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Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2003 20:54:29 -0700
From: B&D <NO_SPAMnopsamCOM>
Subject: Re: 9-2 plans unveiled


On 4/17/03 8:30 PM, in article IjKna.29297$MB4.11152465nopsam4.srv.hcvlny.cv.net, "quadrun1" <quadrun1_DELETE-THIS_nopsamnline.net> wrote: > > "B&D" <NO_SPAMnopsamCOM> wrote in message > news:BAC2C3B5.335E9%NO_SPAMnopsamCOM... >> On 4/16/03 6:06 AM, in article b7jkgb$1m6dj$6nopsam34476.news.dfncis.de, >> "davehinznopsamcop.net" <davehinznopsamcop.net> wrote: >> >>> Initial impressions based on just this article: >>> >>> Hatchback: good. >>> 2.0L engine: Good, if it's the one I'm hoping it is. >>> AWD: Hm. At least with Suburu doing it, it'll be done right. >>> Built in Japan: Hm. Can anyone else say "Brand dilution"? >> >> GM has this problem of re-badging engineering. Friend call it the "GM >> disease" - The problem is that the 9-2 will have some adherents, but most > of >> the folks will get the WRX in the idea it is the "inexpensive 9-2" - and >> then people will start looking around for the "inexpensive 9-3" and >> "inexpensive 9-5" which is what just about killed Cadillac. > > > Umm, no, sounds like the 9-2 will be priced very close to the WRX. > > And I don't see this happening to Audi with their A4... lots of people buy > the A4, and lots of people buy the roomier, yet cheaper, A4-based VW Passat. I hope that two things will happen: 1. That the 9-2 feels like a Saab and not a re-badged Subaru (GM has had a history of poor execution with platform/car sharing, The Chevy Trail-Blazer case-in-point for something recent) 2. That the 9-2 *looks* Saab-like and not a re-badged Impreza WRX. From the sketches it look as if it will be a warmed-over Impreza with Saab markings. I hope it is not true. Hatch line looks very Subaru, and not Saab-like at all. If GM would execute sharing as effectively as the Audi-VW example, this would be a very good thing, and benefit everyone. From history we do not see a lot of evidence that this is likely with this particular company. I hope my pessimism is unfounded and we are treated to a Saab that will be a genuine-feeling Saab, and not a warmed over Impreza. My fears is that this is going to be another Cadillac Cimarron fiasco, and damage Saab - though the WRX is a very nice car, it just isn't a Saab.

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