Rumor: G8 = Caprice? - Page 7

Justin · 07-11-2009, 09:51 PM

I wouldn't mind seeing GM make it a bit more upscale of a performance vehicle. The G8 developed a reputation as a 5-series competitor for a fraction of the cost, and I was almost hoping we'd see it go to Buick for that reason. That Park Avenue from China is beautiful. Refined, yet aggressive.

Edit: Having driven one, the INTERIOR was very refined, but the exterior, while very nice, could have done with a more elegant, simplistic design.

tjd24 · 07-11-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chevydude26

why not make it the chevelle

Exactly what I was thinking - take the G8 GXP and turn it into a Chevelle SS.

I drove the G8 GXP and may have bought it had the Camaro been delayed (again)... especially with the Pontiac summer closeout (fire sale) taking $4,000 off before any Supplier/Credit Union discounts.

comiskeybum · 07-11-2009, 10:45 PM

im sorry but calling it the caprice would be horribly gay. impala i can live with. but caprice? the caprice was a piece of crap!!

stovt001 · 07-11-2009, 10:50 PM

I do think keeping the Australian Commodore name would be better. I really like the name Commodore. I also think this could work as a Buick, with Chevy bowing out of the full-size sedan segment. The only concern there is the volume and visibility, the same problems that plagued the G8 as a Pontiac. That is also the same reason why having Buick and GMC makes no sense.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 07-11-2009, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

I do think keeping the Australian Commodore name would be better. I really like the name Commodore. I also think this could work as a Buick, with Chevy bowing out of the full-size sedan segment. The only concern there is the volume and visibility, the same problems that plagued the G8 as a Pontiac. That is also the same reason why having Buick and GMC makes no sense.

Buick makes sense because China loves it...and it's a promising brand in the US now that they can devote proper resources to it. GMC makes sense because it's probably GM's largest money-making brand second only to Chevy...

And fwiw, I don't think Chevy should bow out of ANY segment. They need an entry everywhere because they are now GM's ONLY "affordable" brand. Before, there was Saturn and Pontiac, too...Chevy's just become all that much more important.

Back to the discussion, though...I think the "Commodore", if they keep the name...sounds Buick'y: which would be perfect if Buick gets a clone, too. High Class.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-11-2009, 11:01 PM

Whole laundry list of Caprice photoshops!

stovt001 · 07-11-2009, 11:26 PM

Of course the second design is what had everyone drooling when Pontiac was first axed. That is clearly the design direction they should go. Soooo sexy. Just loose the fake hood scoop. Seriously, keep it clean and classy GM.

Dragon, China loves Buick, so they can keep it there, but here in the U.S. it just won't get the volume and marketing it deserves. Almost no manufacturer has more than 2 brands in the U.S. market. Toyota has 3, and their third, Scion, just isn't doing well. You honestly don't need any more than a mainstream and luxury brand. GMC is profitable, but if they close up those profitable sales will go at least 90% over to Chevy. The vehicles are identical, so I can't imagine GM would lose those sales. Two very profitable, high volume brands is better than 3 weak and 1 strong brand with tons of overlap.

I don't see a huge market for large mainstream sedans. Sure in the luxury market such sedans make good flagships, but in the mainstream market most people just move up to an SUV or CUV if they need (or think they need, more often) more room than a bread-and-butter midsize sedan. I can't help but wonder if that market is so small that Toyota and Ford don't already have it supersaturated with their Avalon and Taurus.

Moving past the G8 but on the same article, Lutz said the CTS-V coupe was really appreciated by the automotive task force, and a CTS-V wagon isn't out of the question. My wife and I love wagons, and in the thread discussing what cars we'd buy if we had $1,000,000, the CTS-V wagon was one of my pics. Oh man, if that happens I'd give so much for that car. A CTS-V wagon and Camaro is pretty much my ideal garage.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 07-12-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

Dragon, China loves Buick, so they can keep it there, but here in the U.S. it just won't get the volume and marketing it deserves.

