1. K5 Blazer
Calling the Chevrolet midsize FWD-based unibody crossover that was recently unveiled a “Blazer” doesn’t seem to be striking positive chords with the public. Much like if the Camaro were to be re-spawned as a front-wheel-drive sedan, the connotations of the Blazer name clash heavily with the vehicle that now graces. The Blazer nameplate would have been perfect for a vehicle to rival the upcoming Ford Bronco, which will be an off-road oriented body-on-frame SUV. To make things more frustrating, it’s as if Chevrolet has been completely oblivious to the surging off-road SUV and overlanding space that brands like Jeep and Toyota enjoy. Aside from the Colorado ZR2, there likely isn’t a Chevrolet vehicle in the local Moosejaw or REI parking lot. That likely won’t change soon, but it could with a proper body-on-frame midsize SUV that seeks adventure, just like the original Blazer.
2. Cobalt SS
10 years before the Honda Civic Type R, there was the Chevrolet Cobalt SS. The unassuming compact sucker punched segment leading AWD vehicles in the mouth when the turbocharged version came on the scene, such as the Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It’s been heralded as an impeccable driver’s car by every magazine that’s tested it, and was the last true FWD performance car GM has built. Since then, Chevrolet has found it difficult to attract enthusiasts that can’t afford a Camaro, or would rather prefer something more practical. A performance variant of the Chevrolet Cruze could fix this, but we continue to hear of staunch resistance against this idea within General Motors.
3. S-10
Chevrolet no longer has a compact truck. In fact, the Chevrolet Colorado crew cab with a long box encroaches on popular Silverado configurations in overall length (225 inches vs 230 inches, respectively). Looking at the dimensions between the previous generation Colorado to the current one demonstrates stark differences in size, by a minimum of 20 inches in length and 5 inches in height. Meanwhile, reports have come out that Ford is looking to launch a small pickup truck to slot below the incoming Ranger midsize truck by as early as 2022, which is the next logical step in the marketplace. A little pickup from Chevrolet that embodies the S-10 would be well suited as an urban work vehicle, and an entry-level carryall for different customers new to Chevrolet.
4. Astro
Didn’t you hear? Living in a van is cool again. And off-grid camping has seen a rise in popularity. Volkswagen even hosted a media drive of their Chevy Astro-esque T6 California camping van in America, despite not being sold here. The utilitarian Astro van could be reintroduced, but with more of an adventurous theme showcased by the T6 California to cater to minimalist vagabonds (the trendy ones that can support themselves, yet voluntarily choose to be homeless). It would also serve as a well-placed cargo van below the long-in-tooth yet profitable Express full-size van. A plug-in hybrid system or even an electric drivetrain would make things even more interesting. Moreover, the size and utilitarian design would make a reincarnated Chevy Astro van an ideal candidate for either autonomous vehicle or ride sharing platforms, like Waymo or Uber. Wall Street likes this.
5. Tracker
Ford plans to attack both the iconic Toyota 4Runner and Jeep JL Wrangler with two vehicles. One is going to be the new Bronco, and the other is described as a “baby Bronco.” The Chevrolet Tracker was a rebadged Suzuki Vitara/Grand Vitara and embodied a little off-road friendly SUV that was lightweight and affordable. Should Chevrolet product planners come to understand the appeal of the off-road SUV market, a redux of the Tracker to play sidekick to a midsize SUV that rivals the Bronco would increase the bandwidth of adventurous vehicles for buyers to see the USA in their Chevrolet.
6. Avalanche
So many people loved the Chevrolet Avalanche that it’s become impossible to ignore the emails, comments and passionate dialogues happening all around us. This truck/SUV combo, formally classified as a “Sport Utility Truck”, essentially invented the crew cab pickup truck segment at the turn of the millennium. In doing so, the Avalanche became a victim of its own success, and Chevrolet pushed forward with the crew cab Silverado following the Avalanche’s discontinuation after the 2013 model year. But the Silverado is still missing a crucial detail that made the Avalanche so beloved: the mid-gate passthrough that turned the rear of the cabin into an 8-foot truck bed. Chevrolet then tried to appeal to the Avalanche faithful with the Silverado High Desert package, which added sport bars, lockable storage boxes, and three-piece rigid tonneau cover – just like the discontinued Avalanche. But again, no mid-gate, and owners have stubbornly held onto their prized SUTs. Should Chevrolet ever resurrect this model, there would be business risks to consider. The question of whether or not the Avalanche and Silverado can actually co-exist is a big one to answer. As is the question of whether or not sales projections of an Avalanche would sink after its die-hard fanbase purchased them in the first year it returned. These will likely remain unanswered unless we were to see the situation play itself out in real time.
7. Chevelle
There continues to be declaration that the full-size sedan segment is on its death bed. We just happen to think it’s too boring and there’s zero marketing effort to attract anybody. There’s also the example of the oddly named Chevrolet SS Performance Sedan selling at a snail’s pace, but likely because the cost of entry was too high because of no base trim level to start from. We think this deserves another look with a more committed strategy. A new rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Chevelle could compliment the Camaro, in a way that Dodge has been the envy of the industry with the Challenger and Charger. Does that mean introducing a Chevelle with four doors? Likely yes, but GM’s Alpha architecture sure could use the added scale, as could Omega.
After some thought and some comments, we’ve taken the liberty to add three additional vehicles.
8. Trailblazer SS
The Chevrolet Tahoe RST has its heart in the right place, but the idea could be honed a bit. The best examples of an American brand SUV that execute on this idea come from FCA, with the Dodge Durango SRT, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and the Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The Chevrolet Trailblazer SS was the embodiment of a fast American SUV before any of these vehicles existed, and remains coveted on the second-hand market. So much so that they’re often stolen. A midsize SUV with a small block V8 such as the LT1 or even the supercharged LT4 backed by the performance know-how of Chevrolet Performance would blend the velocity of a Camaro with the practicality of a family crossover. Plus, think of the profit margins.
9. Silverado SS
This is another one that’s kept a cult following almost 20 years later. Truck buyers continue to look for more power, and the growth of the aftermarket industry reflects this, indicating that Chevrolet is leaving money on the table. Just like the Trailblazer SS, a Chevrolet Silverado SS doesn’t seem to make much sense for the dedicated road course aficionado, but that hasn’t stopped people from wanting them. And also like Trailblazer SS successor, a Silverado SS would likely be a high-margin vehicle.
