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The car maker says it will close the plant for four weeks beginning next month while it makes upgrades that will increase the factory’s production capability. GM’s Chevrolet division says it will also build the coming 2013 Malibu sedan there starting next year.
The Volt, which is already in short supply, is likely to become even harder to get during the summer as a result of the lengthy shutdown.
However, GM says revamping the plant will allow it to build up 16,000 Volts this year, up from its previous target of 15,000. Next year the company plans to build 60,000 Volts for sale globally, including about 45,000 for the U.S. market. The previous target put production for the worldwide market at 45,000.
http://blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2011/05/18/chevy-to-boost-volt-output-after-re- vamping-factory/?mod=google_news_blog
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Here is it priced Chevrolet.com
http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-convertible/
I think it's a really sexy car. It has great looks. I would like to see one in the spring green that's been on Camaros for about a year.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Production started in Oshawa, Ontario, on Jan. 31, and the first convertibles are starting to reach dealerships.
There are tradeoffs, including a more cramped rear seat, less trunk space and a weight gain of about 125 pounds — a result of extra chassis bracing. The bracing seems well integrated; engineers said that’s because the 21st century Camaro was designed from the start to be built as a convertible. The convertible mechanism and softtop, in either black or tan, are also about 125 pounds heavier than the hardtop they replace.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/20/automobiles/autoreviews/chevy-camaro-convertib- le.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The Impala will sit on the same platform.
http://www.autonews.com/article/20110526/BLOG06/110529914/1499§ioncat=produc- - - t
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/20110526/BLOG06/110529914/1499§ioncat=produc- t#ixzz1NbTbOLfY
I think it's exciting that the Impala will be on the same platform. The Impala is going upscale. That is meant to drive more buyers to the Malibu.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
That'll probably be the first Impala that I'd really WANT to own since 1985!
The description in a forum was that there would be more content in the Impala than currently offered. That is intended to keep the price gap between Malibu and Impala.
Even if the Impala has a different chassis tuning in the suspension, I think that would be interesting. I see it as possibly the Park Avenue to leSabre differential in the older days (before 1996) where the leSabre was a full-sized car and a good ride and quality. But it wasn't quite the Park Avenue if that's what the buyer was wanting. When the Lucerne came out, the cheaper version was really a different car in terms of the ride quality and engine for such a large car. The leSabre and Park Avenue before had a few hundred pounds and 5 inches difference. But driving them I was happy with the leSabre and the slightly less prestige ride tuning in the struts. I felt they drove much the same.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The 2012 LaCrosse packaging looks complex on paper, but its actually fairly straight forward. The first step in selecting a 2012 LaCrosse is to simply pick an engine. Both the 2.4-liter ECOTEC with eAssist and the all-new 3.6-liter V6 wear the same base price of $30,820 (after destination charges).
Once an engine is selected, there are various package levels to select from. Front-wheel drive models have seven packaging levels to select from, whereas the all-wheel drive models only have three. All-wheel drive will only be optional on V6 models.
Halogen headlamps are still standard on LaCrosse.
Projector beam fog lamps are part of the third level package.
Steel wheels are GONE for 2012.
Dual exhaust is now standard on all V6 equipped models.
Cloth seats are still standard for 2012.
AWD models will supposedly have a different power rating from FWD V6 models.
eAssist is standard on ALL 2.4-liter LaCrosse models.
According to the order guide, a touch-screen radio interface is NOT standard- yet. Intellilink (which includes a touch screen) will be a late availability option.
Here's a price chart comparison for 2011 and 2012 from GM Inside News:
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Pardon my unfamiliarity, but I'm assuming by the above that Buick is moving from a "pick your Chinese menu of options" to "pick an option grouping level" or something like that. Is this correct? How does that compare with the rest of GM? Do you think this is sort of an experiment by GM before moving this way in other divisions?
I know that Honda has always sold like that, and while it obviously removes some flexibility in exact options that a buyer might want, it sure must be easier at the factory to not custom build thousands of combinations of features on a single model.
Interestingly, I hear Boeing has also made this sort of move - from where a buying airline configured each aircraft in infinite custom ways, to a more limited set of "standard options" offered on each aircraft model.
4dr Sdn Base FWD
4dr Sdn Convenience FWD
4dr Sdn Leather FWD
4dr Sdn Premium 1 FWD
4dr Sdn Premium 2 FWD
4dr Sdn Premium 3 FWD
4dr Sdn Touring FWD
4dr Sdn Leather AWD
4dr Sdn Premium 1 AWD
4dr Sdn Premium 1 AWD
4dr Sdn Premium 2 AWD
After each package is chosen, a list of base features is shown, then a list of options is clickable at the bottom.
