[1] Awsome a choice of engines is a great idea.
[2] LS2 in an affordable GM saloon car? Great! The fact that its only 362bhp is not however. Granted I'm asking for alot, but the fact that the 6.0L has been released as a 400bhp variant in 3 other GM cars why oh why did they reduce the power? Probably to reduce the people buying one of these instead of the CTS-V. The Commodore/G8 looks lightyears better than the CTS and or CTS-V.
[3] Awsome! A proper 6spd manual in another GM saloon car? Brilliant.
So, my pre-production approval rating is a whopping 99%. It loses the 1% because of the projected power reduction.
Well, that 362 BHP 6.0L V8 is the same L76 V8 as seen in our Silverados and Suburbans, and is indeed the same V8 that powers the Holden Monaro SS-V down in Australia. The good news is that 362 BHP is more than enough power to stuff a Charger R/T or Chrysler 300C HEMI, particularly when equipped with the 6-speed manual, and should make an interesting run at the BMW 550i with a manual as well. This would indeed make up the GTP model, a step below the top-line GXPs, however a step above the presumed GT models only available with V6 engines.
...A GXP model has not been "confirmed" yet, however I'd be willing to bet that a 400 BHP 6.0L LS2 will certainly make its way into the G8 by the end of the year. Considering that Holden just released the HSV version of the VE Commodore with the LS2, it is an almost certainty that we will see the exact same car here as the G8 GXP...
IMO, I couldn't be happier with the L76. It offers more power than the competition, it will run on E85, and it uses cylinder-deactivation to save fuel. Certainly Chrysler has their MDS system on the HEMI, however, I doubt it to be as effective as it would be on the L76. Performance figures will probably see the car into the 6-second range for 0-60 times (respectable), and top-speeds will probably scratch around at 155 on the moderately high-performance GTP model in question.
...And pricing? My guess is that you could get a decently equipped GTP (L76 V8, 6-speed manual, leather, etc) for less than $35K, and I imagine that a GXP wouldn't top out much higher than $40K by the time they hit the streets...
Toronado
Now sell a Chevy version, call it the Caprice and I'm game. Then make an Impala spin-off, à la 1994. And make a wagon, damnit!
My guess is that your wish may come true. I can't see Chevy sprining for anything less than the Statesman version of the Commodore for the next Impala, but much of that decision lies in question as it depends largely on what Buick decides to do with its Invicta/Statesman. If Chevy does do just the "basic" Commodore, it will be a tough decision between your Berlina/Calais models or the plain-jane Commodores. Much of that will likely depend on Pontiac, which will likely be using the SV6 and SS-V models for their vehicles (given the whole "excitement" thing), Chevy going a bit more upscale (while keeping prices low) for the everyman looking for something "nicer" than a Ford Fivehundred or Dodge Charger.
...What I do question is if Chevrolet will returned to the fudged relationship between the Impala and Caprice of the '90s, or do it the "real" way as God intended from the '60s. If that is the case, Chevrolet would make the basic model an Impala (read Berlina and Calais) and then offer the Caprice as the top luxury model. However given the branding behind the Impala SS (which will compete in NASCAR as of 2008), that will likely remain the top model.
Speaking of the Impala SS, look for it to likely be a spin-off of the HSV Commodore, however I find it unlikely that GM will equip it with a manual transmission or an overly-sporty suspension. Think "poor-man's AMG" and you'll get the idea...
As for a wagon version, I find it unlikely at the moment, but that will depend on what Holden decides to do. Considering that there was a VZ wagon, there should theoretically be a VE version, so the return of an Impala Wagon isn't out of the question. On the same token, there is still plenty of questioning behind the idea of having the Ute to return to America (albeit in small numbers) as "El Camino Resurrection." If we all remember, Blazin Extreme had some photos of Utes running around in Detroit, and I can't say the idea wouldn't do too bad in America, GM just has to be smart about it.
...We will likely know most of what we need to know by the Chicago and New York Auto Shows this year. If the current mantras are true, the G8 should be here by fall, and the Impala not long after. Then GM fans can revel in the fact that we have the dominant RWD platform in America for a reasonable price, and thereafter can enjoy cars the way they
should be once again...
We'll see.
