Straightening GM's Bowtie

Chevrolet has been on a roll with the new generations of small cars.  The Cruze was the best selling car in June 2011.  Sales of the Malibu, Equinox, and Traverse are staying strong.   The new GM is here to stay.   This fall, the 2012 Sonic arrives and has already been getting good reviews from the auto rags.   Late this winter, the much anticipated global Malibu arrives.  Chevrolet needs to continue this momentum with more improvements to an already good lineup of vehicles.   Below is my wish list of what I would like to see from GM's bowtie division.

CARS

Sonic
Models:  Sonic LS, Sonic LT, Sonic LTZ, Sonic RS
Architecture: Gamma (FWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 5-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 1.8 liter I-4, Turbo DI 1.4 liter I-4, DI 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Competition: Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit

**High end engine for Sonic RS

Cruze
Models:  Cruze LS, Cruze LT, Cruze ECO Cruze LTZ, Cruse RS
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, Wagon
Engines:  DI Turbo 1.4 liter I-4, DI 2.0 liter I-4, DI 2.5 liter I-4, Turbo DI 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions:  6-speed manual,  6-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, VW Jetta/Golf/GTI

**5-door hatchback and wagon bodystyles for North American market.
**All wheel drive models for the snow belt regions.
**Upgraded powertrains to differentiate from the Sonic, improve performance.
**Sporty Cruze RS added as a separate model instead of a package.

Malibu
Models:  Malibu LS, Malibu LT, Malibu ECO, Malibu LTZ
Architecture, Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, VW Passat, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata

**Wagon model added for more utility.
**DI 3.0 liter V-6 added for those who prefer V-6 to an I-4.
**8-speed automatic to stay ahead of the competition

Impala
Models:  Impala LT, Impala ECO, Impala LTZ
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan
Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus

Volt
Model: Volt
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD)
Bodystyle: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 1.4 liter I-4 with 111kw electric motor/generator
Transmission: CVT Automatic
Competition:  Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf

Camaro
Models:  Camaro LS, Camaro LT, Camaro LTZ, Camaro SS, Camaro ZL-1
Architecture:  Zeta - short wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyles:  Coupe, Convertible
Engines:  Turbo DI 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8, Supercharged DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe


**New base engine Turbo I-4 with 270 hp, improved fuel economy.
**8-speed automatic


Chevelle
Models:  Chevelle LT, Chevelle LTZ, Chevelle SS
Architecture, Zeta - short wheelbase (RWD/AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines: Turbo DI 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic


Caprice
Models:  Caprice LT, Caprice LTZ, Caprice SS
Architecture:  Zeta - long wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyle:  Sedan
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

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CROSSOVERS/SUV'S

Trax
Models:  Trax LS, Trax LT, Trax ECO, Trax LTZ
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle:  5-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 2.0 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue

**New compact SUV based on the Delta II architecture to compete with compact SUV's.

Equinox
Models:  Equinox LS, Equinox LT, Equinox ECO, Equinox LTZ
Architecture:  Epsilon II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle:  5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, aAssist 2.4 liter I-4,  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Dodge Journey

**Moved to the Epsilon II architecture.
**eAssist model added for increased fuel economy.
**DI 2.4 liter I-4 replaced with DI 2.5 liter I-4 from the new Malibu.
**DI 3.0 liter V-6 replaced with DI 3.6 liter V-6 as top engine.
**8-speed automatic

Traverse
Models:  Traverse LS, Traverse LT, Traverse LTZ
Architecture: Lambda (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engine:  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Flex, Dodge Durango

**8-speed automatic

Blazer
Models: Blazer LS, Blazer LT, Blazer Z-71, Blazer LTZ
Architecture: GM2XX - short wheelbase (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.0 liter V-6, Turbodiesel 2.8 liter V-6, DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee

**New Colorado-based SUV

Tahoe
Models:  Tahoe LS, Tahoe LT, Tahoe Z-71, Tahoe LTZ
Architecture:  GM2XX - medium wheelbase (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyle:  5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8,  DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 and 8 speed automatic.
**New generation of truck V-8's.

Suburban
Models:  Suburban LS, Suburban LT, Suburban Z-71, Suburban LTZ
Architecture: GM2XX - long wheelbase (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engines: DI 5.5 liter V-8, Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Expedition EL

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 and 8-speed automatic
**New generation of truck V-8s.
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TRUCKS

Colorado

Models:  Colorado LS, Colorado LT, Colorado Z-71

Architecture: GM2XX - short wheelbase

Bodystyles:  2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, 4 door crew cab

Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, Turbodiesel 2.8 liter V-6, DI 3.6 liter V-6

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Competition:  Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ram Dakota, Honda Ridgeline

Silverado

Models:  Silverado WT, Silverado LS, Silverado LT, Silverado Z-71, Silverado LTZ

Architecture:  GM2XX - various wheelbases

Bodystyles:  2 door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, 4 door crew cab

Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8, DI 5.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition: Ford F-150, Ram Truck, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 and 8-speed automatic.
**New generation of V-8's.

