GM shrinks performance model line-up

As part of its downsizing, General Motors has announced a list of high-performance models to be discontinued, by the end of the year:

• Chevrolet Cobalt SS sedan
• Chevrolet Impala SS
• Cadillac STS-V
• Pontiac G6 GXP

Some of these are bigger losses than others. The Cobalt SS is a fast and fun-to-drive inexpensive sporty car that transcends its modest Cobalt origins. The STS-V is based on the very capable STS, but the STS has below average reliability. There is also a question of overlap: the CTS-V makes the STS-V somewhat redundant.

In the “they won’t be missed” category are the G6 GXP and the Impala SS. While we never tested a G6 GXP, other G6s didn’t impress in our testing. (Since you can get the roomier Chevy Malibu LTZ with the same drivetrain, losing the GXP essentially eliminates a redundancy.) The Monte Carlo SS we tested, essentially a two-door version of the Impala SS, had copious torque steer and wasn’t all that fun to drive. (That’s why we wish the Pontiac G8 GT would be rebadged as an Impala SS replacement, but that option seems to be off the table.) Both the Impala SS and the V6-powered G6 had below average reliability in our survey.

Safe so far: the Corvette. We thoroughly enjoyed the last Corvette we tested, the awesome Z06. Still, one has to wonder how long GM can keep building (and evolving and improving) the C6 platform and remain competitive in the sports car segment.

—Tom Mutchler

Comments

[bsant]

Your comment: "Still, one has to wonder how long GM can keep building (and evolving and improving) the C6 platform and remain competitive in the sports car segment."

Are you kidding me?

Since the C5 and before that, Corvette has consistently matched and exceeded most of the so called "Super Cars" (i.e., Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, top end Mercedes/BMW/Audi "sports sedans") in performance without the huge price tag - this is NOT some recent event. The C5 has been out since the late 1990's...that makes it at least 10 years the Corvette has been a world beater without the huge price tag.

Consumer Reports, I love you all, but in this case give your heads a "conjecture shake" - do as you always do, rely on facts. GM has retained its Sports Car flagship, the Corvette, and wisely so.

[ECKERSTL]

Your favorite car is a Mazda Miata? Please dont question GM ability to keep the All American Sports car the Corvette!!

[Joe]

The Corvette may be all-American, but it is also all-white trash. If your going to go for a decent sports car, you should look up brands like BMW or Audi. Brands that aren't cheap junk. The Corvette will be around for a while, only because of the low price tag.

[Mark]

I have one of the whit trash cars and may I say you are a not a very educated person. If you knew anything about the corvette especially the C6 then they would realize the low cost of operating one compared to a BMW. The Corvette is also decent on gas mileage. I have been getting 18 city/27 highway which for a V8 tha size is pretty good. So, The Vette is White Trash…no I do not think so.

[Cornelius V]

Joe, you are totally wrong. I am European, I love Lambos and my father owns one, but to say a Vette is for white trash is totally wrong. I am a DB programmer and I came in US from Europe and loved Vettes and their history since I came. Of course if I would have $$ of course I would buy a Lambo, but I am ok with a Vette....and no way I would buy a BMW or Audi instead. I would suggest that you would read about Corvette history and specs about Corvette and then apologize to all vette owners.