10. Front Engined Corvette
Chevrolet can pretend it’s not happening all it wants. But there’s too much evidence that there’s a (rear) mid-engine Corvette coming, and reports have stated that it likely spells the inevitable end of (mid) front-engined Corvette body style. The risk here is that the 2020 C8 Corvette and its mid-engined layout could alienate just as many buyers as it newly attracts, rather than retaining old customers and expanding sales with new ones. We theorize that a functional hatchback (no more golf club storage with C8), an easier ingress/egress (compared to what’s anticipated with C8), and a lower MSRP (compared what’s anticipated with C8) will likely contribute to reasons why somebody would rather stick with the traditional body style. The Corvette is the best selling sports car in America, after all, which means it’s a highly proven formula. We see no real reason why a front-engine Corvette and mid-engine Corvette can’t coexist through a long timeline, but for that to happen, they both need to have a future. And probably their own brand, too.
Comments
Agreed on all accounts.
Yep fully I agree. GM have been exceedingly risk averse and are understandably trying to maximize profit over volume. But there are segments where they have seemingly abandoned to competitors. The really need to get busy with innovative product in addition to their mainstream vehicles.
My heart is all over all having all but market realities say not going to happen as stated.
A Blazer would be fun but with two doors it will not happen in today’s utility minded market. Few remember hoe much of a pain they were to get in the back of. This is why we have a Tahoe
Cobalt SS would be cool but this is a limited market. To do it right with AWD it gets expensive and volume also would need to be spread over a global market as are the Ford, Honda and VW sport compacts.
S10 could happen but it would be a uni body. We no longer have a cheap mid sized RWD platform to share parts with. Also volumes would need to be higher needing global sales.
Astro van yes it has been needed. GM needs a small efficient urban van. Long over due and could be used globally.
Tracker has been needed. Could be done on small car platform like the Trax. Replace the Trax with it ASAP.
Avalanche, should be done on the mid size platform or even the uni body truck to make the small vehicle more usable and most usable in class.
Chevelle. What can I say we have had 7 Chevelles in our family and I love em. But it is a vehicle time has passed up. You already have a Camaro coupe that is under performing in a coupe segment that is dying why in the hell would you make another?
Trailblazer SS well you need a Trailblazer first. Not the one in Australia as it is ugly. Re body it.
Silverado SS. Sure. Easy to do and cost effective at these volumes.
Front Engine Corvette. Not needed. the new one will be cheap enough to cover the low end of the segment. Cadillac could use a real GT roadster to challenge the Z4.
The only option here is to do it as an Alpha sedan but then why would you not name it Impala then. Even then would you make back the development money? Probably but not as much profit as other more suv like models. I say put the money in a mid sized Avalanche. It is not enough to make money. Today you need to maximize return on investment.
Like I said I love em all but we live in today not yesterday and things from our past just do not fit well anymore.
I disagree. SUVs are the new sedans, so why not have a coupe SUV? Same goes for performance SUVs. GMs lack of performance SUVs and trucks blows my mind. Build the right product and it will sell. You have any idea how much a old 2 door full-size Tahoe costs? 2-3x as much as a 4 door. No market? Bullshit. The market is so obvious I’m embarrassed for GM.
Cobalt SS is cool and would be again but I agree that’s a tough sell
S10 would work just fine if done right too. There is room for 3 trucks, but it’s not absolutely necessary.
Astro van needs a needs a reboot, not just for consumers but fleets. Business owners would gobble them up like they dodllid before.
Challenger has proved there is a market for a Chevelle.
The deciding factor on all these is if it’s done right and not the typical half assed approach.
Why are there no two door suvs today. No one bought them. The coupe in all configurations but two seat cars is a dying breed,
How many standard cab truck on dealer lots.
Don’t get me wrong I loved the 72 Blazer with the full removable roof but I also understand the reality of today’s market and high development cost have changed the whole market dynamics.
The Bronco will test the two door market but based on the Wrangler 4 doors I wager Ford will move to a 4 door at some point.
Not trying to be disagreeable just honest.
The S10 idea I’d fine but you have to make it affordable. I am sure they could build one but the economics of scale would be difficult. The old S10 shared many parts with the A and G body cars or at least a lot of engineering. Today you have the Alpha and it is too expensive to share much.
Price is a real challange in the mid size trucks and the widow is much smaller in the smaller truck. They just do not have the volume of 2 million trucks to spread out the cost for lower prices or big rebates.
The American market would need to move 250k units and more overseas and that is if it shares a lot of parts. I am a Canyon owner and understand this segment well. I also have been a past S10, Sonoma and Sprint SP owner. I see if from the enthusiast side but I also see it from the economic side.
The Challanger proves nothing. This segment needs to see 100k units a year but all three coupes fall short.
Chrysler has delayed and canceled replacements for this platform several times. The Challanger sells mostly because it is cheap. They stack rebates on these cars making them a bargain. Put it on a new Alfa platform like they were the price spikes and the car dies. GM has the Camaro on the Alpha platform and it makes a good car but it also makes it more expensive. Ford shares the Stang with nothing and it hurts cost so they are moving it to a SUV platform that can double as a car. They also have moved to global markets to get volume up. All three could easily be gone in 5 years I’d the market continues to slide. They all went away before. No the Mustang 2 does not count.
The deciding factor on all of this is economic and can they do them and maximize profits. When a company spends 4 billion dollars for a new model and they have a choice of one that sells 250,000 units or one that sells 75,000 units that brings even less profit per unit what one do you think they will approve the buisness case for?
Sorry I know it sucks but these are the things that they have to look at and today many executives do not want to be saddled with a SSR or Aztek on their record.
Let’s face it it has gone as far for profits and cost cutting Ford has killed cars and Chrysler is not far behind with only a couple models left.
It is not buisness like it used to be.
Even the Corvette has to make a profit and be approved by a buisness case. If it ever proves to be unprofitable it will go away like the Viper. Note the. Vette was killed in the 90’s but the manage ignored the corporate leaders and kept it alive with the C5. He paid with his career.
The S10 could go transverse AWD and would be profitable in the global market
Scott3, while I fully understand the general direction of market (all trucks and crossovers/SUVs), and the need for maximum profit, I think GM is missing the boat on certain niche markets. Let’s take, for example, the upcoming 2019 Silverado. Want a Regular Cab? Yes, you can have one, as long as it’s attached to a Long Bed and has Work Truck trim. Want a Regular Cab/Short Bed? Sorry, Chevy no longer has interest in making that truck for you. I completely understand that many/most customers need/want a Double or Crew Cab pickup, but it’s not what everyone wants. You can’t tell me for a minute, that with all the money GM rakes-in on it’s full-size pick-ups and SUVs, that they can’t take a little money out of petty cash, and make a Regular Cab/Short bed truck, with decent trim and options (or heaven-to-bid, performance options).