I have to disagree, there. Now is the BEST time for Buick in recent History. It just got a 50% jump in GM's marketing and development allocation! They went from 8 brands to 4 in less than a year...or they will, rather. For now, I'm confident Buick will no longer be left behind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

You honestly don't need any more than a mainstream and luxury brand. GMC is profitable, but if they close up those profitable sales will go at least 90% over to Chevy. The vehicles are identical, so I can't imagine GM would lose those sales. Two very profitable, high volume brands is better than 3 weak and 1 strong brand with tons of overlap.

Sure, you don't need more than 2...just like you don't need more than 300hp in a Camaro to make it go quick...but that extra little bit doesn't hurt if used properly

. Just becuase Scion is the suck, doesn't mean Buick/GMC has to be. (remember they're tied together like conjoined twins. GMC carries the SUV and trucks while Buick complements with cars and crossovers. Both moderately priced, and both relatively uplevel.) I take Scions problems as further confirmation that Toyota doesn't have a clue how to build an exciting car. OR...that the "ricer" phase has started to wear out in America...both of which are good scenarios (

). If the Buick/GMC chains are managed properly...ie given good vehicles, and proper advertising...they're bound to make sales, and do nothing but good for GM.

Also, I'm unconvinced at this point that GMC sales would spill right into Chevy like you suggest. I've heard both sides...but they thought this was the case with Oldsmobile, too.....and it wasn't. GM lost a vast majority of its oldsmobile customers -- recent studies suggest the same thing may happen if GMC was cut (No doubt a part of the reason it wasn't...besides profitability). The brand has such a loyal following Corvette and Camaro enthusiasts should envy.

You also suggest the only choices are 3 weak and1 strong, or 2 strong...I disagree...only because I don't see the foundation to that argument.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

I don't see a huge market for large mainstream sedans. Sure in the luxury market such sedans make good flagships, but in the mainstream market most people just move up to an SUV or CUV if they need (or think they need, more often) more room than a bread-and-butter midsize sedan. I can't help but wonder if that market is so small that Toyota and Ford don't already have it supersaturated with their Avalon and Taurus.

I wish I had the large car trend data for 2006-2007 in front of me...we could discuss this in better detail. Unfortunately, I can't find it anywhere.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

Moving past the G8 but on the same article, Lutz said the CTS-V coupe was really appreciated by the automotive task force, and a CTS-V wagon isn't out of the question. My wife and I love wagons, and in the thread discussing what cars we'd buy if we had $1,000,000, the CTS-V wagon was one of my pics. Oh man, if that happens I'd give so much for that car. A CTS-V wagon and Camaro is pretty much my ideal garage.

The coupe looks...just Hot. If I weren't enthralled by a couple other cars...that would be in my sights...what a beauty. And if the wagon captures the CTS spirit, too? dang. Just call them all different things and introduce the new Cadillac.

AZCamaroFan · 07-12-2009, 12:35 AM

Does anyone like the Caprice name?

Main · 07-12-2009, 01:01 AM

Some have commented that GM should simply scrap the Impala... you need to rethink this.

The Impala was the 8th best selling car in the US in 2008. YES, many of these sales are fleet sales. I don't think GM is quite ready to part with a car selling SO many units and keeping cash flowing in.

My wife and I own a 2006 Impala LTZ. We have owned 2 Impala's previously.

The '06 is a solid vehicle. Built here in Oshawa at a plant constantly winning quality awards, we have had VERY little problems with it. Actually, aside from a loose power steering hose within the first few weeks, we have had NO issues.

This being said, the car puts me to sleep driving it. Fortunately it is my wife's car, so I drive it only on weekends, and even then we frequently take my car.

The funny thing? While researching other cars, I found this to be the issue with many of the imports. The Accord Coupe was solid, nice looking, and comfortable. Driving it? Meh. I could sleep. Same with the Toyota Venza.

