REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback
Pontiac G8 ST - Click above for a high-res image gallery
With Pontiac's death official, Holden stands to lose around $1 billion annually with the demise of the Pontiac G8. However, Holden doesn't plan to go quiet into night. The Aussie automaker has drawn up plans to offer the rear-wheel drive Commodore platform to Cadillac and GMC.
Although GM's CEO, Fritz Henderson, has confirmed that the G8 won't live on, there's a chance it could be used by law enforcement in the States, and with Cadillac's recent attempts to inject more RWD models into the mix (save the Epsilon II-based sub-CTS), the Zeta architecture could be used for a new line of Caddies.
More interestingly, with GMC safe – for now – from sharing a grave with Pontiac (not to mention the inevitable liquidation of Hummer, Saab and Saturn), Holden could make a case for importing the stillborn G8 ST 'ute to the U.S. as a fuel-efficient alternative to GMC's otherwise big and thirsty pick-ups. Where there's a niche, GM normally likes to fill it, and while the case for the Zeta-based Cadillacs could be made -- particularly as GM seeks to downsize the platform to aid its survival -- the G8 ST's revival seems far less plausible.
Gallery: 2010 Pontiac G8 ST
[Source: GoAuto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Avinash machado 11:34AM (5/01/2009)
The ST could be perhaps badged as the new GMC Cyclone.
Reply
carguy 11:35AM (5/01/2009)
El Camino!
Reply
iamhoff 12:41PM (5/01/2009)
That's what I've been saying. Replace the current Impala with the G8, and port the Holden Ute into a nice El Camino! And to help the CAFE numbers, GMC can get a Caballero version!
Rob 1:39PM (5/01/2009)
the G8 ute was one of the few GM vehicles that I actually liked and would gladly drive. I also like the Cobalt SS, any CTSV, and the old GTO. Other than that, I really hate most GM products.
fixitfixitstop 1:54PM (5/01/2009)
The GMC version of the El Camino was known as the Sprint.
Ken 11:36AM (5/01/2009)
I like these ideas, I don't know if the platform would be better suited for Cadillac new large car or maybe should go to a Buick but a 'Ute based pickup/car (what was the GMC version of the El Camino called back in the day?) could help GMCs CAFE ratings and also give them a unique model to help better justify their existence.
Also, giving the police a dedicated patrol car that looks nothing like anything else on the road is appealing to the miscreant in me. That and it can be designed from the start with design features that police would find appealing like an interior that better fits the equipment they need to run, door inserts that would provide some light ballistic protections, and a front end that can be more effectively used to end pursuits.
Reply
Ken 11:38AM (5/01/2009)
Now I remember, it was called the GMC Caballero.
Pokey 12:38PM (5/01/2009)
Or the GMC Sprint, in Canada.
aj121489 11:37AM (5/01/2009)
Good I hope they don't make the ST. Never liked it or the El Camino for that matter.
Reply
Erik 11:42AM (5/01/2009)
Yes! A Caballero revival! I love it!!
Reply
LoneWolf 12:02PM (5/01/2009)
+1
jamie 11:42AM (5/01/2009)
Zeta is now GM's problem child.
With only the Camaro under-utilizing the platform in NA, something has to happen soon. GM has said that Zeta is dead. The Land of Oz even says goodbye to the old ways.
Zeta lives (for now) down under, and it makes no sense to replicate in NA what it already readily available elsewhere, especially if it demise is fairly certain. G8, Park Avenue, Caprice, police car and now Caddy? Sorry. The future of Zeta is the boneyard. None of those plans are viable anymore.
Reply
imoore 1:03PM (5/01/2009)
I disagree. The Zeta platform (Commodore/Statesman/Caprice) is still popular in the Middle East, there's no way GM will attempt to sell FWDs over there and lose a potential money market. Zeta and future RWD platforms are here for awile longer.
mkM3 3:20PM (5/01/2009)
Actually, Cadillac sounds like a perfect spot for Zeta to me. Its certain to be a cheaper platform to produce than Sigma, and what exactly does Sigma offer than Zeta doesn't? Not much. I can't believe that any weight, packaging, performance or other advantages Sigma might theoretically have could not be engineered away in an updated version of Zeta.
If not then, wow, its really too bad. I mean if GM can only afford to have two RWD passenger car platforms (excluding Corvette, nitpickers), the fact that they must inexplicably cover vehicles that are *exactly the same freakin size* is really a shame. I mean WTH? - hello blown platform sharing opportunity. Oh and since someone is reading this and really wants to insist you cannot use the same RWD platform for a luxury car and non-luxury car, I suggest you look at Nissan and Infiniti. And, heck, that one even takes it one step further in that it can be used for the smaller 350Z/G/EX and the larger M/FX.
Come on now, why can't GM do that? Or at the very least, if you are going to have two RWD platforms, at least make them usable for different sized cars. Skip the poor (and, yes, still uncomfirmed) idea to try and build a 3-series/C-class/G/IS competitor on the FWD Epsilon platform. Maybe this new improved reduced-sized Zeta that is supposedly coming next generation will be useful in that regard. But I am skeptical to say the least. Its still gotta underpin an Australian family car after all. I dare *someone* to build me an small, RWD, *American* sedan. Doesn't have to be inexpensive, just has to be as good as the German and Japanese competition. Please? Anyone? No? Yeah, that's what I thought.
jamie 4:54PM (5/01/2009)
Cadillac has used the same platform as other GM stablemates in the past but with horrific results:
1. Opel Omega / Cadillac Catera
2. Chevrolet Cavalier / Cadillac Cimmaron
3. Chevrolet Corvette / Cadillac XLR
Some have not been too bad though:
1. Chevrolet Tahoe / Cadillac Escalade
2. Chevrolet Avalanche / Cadillac Escalade EXT
3. Chevrolet Suburban / Cadillac Escalade ESV
I don't think you will be able to pull the wool over the discerning eyes of any Cadillac buyers in the near future.
BLS 11:43AM (5/01/2009)
What is going to happen to the Solstice/Sky/Opel GT?
Reply
DJ 11:47AM (5/01/2009)
With Pontiac dead, Saturn on the verge of death and Opel being sold, it's likely that it will disappear from the US market altogether. That's unless whoever buys Opel picks up the marketing rights to Saturn for the US market.
BLS 11:49AM (5/01/2009)
It is GMs platform they can do whatever they want with it?
jg 11:48AM (5/01/2009)
'Holden doesn't plan to go quiet into night'
LOL. Nice attempt.
How about if the Holden undercarriage is the basis for a GMC 'X6' type CUV? Eventually GM will make one of others keep doing it and basing it off the G8 would be sweet.
Reply
jamie 11:54AM (5/01/2009)
Holden is likely to be auctioned off as well as Opel/Vauxhall and Daewoo. GM desperately needs the cash, and these are the only viable enterprises that can bring in decent returns. If they are not sold off by the end of May, you can bet the judge will see to it that they are in bankruptcy court.