AMERICAN DESIGNED, perhaps most important, AFFORDABLE.

Today's generation has no idea what the sound of a V8 engine with muscle and the desire to burn it up feels like. Since the '60s you were able to put an affordable vehicle, with the power that says, American Muscle. Ford is kicking your rear ends in this concept. They made their Stang retro, appealing, b**llsy, gutsy and affordable. Bring on the Camaro, forget the Firebird, and let's put the idea of American muscle car heritage, tradition and life in our youth's minds again.

For crying out loud, you have all the necessary means and resources, and the hunger of the consumer begging for it. SUVs and minivans are good, and the baby boomers like it. But you have too many baby boomers making decisions in there and that's why you're focusing all your product towards them. These baby boomers will all be buying Buicks and Mercurys soon. Focus on the entire market, not just on one group.

Bring back the pride that had GM booming with muscle, performance and quality, you're capable and available, you just have to be willing. Again, we're not all on a GM salary, so not all of us can get CTS-Vs, XLRs, Vettes, GTOs and SSRs. The American average Joe made you the company you are today, don't forget that, it's time to thank them with the product they await.

How about using Hollywood to promote your product a bit more, instead of the Oprah Winfrey show. How much did Pontiac/GM loose on that gimmick? The promotion was a good one. But attempt a survey of faithful Oprah viewers and ask, how many purchased a G6 based on that show? The Fast and the Furious film, as well as the sequel, glorified the imports, VW, Nissan, Subaru and specifically Toyota and Honda, received a giant boost based on that movie.

GM seems to only be caring about Cadillac lately, GMC has it's trucks, but not everyone needs a roof expanding Envoy XUV, and nothing exciting has happened since the Denali series. Chevrolet, well, focusing so much on the trucks and SUVs. The Avalanche, which is too expensive for its purpose, was the latest "inNOvation" offering on the truck segment. Yes, the SSR and new Z06 you say. Well, as long as you make Bob Lutz or Donald Trump money, is great. The Aveo, a bowtie wearing Daewoo. The Cobalt...zzzZZ, zzzZZZ, zzzZZZZ.... New is the Colorado and Canyon, which the latest customer inquiries show that the trucks aren't selling greatly, the inline 5 cylinder has not fooled anyone, and that front Silverado look is plain ugly, on the Silverado and the Colo/Canyon trucks.

The H2 and H3 you say, again, Donald Trump and Bill Gates can spare the change, and really, don't have use for an SUV that big in flat Florida.

But wait, what about the rebirth of the the muscle car, the high performance machine, the GTO. You have insulted the look, feel, sound and the ONLY IN AMREICA made GTO by slapping its name and glory to an Australian sedan. Yes, the GTO is a great car, but it's as American as Arnold Schwarznegger. Then you have the "quite possible the most versatile vehicle in the planet." Perhaps, but versatility apparantly had a requirement for uglyness, unappealing, ugliness and let's not forget, the most horrendous looking car since the Pacer/Gremlin.

Bottom line guys, you need to appeal to the masses if you want to make it. Honda, Toyota, Subaru, VW, BMW and the rest, even Ford and DCrhysler have done this. Why hasn't such a giant as GM done the same. WAKE UP GIANT, WAKE UP AND LISTEN TO YOUR PEOPLE, THEY ARE BEGGING YOU FOR SOMETHING TO CHEW ON HERE. BUILD US A CAMARO, a real one, not a Daewoo with the name, make it in the US, design it in the US and give it some US muscle. Stop being nice, make a mean performance V8, RWD, 2 Door, Retro Car.

*Sasquatch*

A lot of the comments so far have been about the aura of a particular brand, e.g. "A Pontiac should be X". But are customers really as aware of the manufacturer as they are of the model?

I used to have an Acura Integra. When people asked what I drove, all I had to say was "an Integra" and people knew what it was.

People that drive Mustangs drive Mustangs, not Fords. Do you think Corvette owners answer that question with "A Chevy"? No way!!

And are people as brand loyal as we think, or do they just want a great car? I owned a Subaru SVX because it was a brilliantly engineered car, not because it was a Subaru. I drive a BMW 3-series not because it's a BMW but because it was flat-out the best car in its class and anything else would have been a compromise.

Similarly, I'd consider a Corvette despite it being a Chevy, or a Sky despite it being a Saturn, or a GTO despite it being a Pontiac.

At the end of the day, it's the product. Make all great products and you end up with a great brand. Don't try to make a brand just by trying to fit rebadged products into it.

Maybe you should be thinking about how to get people loyal to General Motors, not to any one particular GM "brand"...

Bring back the Cutlass Supreme in Chevy or Buick form, the Grand National, the Hurst. Do something for us.

Sasquatch

I just looked at the pictures of the new Malibu SS. I'm not really a performance shopper, but I had to check it out because I was impressed with how much the restyled front end improved the looks of the Malibu.