Silverado HD

Models:  Silverado HD WT, Silverado HD LS, Silverado HD LT, Silverado HD LTZ

Architecture: GM2XX - various wheelbases

Bodystyles: 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, 4-door crew cab

Engines: DI 5.5 liter V-8, Turbodiesel 6.6 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  Ford F250/F350, Ram HD

**New generation of truck V-8s and 8-speed automatic.

Lining up the Tri-Shields.

Buick has gone from being the stale geriatric brand to becoming a brand that represents understated affluence with beautiful design.  The result:  Buick is the fastest growing near luxury brand in the industry right now.   Since 2008, Buick has introduced three new models.  This fall, the Verano, a new luxury compact joins the lineup.  With the lineup rounding itself out, Buick now has a full line of vehicles that finally represent Buick with respect.   Despite the all new lineup, there are a few model gaps that still need filled and some changes that should be made.

Changes denoted by **.

Verano
Models:  Verano, Verano Turbo
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 3-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions:  6 speed automatic, 6 speed manual (turbo only)
Competition:  VW Jetta SEL (sedan), VW Golf/GTI (hatchback)

**eAssist model added for high mileage engine option.

Regal
Models:  Regal, Regal Turbo, Regal GS
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4liter I-4,  DI 3.0 liter V-6, turbo DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual (Turbo, GS), 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Acura TSX

**Wagon model added.  Prototypes already seen around Detroit.
**AWD currently not available, but should be so it was added.
**Direct injected 3.0L V-6 added.  Cars in this segment need a V-6
**Upcoming 8-speed automatic added to high end models

LaCrosse
Models:  LaCrosse, LaCrosse GS
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Lexus ES, Lincoln MKZ, Acura TL

**LaCrosse GS - performance model with stronger turbo V-6
**Wagon bodystyle - improved economy for people who need utility
**Upcoming 8 speed automatic

Electra
Models:  Electra
Architecture:  Zeta - long wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan
Engines:   DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Lexus LS

**Extended wheelbase Zeta rear wheel drive large car with V-6 and V-8 power.
**Electra could be sold to livery companies for "black car cabs" and limousines.

Riviera
Models:  Riviera, Riviera Turbo
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  4 door Coupe
Engines:   DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Volkswagen CC

**Flagship design leader 4-door coupe to compete with the VW CC.
**Epsilon II architecture utilized for cost efficiency.
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Envision
Models:  Envision, Envision Turbo
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  5 door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition: Lincoln MKX, Acura MDX, Lexus RX

**New small(er) SUV based on Epsilon instead of Theta.  Too many platforms within GM these days.
**eAssist model for high mileage

Enclave
Models:  Enclave
Architecture: Lambda (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles: 5 door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Lincoln MKT,  Ford Explorer Limited, Toyota Highlander Limited

**Upcoming 8-speed automatic replaces currently 6-speed automatic

Rounding out the Wreath & Crest

Cadillac's rebirth has been tremendous.   The rebirth began in mid 2002 with the radically different 2003 CTS.   It was like no Cadillac in history.   The car received mostly good reviews for its drivetrain and handling prowess, but was panned for its chintzy interior materials (and rightly so).   Despite the cheap interior bits, the CTS sold well and other angularly chiseled Cadillacs followed.  Cadillac was well underway in its reinvention process.   Fast forward nine years.  The CTS is now battling mid size luxury cars from the German automakers at the same price as a 3-series or C-Class.  The Escalade is still the high zoot SUV to have.  The newly styled and resized SRX is proving successful among buyers as well.  Cadillac, however, needs to be a full line luxury car line to fully compete with the German automakers they are targeting.

Below I have created my wish list for a complete Cadillac lineup that would compete well against BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Audi.  I am starting small and working up in size.

ATS Series

ATS 2.0T, ATS 3.6, ATS-V

Architecture:  Alpha (RWD, AWD)

Bodystyles:  Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Convertible

Engine lineup:  DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, Twin Turbo 3.0 liter V-6

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW 3-series, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Audi A4

**I believe the production ATS will be close to these specifications.
**Sedan will roll out first, then wagon, coupe, and convertible.

CTS Series

CTS 3.0, CTS 3.6, CTS 5.5, CTS-V

Architecture:  Alpha-L (RWD, AWD)

Bodystyles:  Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Convertible

Engine lineup:  DI 3.0 liter V-6, DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8, Supercharged 5.5 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW 5-series, Mercedes Benz E-class, Audi S6

**I believe the next generation CTS will be close to these specifications.
**Sedan will roll out first, with wagon, coupe, and then convertible following within 18 months.

XTS Series

XTS 3.6

Architecture:  Epsilon II (AWD)

Bodystyle:  Sedan

Engine lineup:  DI 3.6 liter V-6

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  Lincoln MKS

STS Series

STS 3.6, STS 5.5

Architecture:  Omega (rear wheel drive)

Bodystyle:  Sedan

Engine lineup:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW 7-series, Mercedes Benz S-class, Audi A8

**STS is just a guess at what the 2015-2017 Omega based flagship Cadillac will be named.

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SRX series

SRX 2.0T, SRX 3.6

Architecture: Delta II (AWD)

Bodystyle:  SUV

Engine lineup:  DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes Benz GLX-class

**Delta II instead of Theta-Epsilon.  There are too many platforms at GM and consolidating them would be more cost effective for GM.

