GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
#1
03-27-2007 | 11:14 AM
GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
[align=center][sm=goodidea.gif][sm=groupwave.gif][sm=happy046.gif][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][align=center]Monte Carlo[/align][align=center]
[/align][align=center]First Generation[/align][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Current plans call for the Monte Carlo to be produced at Oshawa Car Assembly Plant #1 until summer 2007. [1] At that time Plant #1 will be closed for one month to allow movement of all equipment to Plant #2. Once the move is complete, only the Impala and the Buick LaCrosse/Allure will begin production again, thus ending production of the Monte Carlo and Grand Prix. Plant #1 will begin being retooled for Zeta platform capability. [2][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Based upon the above statement of idling of the Monte Carlo at Oshawa, and no announced plans to continue production elsewhere, it appears the Monte Carlo will go on hiatus after the 2007 model year. This is also backed up by NASCAR's transition away from the Monte Carlo into the Impala. GM has confirmed that the Monte Carlo will end production on June 20. [3] GM Vice President Bob Lutz has said the Monte Carlo will return using the new rear wheel drive Zeta architecture.[4][/align][align=center][sm=goodidea.gif][/align][align=center][:-]Source [:-][/align][align=center]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...-_refreshening[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align]
[/align][align=center]First Generation[/align][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Current plans call for the Monte Carlo to be produced at Oshawa Car Assembly Plant #1 until summer 2007. [1] At that time Plant #1 will be closed for one month to allow movement of all equipment to Plant #2. Once the move is complete, only the Impala and the Buick LaCrosse/Allure will begin production again, thus ending production of the Monte Carlo and Grand Prix. Plant #1 will begin being retooled for Zeta platform capability. [2][/align][align=center][/align][align=center]Based upon the above statement of idling of the Monte Carlo at Oshawa, and no announced plans to continue production elsewhere, it appears the Monte Carlo will go on hiatus after the 2007 model year. This is also backed up by NASCAR's transition away from the Monte Carlo into the Impala. GM has confirmed that the Monte Carlo will end production on June 20. [3] GM Vice President Bob Lutz has said the Monte Carlo will return using the new rear wheel drive Zeta architecture.[4][/align][align=center][sm=goodidea.gif][/align][align=center][:-]Source [:-][/align][align=center]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrol...-_refreshening[/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align][align=center][/align]
#2
03-27-2007 | 11:25 AM
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
[align=center]GM Zeta platform [/align]
Zeta is the original name for General Motors' full-sizerear-wheel driveautomobile platform. The architecture was engineered by Holden of Australia and is now referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta platform has replaced the V-body, and will replace the W-body, K-body & G-body after 2010.
DevelopmentDevelopment was started in 2000 by Holden of Australia in order to replace the aging V-body platform underpinning their Commodore VX after sister division Opel announced the production and design would end on the Opel Omega (on which the Commodore was based). Principal development on the VE Commodore was completed by July of 2004 at a cost of approaching AU$ 1,000,000,000 and the first testing mules underwent trials later that year. General Motors global corporate headquarters took notice of the VE design and began studies on the utilization of the underlying architecture (internally christened Zeta by GM engineers) for a range of future products on a global scale. The idea of Zeta as a global platform was officially revived when GM announced the future Camaro would use the Zeta platform.
FeaturesThe Zeta architecture is very flexible and can accommodate a wide divergence in automotive design features such as wheelbase length, ride height, windshield rake and roof line without adversely affecting chassis rigidity. Zeta's suspension system is all wheel independent and utilizes a MacPherson strut coupled with a dual ball joint lower A-arm for the front and a four link independent setup for the rear wheels. The engine is mounted slightly behind the front axle giving improved weight distribution.
