The Power of Performance
Chevrolet Trailblazer SS
Mark Reuss
Executive Director
Performance Division
Not long after I was chosen to lead GM’s new Performance Division three years ago, I showed off a couple of fantastic one-offs here at the annual automotive Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City, Mich., – a late ’90s Pontiac Firebird and Chevy Camaro dramatically reworked to evoke their 1970s racing heritage and production styling. Shortly after, we took them to the Woodward Dream Cruise, where they wowed the crowd.
This year I’m back in Traverse City talking about our Performance Division successes. While this industry has changed a lot in three short years, our passion for creating exciting vehicles hasn’t. More importantly, our customers’ appetite for them keeps increasing, so we’ve ramped up production a bit since I shared those two extreme makeover F-bodies.
Besides the fact that we’re shipping the Pontiac Solstice to dealers this week, I’m thrilled to tell you that our first performance SUV, the Chevy TrailBlazer SS, as well as the Cadillac STS-V (469 hp) and XLR-V (443 hp), recently posted record times at N√ºrburgring – under 8.5 minutes around the track with a GM driver behind the wheel. More than 15 of our Performance Division employees are trained to drive at the famous German racetrack – talk about putting your career in high gear.
The TrailBlazer SS joins eight other Chevy SS production vehicles for ‘06 (including the return of the V-8 to Impala), two from Saturn (Ion and Vue Red Line), three from Cadillac and the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP. Even though many of these vehicles sell at a very competitive price, they all receive significant chassis and powertrain upgrades. We’re not going to put a ‘performance’ badge under the hood of a vehicle unless it performs.
Tuners are going to love the Cobalt SS Supercharged, and its 205-horsepower, race-proven Ecotec is going to give the other players in this market a real run for their money. Enthusiasts can buy a Cobalt SS right off the lot, or they can buy a base coupe and customize it, using our supercharged model as inspiration.
I think you can tell I’m having a lot of fun these days, yet before you think the Performance Division is just GM’s toy department, we are paying our own way to the track: Record runs at N√ºrburgring stir my soul but it’s profit that supercharges our leaders and stockholders. In 2004 the GM Performance Division sold nearly a quarter of a million units at a substantial profit.
Sales are always a great affirmation that we’re doing the right thing. Another will be 20 years from now when I’m standing along Woodward watching the vehicles we’re developing today take their place alongside the rest of the classics. In the meantime, take a test drive and tell me what you think.
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I’m glad you’re having fun… but come out with AWESOME performance vehicles for Pontiac. You know, you’re PERFORMANCE DIVISION. Good job on everything else though
I understand that Nascar is planning on using hybrid technology to increase performance in their racing vehicles. Similarly, the Lexus RX400h incorporates hybrid technology to improve acceleration and performance. How does hybrid technology figure in to GM’s Performance Division’s plans?
Mark-
Congratulations on your success to date. As a performance junkie, I’m very happy to see the increasing variety of “enthusiast oriented” cars available. Unfortunately, the car that I would most like to own is not yet being offered:
4 door sedan big enough for myself (6′4″) and my young children to be comfortable in; rear wheel drive; manual transmission; sports car-like handling; lb/hp
You have a fast SUV?
Fine, what everyone wants is a return of the Camaro and Firebird. Lets talk again when you actually give people what they want, not what you guys think we want.
Who the heck needs a Trailblazer SS?
And, I am visiting Cali right now and all I see are foreign cars.
How about making a compact or midsize 4 dr RWD vehicle built on the chassis used for the Solstice?
A $18,000 Chevy Chevelle 4 dr RWD and a Pontiac Tempest 4 dr RWD.
That would sell like crazy in Cali andd other warm weather spots. There is no reason to suffer with a FWD car in these places.
First performance SUV? What about the Syclone and Typhoon!?
