General Motors on Thursday previewed a number of new products to dealers at a special event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Among the unveilings were the 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, 2008 Cadillac CTS, 2008/2009 Cadillac STS, production Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe.
“Everyone seemed genuinely thrilled with the new Malibu,” one dealer source told Leftlane. “We all wish [we] could take deliveries tomorrow.” So far, the general public has only seen spy photos of the new car, and the reaction has been generally positive. [See spy photos].
Reaction to the 2008 Cadillac CTS was also positive. “They don’t need a new product as badly as Chevy or Buick, but this car will keep the momentum behind Cadillac,” the source said. Multiple sources say the production 2008 CTS appears virtually identical to the concept previewed on 60 Minutes. [See recent CTS-V spy shots].
But the CTS wasn’t the only new Cadillac on display. GM also previewed the 2008/2009 STS, which features a heavily reworked exterior. GM was believed to be working on a minor facelift to the STS, but those who attended the dealer meeting said GM previewed a completely revamped model. It’s unclear when sales of the redesigned STS will begin. “They showed a clay model [of the new STS] and it looked a lot different from the one that’s on lots now.” GM officials reportedly said the new STS will be the same as the existing model under the skin, but would be redesigned inside and out.
Our source was particularly fond of the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave interiors. “Inside, the Enclave is a lot like the concept. Understandably, the interior was reworked a fair bit from the car we saw at the Detroit show, but touches like the leather-wrapped dash remain,” the person said. “They made sure we noticed that.”
It was a similar story with the GMC Acadia. “The interiors of both these cars look like they came straight from Japan.”
GM also used the event to show the production version of the Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe. The car was shown as a “concept” in April, though the production version was widely expected to look the same. The G6 GXP uses a modified 3.9-liter V-6 engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. [See full report].
10/16, 12:45 PM
posted by:
Freshshoebox
Come on GM, you can do it.
10/16, 1:01 PM
posted by:
Random Jerk
“The interiors of both these cars look like they came straight from Japan.”
Tell me GM fans and Japanese haters - Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I can’t help but think of the old adage “If ya can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em”
10/16, 1:40 PM
posted by:
megator
I think they meen that the fit an finish is on par with the japanese. Not the styling. But i must say japanese interiors look booring. American interiors always look plasticly or like they were designed part by part and not as a whole. I hope they get some hits though.
10/16, 2:07 PM
posted by:
A4
is the new malibu RWD? and im glad to see the STS is getting a massive rework, cause is already has lost any competing power against the 5er, E-class and anything else, besides a ****tyass lexus.
10/16, 2:19 PM
posted by:
Brendino
When GM comes out with these solid products, I can’t wait to see how the naysayers spin it.
10/16, 2:21 PM
posted by:
Oldsmobile
A4-the new malibu will be FWD, the new Impala will be RWD.
10/16, 2:35 PM
posted by:
Fatstrat
I like the headlight treatment.
But as usual, pictures just dont do an car justice.
10/16, 4:23 PM
posted by:
Shawn1982
I like the more rounded, muscular front/rear end. I want to see some uniformity in the Cadillac line already. All that’s left is the DTS.
10/16, 5:37 PM
posted by:
Kenny W
Bravo for GM not sitting on its ass with the Cadillac lineup. Now they just need to apply that same vigor to the other companies. I can’t wait to see these in the flesh.
10/16, 6:35 PM
posted by:
youngm7
I’m surprised the G6 GXP Coupe has the 3.9L. I thought the Sedan GXP has moved to the 3.6L DOHC VVT.
10/17, 8:30 AM
posted by:
BrokenCadillac...
The naysayers don’t give a crap about GM anymore. They just expect their cars to fall short of expectations anyways…
The Malibu has been a rental fleet special, even as COY back in 1997 so why expect anything different from the new one? And BMW, MB, Lexus, Acura, Infiniti and Audi buyers don’t take Caddy seriously. Rock bottom resale value, unprofessional service and the blue hair image are turnoffs for these folks.
There is nothing to get excited about here.
10/17, 10:18 AM
posted by:
Saud
GM’s baaaaaaaaaack!
10/17, 11:21 AM
posted by:
murphy1
a new malibu??? again?? no wonder gm is in the position its in. the malibu and impala get redone every 2-3 years. if the same effort was given to the other divisions, maybe things would be different. just get it over with and call gm chevy…..
10/17, 9:47 PM
posted by:
GarbageMotorsCo
I think GM wold be more successful with the Malibu if they just stick with the “Classic” moniker. Clearly, they find more customers at the rental companies than on Chevy lots. Why drag a decent nameplate through the mud further with yet another mediocre, front drive penalty box again?
Better yet, call it the Citation!
10/18, 9:09 AM
posted by:
1c3d0g
Targeted Jerk: no, it means the rest of us haven’t been brainwashed by the media.