The Future of Chevrolet - Autoweek

[Flybrian]

What's Next for Chevrolet?
Future products will expand, enhance line-up

2011 Chevrolet Impala Sketch by Yellowjacket894
Link to Original Article @ AutoWeek | Published 07/30/07, 12:27 pm et

AT A GLANCE:
FUTURE PRODUCT PLANS
2008
Malibu restyled, re-engineered

2009
Camaro debuts (or 2010)
Higher-horsepower Corvette model debuts

2010
Equinox restyled, re-engineered
Avalanche freshening likely
Silverado freshening likely

2011
Microcar likely
Cobalt redesign likely
Malibu redesigned (or 2012)
Impala redesigned

----------------------

Unlike Pontiac, Buick or even Cadillac, Chevrolet is not a brand that needs to be reinvented. GM just wants to make it a little better.

Future tweaks will include a rear-wheel-drive Impala, a microcar, a Camaro and a crossover.

Microcar: GM introduced three microcar concepts at the New York auto show in April. The three- and five-door concepts are smaller than the 2007 Mini Cooper and 11.7 inches shorter than the smallest car Chevrolet sells today, the Aveo. The concepts were designed by GM's studio in South Korea.

Officially, GM says it has not decided whether to sell such a small car in the United States. But industry observers expect the company to import a microcar in 2010 for the 2011 model year.

Aveo: GM will redesign the Aveo for the 2010 model year. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. will develop the new Aveo in South Korea with assistance from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai. The redesigned Aveo will be longer and wider than the current model, which is based on the Daewoo Kalso.

Cobalt: GM is trying to negotiate UAW work rule changes at its Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant. Until that is resolved, GM says, development is on hold for the redesigned 2011 Cobalt and the redesigned 2010 Saturn Astra. Both vehicles are slated for assembly at Lordstown.

If the UAW and GM reach an agreement, the Cobalt and Astra will share GM's new front-drive Delta 2 vehicle architecture. If no settlement is reached, GM may modify the current Cobalt or replace it with a different model.

Malibu, Malibu MAXX: The restyled, re-engineered 2008 Malibu sedan goes on sale late this year. It is larger than the 2007, and its exterior and interior styling gives it a premium appearance. A hybrid powertrain will be optional. The Malibu Maxx no longer will be offered.

The Malibu will be bigger when the redesigned model debuts for the 2011 or 2012 model year.

Volt: The Volt concept, which debuted in January at the Detroit auto show, is more than a means to showcase future technology - in this case, plug-in hybrid technology. The concept reveals styling cues for the redesigned Malibu, debuting in the 2011 or 2012 model year, and the redesigned 2011 Cobalt.

Impala: Despite concerns about a dramatic increase in corporate average fuel economy standards, GM's plans remain in place for a rear-drive successor to the Impala. The Impala name might be dropped. The redesigned car is expected to debut for the 2011 model year and will be built on GM's rwd global vehicle architecture, which will be shared with the upcoming Camaro. Both cars will be built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant.

Compared with the 2007 fwd Impala, the redesigned model will be a few inches longer, will have a longer wheelbase and shorter front and rear overhangs, and probably will be heavier.

GM has not decided whether to maintain the car as a mass-market sedan or move it upmarket, which would help avoid a possible overlap with the restyled and re-engineered 2008 Malibu.

Monte Carlo: The slow-selling Monte Carlo was dropped in June. The Camaro will target coupe buyers.

Camaro: The Camaro will be the second North American application of GM's global rwd vehicle architecture. Sales begin in January 2009. A convertible will debut several months later.

Corvette: GM will market a limited-edition 2009 Corvette producing about 650 hp. The model will have styling cues that separate it from other Corvettes. Pricing will approach $100,000, about a $30,000 step up from the highest-horsepower Vette today - the 2007, 505-hp Z06.

Production of the redesigned Corvette is to start in April 2012 for the 2013 model year. Three design proposals have been selected; the final decision is expected to be made this summer. Contrary to some reports, a mid-engine model is not planned; the front-engine layout will be maintained.

[4gm]

We have to wait until 2011 for a redesigned Cobalt? It's like GM doesn't even care about the small car market.

