I love living in Detroit!!!


GM rushes introduction of high-profit big SUVs

Company won't rule out eliminating weaker brands
March 24, 2005







BY JAMIE BUTTERS and MARK PHELAN
DETROIT FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITERS



NEW YORK -- In an ambitious move, General Motors Corp. will speed up the launch of its new full-size SUVs, bringing them to market as early as Jan. 1, GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz said Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show.


New versions of highly profitable models like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade will now hit showrooms more than a month earlier than GM originally had planned. Making such a move so late in a vehicle's development process is a rare and significant effort brought on by the company's weakening finances, largely attributable to fast-rising health-care costs and loss of market share.


Lutz said even advancing the timeline by a couple of months "would have a dramatic effect on our earnings picture."


Another way the company can improve its bottom line would be scaling back the health-care benefits negotiated by the UAW. White-collar employees get "excellent" benefits, Lutz said, and the company could save millions of dollars if hourly workers accepted the same coverage.


As for market share, Lutz discussed several new models intended to reverse or at least halt the loss of customers to rivals. If those efforts fail, he said, he could not rule out eliminating one of the automaker's "damaged brands," such as Pontiac or Buick.


"Over time, if one of the troubled brands ... that's been undernourished for many years, if it fails to turn around, then we'd have to look at a phase-out," Lutz said in response to questions at Morgan Stanley's Global Automotive Conference in New York.


Lutz said he hoped GM wouldn't have to phase out one of its weaker brands at a time when competitors like BMW AG and Toyota Motor Corp. are adding brands. "That's what we're trying to correct with an exciting array of new products," he said.


But he added that he and GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner are determined to invest money wisely.


"Rick is always saying: 'Let's not squander all our resources on trying to overcome negative momentum. Let's put the resources where we've got positive momentum, which is basically ... Cadillac, Hummer and GMC,' " Lutz said.


At the auto show, Lutz said his goal is to start building the next generation of full-size SUVs late this year to go on sale Jan. 1, the first day possible for a 2007 model. Besides the Escalade and Tahoe, the full-size SUV line includes the GMC Yukon Denali and Chevy Suburban.

Okay, maybe ya'll didn't see this.

so when will they be out?

Jan 1, 2006 or before. My buddy at the proving grounds has seen them already in the camo-gear. I hear the interior will rival the quality and look of present European vehicles.

Jan 1, 2006 or before.

for some reason, I just dont believe this.

It is definitely a done deal.

That would make 06's worth even less sooner if the 07's come out then. :(

Sounds like they will skip the '06 all together like they did they '01's. This kind of disturbs me, b/c I will be getting a new one in 06, but I never like the 1st model (I like the kinks worked out), and by releasing an '07 6 months earlier and maybe no '06, they will probably keep the '07 unchanged for 6 months more than normal. I wish they would redesign this fall in an '06, then by summer '06 I could pick up an '07. This just means I will have to wait longer.


Ta TownBacker

Sounds like they will skip the '06 all together like they did they '01's.

Ya, but when they did that, the tahoe and yukon still came out in 01 with the new body. Maybe they are gonna release the new yukon and tahoe in early 06 (late 05 even) and then hold off on the lade until 07? IDK. :hmm:

just another thing I was thinking about, I hope they are gonna keep the 6x5.5 offset for the wheels. Im planning on getting my new rims this summer and if they wont fit on the new model lade, that will be like money down the drain!

IMHO the sooner the new model comes up the better.

That means I dont have to sell my 03, buy an H2, then sell the H2 and buy the new model...

I just need to sell my 03, and get the 07...
For me thats pretty cool... :D

Mejia

Still lookin to see pics of the newly designed Escalades. As far as this date I doubt it. I think we are still a couple of years away. The current Escalades are selling nicely.

Its Elbows in arseholes at GM right now, I fully believe this will take place. Its an easy way to increase sales dramatically in a short time window and may prevent the need to cut other brands out

Thats way to quick to release an 07. There gonna screw all of 06 then if it comes out that fast. I think I'm gonna end up gettin an H2 instead of that 07, being rushed that much can't be good for the truck itself, they'll end up makin the 08 have more features and have a little different look like they did with the 02-03 change. Dealers will have them sellin over sticker anyway at first, and thats just wasted money that could go towards rims or interior work. It should be entertaining to see though.:banghead:

they'll end up makin the 08 have more features and have a little different look like they did with the 02-03 change.

please explain. I thought the 02 was the exact same as the 03 except for slight interior changes :confused:

please explain. I thought the 02 was the exact same as the 03 except for slight interior changes :confused:

It is.

Upgrades like HID, Navigation, Sub relocation, etc. They change'em somewhat every year it seems.

The 2002 GM Trucks models in all the lineups were revised in some key areas for 2003.

