No pics but a small article on it. And although it sounds similar to some of the things I say, I did not write it.
When I got it, I said I going to throw it out there for you guys.
Article.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Monday, August 14, 2006 1:57 PM
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
So they're going to begin US production on the "Astra" in 2008 in Lordstown? If so, does this mean a significant upgrade for Cobalt and G5 (Pursuit)?
That's the rumor I've been hearing.. Saturn Astra will just be another rebadged GM vehicle.. Pretty sad..
This will be my last GM vehicle for sure.
Red 2005 Saturn Ion-3 Coupe
Sweet, finally getting some of GM Worldwide counterparts in the game. As for another rebadged GM vehicle. What is the audi A4? Or the Acura TSX? Rebadged vehicles.
Quote:
GM's last two attempts to adapt European models to American tastes failed.
The Saturn L-series was a modified version of Opel's successful Vectra midsize car. The modifications were the problem. The car got heavier, wider and blander and never met sales expectations. GM pulled the plug on the project early.
The Cadillac Catera sport sedan was a reworked Opel Omega. The Catera was not a bad car, but Cadillac wanted it to compete with hotshots like the BMW 3-series, cars that were faster and more sophisticated.
No mention of the GTO.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Monday, August 14, 2006 2:01 PM
05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447
Yes it will be a rebadge so to speak... But the Astra is not like a G5/Cobalt rebadge.
"Supposedly" the Astra is going to be updated again by 2008. Hopefully the update will put new more modern hardware ie IRS. Either way... It is leaps and bounds better then what is found here by GM in N-A small car market. It's suspension components hardware is setup for the autobahn, and interior is way richer looking/feel and nice 250HP turbo too.
I just hope Diesel makes its way here too, so it competes head on with VW just like in Europe.
As for the Cobalt/G5 significant upgrades. More of a freshening and the option of the LNF is being proposed.
IMO GM needs a all-new design for a compact not just rehatch the old Astra frame in-which that frame has been seeing duty the rest of the world since 1991. But here, Astra hides its wrinkles well. lol
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
I think we will see a new chasis soon after the camaro arrives.
05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447
The Saturn Aura got rave reviews from Autoweek this week, too. Says it's more than good enough to compete with the Camry and Accord.
---
the astra is a great looking car , and GM should bring the car here sooner than later
its a better looking car than the current ion and cobalts , and woulda been my top choice in getting a car
Alright, I'm retarded, how does Opels competition look like? Because all I see of Opel is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. I can't imagine a Corolla (at least the US version) trying to compete with the Astra (let alone the Corsa). Opel is the only brand hatchback that I actually like the style of, not to mention it's two door models (coming from a guy that has only owned 4 door cars).
Jooky,
It is under the Gamma platform.
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
dave our fearless leader , say a chevy vectra yesterday
now that is a car GM should sell here as it sits also
2.8 V6 turbo , and great looks
OMG if the astra makes it over here w/ a nice coupe diesel. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Any idea about price range? and engine choice? will it have the Opel ECOtec's or their american couterparts? Will it have the OBDII? or will it be Chip-able like the euro's? argh too many questions!
--Bo aka rapfiend03
I want a VX220. More vauxhalls and holdens plz.
05 M6 YJ GTO 1 of 447