[Drew Dowdell]

Why does the UAW care what car they're assembling as long as they're assembling something....

[enzl]

Why does the UAW care what car they're assembling as long as they're assembling something....

My understanding of the situation is that certain UAW work rules and employee categories must be altered to make the vehicle profitable enough to build in Lordstown...the membership of the plant has either rejected or indicated an objection to some/all of the changes requested.

Another example of how inmates run the asylum with the present Union contract and how its got to change with the new agreement.

[gm4life]

Sounds pretty simple really. Just making Chevy well better.

[CaddyXLR-V]

GM would be stupid to drop the Impala name. Especially right when the car returns to RWD.

[the_yellow_dart]

We have to wait until 2011 for a redesigned Cobalt? It's like GM doesn't even care about the small car market.

So... the original Cobalt will run for MY 2005-2010. 6 years. That's damn close to "el perfecto" Toyota's 5 year typical run, and a lot better than the length (what... 8 model years?) the Corolla has now gone.

[gm4life]

GM would be stupid to drop the Impala name. Especially right when the car returns to RWD.

I agree, no Caprice please.

[daves87rs]

Well, I hope they do something with the Cobalt....

[Northstar]

At one point the Cobalt was scheduled to begin production in August of 2009. I have not seen anything to suggest that it was delayed.

[AxelTheRed]

God damn it, GM...don't drop the Impala name!

Talk about typical General Motors...drop the most well-known names you've got for no apparent reason.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Unlike Pontiac, Buick or even Cadillac, Chevrolet is not a brand that needs to be reinvented. GM just wants to make it a little better.

I disagree... Chevrolet needs to step it up badly, GM needs more volume.

Microcar: GM introduced three microcar concepts at the New York auto show in April. The three- and five-door concepts are smaller than the 2007 Mini Cooper and 11.7 inches shorter than the smallest car Chevrolet sells today, the Aveo. The concepts were designed by GM's studio in South Korea.

Bring it!

Aveo: GM will redesign the Aveo for the 2010 model year. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. will develop the new Aveo in South Korea with assistance from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai. The redesigned Aveo will be longer and wider than the current model, which is based on the Daewoo Kalso.

Please make it cool and able to compete with the japan 3 this time...

Cobalt: GM is trying to negotiate UAW work rule changes at its Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant. Until that is resolved, GM says, development is on hold for the redesigned 2011 Cobalt and the redesigned 2010 Saturn Astra. Both vehicles are slated for assembly at Lordstown.

WTF?!?! The Cobalt needs help NOW!

Volt: The Volt concept, which debuted in January at the Detroit auto show, is more than a means to showcase future technology - in this case, plug-in hybrid technology. The concept reveals styling cues for the redesigned Malibu, debuting in the 2011 or 2012 model year, and the redesigned 2011 Cobalt.

Bring it!

Impala: Despite concerns about a dramatic increase in corporate average fuel economy standards, GM's plans remain in place for a rear-drive successor to the Impala. The Impala name might be dropped. The redesigned car is expected to debut for the 2011 model year and will be built on GM's rwd global vehicle architecture, which will be shared with the upcoming Camaro. Both cars will be built at GM's Oshawa, Ontario, assembly plant.

1) *IF* the Malibu takes off then yes, it should be moved up market. & 2) Why the hell would GM be so stupid as to drop the Impala name?

Unless they wanted to call the car bel Air or Chevelle which would be cool but would piss off a WHOOOOLE lot of GM enthusiasts.

[vrazzhledazzle]

What about the HHR?

[bowtie_dude]

My understanding of the situation is that certain UAW work rules and employee categories must be altered to make the vehicle profitable enough to build in Lordstown...the membership of the plant has either rejected or indicated an objection to some/all of the changes requested.

Another example of how inmates run the asylum with the present Union contract and how its got to change with the new agreement.

So in other words, GM is saying "Build this or build nothing and lose your jobs." I like GM's strategy.

[smk4565]

Malibu should be about $20-28,000 and cover the exact same price range of the Accord and Camry. They don't need to worry about having a cheaper car, they need to worry about making a better one.