2003's have a newer interior including a big one for me which is the nicer new Steering wheel with the controls more centered on the "lugs" of the wheel. New radios with upgraded components were introduced, OnStar was upgraded for an easier to use personal calling system, the rear entertainment controls and panel were updated and a display was added, window switches were changed from "push" style, to "pull" style and HID lights were added to the Escalade, among other things. Those are lots of little things, but they do add up and when I was looking I made sure to keep my search terms 03+.

I DO NOT however think this same thing will necessarily apply with the 07's. I think alot of the engineering for the 07's has already been done, rather than basing them off a platform that already existed and upgrading it over time.

Thats true, but if theres any problems the 08 will have them all figured out by then. If I got an H2 in a year or 2 is GM changin them on the outside or just little changes? Any idea.:hmm:

Thats a great question, I imagine they will eventually move it to the new platform, but we all know Hummers dont change frequently by nature, so they may leave it on the current platform for a while and update the interior with some of the newer features of the Escalade.

So Gm doesn't have plans to change the Hummers at all for 07-08? Just the Tahoe/Yukon/Escalade. Does this sound right?

Does anyone else have proof that the 2007s or the newly designed Escalades will be released in Jan 06? What about pics? Anyone?

I heard from the Hummer forums that Hummers will not be changed at all yet. They will not get a make-over like all GMs other Full-size SUVs are. I drove one the other day and they are nice but I don't know if they are luxury enough after havin an Escalade? I might get a Range Rover Sport? I'm not sure.

I heard from the Hummer forums that Hummers will not be changed at all yet. They will not get a make-over like all GMs other Full-size SUVs are. I drove one the other day and they are nice but I don't know if they are luxury enough after havin an Escalade? I might get a Range Rover Sport? I'm not sure.
Is the range rover sport replacing the normal range rover? I looked at the range rover very nice but I heard they are redesigning that truck as well.

Does anyone else have proof that the 2007s or the newly designed Escalades will be released in Jan 06? What about pics? Anyone?

No pics here but I live in the Detroit area and the media has been reporting recently that GM is pushing real hard to have the '07 Tahoes, Suburbans, Yukons and Yukon XLs to dealers as early as January '06 with the Escalades following 2 to 3 months after that. So at the moment it looks like no sooner than March or April '06 for the 2007 Escalade lineup.

I heard from the Hummer forums that Hummers will not be changed at all yet. They will not get a make-over like all GMs other Full-size SUVs are. I drove one the other day and they are nice but I don't know if they are luxury enough after havin an Escalade? I might get a Range Rover Sport? I'm not sure.

You know, i thought the same thing. I drove a hummer and they are friggen pimp, but they just aren't the luxury you get out of the Lade.

No pics here but I live in the Detroit area and the media has been reporting recently that GM is pushing real hard to have the '07 Tahoes, Suburbans, Yukons and Yukon XLs to dealers as early as January '06 with the Escalades following 2 to 3 months after that. So at the moment it looks like no sooner than March or April '06 for the 2007 Escalade lineup.
Sounds just like the 02s when they came out around the same time in 01.

Is the range rover sport replacing the normal range rover? I looked at the range rover very nice but I heard they are redesigning that truck as well.

THe sport isnt replacing the normal hse range rover, BUT I do believe they are changing their style in 08. The sport is also cheaper and faster, and better looking (I think the current range looks like an ambulance,especially in white.)

hey guys,i'm new here,and i want to say,"hello" to all.i'm very interested in knowing if whether the new Escalade will get the rumored V12 in V-series,or did Cadillac suddenly get "cold-feet".also,will the Escalade get an independent rear suspension.they need one for the type of dough that they're asking for one.

I also test drove the H2 when I was looking for a new ride. I felt the exact same...it was a beast, but it just wasn't as nice/luxurious as the Escalade. I went with the lade, obviously.

As for the RangeRover sport...that thing is a BEAST! It is not replaceing the RR....just another addition to their lineup. The thing will start below the regular RR but will exceed it in price with all the options. It will be available with the 4.4-litre V8, or the 4.2-litre Supercharged, with 20's, brembo brakes...and then there will be a limited edition with this launch..adding things like polished oak on the door, and a special Orange color.

hey guys,i'm new here,and i want to say,"hello" to all.i'm very interested in knowing if whether the new Escalade will get the rumored V12 in V-series,or did Cadillac suddenly get "cold-feet".also,will the Escalade get an independent rear suspension.they need one for the type of dough that they're asking for one.

I also want to see the V-Series V12 make it to production, but as to the independent rear suspension I dont agree...

Matter of fact the Escalade rear axle, powerful engine and exterior looks is the reason I bought 2 Escalades rather than the new generation Lincoln Navigator...

Mejia

I asked a cadillac dealership yesterday. They said that they don't think they Escalade will get redesigned up that early at all and commented that the deville will be changing at that point.

