- GM will resurrect its performance division, which created the CTS-V and Corvette ZR1.
- The new GMPD will focus on performance versions of small cars.
- Jim Campbell is the new VP of performance vehicles and motorsports.
DETROIT — General Motors is resurrecting the GM Performance Division, but this time around the automaker is reportedly targeting "efficient performance" as it brings out sportier variants of its small cars. Among those to get the performance treatment could be the Chevrolet Cruze and upcoming Chevrolet Aveo, Automotive News reported this week.
GM's Jim Campbell was just moved out of his post as general manager of Chevrolet marketing to become vice-president of performance vehicles and motorsports. He was quoted as saying that Chevrolet and Cadillac are to be the main beneficiaries of the emphasis on performance.
GM showed a sporty Aveo RS at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show in January. That hot-hatch version of the upcoming redesigned Aveo featured an aggressive fascia, exposed motorcycle-style head- and taillamps, a set of 19-inch five-spoke wheels and a center-mounted exhaust with chrome tips. The 2011 Cruze, on sale later this year, will be available with a far milder $695 RS appearance package that includes a rear spoiler, rocker moldings and front foglamps.
Inside Line says: The return to a performance focus that had been put on hold during the bankruptcy is a good sign GM is turning the ship around. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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tbone85 says:
05:04 PM, 08/26/2010
I have of respect for Honda over the past 2-3 decades, but I don't see that they've done much in the last couple of tries, particularly in terms of their mainline models. Most of the volume marques have a few winners and a number of second rate models in their lineup. I think Hyundai-Kia has probably made the largest strides in the last half decade.
angry_mushroom says:
12:17 AM, 08/26/2010
@sugarlandtx:
There is no try in this industry. Ford is doing, Nissan is doing (something), and so is Honda. Looking at the good side, at least they've done more than Chrysler, but you do have a point. GM has finally started noticing that they make more than just cars, and that is always a good thing.
sugarlandtx says:
01:45 PM, 08/25/2010
Hey Guys, give GM a break. At least they are trying. It beats what they would have done in the past which was pour unlimited amounts of money into Trucks and SUV's and ignore cars, especially small cars. Thank God the Truck F*cks have had their influence reduced and now attention to cars in terms of efficiency and power i.e. V6 & V8 Camero are getting money and engineering. The Vett is fast, the Malibu looks good and gets good mileage, the Equinox is good looking and gets good mileage, Traverse is solid, there is a Cruze coming out. Things are headed in the right direction.
jays83gsl says:
12:36 PM, 08/25/2010
Unfortunately to GM "Performance" means 20+ inch rims on generic tires with a body kit.
But, hey, maybe they'll release ultimate performance editions of these cars which cost 120K and have a Cobalt steering wheel.
wikiwiki says:
11:41 AM, 08/25/2010
The Aveo looks pretty nice actually. But I agree the Cruze could not look any less interesting. Boring as hell actually. And dated.
huyracing says:
11:14 AM, 08/25/2010
GM has offered many neat products, but they all lack something for me to buy them. Ford gets it right, though. GM can do fast, but even in their best example (the Corvette) they lack proper seats. Yet, the Cobalt SS has nicer seats... but that has its drawbacks as well. CTS is nice, but way overpriced. G8 was nice, but lacked upmarket features.
I'm not a kid anymore... fast and nothing else wont do it for me.
angry_mushroom says:
11:06 AM, 08/25/2010
A Chevy Aveo is not my idea of sporty. I'll take the Impala, but the Aveo is just too damn cheap.
lions208487 says:
09:06 AM, 08/25/2010
That is definitely a good move for GM. as for the dated comment; I think not. This car looks far better then anything Honda or Toyota is producing, and even more sporty then the Fiesta.
CZ_75; I completely agree. Everytime I see a G8 driving by I wish I had one, and if GM makes it as the new Impala, then I would consider it after I trade in my Legacy GT.
A cruze with cobalt SS power sounds like a great idea.
forgeryfade says:
08:54 AM, 08/25/2010
I think the performance push on these cars is just to make up for how visually unremarkable they are. I wish GM would stop making the same mistakes as their dead Pontiac division. The Cruze looks dated and it hasn't even made it to the American market yet. As for the Aveo, take away the halo headlights and the lowered stance (all its concept features) and your left with another ugly tall greenhouse B-segment car. It will take more than aggressive fascia and rocker moldings to make these cars appealing to me. I hope the performance versions attract customers like me that love the ford Fiesta and focus styling too much to pass.
cz_75 says:
08:46 AM, 08/25/2010
Chevy has brought back the G8 platform as a long-wheelbase Caprice model for police/govt. use. Why not bring the G8 short-wheelbase version as an Impala SS?