Moving on, GM is going to miss the mark on the small truck front. Ford is expressing it’s interest in producing such a truck. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Koreans have an entry in the next 2-3 years, as well. GM could easily tap into it’s global markets and talent pools to create such an offering. And, while they’re at it, make a related SUV offering, on the same platform.
Compact Performance. Honda continues to offer several variants of the Civic. Although it sells fewer of them, then a few years back, it’s still a viable market. And they still have a focus on performance variants. And you can choose 2, or 4 doors.
Real variety. Beyond these 3 examples, Chevrolet needs a couple more specialty type offerings. Offerings that are not only desirable, but ATTAINABLE. How many younger people want a Camaro SS, but can’t afford one? Hell, if you check too many option boxes on a Camaro LT, it’s ridiculously expensive. Corvette? Yeah, right. And when the mid-engine car comes out, forget the current $58K base price! Remember the Beretta? Say what you will about it, but it was affordable, fun, and looked good.
Styling. Remember when people bought a car at least partly based on style? Or the way it made them feel? Rather than if it had the maximum number of distractions available, via infotainment? Or 26 airbags. Or self-parking and super cruise. When I was a kid, stylish 2-doors of the mid-size (Chevelle, Cutlass, etc.) or personal luxury variety (Riviera, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, etc.) were all the rage. While I’m not delusional in thinking that the market will return to that 2-door heyday, I’d love to see GM become a styling leader again. Not just another “me too” variation of everything else on the automotive landscape. Is it just me, or does EVERYTHING on the road have that “gaping mouth” grill?? Ugh. How original.
Advertising. It doesn’t matter if it’s print media, television, or digital. When was the last time you saw and ad for anything other than Silverado, Cruze, or any of the SUV offerings? Yeah, I can’t remember, either. And don’t get me started on that bearded dingbat featured in the TV spots. All he talks about is awards. That’s great. But, I don’t get a hard-on over J.D. Power awards. Is it taboo to talk about performance, or something slightly more exciting? It wasn’t all that long ago that Chevy advertising campaigns actually excited people about the product. Now, they’re as exciting as watching ice melt. I think part of the failure of the Chevy SS, is that nobody knew that they made the damn thing. And Camaro could certainly use at least a cameo role in an ad.
Okay, I’ll step off my soapbox.
I get your view but just how many regular cab short beds do they sell? With today high cost of development do the even make the money back.
Small trucks just how many would be sold. What vehicle would cost be shared with as you can not go solo on one and expect to sell it for $25,000. The days of $9,999 trucks are gone. If there was no global market there would be no Colorado or Ranger.
Sport compacts. You realize the Honda’s Civic Sport is built in England exported in small numbers to a number of markets globally to a sustainable total. The. Cruze has little global market let along the key performance ones.
I work in the Performance market and I know first hand it is in serious decline. Most younger people are not coming to it as they once did. We used cars as our social network but today the use Play Station.
As for styling that is subjective and mechanical. The Me too is also a product of not having a miss. Companies do not want to spend money and miss on product. It is not just the auto segment but nearly all. Ever notice the pop and country singers all look and sound alike. Note we have 4 different CSI shows.
Marketing goes to where the money comes from. The others either do not benefit from it or has realized little gain in sales from it.
I do hate their commercials and feel companies like Ford who better markets features and Hyundai that better markets price.
But to really think the SS would have sold better at the price it was just is not real. It was clear who made it. Cut cost due to where it came from and the required number of options it took to make it profitable.
I agree with you for the most part that these would be fun and great cars. But the problem is the numbers sold and the high cost to put them into production make them difficult to do anymore. It is not like the old days were companies can carry under performers or failures.
When you get people just saying just do it we all need to place a number expected sold, the cost of development and how much money would be made. If you are talking 50,000 units or less it needs to be a global model and share parts with other lines.
The days of things like the SSR where everyone says build it then it fails in the market because it was not practical and it could never be built for $25,000 and sold for a profit. In the days of $35,000 4 cylinder Malibu’s it is difficult to sell a Camsro cheaper unless you use a platform from 2005 that was an old Benz platform you inherited.
We get a lot of just do it thinking but we must be mindful of the problems MFGs have to face. Most people calling the shots want the same things we do but have to live with what they can afford or make money at. Small volumes are not profitable and if the are they get expensive hence a $70,000 plus Z/28s.
Auto makers are not unlike us. They too have to live with in their means and make sure they have enough income to come out in the Black. GM already failed once and they are not going back again. We will get something fun now and then but they will be limited in their range.
I never suggested a “damned the torpedoes, full speed ahead”, “just do it” approach. I’m realistic, to a point. But GM and many other manufacturers need a few more products to provide an image. Worrying about a product “missing” by a bit, begets boring, uninspired product. Leaders don’t worry about that. There’s little to get excited about in the Chevrolet line-up, aside from Camaro and Corvette. Those cars are out of reach for many of the younger people that actually would like to own one, and enjoy the performance credentials of those cars. That’s why you only see silver-haired guys driving new Corvettes. The one-size-fits-all approach is bland, and lacks inspiration. The incessant march towards the bland crossover/SUV, will melt into soul-sucking autonomous pods, because of people like you that seem to think that THEY know what’s good for the public. Maximum profit, maximum boredom. I’ll pass.
By the way, you seem to not only be the self-proclaimed genius of all things automotive, but music and television, too. Must be great to know it all!!
I was not directing that at you but to many of the post where folks never consider all that has to be taken into account when dealing with the development and funding of a vehicle.
The way it used to be they could just toss what ever against the wall and see what sticks. The development cost were no where near what it is today and the profits were much easier to come by when it was just the big three.
Today in the climate we are in what took a million to develop is now up to 4 billion to do the same thing. Regulations and more complicated cars as well as higher labor cost have run things to cost levels never imagined.
Yes I agree it is boring but a miss back then was pocket change today it is a major failure that has to be accounted for and takes away from other higher profit ventures.
Toyota did not become the largest automaker in the world by making exciting cars.
Just the fact Ford and GM sharing programs on parts of the drive line should get all our attentions.
The reason gray hairs have the Corvettes is because they are the few that have disposable income to buy one. The days of $20K sports cars are long behind us. Then once you get so expensive then you challenge the imports at a little higher cost. The mid engine C8 is not just for handling but a try to attract younger buyers too.