Can any one tell me why, that with all the advances in auto technology that have been made, the industry still will not offer the motoring public,
“LEAN BURN” Technology
Hi Mark,
There is no doubt that todays performance car are far superior to the old muscle cars. They are faster,can actually stop, more reliable, comfortable and can handle a curvy road. But there is something missing when you get behind the wheel. I’ll take my Grand National or Stingray out and enjoy the experience. I don’t get that same feeling behind the wheel of the new GTO. Guess to many people ask my how I like my Grand Prix. It’s nice that Caddy has 400+ engines but those are for the rich kids on the block. And putting SS on everything Chevy has (ie Truck SS)just cheapens the name. Any plans for a Kodiak SS? Solstice is a great looking car and I hope it has the performance to go with it. Four bangers are not my idea of performance. Keep GM performance simple and easy to afford and rear wheel drive. Ford calls it a Mustang.
Hi Mark
We had seen the SSR at the 50th birthday bash for Corvette. I was impressed and excited at the same time as my high school ride was a ‘51 chev pickup.We sold our 50th. anniv. coupe and bought a silver SSR about a month ago. I describe it as a Corvette that you can drive everyday. What a sweet piece the LS2 is. Great job to everyone on this project. You all seem to have the ball rolling in the right direction again, and the new product and ideas that I see coming are truly focused with the performace customer in mind. Is that red Impala SS, that was in the tent at Nashville,next? Anxiously awaiting the future. Bill Doucette
P.S. did I mention how much my wife loves the SSR, I have key fob #2 now.
Hey, how about a few more affordable RWD SS options?
The Solstice GXP should be pretty great, but it sure would be cool to see an Impala or Monte Carlo SS with RWD and a stick shift at the dealership someday soon.
Nurburgring Shmurburgring, I just want something cool that’s made in America by GM that I won’t feel like an idiot for buying. Right now there’s nothing in my price range that meets that description.
Mark,
Seeing that i have been a GM rear wheel drive fan for some time i find it hard to get excited with the product that GM has rite now. Sure the corvette is the best sports car out if u have alot of money. The GTO is great but doesnt compair to the 1993-2002 Trans Am’s for style. And now i am hearing that the F-body cars will not return to the GM line up what is there in the product for rear wheel Bang for the BUCK. From what i can see there is nothing. i find that sad seeing that for years there were cars on the dealer lots to want now all that is there are overpriced Silverado SS, small Cobalt SS and way evpensive CTS-V, STS-V guess i will just have to stick with my Ram Air TA it is fast and paid for
“Who the heck needs a Trailblazer SS?” The same people who “need” the BMW X5 4.8is, the Volkswagen Touareg V10 TDI, the Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG,the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, or the Range Rover Sport,thats who. I’ll bet (hope?) they’ll be able to get into a TB SS for a lot less money too. As for me I certainly don’t a 400hp TB SS, an AWD 240hp V6 sport tunes Equinox SS on the other hand…….
I get tired of hearing all the people asking for the return of the Camaro and Firebird. GM made the decision to kill the cars because demand was no longer there for them and the plant they were built in was dedicated to their production. Keeping the plan running with such low demand would have cost a fortune.
The last 5 years of the Camaro saw production of:
1998 – 54,020
1999 – 42,098
2000 – 45,417
2001 – 29,009
2002 – 41,777
The last 5 years of the Firebird saw production of:
1998 – 32,157
1999 – 36,219
2000 – 31,826
2001 – 21,436
2002 – 30,690
Do I think GM needs to come out with new RWD coupes and sedans in the mid-size segment of the market? Absolutely! Should they be named Camaro or Firebird? Probably not.
GM needs to look to the future and completely reinvent the muscle car. The GTO was a start, but I have to agree with those that want a stripped down mid-size muscle car that is affordable.
Build a RWD muscle car that can be easily customized by the consumer; offer some of those customization accessories yourself; encourage the third-party aftermarket manufacturers to produce products for your vehicle; and you’ve got a winner on your hands.
It’s great to see well-engineered and performance oriented vehicles getting attention at GM again (as well as the new test track built at Milford)!