The Impala was due for redesign for 2010, but GM delayed it, since it continues strong in sales, and resources are tight. It was planned at one point to move to the RWD platform, but I think GM needs a FWD car in this segment. The Impala is also a well known car, and aside from being a popular "Fleet" car, I think it has a decent reputation.

We drove a Pontiac G8, and we likely would have bought one to replace the Impala, but our salesman advised against it since Pontiac was going away, and the future of the G8 was at the time unclear. Now that I have ordered my Camaro, we will likely purchase a 2010 Equinox or GMC Terrain to replace the Impala, even with the Chev G8 coming. The main reason here - winter in Ontario. I don't want to have two RWD vehicles, I need SOMETHING I can drive when we head up north or need to get out during a storm!

The other point being missed with the G8? Were sales super strong? As some have mentioned, they were seemingly just starting to pick up. More importantly to me? Many industry critics LOVED this car, comparing it to much higher end competition. This is a VERY well built vehicle, with good handling, and enjoyable to drive. It would seem a waste for GM to simply let it go - I'm glad it will stay.

FenwickHockey65 · 07-12-2009, 01:22 AM

G8 sales were hindered by poor marketing and the fact that it was a Pontiac. Moving it over to Chevy should improve sales dramatically with the new exposure.

Captain Awesome · 07-12-2009, 02:23 AM

Remove the fake hood scoops because they are fake and that's rice?

Ironic to see that on a board full of Camaro SS owners....

Black5thgen · 07-12-2009, 02:27 AM

I think a lot of money can be made on police car and taxi sales.

1320junkie · 07-12-2009, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Awesome

Remove the fake hood scoops because they are fake and that's rice?

Ironic to see that on a board full of Camaro SS owners....

Is the slot on the new SS rice?

07-11-2009, 09:51 PM	#85
Justin Camaro5's Cell Phone Geek Drives: '02 V6 Camaro. 5 speed manual. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 406	I wouldn't mind seeing GM make it a bit more upscale of a performance vehicle. The G8 developed a reputation as a 5-series competitor for a fraction of the cost, and I was almost hoping we'd see it go to Buick for that reason. That Park Avenue from China is beautiful. Refined, yet aggressive. Edit: Having driven one, the INTERIOR was very refined, but the exterior, while very nice, could have done with a more elegant, simplistic design. __________________ 2SS RJT with black rally stripes, RS package, sunroof, painted engine block cover. It's either that or a damned similar 'vert in a few years.

07-11-2009, 10:50 PM	#88
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,810	I do think keeping the Australian Commodore name would be better. I really like the name Commodore. I also think this could work as a Buick, with Chevy bowing out of the full-size sedan segment. The only concern there is the volume and visibility, the same problems that plagued the G8 as a Pontiac. That is also the same reason why having Buick and GMC makes no sense. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

07-11-2009, 11:01 PM	#90
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	Whole laundry list of Caprice photoshops! __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

07-11-2009, 11:26 PM	#91
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,810	Of course the second design is what had everyone drooling when Pontiac was first axed. That is clearly the design direction they should go. Soooo sexy. Just loose the fake hood scoop. Seriously, keep it clean and classy GM. Dragon, China loves Buick, so they can keep it there, but here in the U.S. it just won't get the volume and marketing it deserves. Almost no manufacturer has more than 2 brands in the U.S. market. Toyota has 3, and their third, Scion, just isn't doing well. You honestly don't need any more than a mainstream and luxury brand. GMC is profitable, but if they close up those profitable sales will go at least 90% over to Chevy. The vehicles are identical, so I can't imagine GM would lose those sales. Two very profitable, high volume brands is better than 3 weak and 1 strong brand with tons of overlap. I don't see a huge market for large mainstream sedans. Sure in the luxury market such sedans make good flagships, but in the mainstream market most people just move up to an SUV or CUV if they need (or think they need, more often) more room than a bread-and-butter midsize sedan. I can't help but wonder if that market is so small that Toyota and Ford don't already have it supersaturated with their Avalon and Taurus. Moving past the G8 but on the same article, Lutz said the CTS-V coupe was really appreciated by the automotive task force, and a CTS-V wagon isn't out of the question. My wife and I love wagons, and in the thread discussing what cars we'd buy if we had $1,000,000, the CTS-V wagon was one of my pics. Oh man, if that happens I'd give so much for that car. A CTS-V wagon and Camaro is pretty much my ideal garage. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