#3
03-27-2007 | 11:32 AM
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
Related Article below [:-]
Chevrolet's Secret Impala: GM starts work on RWD sedan for 2010
[/align]
By Todd Lassa
Photography by the Manufacturers[/align]
The car you see here is a rendering based on one of two design proposals under consideration for the 2010 Chevy Impala, a rear-drive sedan to be built on the same Zeta rear-drive architecture as the 2009 Camaro and--as we revealed exclusively last month--also likely to underpin an all-new Pontiac Grand Prix. Unlike the Grand Prix, which is being pitched as a mildly tweaked version of the all-new Australian-designed and engineered Holden Commodore, the new Impala will feature unique sheetmetal from bumper to bumper.[/align]
A rear-drive Impala is a logical move for Chevy. It allows GM to increase the Impala's size, making it a clear step up from the all-new Malibu due next year. It also allows Chevy to offer a mainstream car with powertrains of more than 300 horses, including a range of V-8s. Finally, it provides a foundation for a two-tier Chevy range, composed of front-drive small and medium-size cars and rear-drive larger cars.[/align]
[align=center]
[/align]
[/align][/align]
Building a new Impala off the Zeta architecture also will enable GM to spread some of the investment required for the Camaro across two model lines, as the cars will share mechanicals and numerous sheetmetal components under the skin. That eases the pressure on the Camaro to return the same profit margins Ford needs to justify building the Mustang, which shares few parts with any other FoMoCo vehicle.[/align]
Final decision on the new Impala's styling isn't likely until next year. But the car will feature Chevy's bold new corporate grille and an interior that builds on the substantial improvements in quality and presentation shown by the new Tahoe and Suburban.[/align]
[align=center][/align]
Zeta rear suspension[/align][/align]
Need To Know
• 6.2-liter V-8 is likely to be the top engine. Expect at least 400 horsepower, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Also likely to be available will be GM's high-feature 3.6-liter V-6 and a 5.3-liter V-8.[/align]
• Standard transmission is likely to be GM's new six-speed automatic. Performance versions, badged SS, probably will be offered with a six-speed manual.[/align]
• Bold new grille is similar in execution to the 2008 Malibu's. Front overhang is short, and the wide front track means the wheels are pushed right to the corners of the car, giving it a sporty stance.[/align]
[align=center][/align]
ZETA architecture[/align][/align]
• Fast backlight gives a rakish, almost coupelike profile that pays homage to the beautifully proportioned Impalas of the late 1960s. Rear deck is short and trunk opening narrow to accentuate strong shoulders.[/align]
• zeta rear suspension also will be on new Camaro and Pontiac Grand Prix. Features beefy L-shaped single upper link, two lower links, and adjustable toe-control link. Coil-over shocks keep entire assembly compact.[/align]
• Zeta architecture is revealed in this X-ray view of the new Holden Commodore. Rear-drive Impala would share similar features under the skin, including strong box sections in the floor and gas tank mounted under the rear seat.[/align]
Chevrolet's Secret Impala: GM starts work on RWD sedan for 2010
[/align]
By Todd Lassa
Photography by the Manufacturers[/align]
The car you see here is a rendering based on one of two design proposals under consideration for the 2010 Chevy Impala, a rear-drive sedan to be built on the same Zeta rear-drive architecture as the 2009 Camaro and--as we revealed exclusively last month--also likely to underpin an all-new Pontiac Grand Prix. Unlike the Grand Prix, which is being pitched as a mildly tweaked version of the all-new Australian-designed and engineered Holden Commodore, the new Impala will feature unique sheetmetal from bumper to bumper.[/align]
A rear-drive Impala is a logical move for Chevy. It allows GM to increase the Impala's size, making it a clear step up from the all-new Malibu due next year. It also allows Chevy to offer a mainstream car with powertrains of more than 300 horses, including a range of V-8s. Finally, it provides a foundation for a two-tier Chevy range, composed of front-drive small and medium-size cars and rear-drive larger cars.[/align]
[align=center][/align][/align][/align]
Building a new Impala off the Zeta architecture also will enable GM to spread some of the investment required for the Camaro across two model lines, as the cars will share mechanicals and numerous sheetmetal components under the skin. That eases the pressure on the Camaro to return the same profit margins Ford needs to justify building the Mustang, which shares few parts with any other FoMoCo vehicle.[/align]
Final decision on the new Impala's styling isn't likely until next year. But the car will feature Chevy's bold new corporate grille and an interior that builds on the substantial improvements in quality and presentation shown by the new Tahoe and Suburban.[/align]
[align=center][/align]Zeta rear suspension[/align][/align]
Need To Know
• 6.2-liter V-8 is likely to be the top engine. Expect at least 400 horsepower, with cylinder deactivation for improved fuel economy. Also likely to be available will be GM's high-feature 3.6-liter V-6 and a 5.3-liter V-8.[/align]
• Standard transmission is likely to be GM's new six-speed automatic. Performance versions, badged SS, probably will be offered with a six-speed manual.[/align]
• Bold new grille is similar in execution to the 2008 Malibu's. Front overhang is short, and the wide front track means the wheels are pushed right to the corners of the car, giving it a sporty stance.[/align]
[align=center][/align]ZETA architecture[/align][/align]
• Fast backlight gives a rakish, almost coupelike profile that pays homage to the beautifully proportioned Impalas of the late 1960s. Rear deck is short and trunk opening narrow to accentuate strong shoulders.[/align]
• zeta rear suspension also will be on new Camaro and Pontiac Grand Prix. Features beefy L-shaped single upper link, two lower links, and adjustable toe-control link. Coil-over shocks keep entire assembly compact.[/align]
• Zeta architecture is revealed in this X-ray view of the new Holden Commodore. Rear-drive Impala would share similar features under the skin, including strong box sections in the floor and gas tank mounted under the rear seat.[/align]
#4
03-27-2007 | 11:56 AM
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
More Article's [:-]
[/align]
As Holden is in charge of all new full-size rear-drive development for GM, the Pontiac G8 gives us a taste of what the 2009 Chevrolet Camaro and 2010 Impala will be like.