Automakers are going global in hopes to control cost. It will give us some better things but also we will lose other things we treasure.
The bottom line is those who do not get cost in line will merge or die. Ford is on the bubble now with low stock prices. If not for the Ford family someone would have bought them out already.
GM already dodged one bullet and is working to prevent a repeat. It may require boring CUV models that bring high profits.
It is no longer who sells the most. today it is more about who sells a good volume but realize the most profits with controlling cost.
I am not self proclaiming to be a genius. I just work in a field that puts me into contact with the market and the many folks who work in it. I also read all I can get my hands on. I just hold a great interest in the industry from an entertainment level as well as a employment level. Also I was brought up under a family member that was an old school GM executive from the Sloan era. It gave me interest and insight.
You can be mad at me all you like but it is not my opinion it is just how the industry is today. What you think of me changes nothing a I am merely the messenger.
Sorry but reality sucks.
I think that the biggest reason imports are winning this war is that it’s a much lower cost to produce a product for them. I could be wrong, but as far as I know, foreign car manufacturers in US are not under Union, that alone reduces assembly costs by more then half. Another reason is that most of their models are engineered overseas (lower salaries). And last, their CEO’s and Officers don’t have as big of salaries as domestic car companies.
This is true. They have lower cost and companies like Hyundai use short cut to cut car content to offer lower prices.
As for CEO salaries the all make good money as it is a competitive segment and in this day and age of 4 billion to bring a ne car to market $12 million is a drop in the bucket.
Chevelle-yes, Chevy fans need a sedan they can look to, add t4/6 cly for base versions.
Tracker- yes, but needs to be an off-roader.
Avalanche- yes, it’s a no brainer.
Asto- IDK, could be done on the Colorado platform..
Blazer- let it go, no, a “Fall Guy” 2-door isn’t coming.
Cobalt SS- yes as an Cruze SS.
S10- no, we have the Colorado already.
OTOH for Blazer a 2/4 door Colorado with a SUV cab can work as a Trailblazer.
4 door 3 row blazer with solid axles, a wrangler style hardtop removable roof, 350(Upstroked 5.3), 3.0t duramax, or 6.2L V8, and portal axles? yes please!
With the avalanche I would hope they would bring a Cadillac truck to the market. With high end trucks going higher and higher in msrp there is plenty of room for a 80k high end Cadillac truck
Cadillac did sell a rebadged Avalance as the Escalade EXT :
https://2019besttrucks.com/cadillac/2018-cadillac-escalade-ext/
I agree than both the Chevy Avalance and the Caddy truck should return. The Avalance was the most flexible truck in the market with its different user configurations. The newer models must continue to be based on the Silverado.
GM could just bring the Australian Trailblazer and call it a day…. and then from there they could bring just the New Orlando and call it the astro. As far for the Cruze SS, they just need to drop either the 2.0T (no brainer) or if they went wild drop the 2.7T with AWD. Avalanche is a must just because my uncle still loves his avalanche
Chevelle: Yes, but only as a sedan. Build on Omega platform as a cheap CT6 just like the current Impala is a cheap XTS. Aim it directly at the Dodge Charger, with aggressive styling and retro attitude.
Blazer: Yes, but as a TrailBlazer built off the next-gen Colorado/Canyon, along with a ZR2 model and let’s throw an Envoy Denali in for the GMC people that like the Acadia, but need something bigger that isn’t a Yukon.
Astro, S10, and Tracker: Oh yes! I have no idea what to build them off of (maybe the three of them could share a platform and do it globally), but I’d love to see it happen!
Avalanche: Just like before, build it out of the Suburban. Keep build combos simple and watch it sell.
Cruze SS (Cruze Missile lol): Yes. All it needs is the Malibu’s 2.0T, redone suspension and brakes, and it’d be a rocket. Not a competitor for Focus RS or Civic Type R, but Si/ST level
I refuse to stop driving my Avalanche because I cannot buy a new one. Truly is the best truck I have ever owned. It’s unique, usable, and a joy to ride in over any distance.
The real Chevelle and a real Blazer are musts.
Agreed, I now daily drive and am totally smitten with a low mileage 2013 Black diamond LTZ I paid just over 30g for. I had been wanting one for years and was hoping against hope GM would find a way to make the idea work on the k2xx chassis.
Now I`m turning my low milage “creampuff” into a well maintained high mileage survivor because I cant stop driving the damn thing. Ive hauled everything from a chopped up tree to gokarts and minibikes. Its luxurious in a unpretentious way that is extremely refreshing when compared to modern trucks. And it does just about everything well.
A truly rare ‘jack of all trades’ that is actually a master of many if not all things asked of it. And the midgate allows for hauling things that even a standard 6 foot bed crew cab cant.
Chevy needs a Trailblazer SUV replacement based on the new Colorado platform. The Blazer is too big. And there are lots of Trailblazers still on the road today, of which many of those owners would probably upgrade to the new model.
Agree 100% – holding on to my 2007 Rainier because there is no viable alternative from GM in that size, segment, performance, style. Not sure if they could come up with something better anyway. If they do, I would likely jump on it.
does anybody know which car company has the most models? if it isn’t gm, i’d be shocked.
keeping track of all the suv/cuv variants spread across chevy, buick, gmc and cadillac alone is a full time job.
General Motors currently runs all five of its passenger car plants at around 37 percent capacity. There’s room for either expansion, or consolidation.
what do you mean by 37%? if a plant is running 24hrs a day, 7days a week, that is 100%?
80 hours a week is 100% of capacity in most factories. 24/7 is 168 hours. That’s 210% of the capacity. But they need some downtime to do maintenance on the machines..
thanks. so 37% would be 30hrs a week. it seems kind of low to me because aren’t we supposed to be near the top of this cycle? seems like there is a lot of overcapacity right now and that will only get worse during the next recession.
Well I pruchased a Chevy SS sedan….I love this car …..But most people don’t know what it is ? Malibu ? Impala ? ….GM built a bad azz car ! But did NOTHING to market it ! Some sale associates didn’t know what it was or that it even existed ! So that is back on GM …..they built a car to compete w BMW / Mercedes Benz in the four door sedan segment …..so again back on GM for building an AWESOME car & not doing anything else to support it . Don’t blame the consumer for not buying the car ……..
