ford is selling a boat load of ST models, and I the Abarth is selling well. IIRC Opel has stuff that could be brought over.

Would love to see a small Buick actually has a MINI fighter. I love the Encore, but a hot hatch in premium guise would be great!

I do agree, a 1.6L turbo Sonic RS would be ideal.  I am not sure Buick, even with its current Opel influence, is ready for such a frenetic type of vehicle.  I see Buick as quiet, authoritative luxury first... the Verano Turbo and Regal GS come to mind.  I do wish Buick would sell something with 2 doors though.  An Encore with a 1.6T would be nice too.

 

I'd be interested in seeing how the Fiesta ST (a real performance car) sells against the Sonic RS in its current guise as a factory lowered, short geared normal Sonic.  I hardly ever see Ford ST models on the lots.  A blue Fiesta ST with no options is on my list of favorites.

Edited August 3, 201411 yr by ocnblu

Would be nice, but GM seems to be struggling to survive now.... any budget for niche performance vehicles is probably eaten up by Cadillac, Camaro and Corvette variations...

 

I am surprised their hasn't been a performance version of the Cruze made in any market AFAIK...I would have thought they would have capitalized on it's racing success with a performance model.

Edited August 3, 201411 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

Struggling to survive?

The number of recalls is not leaving a good impression in the buying public.  But I would not say they are struggling to survive.

Sales continue to grow for them.

Struggling to survive?

Maybe overstated, but they have to be in a world of hurt with the vast # of recalls...that has to be damaging to their public perception.    

Among the people I work with, many are saying they will not buy another GM vehicle.  Kind of sad, current lineup is pretty good.

 

Struggling to survive?

Maybe overstated, but they have to be in a world of hurt with the vast # of recalls...that has to be damaging to their public perception.    

 

 

... apparently not... every survey so far seems to say that customers trust that GM is doing the right thing... .and sales haven't been hurting.

 

BTW, I saw an article the other day... the VOLT is the only GM car currently being built that has not been recalled in these large batches of recalls.... but some of them are clearly the GM cleaning house.  Our Buick was recalled for a possibly improperly mounted seat rail....and that was the only issue.... no big deal.

The tens of millions of toyoyo recalls didn't seem to hurt them much, certainly not to a point they were 'struggling'.

GM builds pickups, SUVs and sedans.  No room for hot hatches or any of this Euro nonsense.  Next people are going to say they want a convertible that isn't a Corvette or Camaro.

GM is as SMK says a Truck / SUV / CUV and Sedan builder. Forget the Hot Hatch,

 

What GM should Build:

 

Chevy Equinox SS, replacement for the Trailblazer SS

GMC Typhoon and Syclone

Buick Regal GNX AWD and Encore GNX AWD

Cadillac Escalade V edition, LTS, XTS, CTS and ATS V editions.

Equinox SS would be sweet!

There are a bunch of things i wonder why GM doesn't build..... a hot hatch is pretty low on that list.

Doesn't GM build hot hatches - Astra and Corca OPC/GTC? Just that USA does not get them.

 

I always wondered why GM did not reignite Cobalt SS Turbo in the Cruze. That was a giant killer, faster than 135 and Lexus IS in Car and Driver Lightning Laps. Except excuses for its shabby interior, it was a terror machine.

Doesn't GM build hot hatches - Astra and Corca OPC/GTC? Just that USA does not get them.

 

I always wondered why GM did not reignite Cobalt SS Turbo in the Cruze. That was a giant killer, faster than 135 and Lexus IS in Car and Driver Lightning Laps. Except excuses for its shabby interior, it was a terror machine.

 

 

Yep.  GM can get things really right when they want to!