One-hit Wonders? Will GM do it again???

[Aardvaark]

From the 09-08-08 issue of AW. Haven't seen it posted yet.
$10k/unit loss????

[Motor Mouth]

Well it'll be sad if it happens but not really surprising seeing as the Solstice / Sky / GT is like nothing else in the GM range.

Even though it's susposidly making a loss, it ain't as much as Bugatti are susposed to be loosing on each Veyron, isn't that about $4million per car and even if the do decide not to continue we can be thankful that it lasted 2 years longer than the original GT.

I guess only time will tell.

[wrench459]

"""The first widespread use of hydroforming in the manufacture of an automotive chassis was by General Motors for its full-sized 1999 Chevrolet and GMC truck lines. The Corvette C6 soon followed. Today, OE hydroformed chassis components are used industry wide.""
snipped from here
DETROIT SPEED & ENGINEERING - WHAT IS HYDROFORMING?

GM would not use press releases to drive up demand or would they?

[newman27]

Do the hydroformed body parts really cost more than others? I just had the passenger side door replaced on my Solstice after it was caved in by a Volvo that backed into my wife and it was $1,100 total out the door for the repairs (parts, labor, taxes, etc.). That included feathering in the paint on the front and rear fenders to get the new part to match the old. That seemed reasonable to me. Also, does anyone really buy the stripped down base Solstice? If you took the majority of the options in 2006 when I bought mine, it became a $29,000 car (and I don't have the 6 disc CD changer, chrome wheels, On Star, premium headliner, and smoker package). I just find it hard to believe that GM is losing $10K on each actual car sold with options, extended warranty, and all the other extras that get added on...

Matt

[George]

What is the smoker package?

[newman27]

Originally Posted by George What is the smoker package?

It adds an actual cigarette lighter to the "power outlet" (rather than being left empty so you can charge your cell phone, etc.) and adds an ash tray somewhere I believe although not sure on location as there isn't much room in the car for anything else. It was an option in 2006 when I ordered mine but I don't think it is offered anymore - I guess Pontiac doesn't want you smoking in the car .

Matt