I glad to see General Motors is having this conversation. I would love to see a 2door chevelle SS and if it’s going to be brought back it must live up to it that name Chevelle SS a nice look big platform and horsepower no Nononsense front-wheel-drive Half ass car like what Gm has done over the 15 last years . As for the Astro van it would be nice to have it back. The S10 should have never left and the Tahoe would be nice on the new platform in a 2door. I have a 97 Tahoe for the last 20 year. To me i fell like this was General Motor last year of there good car and truck . I say this because i have a 04 trailblazer that is trash and a 07 Silverado 1500. I for one glad that general motors no longer selling car with the SS band on a front wheel drive . I would love for Chevrolet to be the true Heart Beat of America Again
My 3 cents
1. K5 blazer was awesome, but time has changed. Bring the Australian Colorado7, no development or engineering needed since its already exist, and offer a ZR2 package, compete with 4 Runner. It won’t sell in large quantities, but since no investment needed why not? Call it a blazer, and that other thing, call it something else.
2. Cobalt SS, make a Cruze SS with 2.0t
3. S10, there is South American unibody pickup, bring it over.
4. Astro, long over due to compete with ford transit connect, that Nissan was crap.
5. Tracker, was great little off roader, but the Australian Colorado7 can serve as replacement.
6. Avalanche, it’s a no brainer, bring it back! It’s been discontinued because of bureaucracy, and really it’s just a suburban, not much needed to produce since 85% of parts are available now.
7. I love the chevelle, but I don’t see market for it now.
GM like many other companies are after big profits now a days and they don’t produce a product that brings them money, but only do when it bring big money. And cheap out on everything besides their own salary.
I agree with the Chevy Astro van. We owned a 1996 Astro and that van was built like a tank. We took many family vacations with the van with 4 adults and 2 kids plus all our luggage and it didn’t lack power nor space.
Agreed especially the S-10. Bit off topic but still waiting for something that looks like the 2003 Cadillac Sixteen Concept.
As far as Silverado reg cab 6′-6″ box, all parts except chassis are used across the line. To make 119″ chassis can’t be a cost issue.
It can be if you sell so very few of them. The Full Size long bed is a tough sell as it is. If not for fleets it may have been eliminated.
I think it has to do with CAFE requirements or something like that. Because a vehicle with this (smaller) foot print should get better fuel economy.
Camaro is too small, had 2 Monte SS cars from 86 & 88. Currently Chevy has nothing to offer me. Two doors V8 rear wheel drive and roomy. Bring back larger Monte and El Camino with 5.3 L motor with RWD. Just take from truck and put in car. Also could do same with mid level camaro between 6cyl and SS.
Wow! This article touched a chord! I hope GM is listening! Here’s my take. A K5 Blazer built in the true sense of what a Blazer was and not just a 2 door Tahoe, would sell! I’d be a buyer because a K5 has always been perfect for me, I still drive an “89 today. I bought a Tahoe to replace it but a Tahoe is not the same truck as strange as that sounds. So please, a K5 Blazer.
Astro van? I don’t know why they stopped building it to begin with! They were tough as anvils and could do things the Chrysler vans could never think to do! I still see several on the roads where I am from and they sell well 3rd and 4th handed. I agree, Astro should live again, body on frame!! Puke on a City Express! S-10, an actual small pickup whether traditional design or unibody would be a smart move. Not everybody needs these gargantuan pickups today. And last but not least. GM Authority is spot on with their take on the Chevelle and the strangely named SS. The car was perfect, the price was not. If Chevy had a rear drive V8 in the price range of the Impala it would be a barnstormer. Not sure why Chevy gives so much niche market away to competitors.
As a proponent of body on frame trucks, I think people should know the Safari/Astro was a unit-body with a front sub-frame. So were the pre-’96 or ’97 full size vans.
Yes they did use uni body.
But the did share many parts with the S10 that drew upon the RWD cars.
Today most of the small vans are FWD uni bodies. What platform GM has that could economically converted?
I had expected the Opel to replace the Nissan but the sale negated that.
Blazer: SUVs are hot right now.
Cobalt: No need for another small car.
S-10: Trucks are hot right now. This could fill the void left by small cars leaving the market.
Astro: No need for a small van.
Tracker: Is there a market for a crappy SUV wanna-be?
Avalanche: This is the best of the bunch.
Chevelle: I love me some Chevelle (my first car was a ’66, my second a ’70 SS) but there isn’t much of a market for muscle cars. The Camaro isn’t doing well and this would only cannibalize their own sales.
The Cobalt SS was more deserving of the SS name than the B-body Impala SS.
Yeah, chew on that.
FWD didn’t stop the Cobalt SS from setting records on the Nurburgring, nor did being a compact car stop the supercharged and turbochaged versions from being sought by the enthusiast population.
Need the Chevelle and then naturally an El Camino!
FWD is the dumbest performance platform, IMO that is a strong reason the Cobalt SS failed. There is a reason the Evo and STI sell/sold well. They check a lot of boxes that people want where as the Cobalt only checked a few. If there were a performance AWD Manual version of the Cruze it would sell. I would buy it. GM clearly doesn’t care to get in that market, but I wish they would.
Finally, a post I can agree with. GM already has the platforms for all of this. For me, this is how I’d lay it out
Cruze SS (Cobalt SS Successor): Chevrolet already has the Cruze compact. Take the Cruze, put it on the Alpha chassis with AWD, make it hatch-only give it the 1LE Magnetic ride suspension, Big Brembo brakes, a reworked version of the new 2.7L turbo engine with heads, cams, rotating assembly and turbo upgraded for more performance (somewhere in the 375hp range with roughly 380lb-ft of torque), a dual mode exhaust, 20″ wheels, Recaro seats, premium stereo, Camaro inspired interior, etc. GM should offer performance packs for the vehicle like they did with the Cobalt SS. (intakes, exhausts, pre-programmed ECMs, fuel injectors, downpipes, exhausts, suspension, blow-off valves, wastegates, etc.)
K5 Blazer: This needs to happen, like yesterday! full size, rugged, squared off, off-road, two and four door Silverado based SUV that can tackle the streets and the trails. Z71 Trail-Boss suspension setup, bead lock 18″ wheels, 5.7L V8 engine, wash and go interior that still has all of the necessary creature comforts, removable top, etc. Don’t make Ford’s mistake and make this without a V8!
S-10: The real S10 does need to return and slot under the Colorado. It still needs to be a truck-based truck but it needs to go back to being a small entry truck and have the S10-Blazer SUV option as well. The 275hp 2.0L Turbo would fit good here as this vehicle would be super light weight even with a four-door configuration 2+2 seating. It needs to be customizable with different trim levels from a regular work truck, a sporty street truck (Xtreme), a ZR2 & ZR4 off road sport trim and a top of the line LTZ trim.