Seriously, this should be the front end styling for all 2006 models. The current design is UGLY!!!! Maybe something a little more tame with a smaller grill, but the SS design really brings it together.

Is anyone listening? I hope so.

Once you make this change, you can go to work on that hideous dash design....

I would still like to have a question answered, preferably by the erudite Mr. Lutz.

If Ford and Dodge can see the need to build Perfomance trucks, why can't GM?

The SSR is pretty, but unatainable to most people.

The TB/SS is heavy and well, not really a performance truck. The bloated Chevy SS even with AWD and a 6.0 litre is too much truck and not enough motor.

Trucks are hot right now. You can bet that the guy with the Hemi Cuda prolly has a new dodge pickup or Durango as a daily driver.

Can you not find some engineers that have "improved" the Colorado?
Give one to John Moss.

Let him build it with AWD and a turbo, or twin turbos.

Sell it for a reasonable price and just try to keep up with the demand.

I fail to see how you cannot decipher what the public wants.

I own and drive a 2005 CTS-V. It is without a doubt the finest and "most fun" car I have ever driven. You guys are "on a roll".....keep it up.

Mr. Reuss:

I think what GM needs to do is to go back to the basics and first build best in class high VOLUME vehicles that will sell without huge rebates to customers who would otherwise buy a Toyota or Honda.

High performance vehicles are costly niche products that GM can't afford right now, imho.

The Cadillac XRL-V looks great. I love the simplicity, yet adirn the great performance under the hood.

Mr. Reuss,

The XLR-V is an awesome car. It's good to see Cadillac line is improving so. You supply me with about a $15K rebate and I'll buy one right now.

You also talk about the Saturn ION RedLine, Pontiac Bonneville GXP, Chevy SSR and the Cobalt SS Supercharged. Do you notice that the true RWD sport cars of old aren't in the line-up? Hmm, this sure can't be said of your competitors! GM already missed the first BIG boat and unless you guys get busy to get us some '07 RWD performance cars I'm afraid those who don't want to spend over $40K are heading to another brand.

As person who prefers cars that are both fun and practical, the Malibu Maxx SS seems right up my alley. Before purchasing my current car (Lexus IS300 SportCross), I drove the Maxx; it's a huge step up from the previous generation, but gets zero stars for fun-to-drive. Below is my take on how the SS addresses (or doesn't) the Malibu's shortfall as a "driver's" car.

The 3900 V6 is a little underwhelming, but serviceable. GM makes the best pushrod engines in the world, but 240 hp is not enough for a large/midsize "performance" car.

Rear- or all-wheel drive is obviously preferred for an SS vehicle, but FWD is acceptable to many people. Front-wheel drive "can" be fun if done right - Mazda6, Integra, Mini, GTI.

Offering only a 4-speed auto is a bit silly. A manual trans should be optional, but at least throw in a 5- or 6-speed "automanual." They're not as good as the real thing (a stick), but still offer a useful amount of additional driver control.

Love the newest minivan offerings -- but why no eight seat option? You will force me out of GM, and I've been a GM owner (two vehicles) for the last seven years.

7 Easy Ways to Revive GM

1. Camaro SS LS7
2. Chevelle SS LS7
3. Firebird T/A LS7
4. Colorado SS LS2
5. Cadillac BLS
7. Cobalt SS Sedan

It's that simple Lutz, this isnt rocket science. Just give the people what they want.

"The Cutlass Supreme and Buick Regal were..."

You said it, John. I've owned GM all my life. Most recently, I traded my Cutlass for a Regal because the plastic trunk piece kept falling off - before that a piece of junk Century with the miserable Tech4 engine. Yet, it looked like things were getting better but now this.

I'll be darned if I'm buying a "La whatever" or anything else French.
Nearly every Pontiac LOOKS like various inflations of the same car with that stupid fly-eye grill. Neither have I ever been thrilled with the potty pink instrument panel lights. *phoo*

I'm mid 50s and GM has nothing for me unless decide that I can afford payments, tax, title, license and gas for a Caddy or a Corvette... not likely.

Mr Lutz,

I hope you are taking the company the correct direction. It is still hard to see what the vision is from our perspective in the market. I am 38, drive a Saab 9 3, my brother inlaw is a GMAC employee, so I get GMS pricing. We also have a Titan, and a Suburban.

I gotta tell you I hope you will save Buick, it seems like you guys are back tracking on a strong turnaround. I am telling you I would absolutely consider a modern, RWD powerful Buick. It would need a great grille, rounded lines and chrome. However, I would never buy a Pontiac. I think that is the last car I would consider, there is a lot of baggage with regards to image and past vehicles.

I suggest that you guys get your Union workers to accept reality, before they end up like airline employees are now. That will be hard to do, it seems like Unions do not do a lot of thinking, they tend to run companies into the ground. But if you can straiten them out, then focus on Chevrolet, Cadillac, Hummer, GMC, Buick, Saab, Holden, and Opel. Write off Pontiac if you must kill one. We Americans want to be proud of our companies, and we do not like to watch GM getting killed from the inside and the outside. The unions are doing more damage than the competition.