Impala should not grow in size, it is 200 inches long right now, it is bigger than a Lexus LS460, how much bigger and heavier does it need to be? In fact with the Panther platform demise, the DTS is the biggest car (not counting Rolls-Maybach-Bently) at 207 inches long, Lucerne is 2nd at 204 and look at how sales of those are sinking fast. The current Impala size is plenty big, I think it could even shrink 2 inches to match the Avalon's size. The W-body makes for a poor use of space, once again with a modern platform and efficient use of space, they can make the Impala roomier than now, and cut exterior size by 5% and avoid adding weight.

The Impala should go into the $26-33,000 price range. If Buick dies, they'll have to do a luxury trimmed model (not caprice) and move toward $35,000. They'll overlap the G8 in price, but the Impala should be smoother and a little more geared toward luxury, and they have to price it above the Malibu, they overlap too much now.

They need a class leading Cobalt too. Small-midsize cars are dominating the sales charts and good gas mileage people associate with good car, even though that isn't always true.

[emh]

Why is the Malibu, all new for 2008, scheduled for a redesign in 2011/12 while the already ancient Impala hangs around till the same time?

GM would be stupid to drop the Impala name. Especially right when the car returns to RWD.

If the Imapala hangs on in current from until 2011, the name will be so tainted and synonymous with outdated technology there will be no choice but to drop the name.

[Cadillacfan]

Aveo: GM will redesign the Aveo for the 2010 model year. GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Co. will develop the new Aveo in South Korea with assistance from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center in Shanghai. The redesigned Aveo will be longer and wider than the current model, which is based on the Daewoo Kalso.

I know it's one little tiny thing, and I don't want to be the A**hole for pointing this out, but it should be the Daewoo Kalos, not Kalso.

Edited August 2, 2007 by Cadillacfan

[cletus8269]

If Buick dies, they'll have to do a luxury trimmed model (not caprice) and move toward $35,000.

why couldnt it be labeled caprice? it was initially the most luxurious chevy you could get. it was a step above impala... granted the older trim levels are completely disorganized now. as long as it is pulled off right whats the harm with caprice?

[gm4life]

Labeling it the Caprice would be a huge mistake, because in order to due that you have to drop the Impala name. Unless the sporty one was Impala SS and other one Caprice.

[cletus8269]

thats the way i see it, the caprice is posh with a refined powertrain, woodgrain interior leather only and all the bells and whistles. the impala on the other hand with different trim from entry level up to super sport status with a healthy V8. in the 60's ( since GM has been on a heritage click with some of the comercials) biscayne, belair, impala, caprice.

[Rear-Wheel Drive]

GM has to have at least one long-wheelbase rear-wheel drive car in their stable if they are to be taken seriously as a full-line car company. They can make excursions all they like into trucks, minivans, sporty cars, etc. but in the end they will have to come up with a serious attempt at such a car. They simply cannot ignore the segment - CAFE increases notwithstanding. Too many are sold worldwide and they are too profitable.

The news that the Impala may have slipped again (to 2011) isn't good. The zeta architecture will have been around for 5 years by then and the competition (Hyundai Genesis?) ain't standing still. By then even Ford might be in the game with a new Crown Vic based on the Australian Falcon, and Chrysler will be on their second generation LX-platform Dodge Charger.

Chevrolet will use the LM LWB platform from Holden for their full-size car (118.5" wheelbase), and by then we have to pray they will have gotten over the jitters and will produce both a luxo-barge Caprice and a sporty Impala SS version.

[pow]

I thought the NG Cobalt was going to be a re-badged 2009 Daewoo... why 2011?

[pipius]

From what I under stand from some of the people out at Lordstown is that the 2009 MY is the last year of this Cobalt design. It is do to new safety rules by the government. And they are not getting the Astra at all.

[gm4life]

I still say the Impala has more name power. The Impala is well a legend from the '63 409's to a '67 Sport Back SS 427's. The Caprice was more of a granny car is that really what Chevy wants? I think calling the more plain jane lux models Caprice is okay. But I would still do like Chevy is now LS, LT, LTZ and SS, with varying motors and trannys.

[Z-06]

I still say the Impala has more name power. The Impala is well a legend from the '63 409's to a '67 Sport Back SS 427's. The Caprice was more of a granny car is that really what Chevy wants? I think calling the more plain jane lux models Caprice is okay. But I would still do like Chevy is now LS, LT, LTZ and SS, with varying motors and trannys.

