Quote:
Originally Posted by See5
The assertion that GM was copying their design from Audi and BMW was just ignorant to me. GM has had experience with turbo motors since at least the 70's. To think they couldn't design something like this on their own doesn't make sense especially when they used a similar design before the BMW/Audi designs were introduced to the market.
I'd put them over the the Japanese Big 3 and Ford/Chrysler in terms of engineering power. In terms of top to bottom, only VW, BMW, and Mercedes can really compete in sheer ability. They have to design everything from hybrids, to pickups, to sportscars and everything in between. And right now, I think they are doing a damn good job of it especially the sport/performance cars. And its not that they are just fast, the Impala, ATS, Camaro and most likely the C7 and CTS will be among the top driving cars in their class as well.
Just my opinion though. You don't have to agree. That's why we have forums.  |
I suppose, but as far as innovation the Germans have always had a HUGE leg up. D.I, AWD, direct shift gear boxes, diesel cars, supercharged cars, engines with more than one valve, ABS, CAN bus, ESP, multilink suspension, airbags and a host of other things; note 959...
I work in the industry and have to say, the issues I see with quality control on GM's, no matter the make, are beyond excuse. I admit the German cars I have owned have not been perfect but at least they are good enough in most areas to outweigh the minor issues I've seen. The quality of any GM interior, you'll agree if you've been in one, even the Cady is rental car status. I will give it to the newer CTS-v at being a great car, however its not REALLY a GM. It just seems like every GM I see needs something, I've seen countless of them come through needing work with sub 20k miles on them, TONS of electrical shit; airbag faults, module failures... also just had a Colorado come through with 32k miles have a stretched timing chain, was off a tooth and needed a rebuild. I have lost faith with GM, if anything Ford is turning a new leaf with all of the eco boost cars ( ik they are designed in Belgium but still) and they didn't take $30 billion in taxs and flush it down the toilet, and Chrysler paid their bailout back, now with the Grand Cherokee has one of the most competitive SUVs available. Also the new Ram with best in class fuel economy, towing capability, braking, power, and amazing zf 8 speed. Not only that the Dart has great mileage with much more interior volume than the curze and without the 140ft+ 60-0 braking fiasco or the steering wheel recalls (5 open for different issues causing the wheel to fall off), or the random engine fires, or rattle trap interior... I don't know maybe its just the ones I see, but it seems to me they are wasting all of our money. Just look at quality reports from NADA, KBB, edmounds, or any customer satisfaction surveys. They may make an ok car here and there but it will be inherently cheaply made/designed with MASSIVE profit in mind, not quality. Just sayin... If anything i'd actually put Mazda on top of the list for engineering now that they are on their own again. The skyactiv tech is very impressive, also their new diesel is tearing it up in GT, and its 60 mpg or better in a full sized sedan WITHOUT hybrid bs or DEF...