Now please keep your marketing people from messing those vehicles up with useless trim and bling-bling wheels, the Malibu Maxx SS being a classic example. Your engineers know what to do – just let them do it!
Need I say, go ahead and bring the new F-bodies to NAIAS 2006? Being the owner to a 1994 formula, I’d really enjoy the ability to purchase another Bird, and I really hope you won’t let me down.
I know the you probably didnt want this kind of attention in your post, but I cant help it, whenever GM mentions either of the F-Body… I must say I hope the contract with Canada is almost up regaurding the production of rwd coupes, and Please Make the F-Bodies again.
Sure I’m an enthusiast, but without the F-body I would still be Anti-GM, now I want to work for your company and engeneer something brilliand…
Why let Ford have all the fun? Heck they dont even need to be competative, look the GTO is 34k… ugg
Firebird and Camaro need to return, and we will all shut up. So, “are we there yet?”
“are we there yet?”
“are we there yet?”
“are we there yet?”
I agree with Greg’s post above. Affordability & styling is key to any mid-sized rear wheel drive platform. Performance oriented, 4-door, or otherwise. A guy-gal needs a good excuse why this would make a good family car while filling a desire. For us car guys, give us some engine bay room.
Link: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=102907. I would like to hear others comment on the 08 GTO design.
===========
To Mark Reuss, I hope you take a second look at the 08 GTO that I am seeing illustrations of. I hope this not the direction Pontiac is going. I hope this is just a joke to mess with the competition.
Rene Curry
Regarding Greg’s post listing the Camaro/Firebird sales figures, it appears that both cars saw a significant increase in sales in 2002.
Some of that may have been due to people making a now-or-never purchase, but it also may have been the beginning of the muscle car resurgence.
I also couldn’t help noticing that the sales figures are all higher than the GTO’s sales targets.
Hey GM,
It’s time to get rid of Pontiac, Buick and Saturn.
These 3 divisions have their positive points, but those positive points could be shifted to other parts of GM to make the whole company stronger.
Buick? Luxurywise, that’s Cadillac’s domain. Affordability, that’s Chevy. Rather than having to make false distinctions between Chevy and Buick, just get rid of Buick, and have a few slightly upscale Chevy sedans, or something more affordable in the Cadillac lineup. Buick just doesn’t serve a purpose anymore. For the die-hards, you can badge engineeer something like a GNX version of the new GTO. That way the enthusiasts are satisfied, but not at the expense of maintaining a third-rate division.
Pontiac? GM’s performance division? Really, I’m pretty sure that GM’s top performer, the Corvette, has a Bowtie on it. Lose the Pontiac division and focus on Chevrolet performance, and make a full line of Chevys enthusiasts can get excited about. Again, for the die-hards, you can badge-engineer a GTO/GNX/TransAm every few years to keep them happy but not at the expense of maintaining a whole division.
Saturn? The sales and service are legendary, but the cars, with the exception of the forthcoming Sky, are not. Consolidate this with Chevy.
In short, if Pontiac and Saturn were folded into the Chevy lineup, you’d be better positioned have a solid line of affordable cars that people want sold with good customer service.
Then consolidate Buick with Chevy at the low end, and Cadillac at the high end.
Then, make sure there’s a badge engineered GTO, GNX, or Trans Am derived from the new Chevelle or Camaro every few years to keep the Buick /Pontiac guys happy. Nobody cares about badge engineering when both cars are awesome. It’s only when a company is offering 5 different versions of junk that it bothers people.
That way Chevy and Cadllac have a full lineup of great cars with dealerships offering great customer service, and GM doesn’t have to worry about 20 different models of orphaned minivans and front-drive sedans.
Tom W:
Those are production figures, not sales figures.
Yes, both are above the GTO projected sales and production figures, however the GTO is built in the same plant as a number of Holden models which allows the sustainability of low production numbers for one specific model such as the GTO.
The Camaro and Firebird were built in a plant that built only those models. With the fall in sales, GM couldn’t sustain the production volume necessary to keep the plant open.