TRX series

TRX 3.6

Architecture:  Epsilon II (AWD)

Bodystyle:  SUV

Engine lineup: DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo 3.6 liter V-6

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW X5, Mercedes Benz ML-class

**New midlevel luxury SUV to compete with X5 and ML-class
**Based on Epsilon II architecture utilizing all wheel drive drivetrain standard.

Escalade/ESV

Escalade 5.5, ESV 5.5
Architecture:  GMT20XX

Bodystyles:  SUV

Engine lineup:  DI 5.5 liter V-8

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  Navigator/Navigator L, Mercedes Benz GL-class

GM's Upcoming Compacts

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback (Europe)

There has been much debate about upcoming compacts from General Motors.   The Cruze is off to a great start being the best selling C-segment car in the month of May 2011.   There have been reports from GM Autority that multiple sources are saying that a Cruze Hatchback (Europe & Australia sale only), Cruze Coupe, and Cruze diesel are coming beginning in the 2013 model year.  At the same time, GM Inside News is reporting that GM officials are saying there is a two door C-segment car coming, but it's not a Cruze.  The GMI article shows an artists rendering of a Buick version of the upcoming Opel Astra GTC sport hatchback.   Reading these two stories.  It's hard to decipher what is really going to happen; and that's exactly what General Motors wants.

2012 Opel Astra GTC

My take on what will happen is that both stories have accuracy.  First of all, the Buick version of the upcoming Opel Astra GTC is a 3-door car, not a 2-door car.   I think the GM source who blabbed this information is trying to take back something he said by masking it has a model that has already been officially announced for the U.S. market.   The Cruze Coupe, on the other hand, has not officially been announced.  As with each new upcoming model that has not officially been announced, GM sources are required to say that the model "doesn't exist" or "is not coming to U.S. dealers".   

A diesel powered Cruze has already been announced.   The Cruze hatchback has been shown in production form in Europe where it will go on sale later this year.   With Ford and other companies having success with company hatchbacks, GM will follow with the Cruze hatchback.   Remember, the Cruze was on the market for two model years in other markets before it came to the U.S. market.   It makes sense that the Cruze hatchback will follow this trend and show up for the 2013 model year with a mid-cycle refresh.   A two door coupe version of the Cruze is another natural variant that will help increase sales for General Motors.   The pathetic Cobalt coupe was a good first car for many high school and college aged people.   Honda has been successful with sales of their Civic Coupe.   Offering several body styles of the Cruze will help increase sales with a small developmental cost to the company.

There is room for both the upcoming Buick and Chevrolet Cruze variants.  Here's how I see it stacking up

Cruze 2-door coupe:                 $18,000 - $27,000 (LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ)

Cruze 5-door hatchback:           $18,500 - $27,500 (LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ)

Buick 3-door hatchback.           $21,500 - $30,000 

Cars

2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

2011 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon   Source: Autoblog

I have many interests.   To keep me occupied in the car, my mother used to teach me about all the cars on the road.  She created a monster.   I learned to read when my mom purchased a subscription to Motor Trend magazine when I was 4 years old.  By the time I was 12 I had subscriptions to Car & Driver and Automobile Magazine.  Growing up, most family members thought I would grow up to become a car salesman.  As an adult, I enjoy helping friends and family who are shopping for cars.   When I've purchased cars I've always known more than the car salesman.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu LTZ

This is a really interesting time in automotive history.  Rising fuel prices and a huge downturn in the global economy have changed the way car companies are designing and building cars.   Car companies are in a tug of war between designing and building fuel efficient cars (reduce weight) and safe cars (increase weight).  Upcoming models like the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu are a direct result of the recent changes in the auto industry.  The Malibu is shorter, wider, yet has nearly the same room as the outgoing model.  The new Malibu is safer with 10 airbags, more fuel efficient with 38 mph ECO model and a 4-cylinder only engine lineup.  There is a tremendous amount of buzz about the new Malibu.  Only time will tell if the new model will increase sales over the already successful current Malibu.

2012 Buick Regal GS

The most fun I have with my car interest is learning about upcoming models.  The internet feeds my constant need to learn about upcoming models.  I also love to hear rumors of future cars.  It's cool stuff.   I get excited during auto show season and in the fall when new models are released for the first time.

As with everyone, I have my opinions about what cars are good and what cars are bad.  I admit to being biased since I am loyal to car companies that are based in the United States.   I know that it is a global economy but GM, Ford, and Chrysler are the only car companies which interest me.  I am unimpressed by Toyota and other Asian companies products.  I am impressed with how quickly the Korean car companies have learned about the American market, but I would never consider one because I believe in supporting homegrown companies.  It's part of my strong Pro-American beliefs.

All this being said, I urge you to check out a new car, truck, or SUV from an American car company.  I think you'd be surprised at how far they've come.