Autoblog

Holden could get crossover based on Chevy Cruze

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Chevrolet, Holden, Australia

During a discussion of the next-generation Holden Commodore and the General Motors Zeta platform, the question of an Australian-built SUV came up. Dave Leone, GM's executive chief engineer for luxury and rear-wheel-drive cars, wouldn't go any further than to say "that could be very possible," but recent events at Holden only reinforce the notion that we won't have any idea what is and isn't possible at the Aussie branch until it's actually done.

If there were such an SUV in the Holden pipeline, speculation is that it could be built on the platform for the next-generation Chevrolet Cruze, and that it could send the Captiva - imported to Australia from Thailand - into retirement. That's a lot of coulds, but it's all Aussie-market watchers have as they try to figure out what Holden's going to do for the next nine years it has pledged to build cars in Oz. Alongside that Cruze, a next-generation VJ Commodore is also promised and a locally-built SUV might make sense as a third model.

Holden could get crossover based on Chevy Cruze originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Apr 2013 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its racing debut for the 2013 Daytona 500, but the production version of the car will get its official unveiling on February 16 in Daytona, a week before The Great American Race. According to a report by Automotive News, the reveal has been confirmed by Jim Campbell, Chevy's US vice president of performance and motorsports. With the departure of the Dodge Charger, the new Chevrolet racecar will be the only competitor to feature a V8, rear-wheel-drive layout in both street and NASCAR form.

NASCAR fans will be able to see the new fullsize performance-oriented sedan on display in the festivities leading up to the Daytona 500, but the car won't go on sale until later in the year. The Australian-built Chevy SS will be a low-volume performance model, and it will be priced above the 2014 Impala, which starts at $27,535.

Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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El Camino revival hopes scuttled by Aussie dollar?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials, Australia

Could Chevrolet sell a reborn El Camino in the United States? Let's ask an expert, General Motors International Operations boss Tim Lee, what he thinks. Speaking to the Aussies at CarPoint.com.au, Lee had this to say: "I think here in the US that vehicle has a tremendous amount of cache so if we could [import it] we would if it makes sense."

Great! So, we'll be getting a pickup car within the year, right? Well, not so much. Lee continues, "You tell me about what the Aussie dollar is going to do over the next 12 to 24 months and I'll tell you the export potential of cars like that." Obviously, nobody can say with certainty what the exchange rate between the US and Australia will be in two years, but as of right now, the Aussie dollar is worth a nickel more than a US dollar.

To quote Mr. Lee once again, "You can't make a business case of something like that." Indeed you cannot.

But what about the Chevrolet Caprice PPV, isn't that built in Australia? Indeed it is, and the upcoming Chevy SS performance sedan will be important from Oz as well. Thing is, Mr. Lee says the SS "will have to take a very premium price position" in order to be sold in the States, and that's apparently not in the cards for an El Camino.

Also not an option: Building the Australian Zeta-chassis machines in the US. Being that we've quoted Lee so many times already, here's one more to close out the discussion: "We will not be investing one penny to implement the Zeta architecture in the United States. I am the chief manufacturing officer of the company - that is written in stone."

El Camino revival hopes scuttled by Aussie dollar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy SS prototype spotted wearing Pontiac G8 clothes

George Kennedy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Pontiac

Do not adjust your computer screen, you are not seeing the rebirth of the Pontiac brand. General Motors has chosen to use a G8 to disguise a test mule for the latest prototype of the forthcoming Chevrolet SS. The G8 was closely related to the Holden Commodore and Vauxhall VXR, the platform upon which the new Chevrolet performance model will be based. It should come as little surprise, then, that GM has opted to use the cladding from the former G8.

Thought the front clip of this mule is pure Pontiac, note the vents immediately behind the front wheel. That is a distinctive design hallmark of the Vauxhall VXR. Also note that this vehicle is right-hand drive, as the Holden and its Chevy counterpart will be very closely related. That likely includes potential drivetrains. The spy photos of this mule also reveal very wide rear tires, and rear wheels that do not match the fronts.

Production of all three vehicles is set to begin in Australia in late 2013. Click below to check out the gallery of the test mule for Chevy's new rear-drive performance vehicle.

Chevy SS prototype spotted wearing Pontiac G8 clothes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Has GM's OnStar accidentally confirmed the 2014 Chevy SS?

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet, Rumormill

While we're not ready to label this the return of the Pontiac G8, count us eager to get behind the wheel of whatever a "2014 Chevrolet SS Performance" turns out to be. Hopefully the appearance of this reference on the OnStar website is more than just a digital placeholder.