Maybe if GM did a little better job marketing thos f-bodies they would have sold at a faster pace.
Speaking about performance (and renewing Buick) how about a new Grand National? I bought my first car a year ago, a 95 Riviera, because it is beautiful AND powerful. A new riviera from buick would rejuvinate the line, and a high performance (aka turbo/intercooled) version would revive the grand national name from the 80’s.
Please Mr. Lutz, make me a new riviera so I can buy it when I graduate university in 2007! Yeah, that’s right, a young guy driving a HOT buick. Build a new riv/GN, and you will have many more!
John – Buick DOES serve a purpose – they are vehicles for people who either can’t afford or don’t want the “flamboyance” of a Cadillac but still want luxury. I agree the brand needs to be trimmed – lose the SUVs and just have sedans, but getting rid of the brand would be a huge mistake. Look what happened when they dropped Oldsmobile – they lost Billions of dollars for it.
I thing the Trailblazer SS is quite silly, especially with the gas prices as they are.
GM needs to make an affordable coupe with lots of performance – maybe it will be a Pontiac Firebird replacement, maybe a Chevy Camaro replacement, but whatever, just make it quick!
Mark,
In honor of your dad, how about dusting off the Grand National nameplate? While your at it, how about a Chevelle, Belair, Nomad and dare I say an affordable mid-engine? Build them, they will come.
The reason the Camaro and Firebird sales dropped off is because they morphed into large unwieldy bloated cartoons.
The new Camaro and Firebird should be based on the look and size of the late 60s cars.
The GTO is not needed. Its the answer to a question that was never asked. Its too expensive
As a performance buyer on the higher end and a current owner of a 00 BMW M5 and a 96 Porsche 911 convertible, it always feels like GM is a “buck short and a day late” when it comes to performance products. Where are the choices? All you have is the Corvette and the CTS V! Neither of which convinces me to trade my current cars in for one of those. I expect power, handling, looks and a great interior. And did I mention they have to have a manual transmission? The only thing I buy with an automatic is an SUV.
Pontiac is supposedly your performance division, yet most of the models including the new Torrent SUV are hollow copies of Chevy products with little to no performance enhancements that truly make them exciting products. We all know that your advertising rings hollow. The Torrent is as much of a performance product as the Equinoux. Not!
IMHO all Pontiac products – drop the minivan – should be available with upgraded engines and suspensions, sexy looks, great interiors and a manual transmission option. Otherwise you should just drop the division.
The product needs to live up to the advertising. And it doesn’t right now and hasn’t for a long time. And quit bragging about the ugly GTO being “sold out”, you’re only selling 18K a year. Big deal!
I just saw the “fairly accurate” rendering of the 2008 GTO published in the new AutoWeek. I also read the disclaimer that the actual vehicle will be “more” than the rendering.
(A small aside – Do the 4 door thing, but put the Grand Prix name on. Don’t make the same mistake the crosstown rival just did. Keep the GTO 2 door.)
In my opinion, if this picture is representative of the styling direction GM is heading in, go for it.
It appears GM has unleashed its stylists and designers and is going to push the design envelope again – hard.
The next few years will be very interesting for car buyers, especially where GM is concerned.
When will the Trailblazer SS pricing be announced??? I’ve been waiting for 8 months to find out…
the problem with gm is not only the cars they are producing but the management of the company. how can the worlds largest car company be owned by anyone other than the stockholders.???
the fact is gm will be purchased by toyota and the unions that own gm today will be out of a jobs. as for me i still have memories of the great cars of the 60’s. if lutz will he should shut the loosing divisions down immediately and try to bring gm back to the glory of the 50’s and 60’s. as for the ssr, i thinks its a great looking vehicle but too pricey.
A Trailblazer SS? That’s about as stupid as the Dodge Daytona Truck I saw with a rear spoiler! It appears that Chrysler and GM are intent on destroying the very names which made them legends in the first place. You’d think GM would have learned that by coughing up a Monaro and calling it a GTO.
