[BigAls87Z28]

Agreed. While I will disagree with you on the OHV V8's. GM still gets praise for there very powerful, compact and fuel efficent V8's.
I dont really know why the 3.4 is used still only that the 3.4 is made in China, and its BEYOND cheap to make. IMO, the new 3.5 should have been used in all new cars.
As for teh 4spd, I wouldnt call them junk. GM's 4spd, while not having the extra gears, still are some of the finest and smoothest 4spds out there. Drive another asian 4spd auto, and then drive a GM's 4spd auto and its totaly different world. Even look at the Malibu Maxx vs the new Toyota Camry. The Camry has a little bit more power, but it needs premium gas, and with a 5spd, it STILL cant match the Malibu's gas milage. I can just imagine what GM's 6spds will do.
GM will bring out 10 new 6spd autos within the next few years.
I think that the G6 will amaze people when they go into Pontiac dealers looking for the usual plastic cladded Grand Ams, and they see this very European sport sedan.
I do wish that GM would use more of the new DOHC V6's. The 2.8 and 3.6 from Caddy should be seen more in GM's lineup.
And Zeta is that RWD/AWD chassis that you are looking for.