It's really sad to see that GM wants to make their "brand" unexiting and utalitarian. Hopefully they'll learn how do design for reliability, like Honda, or Toyota. (both feature many unexiting cars, which are dead reliable - even with bad maintenance, most American drivers are known for (owners who treat their car like a toaster) - I'll never forget the "deer in the headlights" look my friend gave me, when I asked her, when the last time she changed the oil in her Civic was. (she never did) - Last I've heard the car has over 200k miles on it and still runs without issues.)
If GM can't manage to be known for reliability after the restructuring, Honda, Toyota, Subaru will eat them alive!!

I'm sure Audi, BMW, and others will gladly fill the void GM is leaving for exiting/fun to drive performance cars.

*waits patiently for more mid-engined cars in the near future (Audi R4, VW mid-engined roadster, Smart Roadster anyone? )* (hopefully they'll eventually be in my price range. Until then I'm happy with my Fiero.

quote Originally posted by 1FST2M6: Hey Raydar... http://jalopnik.com/tag/hig...erations/?id=5156124

Thanks, Travis.

From the article... "According to a report from Automotive News, there are no plans for high-performance versions of any of the company's upcoming cars. It doesn't stop current vehicles from getting high-performance variants — so rest assured all of you out there looking to buy a Camaro SS..."

The SS Camaro is still on for production. I know becasue the Camaro Insider (GM's newsletter for the new Camaro) just got into my e-mail inbox the day before yesterday announcing 30 days (or so) till they hit the floors. I really belive that the first year of the Camaro will be profitable in both the V-8 and the V-6 versions. Heck remember when 300 Hp was the domain of exoctic V-8's (LT1 of the 70's and the DZ 302's) even the SS350 in the Camaro in 69 had only 295 Hp and the base 396 BBC had 325hp. Now we have a 3.6 liter V-6 that will out perform the Mustang GT. I know alot of folks that have money down already so they can get theirs.

Shelby

yeah... i'm still lurking in the shadows...

I was given my $ back from a preorder from April to have the first local Colorado SS back in November their reasoning "unclear release dates"... but bummed it's not gunna happen at all now...

quote Originally posted by The MaD cOw: Yes, there are areas where the U.S. succeeds Canada. But, I could orchestrate a post that points out areas where America fails, and Canada excels... but I wouldn't, out of respect for the American members here. It would be nice to see that respect was returned.

I've been to your country, Sir. While it's a bit too cold for the likes of me (I spent some time TDY at Cold Lake Air Base), the people were nice, the food was surprisingly good (one of the best steaks I have ever had was outside of Edmonton), and you people invented nonaimo bars (spelling?)

Now back on topic - I would think they would kill Buick before Pontiac, but what the hell do I know? If it was up to me, I'd say let them fold. The demand for cars, while down right now, is still there. If GM isn't the company providing the product, someone will come along to make it happen. Same with the plants and workers.

The real victims here in my opinion are the workers who have had to trust that their union, United Auto Workers, had their best interests in mind. Now those same workers are being crushed between the rock (domestic auto makers) and the hard place (UAW.) As Principal Skinner would say "good times were had by all."

- Flamberge

quote Originally posted by 1FST2M6: yeah... i'm still lurking in the shadows... I was given my $ back from a preorder from April to have the first local Colorado SS back in November their reasoning "unclear release dates"... but bummed it's not gunna happen at all now...

You know that they are still available with the 5.3 and the ZQ8 (performance) suspension. Right?

I've got a ZQ8 Sonoma that surprises the heck out of people on sweeping on-ramps.
Thinking about bolting an LS-something-or-other into it.

quote Originally posted by Flamberge: The real victims here in my opinion are the workers who have had to trust that their union, United Auto Workers, had their best interests in mind.

Had to trust, ? They drank the Kool-Aid, they believed because they wanted too. They were promised. They were fear mongered. Many have likened Union management to corporate management and it is to a degree. It also has a good dose of politics.

People I know that had money down on Camaros got it refunded by the dealers. Never say never, but I still stand to my guns that you wont see one in showrooms. I got ' insider ' info all the time on my Challenger that I already totally paid for in advance. I waited almost 2 years and got my money back.

quote Originally posted by Austrian Import: It's really sad to see that GM wants to make their "brand" unexiting and utalitarian. Hopefully they'll learn how do design for reliability, like Honda, or Toyota. (both feature many unexiting cars, which are dead reliable - even with bad maintenance, most American drivers are known for (owners who treat their car like a toaster) - I'll never forget the "deer in the headlights" look my friend gave me, when I asked her, when the last time she changed the oil in her Civic was. (she never did) - Last I've heard the car has over 200k miles on it and still runs without issues.) If GM can't manage to be known for reliability after the restructuring, Honda, Toyota, Subaru will eat them alive!! I'm sure Audi, BMW, and others will gladly fill the void GM is leaving for exiting/fun to drive performance cars. *waits patiently for more mid-engined cars in the near future (Audi R4, VW mid-engined roadster, Smart Roadster anyone? )* (hopefully they'll eventually be in my price range. Until then I'm happy with my Fiero.

It's really sad for GM's fate. But I'm really happy that some companies are already stepping up to pick up the slack.

Listen to that teaser clip:



http://www.autoblog.com/200...lose-ups-audio-file/

(this just makes me that much more impatient for VW/Audi's mid engined offerings. )

[This message has been edited by Austrian Import (edited 02-20-2009).]