Astro: The return of the RWD minivan!! The cool thing about this is that the Minivan could be anything you want it to be, especially with a RWD based chassis. A Camper, a custom street van, daily commuter, soccer mom super vehicle, super luxury transport, a work van, etc. Stuff in the new 2.7L Turbo I-4 with the optional 5.3L V8 and you have a winner. Stuff this thing with top of the line GM/Chevy level technology and off you go!
Chevelle: the full Holden Commodore lineup from Australia on the new Alpha chassis offered with the LT1, LT4, LT5 engine options as well as the new 2,7L Turbo engine as the base engine pumped up to 350hp/380tq. This also makes room for the Holden Maloo/ Chevy El Camino with everything from the 2.7L turbo all the way up to the LT5 V8.
Avalanche: Silverado high desert/high country, just without the sail panels. the Avalanche was cool in its own right but the Silverado (in my opinion) is a better looking truck. just add the cargo boxes in the sides of the bed, a locking tonneau cover and tailgate. with the new GM engine options and tech, this would be a better setup.
Tracker: Wrangler fighter with enough room for the weekend campers, light fishing trips, small game hunting, grocery shopping and a day at the mall that’s comfortable enough to be a daily driver but tough enough to still be functional when the blacktop ends. the 275hp 2.0L Turbo is plenty for a vehicle like this and it needs to be a rear wheel drive based chassis with all-wheel drive all the time.
As far as the other vehicles that GM has right now, there are some vehicles that could stand to be dropped or shifted to something else. The Tahoe and Suburban are solid vehicles and the upgrades that are coming to them such as the IRS and the new 2.7L are good upgrades along with the 10-speed auto. Granted their styling is questionable and they should go to the new Silverado styling immediately along with having different packages and options. The Tahoe should get a blacked out “Limited” package that blends the RST Performance (with a lowered high performance street tuned Magnetic ride setup, big Brembo brakes, dual mode Borla exhaust, a cold air intake for the 6.2L 450hp/480tq, 10-speed auto, all wheel drive, Independent front and rear suspension, etc.) with a blacked out version of the High Country’s luxury interior with 22″ wheels along with a better Z71 off road setup that won’t step on the full-size blazer’s toes but still be able to go off road on hunting and fishing trips or canoeing trips and things like that. The Suburban should have an off road package to but the Limited package should focus completely on luxury and that’s it with the 2.7L or optional 5.3L V8.
Another vehicle that should be brought back is the Trailblazer & Trailblazer SS. This would be the Durango fighting SUV with the 2.7L 310hp base model, a 5.3L V8 RS model, a 455hp LT1 powered SS and a 650hp ultra high performance model to compete with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. this model should be the ZL1/ZR1 of the SUV world.
Someone above mentioned the Chevelle would hurt the Camaro sales. If Chevrolet doesn’t do something different with the Camaro, yes this is true. But the Camaro could truly be so much more than it is right now. Chevrolet needs to pull out all of the stops with the Camaro and stop having it play second fiddle to the corvette. The Corvette is a 2-seater sports car, the Camaro is a 2-seater Muscle/Pony/Sports car. It does need to have some trickle down parts from the vette though, such as a hatchback cargo space and a lot more cargo volume. Also the car needs better visibility from inside the car along with moving more to the mid-70’s styling, which would go along with the car’s fastback styling and also move it to being able to have a slightly wider body which could help out in not only a new more aerodynamic shape but also a little more room inside the car all while allowing it to maintain being the lightest car in the muscle coupe trio. If anything, the engine options should change up just a bit with the base engine being a 350hp/375tq 2.7L I-4 LT-trim AWD coupe, a 405hp/420tq 5.7L V8 Camaro RS coupe/Convertible with optional 1LE package, a 495hp/510tq 6.4L-396 Camaro SS with an optional 1LE package, the 6.2L LT4 Supercharged 650hp V8 Z/28 and lastly the 750hp LT5 Supercharged V8 ZL1. The interior should go to more of the 1970 Camaro interior as well but with a full LCD instrument cluster, a flowing center console that integrates directly into the center stack infotainment system and an interior so comfortable it will make mustang owners swoon. It still needs optional Recaro seats and everything because at the end of the day its still a Camaro but it should absolutely be better than the other two cars in its class. The return of the red outlined black bowtie should be on this car along with the Camaro tri-bar. The car should still have the Tri-Y headers but a more mid-length design with better scavenging would help with power, along with a better exhaust system. As it stands, Dodge has the best sounding exhaust of all three muscle cars right now as it still maintains that genuine Mopar muscle sound that it’s had forever and the new 2018+ mustang sounds better than just about any mustang that has come before it. Would love to see Chevrolet do something a bit different and have a deeper sounding exhaust note (maybe a resonated X-pipe section along with two high flow center resonators before the active valve rear mufflers). Along with all of that, the Camaro needs to go back to being more affordable. I can understand the Z/28 and the ZL1 being pricey but the LT, an RS-V8 and the SS should go back to being a bit attainable. I’m not saying cheap but attainable (like $7500 less than what they are now).
Other than what’s mentioned above, there is no real need for small cars. The Malibu has become the daily commuter, which needs major upgrades if it wants to compete with the Maxima and Camry. It needs to be sportier for sure and all-wheel drive needs to be standard on this vehicle and it needs a true RS package to outdo both of its Japanese rivals. I’m talking Magnetic ride sport tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, active exhaust, current Camaro inspired interior, an aggressively attractive exterior (meaning it doesn’t need to look like a ZL1 or ZR1 but at least more so than what it does now) wide 20″ wheels with ultra high performance all season tires, a better 9-speed auto, torque vectoring, hybrid-electric differentials, and a 350hp 2.7L FWD configured I-4 Turbo engine with 350tq that would make it better balanced along with a 275hp 2.0 Turbo base engine. Obviously this car’s mission is different than the aforementioned Chevelle sedan which would be slightly larger and on a rear-drive chassis but it should still inspire spirited driving and be a better tuned option than a Camry, Accord or Maxima. It should still be a lift-back car but more of a Grand Touring sedan kind of like the Kia Stinger GT but with a taller integrated lip spoiler than continues on the rear quarters.
