This is topic Detroit News Article "Lutz takes GM by Storm" in forum SSOA: "Back Porch" at www.chirpthird.com.


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Posted by KevinCansiani (Member # 504) on :
 
Hiring this man is the best thing that has happened to GM since I've been born (WOW, all of 25 years! ). Check out these articles, you'll like what you see. I have a feeling this man will not let the 5th Gen Camaro go to shame.
http://detnews.com/2001/autos/0110/19/a01-322625.htm
http://detnews.com/2001/autos/0110/19/a10-322651.htm
 
Posted by 2K1SunsetSS (Member # 854) on :
 
That sounds great to me, I think we will have a 5th gen and I think it is going to be awesome.

Tom
 


Posted by DaddySS (Member # 848) on :
 
My concern is the designers don't have clue, Aztec, that new truck, what are they thinking?
 
Posted by KevinCansiani (Member # 504) on :
 
That's the thing, they haven't had a clue. The Avalance and the Aztec are design failures, but I don't think GM execs had the balls to say, "Hey, that thing is ugly!". I think the days of sitting back and letting cars like those happen are over with Lutz at the table.
Evidence that change is on the way is the 03 Grand Prix. The thing definitely wansn't appealing to the eye, I can tell you that from my own personal experience. Lutz came around and called out a last minute change to the car...that's awsome.
GM Powertrain has made some of the best engine/transmissions ever, but they won't bring people to the showrooms unless they make a car that has attractive design features.
 
Posted by XLR8NSS1 (Member # 1207) on :
 
I agree with Daddy SS, I don't believe they are going to continue the tradition of a true musclecar with high output engines. The Corvette is the performance flagship, for those who can afford it. We are very lucky to have the last of the best Fcars produced, but In this economy, they wont screw with the designs of the past. Expect the designers to cater to the obvious demand which is the "sport utility market". Remember Buick? A popular car once. Not anymore.
 
Posted by Voiceguy (Member # 844) on :
 
For what it's worth, I agree with Kevin. I was on the highway yhis morning when a gorgeous red and white Viper Coupe went by. If Lutz can do that at Chrysler...he should be able to do similar things at GM, with Rick Wagoner's backing.
I still think there will be a gen5 and it will be along the lines I and others have mentioned before...smaller, lighter, independent rear Sigma platform, new tech V-8 with a version of one of the existing V-6's as the base engine. I'm still thinking a variant of the Northstar would sound good.
It's design has to appeal to females though, because they have a lot to say about auto purchases these days. Very few females buy Camaros it seems, but they do buy Mustangs...and you have to ask the question...why?
It doesn't make sense that GM would give up that market segment without taking a shot at it with Lutz, who is responsible for the Viper and PT Cruiser.
 
Posted by XLR8NSS1 (Member # 1207) on :
 
Im not holding my breath. If we forget the past we are doomed to relive it. Does anyone remember the eighties?? A horrible decade for car designs in general. Vipers are one thing, mass produced pasenger cars are another. There will always be specialty cars for the luxury and performance markets, I just dont see how the demand will be strong enough to support another Camaro right now. Maybe in time I hope.
 
Posted by Joe Asarisi (Member # 204) on :
 
Yeah he has had great sucess in the past at Chrysler, but he called the shots. At GM he isnt "the man" and everything will still go through the normal GM red tape. I read an interview with him and he said a priority would be reducing the Chevy line up and getting the next Cavalier ramped up. Another thing is that he was only given I think a 3 year contract and he's up there in age so how long will he be around ??
Cadillac seems to be getting all the techno muscle and it doesnt seem that anything will bleed off to Chevy anytime soon. And yeah Buicks were popular not to long ago ( The GN and GNX were awesome )but they may be next on the executioners block. GM, jeez sell that Holden El Camino here !!!!
And now Ford is building the Marauder !!!
GM WAKE UP !!!!!
Keeping my fingers crossed, but Lutz is only one man, and hes a GM outsider
 
Posted by poSSum (Member # 119) on :
 
quote:
He said a secret Chevrolet concept car planned for the Detroit auto show connects with Chevy's heritage of "home, motherhood and apple pie."

Here's hoping ......
 


Posted by JohnS (Member # 1073) on :
 
What a unique idea - designing cars that the customers will want to buy. Sad state of affairs at GM.
 


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