GOOD LUCK !

Mike

This reply isn't about the performance division of GM (although glad to hear). Yesterday I went to the NY Auto Show with a few of my friends. The two goals I had was to sit inside a Solstice and a G6 Coupe, get a feel for them, and be ready to make a purchase in the summer/fall. I want to see Pontiac do well, and those are two cars I am interested in. But when I get to the show, both cars are roped off! And in Cadillac, the STS-V is roped off from getting in. When I went to BMW and Mercedes, I can get in almost every car, including the CLS AMG (a $90k+ car). I know that the Solstice and G6 Coupe arent production cars, but if want 'Show on Sunday, sell on Monday', don't close of the displays! The G6 Coupe display was so bad, it was against a wall and I couldnt even walk around it.

One more thought. I think there is still a perception issue among the public regarding quality. Mr. Lutz, I suggest pulling an 'Iaccocca' and explore the opportunity of bringing back teh 5/50 warranty.

From the owner of a plastic ground effect laden ugly Saturn with a ... spoiler - Thanks Mr. Reuss. I really like it.

Fortunately I don't feel the need to "impress" anyone but myself with my purchase. I usually console myself with the money left after my car payment.

If it wasn't for that giant spoiler, there would never be anything in my rearview mirror. Either you get it or you don't. I got it the first drive. It reminds me of a literbike. Good low end, amazing high end - absolutely magic powerband.

I don't know what to tell you about market share but you guys did alright by me. I'm as enthusiastic about this car as any 'Vette owner.

Here is what I'd like to see the general do for me to be comfortable with "performance is back!"

Chevy: Short box, regular cab, current SS suspension (a little lower though), a 6 speed, big V8 with forced induction. In other words rebadge the Joe Gibbs Siverado as your own and call it SS. A new afordable sports car that is less than 25K (Camaro) with 6 speeds and a V8.

Pontiac: Solstice is great, maybe offer a supercharged one for true performance. A new GTO with throwback design that excites everyone. Keep it a 2+2 though. With a new Camaro or TA you can keep selling the GTO for over 25K. A good step up from a Chevy, with a little more room.

Buick: Luxury performance! THe next step up form a GTO. The new roadster coming out will be perfect for that. If you want luxury and performance with out Caddy prices, then buy a Buick, no compromises.

Saturn: The new sky is great. Keep the Saturn line affordable, since everyone assosciates Saturn with economy. Use it for entry level performance. Us 20 somethings want some speed too!

Cadillac: Keep it up! Use the Caddy line for performance luxury sedans(CTS,STS, DTS) and techno. filled roadsters(XLR) and coupes (?). Use this line to compete with the Europeans like you are doing.

GM needs to come out with a new Camaro and an exciting GTO. These two names alone, with great designs, will generate talk about the division and will get people into the showrooms. GM also needs to distinguish each brand as its own level of luxury and performace. You pay for what you get kind of deal. You want an entry level car with decent performace, you buy a Saturn, you could step up into a Chevy Camaro if you want a little more.

IF you want more car than a Chevy, then you buy a GTO with more room, maybe a bigger V8. If you want more luxury performance then you buy a Buick. If you want the "creme de la creme," then you buy the Cadillacs. The only overlapping I feel you had to do was Buick and Olds, but with Olds out of the picture now, I feel that product overlapping is not necessary. You have so many engines and drive trains available that you can "step" your performance cars. People will be still be able to get wht they want.

I suggest GM disband the high performance division. Instead, start a new division to build vehicles that can perform in the marketplace and win back market share from the Japanese.

To help division staff members be close to reality, this new division should be located in California, and headed up by a manager recruited from Toyota or Honda.

Wow, this blog is a great idea, and the feedback we are receiving from the GM executive staff is fantabulous!

It is too bad that you allow so many people to anonymously log on and screw it up, though. In just this thread alone, people have trashed the UAW, forseen the doom of GM, tried to justify their foreign car purchases, and gone off on rants about minivans (which have absolutely nothing to do with performance).

Come on people, let's get back on task!

The UAW isn't going anywhere (the right to form a union is constitutionally guaranteed), GM is not going into bankrupcy, foreign cars ARE bad for the economy (regardless of resale value), and d**n it, if you can't make a minivan for me and my 8 passengers, I'LL LEAVE GM!

And, might I remind everyone, FORD has had a good amount of performance car failures too! Remember the new Thunderbrd? Yeah, the one that started out at $35000.00? And was built in CANADA, adding insult to injury - no true T-Bird enthusiast wants a car made in another country (duh)...

So, Ford has hit the nail on the head with the Mustang. I agree, I have driven one and it is very nice.

