[purple04]

First, the article. The bird is dropping in 06 (or 07) for poor sales. The reasons are bad launch, heavy, underpowered and overpriced. The styling is okay, but the vehicle is second-rate. The HHR is something GM is trying to compete with the PT, not replace it.
If the launch is sucessful, they will still be coming to the show late. Look at the Caravan. There are other, better models, but the first is the one that everyone still considers. Unless the HRR does many things better, the only interest will be from the die-hard bowtie buyers. One thing they (and DC) should consider is a panel for fleet (business) buyers. The beetle requires unbolting and pulling forward the ENTIRE front body for service. I can't believe there hasn't been more noise about that mess, plus the noted lack of useability.
Now, the concern for younger buyers. Unless they are making enough to buy the car AND trick it out, you can't sell it. Oh, and you better supply the POWER (legal warrantable S1, S2) to make them want it. At least they lowered the price this year. Hope it pans out.
To those who want a AWD, it's possible, but expensive and heavy. Think about the Honda real-time CRX and the Colt vistas. They didn't fare well. As far as rear wheel drive, it would require a complete redesign. Between the fear of retro being over and the looming emissions requirements, there just isn't a business case. My suggestion would be a new millenum Road Runner/GLHS. Do a base model with the turbo motor as a final year swan song for less than an SRT. And Don, 100k cars is the current accepted number for most big Co.s break-even for a mainstream car. That's what killed the Camaro. It was over 100k from 1997-01 except for 1990. They gotta do more colors, and quicker than they did with the Prowler. The 2 tone is a step, but they are all Black top and pretty conservative.