Zeta is a versatile architecture. The front-axle centerline on the Camaro has been moved about 50mm further forward than it is on the Holden Commodore (and therefore the Pontiac G8). The reason for this expensive change is that it allows the Camaro-and the Impala, which will share the same front structure-to run 20-inch wheels without compromising steering lock. In fact, says one Holden source, 24s will fit.
The Camaro coupe and convertible concepts are therefore close to the production versions, say GM insiders. The roof of the coupe will be raised about 15 mm for production, and the body sides will be pulled in 5-10 mm. What you've seen so far is basically what you're going to get in Chevy showrooms in 2009.
Cost has been an issue for Camaro. But GM sources say entry-level versions will retail from about $21,000. That's because they'll use the cheap-to-build pushrod 3.9-liter V-6 as the entry-level engine. Insiders say Tom Stephens's team at GM Powertrain has been working to improve the refinement of the 3.9. Mated with the six-speed-manual or automatic-it should be a much smoother package than the trucklike 4.0-liter V-6 that powers base Mustangs.Holden boss Denny Mooney says Camaro mules are already on the road in Australia, and the first prototype body-in-white was completed in early January.
A stretched version of the Impala platform could find its way under replacements for the Cadillac DTS and Buick Lucerne. Rumors are the Buick Velite sedan is back on for 2010, and a DTS replacement may be on the way for 2011. And they may be candidates for the new Ultra V-8. GM confirmed Motor Trend's February scoop of a new double-overhead-cam V-8 with an announcement that it's investing $300 million to build the engine at its Tonawanda, New York, plant by 2009.
#5
03-27-2007 | 12:15 PM
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
[align=center][/align]
[hr]
[align=center]$ Bonus for the Super Rich $[/align]Super Caddy! V-12 powered, Zeta-based Cadillac coming[align=center]Posted March 21 2007 12:16 PM by Angus MacKenzie & Space
Filed under: Car News, The Big Picture, Cadillac | Comments (3)
[/align]
Bob Lutz has confirmed rumors swirling through Detroit that Cadillac is working on a Zeta-based S-class rival - and that the top of the range version will be powered by a new V-12 engine currently under development....
[:-]click below
Read full blog
[/align][align=center]
[/align]
[/align][align=center]
What do you think ?[/align]
[hr]
[align=center]$ Bonus for the Super Rich $[/align]Super Caddy! V-12 powered, Zeta-based Cadillac coming[align=center]Posted March 21 2007 12:16 PM by Angus MacKenzie & Space
Filed under: Car News, The Big Picture, Cadillac | Comments (3)
[/align]
Bob Lutz has confirmed rumors swirling through Detroit that Cadillac is working on a Zeta-based S-class rival - and that the top of the range version will be powered by a new V-12 engine currently under development....
[:-]click below
Read full blog
[/align][align=center]
[/align][/align][align=center]
What do you think ?[/align]
#8
03-27-2007 | 04:52 PM
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
[align=center]
[/align]
[hr]
[align=center]Yes RJ, but there is HOPE..[/align][align=center]HOPE runs ETERNAL : )[/align][align=center]Dreams are still `free.....Aren't they ?[/align][align=center][/align][align=center]I will keep hoping & dreaming.[/align][align=center]`Space[/align]
[hr]
ORIGINAL: rj
So is this little more then speculation at this point?
So is this little more then speculation at this point?
[hr]
RJ, don't you believe the Vice President Bob Lutz of General Motors ?
[hr]
#9
03-27-2007 | 07:56 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,482
From: Southwestern OH
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
Space,
Sorry to sound like a non-believer.
It's just there's been so much speculation and rumors flying around ever since it was announced the Monte was gone.
Not sure what to believe here?????????????
Sorry to sound like a non-believer.
It's just there's been so much speculation and rumors flying around ever since it was announced the Monte was gone.
Not sure what to believe here?????????????
#10
03-27-2007 | 08:12 PM
Monte Of The Month -- February 2008
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,286
From: Born in East LA
RE: GM V.P Says Monte Carlo will return : )
ORIGINAL: rj
Space,
Sorry to sound like a non-believer.
It's just there's been so much speculation and rumors flying around ever since it was announced the Monte was gone.
Not sure what to believe here?????????????
Space,
Sorry to sound like a non-believer.
It's just there's been so much speculation and rumors flying around ever since it was announced the Monte was gone.
Not sure what to believe here?????????????