I just saw the 2006 Impala on the road andd it doesnt look like an Impala anymore.
I can understand wwanting to clean up the lines but why did you have ro remove everything related to it, including the round taillights?
Th interior is much improved but I think you blanded it down a little too much.
You shiould also put the same front end as is on the SS on the other models. Those lines going acfross the grill on the lesser models is not flattering at all. Same goes for the Cobalt. Use the mesh grill on everything. Nissan doesnt make their lesser cars with an uglier front end grill than their higher models.
Hummer should be the “beast” in each size category it competes in. Instead we have a 400 hp V8 Trailblazer and 220 hp 5 cylinder H3 with the H3 approx 200 lbs higher nvw.
what’s the ol saying…”opinions are like @#$holes..everyone has one.”
gm is in a state of flux right now. they know that they need to fix everything and fix it quickly! stop kicking the general while he’s down and give em some time to recover from past mistakes.
Mark,
A tough crowd huh. I am happy that GM is finally adding better driving dynamics to their cars and trucks. Ihave seen a few SS Cobalts and they look great. I think you really should use some of the Holden platforms and make a nice midsize performance sedan. I follow the Australian V8 series and i love the looks of those Holdens.
The SS Trailblazer might be a waste to some but I like it.
I would get a SRX if they were cheaper but I will have to look at this one. I will add it to my short list.
Subaru B9 Tribeca,
Saab 9-7X
Nissan Pathfinder
Trialblazer SS
One major problem with GM is that it doesn’t offer us any rear wheel drive cars. Cars can’t perform with a fwd setup, at least not in my book. We need the return of the Camaro, Trans Am, Corvair Monza, Caprice, and Chevelle before we can begin talking GM performance. Don’t get too excited over slapping SS badges on fwd cars, because there is no way a car can be a super sport unless if it is rwd. Don’t abuse Chevy’s herritage, revitalize it.
I like the idea that SS models are becoming the powerhouses that they used to be, but seriously. What about the style? We at NAIOA agree, that[the '06 Impala] is very cookie cutter. It’s nice that the V8 is returning, but the general look of the car is turning many of us off. I am personally looking to upgrade from my 2001(which I love dearly), and recently looked at an ‘06 at the dealership. The power is quite alluring, but compared to the styling and comfort of my ‘01, the new SS doesn’t even compare. Just ranting a bit, but we have had many conversations about this on the site, and everyone agrees. It is a powerful yet entirely bland car.
i have to agree, the 06 impala looks well… like crap, i don’t know why but for some reason even the malibu looks wider in the front than the new impala, very disapointed. my next car is a new charger, i cant see myself buying anything from gm anytime soon (all my past cars were gm’s…)
Mark,
I am an administrator for the North American Impala Owners Association (NAIOA – naioa.com) which is exclusive to w-body impalas. We currently have over 500 members and our sister site (newimpala.com) which has over 400 members all have talked about this “SS” deal. Their is currently a SS that is knocking on 11 second quarter mile right on the door with his best being a 12.1 sec quarter mile. What a lot of people want is speed with style.
The 2000-2005 Impala did not look like any other car currently out. The tail lamps looked like the classic impalas and then Chevrolet came out with “corvette inspired” overlay kits for the lights to match the body color. The front did not look like any other car at the time, nor did the side.
With the recent release of the cobalt (which has Honda civic headlights) has the rear end very similar to the 2000-2005 impala and the “corvette.” The new 2006 Impala is very bland all over. Even with the 2000-2005 impala you could compare it to a Malibu styling but everything you could compare it to, you could point something else that was different (slightly different grille, tails different, etc). With the 2006 Impala, it honestly looks like a Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Oversized Chevy Cobalt, and Confused Malibu all in one pot. I currently can not name one person from either NAIOA or NI that likes the styling of the 2006 impala. The only thing that people really “like” about the 2006 impala would be the standard features and the power band, but FWD???
