stupid yanks,,,

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Tear in my beer: GM reportedly kills off 2010 Pontiac G8 ST (http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/06/tear-in-my-beer-gm-reportedly-kills-off-2010-pontiac-g8-st/)

by Chris Paukert (http://www.autoblog.com/bloggers/chris-paukert/) on Jan 6th 2009 at 12:29PM
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/1301.jpg (http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-p-o-n-t-ianda-c-gpontiac8-sport-truck/699988/)

Click above for high-res gallery of the Pontiac G8 ST


Hold on to your Budweiser coozies: Details are scarce at the moment, but Pickuptruck.com is reporting that Pontiac has quietly euthanized plans to introduce the 2010 Pontiac G8 ST (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/14/officially-official-pontiac-g8-st-it-is/). The muscular G8-based (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-pontiac-g8-gt/) trucklet was to signal the re-emergence of the unibody pickup in North America, a genre once populated with vehicles like the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero, along with smaller front-drive moppets like the Volkswagen Rabbit pickup and Dodge Rampage.

The Austrailian-built rear-drive G8 ST was to arrive with V8 power, a 74-inch cargo hold, and a 3500-pound towing capacity, making it less capable than full-size body-on-frame pickups like General Motors' own Silverado/GMC Sierra twins, with the predicted trade-off of markedly better handling and fuel economy.

The ST was to launch as a 2010 model later this year, and prices were rumored to start in the low $30k range (http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/29/pontiac-g8-st-expected-to-start-in-low-30k-range/). Although we are unsurprised to learn of the truck's cancellation (as GM is actively slimming down its portfolio and the baby muscle pickup was expected to serve as a small-volume niche model), we can't help but get a little misty-eyed at the loss of what promised to be a truly epic donut-making machine. G8 ST, we hardly knew ye...

[Sprint]

what promised to be a truly epic donut-making machine.
the yanks have only just figured out what Aussie boys have known for years!

[VladTepes]

unibody pickup ?

That's UTE in English !

[Lotz-A-Landies]

That's probably a good thing for Aussie industry or at least the people working at the GM-H assembly plants, as the rumour was that production of the Holden Ute was to migrate to the US and we'd be getting re-badged Pontiac built utes.

[Slunnie]

unibody pickup ?

That's UTE in English !
The Commodore though is one piece where most utes are a cab and then a tray or styleside. Mind you, they call a Hilux over there a Minitruck.

[stuee]

That's probably a good thing for Aussie industry or at least the people working at the GM-H assembly plants, as the rumour was that production of the Holden Ute was to migrate to the US and we'd be getting re-badged Pontiac built utes.

I've read opposite in wheels (though the gossip does seem to jump about each issue). Exports atm are whats keeping the commodore based models alive. Production is split almost 50:50 now between local and export production. With the low numbers to be sold in the US and the cost of sending more back here I don't think they could justify the cost of retooling a plant in the US or canada to do it in the numbers they were predicting to sell.

I wonder why a more economical, better handling, cheaper ute wouldnt go down well in the US atm?? Seems a bit odd to me. I doubt not even half of the full size pick up owners use them to their full capacity.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

<snip>... I wonder why a more economical, better handling, cheaper ute wouldnt go down well in the US atm?? Seems a bit odd to me. I doubt not even half of the full size pick up owners use them to their full capacity.It probably has everything to do with the Auto Industry bail-out by the US Government. You can bet that there are requirements that the money be used to support US production/workers and importing a Aussie built ute would be counter to that agreement. Whether or not that part of the agreement has been disclosed to the public.

[stuee]

It probably has everything to do with the Auto Industry bail-out by the US Government. You can bet that there are requirements that the money be used to support US production/workers and importing a Aussie built ute would be counter to that agreement. Whether or not that part of the agreement has been disclosed to the public.

Didn't think of that. Would not surprise me at all. Even if it is counter productive to the aims of producing smaller more economical cars. Only in America.:thumbsdown:

[Quiggers]

It probably has everything to do with the Auto Industry bail-out by the US Government. You can bet that there are requirements that the money be used to support US production/workers and importing a Aussie built ute would be counter to that agreement. Whether or not that part of the agreement has been disclosed to the public.

