GM Spikes RWD: "You Can't Kill Something That Was Never Approved"
The unidentified GM spokesmouth quoted above is supposedly spinning the news that GM has decided to kill its rear wheel-drive (RWD) plans for Canada's Camaro factory. The move spikes the never-really-approved (but endlessly discussed) RWD Impala and Buick LaCrosse models, and the new V8 engine slated to power both models. As The Car Connection rightly points out, the platform change also raises serious questions about the Camaro's pricing and profitability. Those of you who've been following this saga will appreciate the fact that this is the fourth time GM's extra-Camaro RWD plans have been resurrected– and then terminated. That we know of. Once again, GM says the decision reflects the prospect of new, higher federal fuel economy standards. Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) President Buzz Hargrove was quick to point out that it had nothing to do with the fact that the Camaro factory is a high-cost union shop. “We anticipated that would be followed by other rear-wheel-drive vehicles, but the money they spent on the plant makes it a flex plant, so you can build both front-drive and rear-wheel-drive in the facility." Yes, well, there's been no announcement on that front. Nor is any expected– at least until after the CAW's contract negotiations are complete. Is this any way to run a railroad?
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After owning five new GM front drive cars My wifes present car is a 2006 Lexus GS 300 rear wheel drive ,six speed trans, 3500 pounds slippery body and flawless in design and execution. My first japanese car and it is he first car I have ever purchased that gets better mileage than what was on the monroney sticker. This car gets never less than twenty around town and 32 to 33 mpg on a freeway trip at legal speeds. This is the most fuel efficient car I have ever owned . How can Lexus make a rear drive do this? Oh by the way I now know why Lexus owners are so pleased with their cars. My next car why a lexus of course.
And I wonder how much money GM wastes changing their minds constantly... I still maintain they are trying to gracefully reach bankruptcy so they can shed the contracts they carry...