The Impala still has its place in the market, just like Buick’s Lacrosse and the Cadillac sedans. The Impala needs to move to a rear drive chassis and a full size SS V8 needs to make its return with the 650hp LT4 V8 and 10-speed auto under its hood. It does need to be all wheel drive but biased to the rear with a ZL1 Magnetic ride suspension and a massive 20×10″ front and 20×11″ rear wheel setup with 305/35R20 front and 325/30R20 rear tires for the ultimate in handling and grip for such a large car. It needs to be loud and proud but still incredibly comfortable. Of course their needs to be a luxury LS impala and a base LT impala, the LS should have the 455hp LT1 and the base should have the 355hp 5.3L V8 all with 10-speed automatics and AWD and obviously a more normal wheel and tire package and different suspension setups and all that but that should be such a car.
There also needs to be full electric segment to take the fight to every thing Tesla has in it’s inventory. GM & GE need to team up together to make the ultimate electric cars and stomp Tesla out. There’s no need to rename anything, take the names of the current small cars/crossovers and use them for the electric cars. Other than that, take the Corvette, give it to Cadillac, make it a mid-engine supercar and make it a lambo/Ferrari destroyer and that’s really it. Chevrolet would have a perfect lineup.
Updated to reflect Trailblazer SS and a few others we forgot about.
Forgot a few things. The Chevy Silverado Truck lineup and the Colorado truck lineup.
The Silverado needs a 650hp SS LT4 V8 powered AWD street performance pickup along with a 500hp ZR2 pickup. The Silverado HD needs a serious diesel powered lifted ZR2 edition truck with exhaust stacks and a snorkel with 500hp and 1000lb-ft of torque along with the whole lifted suspension, huge wheels and off road tires, body armor, under body shields, rock sliders, etc.
The Colorado needs the Holden Sports Cat variant as well as a more extreme ZR2 and a luxury High Country variant.
Z/28 name is reserved for Atmospheric engined cars.
you cant just slap the cruze onto alpha. it would be better to just give it AWD, 280hp LTG, 1le suspension, etc.
Pretty much agree. The Astro/Safari were the backbone of the service vehicle industry and I have run across countless guys who used to drive them that have lamented their demise. They were also great people haulers too, much better than a crossover and even had the AWD version.
Btw I completely forgot, the Camaro needs T-tops and get rid of the Corvette inspiration on the tail lamps and give it lights that go all the way across like Camaro lights should. three-section sequential.
Point of no return is approaching for a couple of the front-engine C7 Corvette because once the assembly line is updated to build the new mid-engine C8 Corvette, it might be impossible to restart and may cost a lot of cash to make the attempt; they can relaunch the Avalanche if they really want to and building a Cruze SS is as simple as dropping a 1.6 or 2.0L Turbo 4-cyl engine.
It’s the pickup and suv EVs that many are waiting for. All about economics, I need something that can pull or haul something small, and yet be a cheap commuter. So put batteries in a new S-10 or Astro and you’ll have no cannibalism or competition. Even better if AWD with some power!
The new Blazer could rebadged as the Tracker, it’s too ugly to be a Blazer. Take the Traverse, shorten it to the length of the Acadia, then with the option of the six cylinder or a V8 you can have both the Blazer or Blazer SS.
I own a 2009 Escalade EXT, the best riding vehicle I have owned. I love the utility of this truck. The side storage and the hard tonneau cover. The ride of an ESV with the utility of a truck.
AMEN!! Finally, a great observation with an understanding for what is desperately missing and needed. I would be ecstatic if half of the list got recognized! Great job, Manoli, creating this list! Some of these vehicles would serve as important market void fillers, ie., the Astro van as a midsize BOF rear/all-wheel drive workhorse that I see still being driven today, and used for many different purposes. Good friends of mine were forced to buy a Toyota Sienna to replace their beloved Astro. There are many other similar examples like this where huge market voids have been abandoned. What a shame the execs at GM are not listening!
Great job, Manoli, compiling this list of worthwhile and sadly missed vehicles!
Even if they do not bring the Chevrolet Avalanche back there are two things they must bring back from it.
1. Obviously the foldable mid-gate because that makes so much more possible for pick-ups in terms of loading up items.
2. The side storage units.
I personally would not mind owning a Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra, but I can’t find myself owning such a long truck. Our Avalanche has used our mid-gate for so much moving that I couldn’t be more thankful for such an awesome feature.
I have hope though. We at least made progress with the foot mounts in the bumper of new GM trucks haha!
I would buy another Avalanche in a “heartbeat…of America” 😉 !!!! I had a 2003 and then a 2008. Loved the 2003 because of all the little extras such as toe steps in the bumper and extra visors so you didn’t have to keep flipping one back and forth as you turn. Also loved(!!!) all the storage space. The panels on the sides stopped shopping carts dings. No fear in the parking lot! Okay, so they dumbed down the 2008, taking away those very useful extras in order to make it prettier, but it was great also. The versatility of an Avalanche is amazing. It converts to a full-size pickup in less than a minute, depending on what you have in the back seat. I can’t fathom why they stopped making them! Yes, the Cadillac Escalade EXT looks the same, but costs tens of thousands of dollars more. And who calls two totally different vehicles by the same name? Cadillac Escalade comes as a truck (EXT) or SUV (ESV). That’s stupid. BRING THE CHEVY AVALANCHE BACK!!
My Cousin have the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS 2016, she usually use it and she enjoy drive that car.
I hope this car will come back with new design and engines next year
I love Chevrolet Trailblazer SS, Hope next year the car comeback with new design and engine upgrades
I hope this car will come back with new design and engines next year.
i get new in here https://bestsuv2019.com
I love the avalanche im a proud owner of a 2003 and avalanche and its knocking on 400,000 miles. I drive it everyday so i think its time for the real Chevy to take over once more.
I still own my 2002 Avalanche that I bought in August of 2001. Best damm vehicle I owned.
My 1st avalanche was a 2002 and six months later was destroyed by a Toronto
Later bought a new 2005 LT in the sunburst orange ll metallic, still drive this truck daily and always get complimented on the truck. Great ride and a very short turning radius. Love the truck and if it does come back, make sure it is on the suburban frame.
1: Merge the colorado and s10 names for the midsized segment. Go LUV truck!
2: Mabye bring back the corvair monza name for the mid engine supercar and just corvair for a cayman/boxster type of car.
Corvette should be front engined!
3: The tahoe replaced the c/k blazer. An offroad tahoe would be awesome. Maybe a removable roof tahoe? A two door? An s10 colorado based s10 blazer?
4: An xt6 based trailblazer would be a great competitor to a grand cherrokee or durango. How ’bout an LT1 powered SS for the SRTs and an LT4 ZL1 would hang with the hellcat/trackhawk. tahoe/suburban SS anyone?