Yes. Barack Obama said recently; "...we need to bring to bring the jobs back home..." which doesnt auger well for imports to the USA, like our Holdens. Americans are being encouraged to 'buy American' and there is much 'anti Chinese manufactured' sentiment.

Apparently 11,000 Commodores (Pontiac G8) are sitting there unsold, and that's a worry. While they are liked, getting finance is the issue.

Chrysler (USA) sales were down 50% in December 08, as opposed to 07 sales and Chrysler is currently closed, one wonders if it will reopen?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Yes. Barack Obama said recently; "...we need to bring to bring the jobs back home..."



and the world understood every word,,,,

;)

[Quiggers]

"jobs, incomes, and the economy..." Barack Obama on radio right now.

However, GM Detroit only has itself to blame for the mess it is in.

Remember one other thing, congress approved $15billion to bail out GM and Chrysler, on the condition they show how they're going to fix their problems and follow through.

Brownie points would suggest that slashing imports and saving US jobs would score very high....

[Bigbjorn]

Export your unemployment. Introduce import quotas, not tariffs. Require all reasonable volume importers to commence CKD assembly and reduce their import quotas if they don't.

[p38arover]

However, GM Detroit only has itself to blame for the mess it is in.

Surely the US auto union (the UAW), pensions, and on-going health care costs for auto workers didn't help (all put in place when the auto unions were extremely powerful).

[Quiggers]

Hi Ron, I meant that the products that comes out of Detroit, just don't cut it anymore, and haven't for a while. The big selling sedans in the USA come from Toyota and Honda, yet are made on US soil.

One example: A friend who lives 50 miles south of Detroit bought a Pontiac G6 2 years ago, she thinks it's okay, but does agree its gas milage is poor; it's 2.4 litre 4 cyl, returns about 23 mpg (US) avg and she is not stuck in traffic. An old buddy who lives in LA and is a car nut, says the G6 is rare, US buyers don't want them, as it cant compete with the Camry or Accord.

Detroit still churns out cars based on 30+ year old platforms, like the Crown Victoria, yet wonders why mostly govt depts acquire them......
and a Chev Suburban may be huge, but its not a great package, an LR3 would have to be a zillion times better, in so many ways.

I do hope they dont slide back into fuel guzzling complacency, given they're currrently paying just $1.50 a US gallon avg, (40 cents a litre).

[stuee]

"jobs, incomes, and the economy..." Barack Obama on radio right now.

However, GM Detroit only has itself to blame for the mess it is in.

Remember one other thing, congress approved $15billion to bail out GM and Chrysler, on the condition they show how they're going to fix their problems and follow through.

Brownie points would suggest that slashing imports and saving US jobs would score very high....


Surely the US auto union (the UAW), pensions, and on-going health care costs for auto workers didn't help (all put in place when the auto unions were extremely powerful).

What seemed great back in detroits hey day would kill them now if the govt hadnt of stepped in (UAW benefits). Yet when faced with the prospect of loosing it all the UAW didnt want to let go of any of it. I've read many a time in auto magazines that the UAW is half the reason for detroits financial problems.

The jap manufacturers in the US don't have a powerful unionised workforce and the workers don't get paid as much but they make higher quality cars??? Go figure.

I also think detroits focus on large, primitve cars was also a major contributing factor (as mentioned before). When times were good GM was dropping small car programs in favour of hammering out more SUV's as they were more profitable at the time. Very short sited (The only succesful large vehicle still powering on is the F series trucks built by Ford).

I think the only thing that could save GM in the long run in terms of what they produce is the Chevy Volt. If they can manufacture that to reasonably high standards and it proves reliable they could sell thousands and really take it back to the japs who have the Prius and Civic Hybrid. Reason why is that it offers great economy compared to conventional sedans, supposed to be cheaper and would start the road to an electric car network that would take the reliance off oil.

My 2c

[Lotz-A-Landies]

<snip> ... Detroit still churns out cars based on 30+ year old platforms, like the Crown Victoria, yet wonders why mostly govt depts acquire them......
... <snip> Except it's not a 30 year old platform, it's a new front wheel drive platform because it's cheaper in production.