+1 Impala should stay Impala. GM does not get it when it comes to their bread and butter cars about keeping the name same for more than one or two generations.

[gm4life]

Dumb to ditch a name people know and can prolly associate various memories as a child with. Chevy sold alot of Impalas to families back in the day. Maybe the American companies are yet to have there hey-day with products like the new RWD Impala that can hopefully be some-what retro and jog owners memories of the good old days or young folks looking for performance!

[Oracle of Delphi]

GM has to have at least one long-wheelbase rear-wheel drive car in their stable if they are to be taken seriously as a full-line car company. They can make excursions all they like into trucks, minivans, sporty cars, etc. but in the end they will have to come up with a serious attempt at such a car. They simply cannot ignore the segment - CAFE increases notwithstanding. Too many are sold worldwide and they are too profitable.

The news that the Impala may have slipped again (to 2011) isn't good. The zeta architecture will have been around for 5 years by then and the competition (Hyundai Genesis?) ain't standing still. By then even Ford might be in the game with a new Crown Vic based on the Australian Falcon, and Chrysler will be on their second generation LX-platform Dodge Charger.

Chevrolet will use the LM LWB platform from Holden for their full-size car (118.5" wheelbase), and by then we have to pray they will have gotten over the jitters and will produce both a luxo-barge Caprice and a sporty Impala SS version.

Righttttt!

[Z-06]

Dumb to ditch a name people know and can prolly associate various memories as a child with. Chevy sold alot of Impalas to families back in the day. Maybe the American companies are yet to have there hey-day with products like the new RWD Impala that can hopefully be some-what retro and jog owners memories of the good old days or young folks looking for performance!

GM of yore had that woeful habit of not refreshing the product till it got a bad identity and then ditch the name (as latest as the Cavalier and S-10). But the current Impala for the first time seems to have gotten at least a little bit of respect, and even genuine import humpers respect its existence.

One of my import humping friend who loves the Hordawgs and Beemers was amazed by the Impala SS which he had rented in Chicago this week. His only wish was to have a 6-speed and it would be a perfect covert cruise ship on the highway.

Apart from confusing the people by going with a new name, it also kills a lot of money for marketing, and publicity of this new vehicle. And GM at this moment needs that money.

[gm4life]

You have hit the nail on the head my man. I agree!

[cire]

I agree with everyone who said to keep the Impala name for the upcoming rear wheel drive sedan. From what I have read, the current version is selling well and is actually a fairly decent set of wheels. GM gives up too much market equity changing names so often. Instead of wasting money on constantly marketing new model names, use the money to update and redesign products on a timely basis to stay competitive. If GM does this, it will not have to change model names so often to break away from outdated past models. Besides, look at the 2008 Malibu; it has done a complete turnaround in the style department compared to the 2007 model and the name stayed the same. If it can be done with the Malibu, it can be done with the Impala.

Edited August 6, 2007 by cire

[Lamar]

I agree with everyone who said to keep the Impala name for the upcoming rear wheel drive sedan. From what I have read, the current version is selling well and is actually a fairly decent set of wheels. GM gives up too much market equity changing names so often. Instead of wasting money on constantly marketing new model names, use the money to update and redesign products on a timely basis to stay competitive. If GM does this, it will not have to change model names so often to break away from outdated past models. Besides, look at the 2008 Malibu; it has done a complete turnaround in the style department compared to the 2007 model and the name stayed the same. It it can be done with the Malibu, it can be done with the Impala.

Agreed.

One of the major gripes I heard about the Impala was that it wasn't RWD like the previous one (the big SS). Done right, this car could attract a HUGE fanbase of current, new, and previous Impala owners.

[cletus8269]

i'd kill to have a rwd v8 09 impy parked next to my 69 sport coupe impy

[cavalier36]

We have to wait until 2011 for a redesigned Cobalt? It's like GM doesn't even care about the small car market.

thats correct, Lordstown is schduled to assembly the Cobalt two more years, through July 2010. A new one wont appear until the 2011 model year no matter where it is assembled.