KappaII is Dead. The SKY Will Disappear

[Uzzy]

It's official, the SKY will die at the end of it's current life cycle.

It is no secret by now that General Motors has been shaking up its product programs left and right. We first heard of the slashing of the Buick Zeta car, apparent death of the Cadillac Zeta car, and the impending death of a couple GMC product programs. Now GMI is hearing that the Kappa II program, successor to the current lineup of Kappa roadsters, has been pulled from the product plans. The reasons for all of these changes are obvious; uncertain gas prices, an uneasy economy, poor financial situation within the company and an overall product shake up are just a few reasons.

The Kappa line of products makes the "cut" bill rather easily. GMI has been told that when the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky came to the market, GM was losing around $10,000 per unit built. Needless to say, that is not a money-making product line by any stretch of the imagination. It is not entirely surprising that Kappa has been a money pit of a product program. From the ground up Kappa cars are costly; starting with the frame no less. The Kappa architecture is hydra-formed as part of the fabrication process to achieve the dimensions and frame rails needed. Many of the body panels (namely the hood, deck-lid, and fenders) are hydra-formed as well. Hydra-forming is a costly fabrication method, particularly for vehicles that have such low starting prices and low volume to boot. Add on the fact that the Kappa vehicles are largely “hand built” cars (at least by today’s standards); it becomes quite evident why GM will likely never get a return on investment with the Kappa products.

More here.

[AuraDrvr89]

What a shame.

They were pretty cool cars. However, at least they are cutting something that isn't terribly popular. The image is what those cars were all about, which they did well.

[s-seriesguy]

There goes the only good looking vehicle saturn currently makes.

[mike08vue]

Is there any indication how long the current Sky model run will be? I really would like to get one before they go away, but I have to keep my current car for at least 2 more years before I can trade. Surely Saturn will put out something similar--maby a version of the Corsa convertible sold in Germany by Opel? Oh well--maby I can get a fairly recent used one.

[titan12]

Originally Posted by s-seriesguy

There goes the only good looking vehicle saturn currently makes.

oh so there is a Opel that you like...

[Uzzy]

Originally Posted by mike08vue

Is there any indication how long the current Sky model run will be? I really would like to get one before they go away, but I have to keep my current car for at least 2 more years before I can trade. Surely Saturn will put out something similar--maby a version of the Corsa convertible sold in Germany by Opel? Oh well--maby I can get a fairly recent used one.

I'm not certain, but the model run likely won't be more than 5 years, if that. It might go as long as 2011...maybe not even that far. You might be alright. There was talk of putting these cars onto the new Alpha platform, but I'm not sure what came of that.

[s-seriesguy]

Originally Posted by titan12

oh so there is a Opel that you like...

It looks alright, but I wouldn't have one. Don't worry, I still don't like the astra.

[Ritz]

Originally Posted by s-seriesguy

There goes the only good looking vehicle saturn currently makes.

Indeed. Kinda funny/sad that the only car Saturn has in its pocket that generates any real excitement is the one they lose tons of money on each unit. You just can't make this stuff up.

Cheers,

[2NDSOUT]

According to some of the posts on the GMI website link that Uzzy posted, the current run of Solstices and Sky will run their production life and that will be the end of the line.

Who knows with GM...it could be this year, it could be 2011 before the roadster disappears.

Shame that they were loosing $10K on each car that was built.

[bryanm326]

We have a Chili Pepper Red 2007 (yes 2007) Sky, Stick, non turbo for sale. Was $27024 now $21900, better get it while you can.

[titan12]

Originally Posted by s-seriesguy

It looks alright, but I wouldn't have one. Don't worry, I still don't like the astra.

had to try...

[reedred]

Originally Posted by Uzzy

It's official, the SKY will die at the end of it's current life cycle.

It's not official until GM says so and while they likely lose money on them, the $10K figure is pretty lofty. Hold out for a real announcement, not speculation from GMI.

[KimberlySky]

I'm glad actually about this... I hate when you buy a new car in a couple of years the body style changes uggggg....

[quiksc2]

Ya I'm still waiting for used Redlines will hit the dealerships...

[KimberlySky]

LOL yeah....

I'm going to my dealer this weekend actually I'll see what they ACTUALLY have for RL on the lot and what prices are for ya... know not in the same state but that way an idea of what is really out there.

The last time I was at the dealer they had a couple used 2.4's with a TON of miles and they didn't look so good ie: bad scratches, just really used looking. Odd... and a lot of it could have been cheaply rubbed out and stuff but oh well guess they don't want to spend the little time or money.

[love099]

don't believe in rumors. let's just wait and see if these news is real.

hate to see the sky go away...