A new Camaro would do the trick, as long as it is designed, engineered, and built to the needs of today. Start with a 305 or 350ci V8 with cylinder deactivation for enhanced fuel economy (like the Hemi). Offer the car in an RWD or AWD drivetrain so that it appeals to folks in all climates. Offer a 6 sped manual tranny as standard. And for God's sake, build the car affordably in the USA! I don't anticipate many buyers for a Silao, Mexico built Camaro (think Australian GTO, complete with a Dingo).

I know that the product development cycle is long, and a company can't just throw a car on the street in a matter of days.

Bob and Co., all of those folks who salivated over Camaros and Mustangs in elementary and high school are now making the money to buy a new car. All of those folks who used to hang out in the parking lots with their Z28 hoods open yapping about upgrades are there now, ready to look at some new hardware to relive their youth. The kids that clamored to save every dime for a used Firebird (even if it was a v6) are working adults now. They are ready and willing buyers of an affordable performance sedan, and they are starting to call Ford.

Will you answer the call?

CAMARO!!!!!!...........Nuff said

Hey Mark, I hate to add to the broken record feel of this board... but I really want these questions answered.

#1 In 2006 Mazda supposedly will release a Mazda6 with a 4 cylinder turbo, six speed manual, and AWD. Does GM have product prepaired to compeat with this tuner threat?

#2 With Ford, and Chryslers's sucesses with RWD drive automobiles, why has GM not better rearmed itself to challange these throwbacks?

#3 With the rise of gas prices due to a loss of slack in oil productionity, why is GM gearing up to produce more SUVs? Does George Bush's opening oil reserves in Alaska have a direct effect.

#4 Is there any plans to use advanced materials to lighten and strengthen GM automoblies in effect?

#5 If there is no such program, can I start one for GM?

Ok Mark, hope you have some fun with those questions. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone anything if your worryed about answering anything.

Your truely, Izzy

GM has too many cars in their product menu. Eliminate Pontiac, Holden, Buick. Focus on reviving the Camaro as a Camaro ( in other words not another "Holden something or other" ) What in the h**l were you guys were thinking? I'd love to see a revived GTO but GM pretty much killed that car. It's time to get back to basics: Solid trucks/SUVs, exciting affordable cars.

Mark,
I am impressed by GM's efforts in performance. I'm a big fan of the ALMS Corvette team, and the Cadillac sedan team.

If you could, I think it would be good to address reports in the auto magizines that you offer a better version of certain cars in Europe than here. It makes me feel that GM thinks of American Customers as dummies who wouldn't appreciate a sophisticated car.

These assertions aren't your fault, but I think hurt your image here and, as I said, each instance should be addressed to limit or elimminate the damage( or turn it into a positive!)

Joe

The XLR-V is gorgeous. GM needs more car like them. Cars that people lust after. Not cars we rent from car rental companies.

Bring back Camaro...you can't compete when you don't even have the product to compete.

Please no more V8 FWD Pontiac with front tires wider than the rear tires. It just look silly. Then again, it is coming from Pontiac. Why should I expect anything but silliness?

You need some kick a** cars like the XLR-V to bring people in your show room and some solid midsize sedan to improve your cash flow to keep the ball rolling. Giving hugh incentives is just not the long term solution. It does more harm than good to GM.

Make cars and trucks that everyone in their corresponding price range would lust after. Your cars should sell themselves, not the incentives.

Sell the GTO in Canada please...we need something fast and affordable here too...GM needs to compete with G35s, 350z, and mustangs in all NA markets...Or deliver us a kicka** camaro soon.

Why GM Performance won't work...

Plain and simple, you're not racing. Or at least, you're not racing properly.

Take the money in the GTO drift car and/or the CTS racer, and spread it around as contingncy money for grassroots racers. Look at Mazda's success with the miata, and how that car's character has been spread to the whole brand.

The only way SS/V-series/GXP cars will become credible is by winning autocrosses/lapping days/amature road races/drag races. As was posted earlier, big wheels and wings do not a performance car make.

The money spent on the pro road-race efforts would be better spent as contingency money to compel amatures to build GM-based race cars, and to help them actually win. A Solstice or Cobalt with FTD, or a win at the Friday Night Drags will sell more cars than a CTS winning its class in Touring.

Finally, and this is very much the wrong forum for this, but please, PLEASE ignore the calls for rehashed cars from GM's glory years. Lately GM has been trying to move ahead "while not alienating current customers." Unfortunately, "current customers" are already alienated. They've been driving Toyotas and Bimmers for 10 years. Throw the rule book out, and make excellent cars. Not good cars that "reach forward while still speaking the language a current customer can understand."

Mr. Reuss:

While it may be very glamorous to spend precious resources on these low volume, high performance cars and trucks for the rich GM faithful, the competition keeps eating into GM market share with gotta have products that Joe Sixpack ends up buying.

Where are the priorities and sense of urgency at GM?