I know it is hard to take over a job that Bob Lutz has done for very many years, but this SS thing is getting out of hand. An extended cab Silverado SS? Why not call it something else besides “SS”. What’s going to be next, an Uplander SS or Aveo SS? I’m not dissing your job one bit, but saying it seems like Chevrolet is throwing SS on every car that they produce now and “destroying” the SS logo/name. You know how good the 2004 Impala LS1 SS would have sold?
I currently know the person that Bob Lutz meet with and was the first person to see the 2004 impala, with Lutz signing his 2000 impala the “First 2000 Impala SS.” I hope that you follow in his footsteps and meet and develop vehicles that people love and buy.
Thanks for all your time.
Ryne
Hey What about Gran Prix Tuners!!!!!!We are a BIG group look at our club. http://www.clubgp.com/ We out tune most car. What about after market parts ?
Get rid of Pontiac get real if it wasn’t for Pontiac the muscle car market would be dead. It would have died with the no testosterone Z28s and UGLY Corvettes. The only reason chevy is so big is they have the polital dirt on the controllers and pencil necked bean counters. The corvette feared the fireo and sunbird.
Why not let the companies really duke it out instead of protecting chevy as you do?
Give what we want, cars that are brand specific. Engines that are brand specific.
If we wanted what you offer today we would buy fords. Heck I may buy, gulp, a mopar because they at least are listening to the buyers NOT TELLING US what we want.
Your people haven’t gotten it right since the 80’s so I figure that Mopar and Ford will out last you since you have to ride the “heart beat into the ground.” Rest in peace.
Unless you get people in the companies that are real people more importantly CAR people. GM Will die, or worse yet you will get swept under the rug. The motto will become GM the company that doesn’t listen at all, or care.
New idea time get some of us people that actually buy the cars and trucks into the design mix from the git go so that you have a better chance of actually getting near the target.
Mr. Reuss: The Trailblazer SS sounds like a great addition to the SS lineup, but how about a Panel Van/Sedan Delivery version of the SSR, and since the SSR is based on the Trailblazer SUV platform it could be done quickly and at low cost. Adding a high roof 50’s style Sedan Delivery body with 5 Passenger capacity would give the SSR a great combination of style and utility. The high roof would make entry/exit to the rear seats easier than current SUV’s without the “minivan” look. Using Extended Cab style doors would retain the side styling and would only need glass in the side doors for driver/passenger visibility. A variation of the Trailblazer EXT rear doors could be made to look acceptable and would retain better body stiffness. Rear doors could be double doors, one piece hatch, or “Dutch Doors” similar to the Astro.
This model could ignite a whole new market segment within the mid-size truck based SUV market. It would offer buyers an extremely good looking, versatile platform to customize to their style. A model starting in the mid $20 thousand range with the 4.2L I-6 would open up the youth market to this vehicle, and could be offered as a 2 seat Panel Van. It would make the ultimate surfer vehicle with a fold down passenger seat, secure cargo area and cool looks. A Panel Van would also be an attractive alternative to companies that need to deliver products and services but want to differentiate themselves.
There could even be a 6 Passenger (all captain chair) or 7 passenger version offered on the existing length body since the higher roof would allow a more upright seating position. An AWD option would also be easy to do and prove popular in cold climates and for West Coast drivers looking for the coolest ride to the ski resort. Adding an IRS would allow a lower stance and floor height and with some Trailblazer SS tuning could be a good handling vehicle.
Some other derivatives could be:
Trailblazer “Cheyenne” Crew Cab from EXT model with 4′-5′ Bed and power rear window from Envoy XUV.
A ‘55-’57 Nomad Wagon version of the SRX with a 5.3L – 7.0L V-8
New El Camino based on Holden ‘Ute (2 Door), Crewman (4 Door), or (Cross-8) 4WD
Solstice based Chevy Monza wagon with a ‘54 Corvette front and Nomad rear (like the concept car)
A 1969 Camaro styled model based on the CTS or Monaro.
