I the Saturn Aura (heh, typed Aurora....), its the perfect mix of quick, size and features. Will make a definite mark on the mid size market (I hope).

Same here. That car is incredible for $25K. 252 3.6L VV-T 0-60 in 6.2 sec. 6 speed auto with paddle shifters. Not to mention it looks like an Audi A6.

The G8 was all but confirmed this week @ NAIAS.

They've also confirmed a Zeta platform Camaro parter car, Creating a G8, Solstice, Zeta Coupe for RWD, and only the G5/6 for FWD within 2/3 years.

My gut feeling....(People are gonna throw **** at me) Pontiac as we knew it is dead and is becoming the GM American Brand for Holden. the new G8 that will be unveiled in Febuary is a Holden Commodore with a Pontiac inspired nose. Certainly nothing to do with the Bonneville

Whats wrong with that?

Australians know how to build a decent car. And without winter to slow them down, RWD has stayed viable and profitable for them. Which means the technology should be with the rest of the world.

Don't get me wrong, I am a RWD fan, BUT we just had 2 inches of snow here, and given that WV doesn't treat its roads, I passed three RWD vehicles that had skidded on ice due to a slight slope leading from my road to the main road. I sat and watched three of them slide or hit the guard rail. My GXP? Passed right by thanks to the control I could maintain with FWD. So that'* a big exception, especially where you live, Puddy. By the way what part of Pgh? I go to Squirrel Hill all the time to blow what little money I have left at Jerry'* Records.

Even if I do eventually get around to an RWD, I will have to have at least one FWD for snow, unless I (hopefully) move to a flatter place.

two bonnies, read my post again. I was referring to the Australians not having to deal with winter, unlike us.

And I'm up in Moon Township, but I work over around Aliquippa. Had zero trouble getting around the other night with the snow.

I agree that they've probably refined RWD, but that doesn't mean it will be the best for all places/times in the US as it is for them. There are disadvantages to RWD, one of which is snow. Just sayin'. I still prefer RWD in general, but definetly not in snow.

But I do see Venon'* point that Pontiac simply becoming US Holden is not desirable. Pontiac has very specific styling cues, features (like HUD; red backlighting, etc) and a long loyal customer base because of that uniqueness. Simply rebadging a Holden Monaro (or whatever it was) with a Pontiac nose as a GTO don't make it a Pontiac (although I wouldn't mind having one). But that doesn't mean that Pontiac shouldn't learn from Holden. They should; they've got a whole lot to learn...like not killing the Bonneville. For me, its not that it is made in Australia or uses Australian know-how that is as problematic as the fact that it is styled in Australia. I'm not saying the GTO isn't nice, its just not what I expected to see.

So this is a true Pontiac?


I disagree

And to touch on your point about RWD, it may not be the best for all occasions, but there are occasions and places that it is very desirable. And for winter sales, look at BMW. They seem to be doing just fine with RWD
(although I will admit that AWD would be a great addition to the line-up).