It's very clear that GM knows its customers. The marketing folks know exactly what people want. The engineers know how to make cars. The union folks know how to build them. The dealer network knows how to sell them. Each one of these entities, by itself, is worthy of the term, "world class."
So, what's the problem?

Management's ability to put them all together.

Case in point:
GTO. GM identified the need for a V8 RWD car (as do the participants on this site!). They found a brilliant technical solution in Australia. They put all the pieces together, and it looked good. Proven design, great engine, existing factory. On paper, everything about the GTO rang of success. So...what happened? Who failed?

Take a look at the Mustang. Ford designed it from the ground-up with a specific purpose. Their mindset was different. Their approach was different. They started with the customer, not the freakin' factory! GM got so caught up with manufacturing efficiency and cost maximization and other fancy ten-dollar-words, that nobody noticed it was SO BORING to look at! Amazing display of group-think.

This current crisis is fascinating to watch, I'll admit that. Can they fix it? Well, that desire has to come from the top. The VERY TOP. I mean VERY VERY TOP.

Until the Board sees a crisis, a real genuine crisis with a capital "C" (sorry, but 10-year lows and impending junk bonds are not enough), nothing will change. This bickering with UAW and stuff are just distractions. They have to fix the real problem: The GM Management Culture. Until then, brace yourself for another round of nice-on-paper-but-ultimately-unsatisfying cars like the GTO, G6, and Lacrosse.

Oh, yeah, and kudos for producing a nice "halo" car at Cadillac. Yawn. Did you know that the new Toyota Avalon goes 0-60 in less than 7 seconds!!! And it starts a $26K. Now, that's cool!!!!

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see any comments here from GM's management. I assume they are reading the posts, but it is a bit like talking to a wall. I thought the intention of the site was to serve as a dialogue between the company and its customers. That would truly be a refreshing approach.

The Malibu MaxxSS sounds like a nice enhancement, especially with the variable valve timing engine!

But please make those huge wheels/thin tires and the spoiler as options? Aside from drivability/durability issues, that stuff screams "Steal Me Now!" to any passerby. I'd like to keep my SS in one piece, thank you!

Bob,
You might want to read the book Hubbard's Peak written right before the oil explosion in 2003. Since GM management has backed itself into a corner in the US market with little product in the fuel efficient segments, and GM is pulling engineers and designers into projects to roll out SUV and Pickup replacements, there is a chance you'll be a day late and a dollar short just like in the early 70s. I am a student of history and one thing is a certainty. History repeats itself. That is especially true with short sighted American management.

Is there anyone at GM in strategic planning/product development who has looked at the potential of oil significantly backing up in price and what your business plan would be in that situation? Surely something more than Tahoes and three quarter ton Silverados. If not, now might be the time as there are some people who appear to be in the know that say $100 oil in the next five years isn't out of the question. A very good rationale based on history that is too long to explain here. And since the "herd" seems to think oil is doomed for a hard fall, it's even more likely to be a true possibility as the herd of lemmings is nearly always wrong.

Moving your resources to speed up new pickups may end up creating the self fulfilling prophecy of declining sales if there is no strategy to deal with efficiency AND other product is put on hold. I'm not talking about 3000 hybrid pickups.

Once again, is GM management showing its true incompetence while Toyota, Honda and Nissan have proven an ability to make a significant profit selling small cars? In my recent trip to Japan, I was amazed at the amount of small cars that are ready for import to the US in the event of such a scenario. In fact, as you know, the Scion's are simply Japanese vehicles made under the Daihatsu brand sent to the US.

Maybe you should hire me because your team doesn't appear to know which way is up.

I'm still looking for a GM car that seats 4 where the top comes off. Looking at rap videos lately? The hottest cars with the kids are 62-66 Impala convertibles. Do you even make anything like that anymore?

Dear Bob / Mark,

I know it sounds very impressive when you say you have set these wonderful records of 180 mph. Please get real and tell me that is as fast as it got. I mean, about 20 years ago, you gave Reeves Callaway one of your Corvettes and he managed to make a stock car do 254 mph and to this day you cannot actually produce a car that is anywhere close to that in performance. Why????

Do not tell me the technology is not there. All you need to do is look at the Sledgehammer and incorporate some of its tricks.

So Mr. Reuss, you think you have the best job at General Motors.

Let's see now. GM is bleeding $$$ and market share, because their high volume cars don't sell without mega rebates. So what does GM pay you to do? Develop expensive, low volume cars and race them! Doesn't matter if not too many people buy them.

Now who wouldn't want that fun job?

I think we'd get more mileage out of a price decrease rather than a horse power makeover.

Every "gotta have" car we manage to produce is at a "gotta pass" price!

Mark,

Keep building the great performance additions like SS, V-series, and GXP, they are great. The Vette is wonderful. Winning races is important to some, while curb appeal is the key factor to others. The GTO needs to have more of the look of a modern classic with a modern headlight, not the jelly bean look of the current one. The GTO is a nice car, but it doesn't remind anyone of a GTO, and I haven't seen any of them them in Florida yet.

