GM in "bunch of idiots" shocker

[Coventrysucks]

Things look bright for GM...

Subaru are getting shirty with GM for dishing out the Impreza to Saab, to produce the superior 9-2X (which handles better than the WRX, and has better build quality inside). They aren't very happy at all apparently.
In the spirit of co-operation though, the Saab suspension guru, who was behind the revisions that put the 9-2X ahead of the WRX, has stayed on in Japan to sort the suspension for the upcoming Impreza updates.

Saab desperately need to expand their model range, hence the 9-2X and chevy SUV thingy, they want to produce an all new car on the Impreza chassis, rather than cosmetic re-jigging. They also want a V6 9-2X.

Also, GM's new superstar platform the 'Kappa' won't be making it to Europe, after some eejet forgot to check if it met Euro crash legislation.

So no Vauxhall/ Opel Lightning, it looks like they will need to develop a new 2 seater rwd platform for the VX220/Speedster replacement. Saab also had their eye on that platform.

A few Solstice prototypes will be thrashing it round Blighty B roads, as GM attempt to produce a good handling car. A very shrewd move on their part.

[DodgeNitroBIRM]

I've heard somewhere that the Kappa platform was going to get a "grand-father clause" in Europe. I think it was Car and Driver, but I'm not sure. Can anyone back this up?

[lithuanianmafia]

Originally Posted by DodgeNitroBIRM

I've heard somewhere that the Kappa platform was going to get a "grand-father clause" in Europe. I think it was Car and Driver, but I'm not sure. Can anyone back this up?

yeah, i think i heard that too, but can't remember from where

[Coventrysucks]

Originally Posted by DodgeNitroBIRM

I've heard somewhere that the Kappa platform was going to get a "grand-father clause" in Europe. I think it was Car and Driver, but I'm not sure. Can anyone back this up?

That may be so, but I would imagine that it is the individual cars, not the platform, which have to conform to legislation.

[foto_choppa]

Originally Posted by lithuanianmafia

yeah, i think i heard that too, but can't remember from where

u must have got it forom sumwere that told u that thing was that thing that did that thing. my brain hurts

[Madman]

European laws regarding pedestrian crash protection go into effect in October 2005. If the car is already on sale before that date, the car will be "grandfathered" in and will be exempted from having to meet the new requirements.
This means that the Kappa platform has to go on sale somewhere in Europe before October 2005.

Madman of the People

[Coventrysucks]

Originally Posted by Madman

This means that the Kappa platform has to go on sale somewhere in Europe before October 2005.

That is highly unlikely.
Is it even going on sale in the US before 2005?

[Madman]

Originally Posted by Coventrysucks

That is highly unlikely.
Is it even going on sale in the US before 2005?

Time is getting tight!
The plan is to built it in the US as the Saturn Curve. Exports to Europe will get Opel and Vauxhall noses but right-hand-drive variants for the UK have yet to be confirmed.
So long as GM can get at least one car in a showroom anywhere within the European Union prior to the new regulations taking effect on 1st October 2005, the Kappa will be exempt from having to comply.
For this reason, Europe will probably get the Kappa before the America does, despite being built in the US.

Madman of the People

[Coventrysucks]

Originally Posted by Madman

Time is getting tight!
The plan is to built it in the US as the Saturn Curve. Exports to Europe will get Opel and Vauxhall noses but right-hand-drive variants for the UK have yet to be confirmed.
So long as GM can get at least one car in a showroom anywhere within the European Union prior to the new regulations taking effect on 1st October 2005, the Kappa will be exempt from having to comply.
For this reason, Europe will probably get the Kappa before the America does, despite being built in the US.

Madman of the People

Very interesting - thanks for that.