There will be no 2006 new design. I have no knowledge of this( I work for a division of GM head office)

[QUOTE=brett79]I also test drove the H2 when I was looking for a new ride. I felt the exact same...it was a beast, but it just wasn't as nice/luxurious as the Escalade. I went with the lade, obviously.

Thats the same way I feel when comparing the Escalade with the H2

Thats why I am seriously coinsidering holding on to my 03 until the new model Escalade comes out instead of buying an H2 right away....

Mejia

There will be no 2006 new design. I have no knowledge of this( I work for a division of GM head office)

Damn!!!

Just when everyone was starting to get excited and going for the checkbook!!!!

:banghead:

Mejia

Well what about 2007 that will be released in 06? So as of now no1 knows when they will be changed and released?

I hope Gm's smart and doesn't rush the new lade out I would feel better about gettin one too. I think as for the H2's there nice but I'm not an off-roader so for on-road driving you can't beat the lade's. I may just wait and get the 07 lade since it will most likly be cheaper that a fully loaded Range Sport and yet bigger. I also heard the new lade's and H2's may be getting a new LS2 6.0L engine with 400hp. Sounds good to me.:thumbsup:

I hope Gm's smart and doesn't rush the new lade out I would feel better about gettin one too. I think as for the H2's there nice but I'm not an off-roader so for on-road driving you can't beat the lade's. I may just wait and get the 07 lade since it will most likly be cheaper that a fully loaded Range Sport and yet bigger. I also heard the new lade's and H2's may be getting a new LS2 6.0L engine with 400hp. Sounds good to me.:thumbsup:

I doubt the Escalade will get the LS2, but rather a new vortec derivative from the LS2. I don't think GM wants to stuff the engine into anything it can, those Corvette guys are gonna get mad.

I doubt the Escalade will get the LS2, but rather a new vortec derivative from the LS2. I don't think GM wants to stuff the engine into anything it can, those Corvette guys are gonna get mad.

I hope Gm's smart and doesn't rush the new lade out I would feel better about gettin one too. I think as for the H2's there nice but I'm not an off-roader so for on-road driving you can't beat the lade's. I may just wait and get the 07 lade since it will most likly be cheaper that a fully loaded Range Sport and yet bigger. I also heard the new lade's and H2's may be getting a new LS2 6.0L engine with 400hp. Sounds good to me

Dodge did it. Still chevy doesnt have a really fast truck. This could be it

The new SUVs will be available in the fall of 2006.

The 2006 Land Rover Range Rover Sport will use the new LR3's chassis.

The LR3 has an...

(from edmunds.com)

"Integrated body frame is just a fancy way of saying that the LR3's traditional ladder frame is aided in crash-worthiness by a body that has almost unibodylike strength. In most typical body-on-frame designs, the frame provides all the strength while the bolted-on body simply holds the passengers. The LR3's body, though, has extra strong sills that literally envelope its frame. So closely does it wrap around, in fact, that in the case of an accident, the body is forced into the frame rails greatly adding to its strength. Land Rover says that this significantly increases resistance during offset crashes, the common bugaboo of body-on-frame designs."

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/advice/specialreports/landrover.lr3/05.landrover.lr3.str.500.jpg

The 300 hp 4.4 V-8 used in the LR3 is based on Jaguar's 4.2 V-8 but modified for off-road duty. Jaguar's V-8 is not a Ford V-8. Jaguar's 4.2 liter V-8 does not have the potential timing chain tensioner or nikasil problems of the 4.0 liter V-8 from the 1997-2000 XK8.

Check this link:

http://www.jagweb.com/aj6eng/v8_performance.html (http://www.jagweb.com/aj6eng/v8_performance.html)

The Range Rover Sport will be available with Jaguar's 4.2 liter 390 hp superchaged V-8.

Here are some pictures of it.

http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0505_range_rover_sport/

http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0505_range_rover_sport_01_445.jpg

http://automobilemag.com/photo_gallery/0505_range_rover_sport_02_445.jpg

That Range is lookin good!

oh yeah ranges are lookin nice these days

honestly screw it, Ive had so many electrical problems with mine both the 2000 and my 03. The machine the controls the suspension has broken down so many times I cant count. BMW tried to fix these problems with the new range and couldn't, I hope ford can do better.

the 03s were the first yr ones with all that electrical stuff, you got wait a few and get them before they get all those electrical bugs out.

Gen 4 Vortec 6000s should have 55hp and 20ft.lbs. more than current 6.0s. 400hp and 400ft.lbs.

"With the rollout of the next generation full-size trucks, GM will be revamping its Vortec 6000 engine. The new 6.0L will produce 400HP and 400lb/ft of torque (strangely similar to the LS2, no?). The 6.0L will be in the next generation of Cadillac Escalade, EXT, ESV, GMC Yukon Denali, Denali XL, GMC Sierra Denali and Chevrolet Silverado SS Supercharged."

http://forums.gminsidenews.com/showthread.php?t=12564