One overarching style issue with y-generation is they like things that are small. They like sleek, slender, and stubby looks.

I think you should offer a Cobalt tail fin add on for the coupe that is very sporty, high, and competes what were others out there to generate popularity with the high schoolers.

Also make the Cobalt easily adaptable to add-ons like Turbos, mention it, the kids love the stuff, even if they all won't add one themselves. It generates the kind of buzz and talk that GM needs with the y-generation, it shows your thinking of 'them'. If they "hear" about it, the car gets popular.

Make sure there is a nice cloth and leather seat option, no wild seat prints please.

GM should be working on a small V-8 performance engine that would be used in future flag ship cars. I'm thinking of a small V-8, like a 3.5 litre V-8, or a 4.0. I'd really like to see GM do a 3.5 litre V-8 to grab attention of car enthusiasts.

A 3.5 litre 32 valve V-8 option would be the perfect way to energize enthusiasm for Pontiac, Buick, (and Olds) enthusiasts. It could get good gas mileage, and at the same time provide flag ship buyers with something other than the V-6.

A small V-8 would be great for several models, but I'm thinking of a new Pontiac Lemans sedan/coupe playing on the 66-67 Lemans style that would wow the attention of Pontiac/Buick/Oldsmobile customers who love small V-8's and would let GM beat the socks off the Nissan's Maxima in sales. Also, it would be the perfect way to reintroduce the 4 seat convertable option. But when you do this don't tell everybody until it's almost ready, then they won't COPY you. The horsepower could be anywhere from 265 hp, as long as it stayed just a little ahead of the Nissan Maxima's V-6, I'd be happy.

GM could use as a way to re-energize the quality and style campaign and offer something special that no one else has. It doesn't have to have all the expensive computer chips either, just engine, suspension, car, seats, and wheels. And can you please hurry it up, what's taking so long.

Plus, a small V-8 around 3.5L - 4.0L with good fuel economy, would allow GM a unique to lure customers, a way besides the high end campaign for 400 hp, 500hp, and so on.

Small V-8's are just cool. The 1980's Olds Cutlass sold like 400,000 units per year, and the x-gen knew it offered the small V-8. It would be the perfect way for to tease the y-gen with something uniquely American. Small V-8's have an image. GM forgot the image, they made some jelly bean to replace the Cutlass, and chased enthusiasts away to other brands. Enthusiasts love GM V-8's.

Loved the 3800 series, but am a little worn out on it, and are looking for something with more appeal. There are plenty of customers on the sidelines who don't really want a V-6, but can't quite afford the STS, and just settle for whatever. Small V-8 with good gas mileage and a little more HP would be the right move to lure Nissan Customers away.

Dear Mark,

I hope that you guys read these comments as constructive criticism and not GM bashing. I think the majority of the people that are commenting really do want GM to succeed. Being a Delphi employee, I REALLY want you guys to do well, because your bottom line = our bottom line.

That said, let me put my $.02 in.

IMHO, I believe that the reason the G6 is not selling as well as it could is because all variations of the car were not released together. (and it seems like this happens with alot of other programs as well)

Some people will go to the showroom to see the sedan, and then fall in love with the convertible. (more $$$ for you) Some will see an ad for the convertible and want to see it, but then decide that the coupe is more affordable. (A sale is made instead of just foot traffic)
But when all the models are not released together you will lose potential sales.

Same thing happened with the Cobalt. People see an advertisement for the coupe and then go to the dealer, only to find out that it will be a month or more before they will have them. Lost sales.....

As this is a discussion about performance vehicles, The same thing holds true. I may go in looking at the beautiful STS, and when I see the STS-V, I can't resist it!!

But if it isn't there for me to see, I may settle for the plain STS or just browse.

I know that the launch of different body styles at the same time is tough to pull together, but I feel it killing sales of the G6 right now.

Not everyone buying a car is going to know that this or that version of the car is coming out in X number of months. Put it all out there together and give people what they came for and more!!

Ok, here's your rundown.

GM has put a car together and thrown it out on the street in a short period of time, I think they call it the SSR. Of course, they priced it right for any GM Executive Salary, not for Joe Sixpack as mentioned above.

Aveo - Daewoo
Equinox - Toyota
Vibe - Toyota
Malubu/Maxx - Saturn

It may have worked for these models to throw a GM badge on a japanese or korean product. Ok, great. But how do you have the face, guts and cojones to name an Australian car, which is a nice car, but how dare you name it a GTO. Every guy and gal who has a classic GTO in their garage pukes at the thought, everytime. It's isnultive to American heritage, to the Pontiac heritage, which has been flushed down the commode several times before, I mean, look at the Fiero and the Aztek, what where you thinking that day? "Quite possibly the world's most versatile vehicle?" Maybe so, but is the person who desiged that horrendous boxy looking couffin still employed, or are they now designing HotWheels for Mattel? My goodness, get that thing off the market already. Ugh!