[mcrover]

What seemed great back in detroits hey day would kill them now if the govt hadnt of stepped in (UAW benefits). Yet when faced with the prospect of loosing it all the UAW didnt want to let go of any of it. I've read many a time in auto magazines that the UAW is half the reason for detroits financial problems.Yep, I 100% agree. Ive seen first hand what this attitude can do although a different industry, of people not wanting to let go a little to save their jobs, jobs of all their freinds and workmates.


The jap manufacturers in the US don't have a powerful unionised workforce and the workers don't get paid as much but they make higher quality cars??? Go figure.It is simple, build quality or loose your job......kinda how it is meant to be, but the union theme is how much.....how much and we want more but work less and you cant fire me or the world will stop

I also think detroits focus on large, primitve cars was also a major contributing factor (as mentioned before). When times were good GM was dropping small car programs in favour of hammering out more SUV's as they were more profitable at the time. Very short sited (The only succesful large vehicle still powering on is the F series trucks built by Ford).They will learn though their big SUV's really do do well out here in Oz, a mate of mine has a 6.6 Duramax Chev dual cab and it consistantly beats the Disco on economy and is great to drive, doesnt notice 3 tonne behind it though is a PITA to park at coles :o

I think the only thing that could save GM in the long run in terms of what they produce is the Chevy Volt. If they can manufacture that to reasonably high standards and it proves reliable they could sell thousands and really take it back to the japs who have the Prius and Civic Hybrid. Reason why is that it offers great economy compared to conventional sedans, supposed to be cheaper and would start the road to an electric car network that would take the reliance off oil. My money is on it being a flop because not only will only a small amount of the greed mongers (Americans) buy them but they will be of such crap quality that they will probably catch on fire while driving along like one of the last small cars they built.

My 2c


I think Ive just hit on why they build such big cars, they are scared of fire so they want the fuel tank as far away from them as possible so they make the car 200 metres long:D

[Quiggers]

Except it's not a 30 year old platform, it's a new front wheel drive platform because it's cheaper in production.

My reference was Autoweek says otherwise re 2008/2009 Crown Victoria:
2008 & 2009 Ford Crown Victoria, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, reviews, specs and pricing (http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/dcce?Site=CW&Module=2&date=20070315&Category=FORD1270611&Class=21&Types=FORD&ID=127061&model=Crown_Victoria)

In Summary:
http://www.autoweek.com/graphics/aw_leftquote.gif Affordable, spacious, comfy old-style Detroit sedan. http://www.autoweek.com/graphics/aw_rightquote.gif
PHOTOS click photos to enlarge
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://cwweb.cr.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/cceimg?Site=CW&Module=2&Class=21&Type=FORD&Date=20070315&ID=127061&dog=1&Element=1&maxw=300&maxh=300&border=0) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://cwweb.cr.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/cceimg?Site=CW&Module=2&Class=21&Type=FORD&Date=20070315&ID=127061&dog=1&Element=2&maxw=300&maxh=300&border=0) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://cwweb.cr.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/cceimg?Site=CW&Module=2&Class=21&Type=FORD&Date=20070315&ID=127061&dog=1&Element=3&maxw=300&maxh=300&border=0) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/ (http://cwweb.cr.atl.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/cceimg?Site=CW&Module=2&Class=21&Type=FORD&Date=20070315&ID=127061&dog=1&Element=4&maxw=300&maxh=300&border=0)
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/01/1125.jpg (http://oascentral.autoweek.com/RealMedia/ads/click_lx.ads/www.autoweek.com/inmarket/ford/crown_victoria/599414720/Middle1/default/empty.gif/636b6962356b6c6d77503841414f3379?x)
CLASS DEFINITIONS:
SEDAN


BASE MODEL SPECIFICATIONS:
Vehicle type: front-engine,6 passenger, 4 Door sedan
Drivetrain: 4.6-liter V8, 220hp @ 4750rpm, 265 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm, 4-speed automatic, rear wheel drive
Curb weight: 4127 lbs
Base price: $27,125 USD
Fuel econ. (City/Hwy): 13/17 mpg

awaiting your thoughts, lotz a landies