07-12-2009, 01:01 AM	#94
Main Drives: 10 Camaro 2LT, 10 SRX FWD Join Date: May 2009 Location: Oshawa, Ontario Posts: 167	Some have commented that GM should simply scrap the Impala... you need to rethink this. The Impala was the 8th best selling car in the US in 2008. YES, many of these sales are fleet sales. I don't think GM is quite ready to part with a car selling SO many units and keeping cash flowing in. My wife and I own a 2006 Impala LTZ. We have owned 2 Impala's previously. The '06 is a solid vehicle. Built here in Oshawa at a plant constantly winning quality awards, we have had VERY little problems with it. Actually, aside from a loose power steering hose within the first few weeks, we have had NO issues. This being said, the car puts me to sleep driving it. Fortunately it is my wife's car, so I drive it only on weekends, and even then we frequently take my car. The funny thing? While researching other cars, I found this to be the issue with many of the imports. The Accord Coupe was solid, nice looking, and comfortable. Driving it? Meh. I could sleep. Same with the Toyota Venza. The Impala was due for redesign for 2010, but GM delayed it, since it continues strong in sales, and resources are tight. It was planned at one point to move to the RWD platform, but I think GM needs a FWD car in this segment. The Impala is also a well known car, and aside from being a popular "Fleet" car, I think it has a decent reputation. We drove a Pontiac G8, and we likely would have bought one to replace the Impala, but our salesman advised against it since Pontiac was going away, and the future of the G8 was at the time unclear. Now that I have ordered my Camaro, we will likely purchase a 2010 Equinox or GMC Terrain to replace the Impala, even with the Chev G8 coming. The main reason here - winter in Ontario. I don't want to have two RWD vehicles, I need SOMETHING I can drive when we head up north or need to get out during a storm! The other point being missed with the G8? Were sales super strong? As some have mentioned, they were seemingly just starting to pick up. More importantly to me? Many industry critics LOVED this car, comparing it to much higher end competition. This is a VERY well built vehicle, with good handling, and enjoyable to drive. It would seem a waste for GM to simply let it go - I'm glad it will stay. __________________ 2010 2LT - IBM w/Beige Interior - Ordered May 21, 2009 Delivered home September 17, 2009. Thank you Oshawa GM Employees!

07-11-2009, 10:45 PM	#87
comiskeybum Banned Drives: 2010 Chevy Equinox LS Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: South Bend, Indiana Posts: 799	im sorry but calling it the caprice would be horribly gay. impala i can live with. but caprice? the caprice was a piece of crap!!

07-12-2009, 12:35 AM	#93
AZCamaroFan Camaro6 2016-2018 Drives: sometimes Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Phoenix Posts: 18,468	Does anyone like the Caprice name?

07-12-2009, 01:22 AM	#95
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2023 Expedition Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,375 View My Garage	G8 sales were hindered by poor marketing and the fact that it was a Pontiac. Moving it over to Chevy should improve sales dramatically with the new exposure. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2023 Ford Expedition SSV (State-Issued)

07-12-2009, 02:23 AM	#96
Captain Awesome Account Suspended Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New York Posts: 3,746	Remove the fake hood scoops because they are fake and that's rice? Ironic to see that on a board full of Camaro SS owners....

07-12-2009, 02:27 AM	#97
Black5thgen Account Suspended Drives: 2007 C6 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: chicago Posts: 2,251 View My Garage	I think a lot of money can be made on police car and taxi sales.