You have over 100 people in this blog, and others, begging you for a Camaro. You get rid of the Camaro, rid of Oldsmobile with it's great performance and racing heritage, and give us the Aztek? I'm sorry, but a 5 year old would've made the right choice here.

Here's an Idea, bring back a one time Olds 442 Convertible, retros style, 4wd, you will see the masses flock for a car like that. Oh, you can't, Olds no longer exists, ok then, we'll take the Camaro, or a 1996 Replica of the Impala, now that was a car.

Think about it fellas, not everyone makes ZO6/GTO/SSR/H2 money. Oh, right, the H2 is an SUV.

Cadillac is awesome, lay off it for a few minutes now, revive Chevy and Pontiac, well, you have already made a mockery of it w/ the Aztek and GTO, you should let it rest in pieces now, like you did Olds.

Mo

Why are the SS models the only ones tested in Germany? Why do they get upgraded suspensions?

Gee, here's an idea for you:
Put those suspension upgrades in ALL your vehicles. Not just the marked-up halo models.

Imagine that! Suddenly the entire line at GM would be labelled "fun to drive".

Sheesh. The solutions to your problems are so simple. Make the performance models the standard models, and sell them at standard prices. Then you'd have a business!

I bet that if you ran the numbers for the above scenario, they would still be better than today's incentive mess, with substandard cars at heavy discounts. Interesting idea, eh?

Dear GM execs, Bob:

You have stained and damaged the SS badge. SS used to mean performance, quality and muscle. Now it means oversized hooptie wheels, spoilers and ground effects, oh yeah, and black interior. It was so much more. SS got respect, not just looks. Down at the drive in diner lot, SS got attention, they were something special. Not just a plastic wearing same old palin model.

GTO, you have us American Muscle Car Enthusiast insulted, and crying, becuase of our American Perfomance Heritage has been slapped on the face by an import, and the import has been given the priviledge of wearting the GOAT badge. How sad and shameful.

Performance... Do you know what performance is? Z28, Stingray, 442, G T O (old school), Hurst Supreme, SS (old school). Give us a car, not a computer on wheels. Bring back the family jewels and tradition, give us a car without all the fancy smanzie gadjets. Do you see any 68 Camaros with traction control, any Stingrays with OnStar or Stabilitrak. Those are great, but you know what? They're not necessary. The soul of the car is under the hood, and it's all metal, not computer chips, CD/DVD players and satellite systems, thos belong in homes, government military buildings and NASA space ships, not on out muscle cars.

GET WITH THE PROGRAM GM!! Ford has, Chrysler has, remember Volkswagen in the '60s, you know, the joke of the industry. THEY GOT WITH THE PROGRAM. GIVE ME MUSCLE, GIVE RWD IN A MUSCLE CAR, GIVE ME AWD IN A FAMILY SEDAN, or GIVE ME VW!!!!!

A loyal GM owner of new GM vehicles for many years, who has been staring a bit too long at Ford and Imports, and the imports are not from Australia.

PS- If I want an Australian car, I'll move to Australia.

THE MUSCLE CAR LIVES...FORD HAS IT.

GM PERFORMANCE IS BACK....AT FORD.

Come on GM, the people have great ideas, and the sports vehicle market is a great one. Don't play with our emotions, give us what we crave, Ford is doing it, and it's a good way to build a new customer base. Take the former GM buyers to Ford with what they seek.

Check it out, numbers don't lie.

Mr. Ruess + GM execs,

Agree with much of the criticisms of the GTO. Its a super nice car by itself, but it doesn't remind people of a GTO.

**The current GTO has too much of the Toyota jelly bean look, differentiate and you will likely see better results. Toyotas have NO style, they are **ugly, people are buying them for other reasons like **media brainwashing. The allure of GM cars has always been that they are gorgeous, alluring. GM has best handling, braking, automakic tranmissions, durability, and quality. It's time to start saying so.

Perhaps the current GTO should have had a different name like Pontiac Tempest until you got the real GTO/Lemans body style ready. When you said GTO people actually got excited and had high expectations. The style needs to be more than acceptable, it needs to be beautiful.

Somewhere in this blog, it was said that GM execs were just benchmarking the competition to be as good as, but on some things you have to knock out the competition to take their business back, after all, some of your competition took your customers with cheap tricks and the media let them get away with it. My concern is that if the current GTO doesn't sell well, GM execs will want to give up on the customers again and think we don't really want GTOs when we do.

There are nice Pontiac concepts of GTOs out there. Those are the ones we want. Appreciate your getting the product to market quicker, but where's the real GTO we want?