I'd rather see the spreadsheet type display, like is/was in the back of car brochures, where they are all shown together. The ones included had solid dots, the ones available as separate options were given "A's," and the ones not available were blank.
But it looks like the V6 engine is always an option.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
The CEO running GM is not a car guy, he hails from a private equity firm called Carlyle Equity Partners headed up by the exTreasury Secr under Clinton..Remember Enron and the "Blue Sky" predictions of earnings and the big screwing of investors.. Follow the Hype and you will find Rubinstein in the mix..He is currently attending the "Bilderbergers" meeting in St. Moritz, Switzerland...
These fine folks are not on your side, but they are hellbent on changing your life style so you will be easier to control..The GM CEO, I believe, is all for $8.00/gal gas, after all it works in Europe and with a little push it would work in the USA..
My view, maybe somewhat premature, but time will tell...When the price of oil drops we will start to see Federal Gas Taxes explode upward..
#1 of 851 General Motors Fans by KarenS HOST
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
"There continues to be chatter on both sides of the pond about potential Buick spinoffs of several Opel cars, including the Astra." (Inside Line)
Adapting Opel vehicles to the US market brings in cars that have been tested and perfected. They can be sold here without the usual teething pains.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Don't have to be positive.
One can be a fan and still yell and jeer and make negative comments. Consider that Chicago Cubs fans sometimes do this to poorly performing players. So have Bear fans at times with regard to their quarterbacks.
Aside from that to be positive about GM we should probably be talking about cool vehicles like camaros, corvettes, and duramax diesels. Also I'm hoping the Sonic is available in Yellow and doesn't have crash test results as reportedly bad as the recent Summer Yellow Aveo.
Another latest GM car to be positive to me is the 2011 Caprice PPV (detective edition).
speaking of government ownership, i am seriously thinking of trading my old/excellent VW TDI (45 mpg)
for a GM pickup truck (15mpg), thanks to the $4500 cash back below invoice pricing ($6000 for 2010s!).
It's practically a straight/flat trade if I get a base model pickup, no cash out of pocket for me. Tough to resist. But I know I would miss the 45 mpg on every tank!
I don't really believe GM will bring the cruze diesel to USA despite preannouncements, but it would be great to be surprised there!
"According to the crew at GMInsideNews, General Motors is mulling the notion of introducing a diesel Chevrolet Cruze to the American market. Sources within the Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant responsible for piecing the compact sedan together have confirmed that a diesel Cruze will be built for 2013. If that's not enough to wipe the stink of skepticism off your person, GMI says that additional sources within The General's engineering team have confirmed that an oil-burning Cruze is on the company's schedule.
"Production is rumored to kick off on the project at some point next year.
"There's even rumor that GM is currently testing diesel Cruze models around the greater Detroit area right now."
I'll be looking for a Cruze diesel on the road while I'm in the Greater Detroit area this weekend. But I'm sure it won't have labels and will look like a regular Cruze...
I hope they can bring the diesel and not have too many problems with meeting the US regulations which apparently are much worse than other country's.
I remember years back seeing the updated Park Avenue on the road in southern Michigan. It was the 96 model with the complete reshaping. It had red plastic taillight lensing all over the rear end so it would have been impossible to tell the actual light comfiguration. The rest of the car was not camoflagued. I thought it was an Aurora at first or Riviera version.
A lady was driving and talking on her cell phone.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
GM Updates Certified Pre-Owned Policy With Free Maintenance (Straightline)
It's good to know of GMs good intentions, but my skeptical stink has plenty of aroma left. I hope they don't build too many before the car gets CARB approval.
Many a carmaker has cancelled plans after they watch CARB move the goal-line.
( Will it use AdBlue or probably is the engine small enough to use a SCR system like Jetta TDI? )
speaking of test mules, in 1991 happened to stop at Yuma arizona I40 exit to change drivers - my codriver couldn't really drive the Z28 stick - stalled it at the Yuma exit blocking a car-carrier plus more test mules on it all instrumented up.
No vehicles for 50 miles and literally tumbleweeds blowing through, and we had stalled/blocked Ford's testing big-rig and bunch of other Ford vehicles on the one exit ramp.
The Ford engineers were absolutely as they rolled passed us as we swapped drivers, and the instrumented cars drove off the truck and into their Yuma proving grounds.
Sorry. Did not know that it was a requirement as a poster to go back and read the first post of any board. I just look at the title of the board.
