General Motors plans to unveil three production and four concept cars at the Detroit Auto Show.
General Motors has plans to unveil three new production vehicles and four concept cars at this week’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, a spokesman for the automaker said.

“The secret’s out: General Motors is recapturing the glory of its past and creating a bright, bodacious future with a fleet of dynamic new vehicles,” Robert Lutz, GM vice chairman and chairman GM North America, said Wednesday in a statement.

The production vehicles to be introduced are the Hummer H2 full-size sport utility vehicle, Cadillac XLR luxury roadster and the Chevrolet SSR, a convertible roadster/pickup truck. All three vehicles are based on former concept vehicles from past years.

This year’s crop of concept vehicles includes the Cadillac Cien V12 Supercar, a concept version of the Chevrolet Bel Air; a modernized version of the long-gone 1950’s model line, two-seat Pontiac Roadster powered by a 220 horsepower engine and features saddle brown leather interior; and the Saab 9-3X, a crossover vehicle with all-wheel drive and off-road capabilities.

The new models form part of GM’s strategy for maintaining its market-share-gaining momentum built up during the fourth quarter of 2001.

 

Recapturing the glory of its past?
That was when only the Big 3 American automakers were around.
With such intense competition from more efficient, more respected, and better reviewed international brands like Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, Toyota/Lexus, BMW, Mercedes..... all I can say is GOOD LUCK GM!!!

 

I don't think they need luck, just some really good hard work. And I think they can do it. YMMV

 

Show me ONE foreign car that was 'mass' produced that had the draw of the PT Cruiser. Yes it wasn't a big car enthusiast favorite, but people wanted something like the PT. Look at sales of the Thunderbird as well. Waiting lists are quite long for that. This is what people currently want in the US. Trust me, GM will not need any luck with their upcoming cars. Too many imports are becoming too similar to each other. This is what GM is doing to counter this. Being different.

 

I agree 100%, but if this is what they consider to be the glory the past, they will need the luck. (Bel Air concept) It's got a 5 cylinder engine!

Ford on the other hand, has a GT40 concept this year. Yeah baby!!

 

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Actually, look at it from outside your perspective. Look at it from the perspective of the general public. Between those two, which one will the majority of the general public go for? Definitely not the GT40, however, that is one cool looking car. i actually like the looks of the Bel Air concept a little.

The 5 cylinder engine if you look at the tech specs it's actually a very efficient and advanced engine. Especially from the likes of GM who loves the older engine designs.

 

To show the new GM 5-cylinder is nothing to laugh at. I'll just say it's a 3.5L that puts down 315 ponies.

 

The new gt40 from ford sounds nice but they be 100k + if they build it

 

Yeah but it's not all about performance. If they are trying to recreate the past, they have to do it with a rear wheel drive V8. I don't care if they put in a blown 3 cyl Geo Metro engine with 400 hp, it still needs a V8 to achieve the nostalgia that they are after.

Performance is not the most important issue. The 283s of the 50's were not that quick either (I know, I've driven several). But the sound, the feeling... everything of a good American V8 adds to the effect.

The 2002 Thunderbird ain't fast either. But all have been sold and many, myself included, have fallen victim to the allure of nostalgic V8 convertible cruising. It's part of the American heritage and you can't imitate it with a 5 cylinder anything. Remember all the crap Plymouth took when they launched the Prowler with a V6? Honda's can whip Harleys but they are meant for different purposes.

I love my Acura for daily transportation and convenience, but if you have never experienced the feeling of an American V8, you are missing out big time.

...End of Sermon...I don't care anyway, cause GM has never built any of its concept cars other than the SEMA Impala and this lame-as SSR truck thing.

 

Hey, don't get me wrong. I've always been in love with American muscle cars (GTO, SuperBee, Challenger R/T, 68 Camaro... mmm....).

But today's sports coupes from American car manufacturers leave something to be desired.

Mustang -- horridly put together, no quality control.
Camaro/Firebird - personally love the Firebird body style, but nobody is buying these cars anymore. Line is in danger of fading out.

And when it comes to dependability....
http://www.jdpa.com/studies_jdpower/...ID=486&CatID=1

Vampyre: How much is that new Thunderbird? Ya, that much.

Kahn Man: Damn, that Ford GT40 does ROCK!!

 

the Corvette is still a good machine