Even a ‘55 – ‘57 Bel Air Sedan and Convertible based on the STS or new Monaro Chassis. If the exterior styling and interior room could be duplicated with a modern car chassis it will be a market success. Most people have forgotten how large and comfortable the interiors were in those cars. GM should take advantage of it’s styling heritage, Porsche has made the 911 in roughly the same style since the early 60’s and no one complains about it. GM has something that few other companies have; a long history of making the best looking vehicles on the road. Making a modern interpretation of one of your own classic designs offers customers not only a great looking (and performing vehicle) but is a time machine, making owners of these new products feel young again. There is a very large and lucrative market for these cars – just count the attendance at the Woodward Dream Cruise, and watch what early muscle cars sell for at auctions. Don’t be afraid of alienating the youth market, many of GM’s designs will look great 50 years from now and I have heard many teenagers comment on how they would love to have a vehicle styled like some of the 50’s and 60’s classics. And yes, I would buy any one of these derivatives – it would just take a while to decide which one.
While I do understand that you guys still have to answer to the “higher authorities” at GM, I have a few complaints. First and foremost, putting the SS badge on any mildly warmed up vehicle in the Chevy stable is a joke. Whats next? HHR SS? Aveo SS? I dont know if those where your calls or not, but they are bad ones. Next, the Cobalt SS looks like a 16 year old designed it. Or at least that terrible spoiler. And I know its GMs call in the end, but you guys should push like h**l for a turbo in the Cobalt SS. As a 19 year old who goes to alot of, uh, drag racing events, I can tell you with no doubt those cars would be alot quicker in the hands of most people than one with a supercharger. You need to look past how nice and powerful the car looks on the lot. Its getting smoked in the real world because no one knows how to tune a supercharged 4 cylinder. A turbo version would be an SRT4 killer. Youve got the better chassis and, without all the boy racer body kit, a clean looking car. you just need the motor. Speaking of motor, why not put the NA SS motor in the Cobalt sedan? Quick, cheap family transportation. Dont forget the manual trans. Finally, and I know you here this all time, where the is the Camaro? If Holdens dropping the Monaro, could you just use that chassis along with a less “Cavalier” looking body, maybe something 1969ish? Regardless, GM needs a truly fast, V8, RWD car in the 20 grand price bracket. The GTO is not an affordable car for most people. Let me build a Camaro that wieghs less than 3200lbs, carries at least the 5.3L and a T56, and of course, a 3.23+ posi rearend. I dont want T-tops or a leather interior or a navigation system and plastic chrome trim. Just a car thatll beat the Mustang at its own game, for substatially less money. Tell Bob to go drive a 1969 SS Camaro. Say, the next Camaro SS needs to have this ATTITUDE, this mean-ness. It should ride a little stiff, the clutch should have some feel to it and the motor should feel like its almost to much for the car. It should be massive fun for a car guy. Sorry I got a little long winded.
ok i know you are sick and tired of hearing about bring the muscle cars back, but, look at Ford, today alone i counted 53 mustangs in a 30 minute drive to school (in my 85 camaro) most of the people i have verbally assulted that drive mustangs have told me if chevy would bring back camaro they would set there mustang on fire (even though its only about a year or two old), keep paying on it, then go buy a camaro without even test driving it or trying to negotiate on the price, i mean how many people do you have to listen to b*tch about this, i have been doing body work for about 3 years now and i just about turn every Ford that comes in away cause the way they design stuff to be taken apart makes me want to cry, i would never ever even think about owning anything but chevy, but all the new stuff sucks the big one, and i want a new car so about the only option i have left is to buy all(brand new) parts to build a 68 camaro ss from scrath which will cost probably about $25,000 or less but actually know 3 guys that have already done this, i know trying to get GM to bring back camaro is like beating a dead horse but By God none of us are gonna stop beatin that horse until our shoulders get so worn that our arms regularly become dislocated
Hi Mark, Ive posted this question before: I’ve sent an email to Bob Lutz; I’ve queried my dealer (before buying the Trailblazer SS); I’ve reread the brochure; and logged on to GM Media and called Chevrolet Customer Service, all to no avail. Why can’t someone tell me what is the top speed of the Trailblazer SS? I know we live in a country with immature speed limits and top speed is a dirty word but it is an essential indicator of a vehicle’s performance. I await your answer. Thanks
How does the LS7 I can get from these guys http://www.crateenginedepot.com differ from the production engine?