Again. I know many die-hard Bears fans who have followed, watched the team for many years and love them. BUT, they will still BOO and jeer a player, such as a quarter back, for some poor performance.
Here is a suggestion. If you want this board to be about "POSITIVE" only comments, then change title to "General Motors Fans - Positive comments only".
“The Regal GS 2.0L turbo delivers the highest specific output of any production engine GM has ever offered, and at 135 hp per liter is the most power dense engine ever certified by SAE,” said Mike Anderson, Ecotec global chief engineer and program manager. “We’ve been combining direct injection and variable valve timing with boosted engines since 2006, and there’s no question the Regal GS turbo has the responsiveness and acceleration of some V-6s, while delivering the fuel economy you’d expect of a four-cylinder.”
GM, the LEADER--most horsepower per liter ever certified by SAE.
GM, the LEADER--most horsepower per liter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFScQw5GTqQ&feature=player_embedded
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Regards,
OW
The key phrase is "certified by SAE". Some manufacturers overstate or understate their horsepower numbers. That said, those are pretty good numbers, although the 2.3 DI turbo in my 2007 Mazdaspeed3 makes 287 with a Mazda CAI and returns 29-30 mpg at 70 mph.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The automatic version of the Cruze Eco, a pricier version of the turbo that is more aerodynamic, will get 39 mpg highway, up from 37 mpg.
GM also is making the $525 “Connectivity Plus Cruise” option package, which includes Bluetooth phone connectivity, a USB port, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, standard on more trim levels.
Those features will be standard on the 1LT and Eco versions; it already came standard on the 2LT and LTZ. Buyers of the base model LS will be able to get the package for $275.
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110615/OEM04/110619907/1261- #ixzz1POMdzxfn
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110615/OEM04/110619907/1261- - #ixzz1POMxnH9Q
The Eco model accounted for about 15 percent of Cruze sales so far this year. The Eco with a six-speed manual gearbox is the most fuel-efficient nonhybrid vehicle in America, GM says, with an EPA highway rating of 42 mpg.
Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110615/OEM04/110619907/1261- #ixzz1POMxnH9Q
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Yoopers need to be focused on the Packers!
Speaking of Chicago, I believe that is a big GM town.
And a few from the auto show
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
http://www.mainstreetinmotion.com/Locations.aspx
http://www.mainstreetinmotion.com
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
" ...to produce the compact coupe at the company’s assembly plant in the Detroit suburb of Orion Township.
"The plant is being readied to begin building the Chevrolet Sonic small car in the third quarter, with production of the all-new Buick Verano."
The article points out the plant will be the only one in the US producing a subcompact, the SONIC. It also will build the Verano.
link title
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
And, this is actually kinda sad, but I could fit in the back seat of it better than I could with the larger Malibu or even the Impala!
Announced as the Chevrolet YGM1 concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1999, the original Cruze was derived from the subcompact Suzuki Ignis (known as the Suzuki Swift in Japan). The development of the Cruze departed from the original five-door hatchback Suzuki as a sport utility vehicle (SUV), using either the front- or all-wheel drive layout. Despite the Chevrolet branding, the YGM1, like the production car, was the work of GM's Australian arm, Holden Along with the styling, Holden also executed most of the engineering work and were responsible for devising the "Cruze" nameplate.
GM revealed the production Chevrolet Cruze in October 2001, with Japanese sales commencing the following month. Manufactured by Suzuki in Japan, the Cruze was also sold in Australasia from 2002 through to 2006 as the Holden Cruze. Suzuki of Europe began manufacturing the Cruze as the Suzuki Ignis—representing a facelift of the original Ignis.
Regards,
OW
I found the back seat of the Cruze to to work fine for me. With the front seat set for my height I sit in the back seat to find how much is left. The best car has been the LaCrosse. But the Cruze is better than my Cobalt. I can't think of the last time all three of us went somewhere in the Cobalt to use the back seat room, so the back seat is sometimes relevant for most people.
>I'd have to really drive one to see how it feels for more than a few minutes,
I'm afraid to drive it. When I test drove the Cobalt expecting a Focus like ride and feel, I was shocked that it was like riding in a full-sized Chevy from a few years ago. That sold me. If I were to ride in a Cruze, I might take it home with me.
We don't need it with three cars for three people. I keep waiting for the 98 LeSabre to reach a point I don't want to maintain it, but it keeps driving.
I have a guy who keeps asking about buying it. I think he's picturing a very low price for it, but he's willing to take on the muffler that's wearing out, etc. Darn GM, their mufflers don't last 200K and 13 years. What's that company comping to? They just don't build them like they used to build them! ...grin
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,