5: CT5 based chevelle and malibu? CT6 based impala, bel air, caprice, and monte carlo? CT4 based Nova?I say Chevelle ss should have options of a LT2 and an LT454 (a tuned up LT2 bored out and/or upstroked to 454 CID and then with a longer throw to increase torque). LT4 impala, LT1 nova.
6: LT1 would never fit in an s10 blazer/colorado unless the next gen one could. Otherwise they could put the 3.6 tt or 5.3. LT454 could work for a siverado/suburban/tahoe SS. Maybe we could be lucky enough for an LT5 “TrackBoss” (not that I think we’ll get any of these).
7: If jeep turned the cherokee/comanche s10 blazer/colorado sized, we could get a mini wrangler and a wrangler sized, wrangler like, tracker.
8: A cruze ss would actualy be pretty awesome. I would like an LTG tuned to 330hp.
I’m still think’n about an avalanche or astro
K5 blazer could have been a tahoe on the truck chassis with no 2wd version and removable rear cap/doors. LS 4×4 would be base, then LS Z71, LT z71, LTZ z71, High country, SS454, trailboss (for high speed off roading), and rockboss (for crawling).
No v6. 3.0T duramax or 5.3 on LS and LT. Optional 6.2 on LTZ and standard on high country. LT2 trailboss and 6.6T Duramax for rockboss. Also the trailblazer would be XT6 sized but, would be a full Unibody RWD/4WD SUV. Avalanche would be a specialty truck like the K5 but with suburban/tahoe suspension and everything else. Astro could be very fun as a production version of the express. The “blazer” could be called the nomad. A miata rivalling li`l ray woul be awesome.
Also, if we ever replace the Impala/malibu with Alpha chevele and Impala we would need Malibu and Caprice as top of the line trims. The closest we`d ever get would be 2.7tt malibu ss and 3.0tt impala ss. There would still be room for a big caprice and challenger sized (zeta) monte carlo and/or bel air.
*2.7t
My thoughts…..
Astro- RWD, available as a fleet truck or a production minivan. “City/Connect” style fleet truck. Little brother of Express.
Blazer/Trailblazer SS- I was thinking of dropping the Tahoe name as the SWB fullsized SUV. Suburban 1500 series SWB, 1500 series LWB, and 2500 series HD. The Colorado should be the same as the global version, but with diffferent engines. Then the global trailblazer would be the replacement for the current blazer, but with a rear facing (easy fold down) 3rd row. Chevy’s crossover lineup (on the website, and in marketing) would be-
Subcompact, Sport, Compact, Midsized, Large, Medium Duty, and Heavy Duty. In reality, Subcompact= trax, Sport= Tracker (current trailblazer with a coupe roofline), Compact= Equinox (with better styling), Midsized= 1000 series (global trailblazer), Large= Traverse, Medium Duty= Suburban (SWB and LWB), Heavy Duty= Suburban (HD). 1000 series trims would be Trailblazer LS (2.5 gas or 2.5 deisel, both N/A), Trailblazer LT (added 4.3 V6 option), Tahoe LTZ (same engine options as LT), Tahoe High Country (no 2.5 N/A gas option), Blazer ZR2 (2.5 turbodeisel or 2.7t), and Nomad SS (5.3 bored out to 5.7, better exaust and intake, etc. 420hp)
Cobalt SS- cruze (I know it’s dead, It could be replaced by a better looking car, possibly called sonic) with 1LE magnetic ride suspension, 6 speed manual, AWD, VVT 2.0T, blackout, etc.
Front engine ‘vette- YES PLEASE! 7 speed manual only, 6.5L (510hp) Stingray 396, 7.0L (670hp) Stingray 427/GS, LT5 mako shark. looks inspired by C6, targa hatch or spyder, sidepipes and hood scoop. Mid engine ‘vette would be FPC DOHC DCT only, Z51 (600hp), Z06 (780hp), ZR1 (950hp), Zora (1200hp).
Silverado SS- 510hp 396, blackout, AWD, etc. The 1500 truck trims should be- 1500WT, Custom, Scottsdale, Scottsdale LT, Scottsdale High Country, Cheyyene, Cheyyene ZRX, Silverado SS.
Chevelle- Base 2.7t, LT 3.0tt, Laguna Premier 5.7 (420hp), SS396, SS427. 5 door fastback, with a rear ducktail flowing up from the fender line. Bigger than malibu. AWD and RWD modes. 4 circular headlights.
Avalanche- integrate the gate feature into the other trucks
S10- import the FWD south american mini workhorse, better named LUV.
Other GM products-
First, the camaro. The camaro was originaly a small car with better looks, weight reduction, and a few midsized car engine options. A cheap sports car. I think the camaro line should be like this- Base (230hp LSY RWD, striped out), LS (AWD 250hp LTG, normal interior), LT (2.7T or 3.0TT, nice interior), RS (RWD 5.7L 420hp V8, tipical sport seats), SS (520hp 396, really nice, 1LE equipment standard), Z/28 (427, full roll cage, race tires, etc.), and ZL1 (LT5, GT style car). The Base, LS, LT, and RS would all be very cheap (1LE only available on them), with the SS around 35-45K. Z/28 and ZL1 would of course be expensive, 69-80k for Z28, 78+ for ZL1. Single, horizontal tailight, fastback 3 door T top or soft top convertible, roomy back seats, 2 circular headlights. For the malibu, I think it should differentiate itself, to make it more competitive in a world of crossovers. I think it should have a hybridized “Hypermiling mode”. Only in hypermiling mode, would the hybrid system activate. The batteries woul not need to be charged a lot, considering hypermiling mode would not be used all that often. Also, I think that it should have AWD standard. The Malibu RS would be a trim, with black replacing chrome, big black rims, sport tires, better brakes, etc. It would have LOTS of options though, so that it could be like any other trim in interior quality. I think that a 2.7t AWD malibu SS would be interesting. The 6.6L needs to be replaced. A 454 (with around 480-500hp) would be good, with more power than the duramax, and less torque (around 550). The Duramax needs to be updated as well, and 1000+lb-ft would keep it competitive. I think that Buick should keep all of it’s cars, but make them hybrids. I think that Buick should also have some EVs. Caddilac needs to become a real amerian luxury company, with a massive luxury V8 SUV (Escalade, V16 V model), compact (CT4-ish) hybrid, a sporty 5 series sized muscle sedan (Seville), a full sized s-class beating luxury sedan (Fleetwood), some quick EVs, a true 4-door land boat (eldorado cabrio), and an ultraluxury V16 mid-engine supercar (Blackwing).