Stop running away from your heritage. Embrace it. There are so many possiblities you could do with Oldsmobile, why not the 442? You could have easily kept sales momentum on the Aurora going with special pearl and jewel tone paint options when Lexus had two tone option. Where were the nice jewel tone colors like saphire blue mist which you dropped.

And when you introduced the Intrigue, it didn't have enough horse power to take out the competition, and it needed to look more like the Aurora, only smaller. It was just nice, but the Intrigue should have had bolder looks in the fog lamp area. Then when you downsized the Aurora you let some customers down. The 2001 Aurora was great, but it should have been the Intrigue body style, that was your mistake. What you call it, and how you price it makes a big difference. Remember the Trofeo, again beautiful car, but it should have been a Grand Prix at that time. Olds customers then were looking for the bigger luxury Toronodo, and the Trofeo made a nice car for their sons. The Trofeo customer could have also been a Cadillac CTS customer today. ie the Trofeo could have been a Cadillac to compete with the BMW 325. But again you targeted the wrong customer with your beautiful designs. It's almost as though your marketing department is torturing your engineers for their successes to put it bluntly.

When GM makes great cars, sometimes they sometimes mismarket them, and forget to follow through when building up expectations like with the Aurora, a car everyone loved, but you hardly ever advertised. Many who saw the Aurora liked it but did not know what it was, and some probably thought it was made by your Japanese competition and didn't even know GM had made it. Why didn't you shout Aurora! That customer doesn't go to the Indy Track to hear it won all the races, you have to tell on TV about it.

Bring back the GM enthusiasts and we'll lead the sales for the y-generation, make a small 3.5L VVT V-8 that gets good gas mileage, make great looking cars, and do your names justice, if you use a name like GTO or Aurora make it gorgeous. Then make hot TV ads like Nissan and Cadillac are doing.

On simple stuff, the LaCrosse needs a bigger trunk like the competition, can't you change it fast? Admitt it, fix it, and say the customer was right, and move on.

Stop letting the media run you down on on issues like suspension and handling when you have Stabitrak, the best suspension system in the world. Don't take that from those media geeks who make apologies for BMW/Audi old fashioned springs that bounce passengers through the sun roof.

GM enthusiasts are your front line, we can't be fooled by the media geeks, its the undecided customers they are confusing. Give us the gorgeous cars and we'll have more amunition to take care of the media geeks.

If you let Pontiac target Nissan on performance, but have a GM style, let Buick target Infiniti and Acura, Let Saturn have its own style but target Hyundai and Mitsubishi.

On cars, differentiate, aim for the target, don't run from your heritage, use more savvy and bold lifestyle marketing to break into the market. Make your ads tougher like Cadillac.(Nissan ads are better than their cars).

Don't let the media run you down when you have better technology and superior features like Stabilitrak and the competition has false perceptions created by media geeks.

Cadillacs are superior, that's what I tell people, why don't you tell them that? I'd be happy to tell media and these ratings analysts, they need a new calculator. When your competition has to have media bias as their free advertising, it shows they fear that the customers will see GM as superior. The must fear that if GM had even fair treatment by the press, the foreign competition would be out of business.

And the next time some Wall Street Analyst questions you, just tell them what a great job you are doing of making a profit during a US recession and of competing against, not just foreign companies but their governments on three continents who manipulate currencies, give subsidies, as well as an anti-American press at home, and a US Congress too dumb to enact progressive heath care reform. **Stop letting media analysts dog you with talk of market share, stick to talking volume and sales gains on new product, the population is growing, the outlook for sales volume is strong. That's what I would say, and they wouldn't get past me either.

All of these obstacles, and GM still has the superior products!

Just look at your successes. People know the Northstar is superior, so don't stop saying it. Name all your engines like you did with the Northstar, be confident of them in your ads. Your marketing needs to exert more confidence because your engineers are doing a superior job.

I'm right there with Bill Harper. I'm 20 years old, and in college; now I understand the facts of inflation and increasing production costs, but where are the affordable cars for student salaries?! As Bill said, it just doesn't seem like that is happening in the future works of GM. I like where Cadillac is going, but not everyone who wants great performance can afford a Cadillac, let alone an SUV. Now I love my cd's and new technologies, but to live in the '60s and '70s would have been great for the sole fact that I could purchase a decently performing car for an equally decent amount of money. It would have looked good and would have had modest power to boot. I "miss" those days. I mean where are the "Novas" of today, or the "Camaros" or even the "Chevelles"? A car that had a good body to go with engine technologies. Nothing against the new Pontiacs, but they are all looking the same to me, and, in my opinion, could look less like mom's car, and more like a teen's car. Honestly, what is wrong with the retro look? Ford did it, why can't GM make a car that looks new, but looks like a 1968 Camaro?

Please bring back the look and the affordablility of yesteryear!

Mark,

Are we going to see a Buick Grand National, since you aren't going to have Oldsmobile, don't your customers at least deserve that much?

A Grand National would energize Buick.

Thanks,