Yes, do bring back the Buick Grand National. No, do not make it a v8. What made the GN? The Turbo’d v6.
Yes, bring back the camaro and the firebird, But if ya can’t makeum look retro forget um! Just look what Dodge is doing, Yuk! Dodge charger hum! yuk! yuk! yuk!
Make some RWD Buicks with powerful engines and sportier styling. I know there are many others than myself who want such Buicks. Name it WILDCAT, GRAN SPORT, SPORTWAGON, INVICTA, RIVIERA… And make them stylish. I saw that 2 door hardtops will be produced soon by GM and there were even a few prototypes that were 4 door hardtops but I really hope that I’ll see a new Buick 4 door hardtop before I see such a car from another manufacturer. Buick was the first to build 2 and 4 door hardtops in 1949 and 1955. My ultimate dream would be a RWD Wildcat GS 4 door hardtop (or sport sedan – that’s how they were called in the 60’s) with a powerful V8 and an independent frame.
I agree with don getting rid of pontiac is the most idiotic thing ive ever heard the only reason chevy is as big as they are is because like he said the company protects them. I didn’t see chevy making any 500hp rated motors back then but pontiac did and it was called the Ram Air V, then what happened you asked, well chevy felt threated so GM shut the whole operation down and crushed all the remaining Ram Air V laying around and as far as buick is concerned if it wasn’t for Buick there WOULD BE NOT GM because is the company that started gm which eventually purchased chevy so think about the next time you want to get rid of buick. Right now caddy is playing buicks role and buick is playing caddys role. Cadillac gets all the fancy V types while buick doesn’t get anything special I mean since when did cadillac become a performance division wasn’t Buick supposed to be fast with class I dont remember any gran sport caddys back in the day. As far as im concerned if they get rid of buick and pontiac then you can just get of GM and Chevy motor division because anymore thats all this penny crunching division is anyway. The only divisions to get any flair nowadays are the favored caddy and chevy brands while the others get the dog bone and that not right.
BRING BACK THE F BODIES!!!! Don’t follow Ford and Dodge with their retro styling either. Leave the retro’s in the past where they belong. Think up some new ideas for the Trans Am and Camaro instead of relying on past designs those retros are all just passing fads people will eventually get tired of them. Just remember to rely on the two most important things: Keep them light and powerful. You can do it GM! P.S. send the heavy GTO (Manaro) back to the Aussies where it belongs.
Putting guys like this in charge is why gm is in trouble.
I have some suggestions for gm! Heres what the line up of my all time favourite brand needs!
1. Sporty small pickup smaller than colardo, 2.2 l 4 cylinder, stick or auto, regular cab should be dirt cheap. call it the C10. ss should have FACTORY RAM AIR, tuned exhaust, Leather, colour changing dash lights, etc make it interesting for the kids! It will become the new mini truck for the aftermarket! The el comino is going to flop its ugly and car/trucks just dont work!
2. 4 cylinder cadillac, luxery, compact, sedan, rwd. lots of toys , flashy, chrome rims, cheaper price tag than the competition! compete wit 3 series! baby cts
3. Wanna make lots of cash? Fiero type car. Latest LAMBORGHINE STYLING,2 or 4 seater similar to nissans 300zx, removable roof, 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder. CHEAP CHEAP. PULL A CHRYSLER WITH THERE FAKE BENTLEY 300c!!!!! PEOPLE WANT FLASH
Theres lots more but you guys should be able to figure this shit out yourself’s. PUSH PRODUCT GM IS THE BEST! just my 2 cents, but I push your product hard at my used car dealership and if you guys dont get your shit together its going to be all over!