Chevy SS rumors have been swirling lately, with General Motors registering the "SS" trademark earlier this month, just days after our spy shooters caught what looked like a hotted-up Impala. Then there's the NASCAR situation: Chevrolet has said its new entry in the racing series will be both a new vehicle and a new nameplate. We're guessing that car isn't going to be the Spark.

So this new OnStar "leak," if it is such a thing, would point to the Chevy SS being a separate model (you can check it out on OnStar's site here). If we are reading our tea leaves correctly, the model will be derived from the rear-drive Holden Commodore (the same Zeta architecture that underpins Chevrolet's law-enforcement-only Caprice PPV), while the brand's front-drive Impala will get a new, sportier variant. We'd also assume that the long-wheelbase version of the Commodore used for the Caprice cop car would donate its top-level powertrain, the 355-horsepower, 6.0-liter V8.

Maybe we should just press the OnStar button and ask?

Has GM's OnStar accidentally confirmed the 2014 Chevy SS? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Chevrolet SS

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Chevrolet, Rumormill

We can now add a rendering and a litte more gossip to General Motors and its recent patenting of the of the "SS" designation. GM has used the SS designator for more than 50 years but only got around to trademarking it five years ago, and persistent rumors have suggested that a civilian version of the Chevrolet Caprice PPV will simply be called the SS.

Chevrolet previously confirmed that its next NASCAR entry will be both a new vehicle and new nameplate, which suggests that the Malibu and Impala are disqualified. But a new car called the SS would fit, and the rumormill suggests it will be a derivative of the Zeta-platform Holden Commodore. The folks at Chris Doane Automotive have opened the rendering account and taken this rather conservative stab at what a reboot of a U.S. Commodore might look like.

Yes, we've been here before, and in fact, we're still here. The now extinct but universally lauded Pontiac G8 was itself a Americanized Holden Commodore, and the current Caprice law enforcement vehicle is a long-wheelbase version of that Holden that packs either a 3.6-liter, 301-horsepower V6 or a 6.0-liter, 355-hp V8. Resurrecting the G8 would return a vehicle that many loved but was handicapped by Pontiac's zombie status, improve Holden's fortunes and give Chevy a proper rear-wheel drive sedan with teeth. To all of that, we say Yes, Yes and... Yes.

Rendered Speculation: Chevrolet SS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York Auto Show confirms 2014 Chevy Impala debut via Facebook [UPDATE]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Sedan, Chevrolet, GM

News of an impending automotive debut, especially one as big as the next Chevrolet Impala, generally come straight from the mouths of the automakers. Interesting, then, that the New York Auto Show's Facebook page is the first bit of confirmation we've seen that the 2014 Impala will be making its worldwide debut in The Big Apple.

All we have to go along with that confirmation is the teaser image you see above (click on the pic to enlarge), so we can't glean too many details just yet. We can see a Hofmeister-esque kink in the C-pillar, strongly accented in chrome trim, along with the well-known leaping impala emblem.

Past that, recent spy photos have revealed that the front-wheel-drive Impala will boast plenty of passenger room from its Epsilon-II architecture, the same guts that underpin the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu and Cadillac XTS. We're also expecting GM's well-regarded 3.6-liter V6 underhood, along with a possible turbocharged four and e-Assist hybrid setup.

This news comes on the heels of last week's announcement by General Motors that it plans to replace the Impala in its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series effort with a new nameplate that will also see a production model offshoot, leading to renewed speculation that the automaker will not only sell a new full-size Impala, but potentially a large rear-wheel drive sedan to offer as well, possibly based on the company's Zeta platform that underpins the Holden Commodore and recently introduced Chevrolet Caprice PPV law enforcement special.

The 2012 New York Auto Show is slated to kick off on April 4, but in the meantime, feel free to go over the teaser above with a fine-toothed comb, and stay tuned for any more details we find ahead of its debut.

UPDATE: GM has confirmed the Impala with the issuance of a press release and official image. In addition, it has confirmed that a revamped 2013 Traverse crossover will also bow in New York. The Traverse will be available with GM's new front, center-mount airbag first revealed in the updated Buick Enclave, the Traverse's twin. See the official release after the jump and note the addition of a Traverse interior image above.

Continue reading New York Auto Show confirms 2014 Chevy Impala debut via Facebook [UPDATE]

New York Auto Show confirms 2014 Chevy Impala debut via Facebook [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

Chris Paukert — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, First Drives, Police/Emergency

Anything But A Trivial Pursuit

There's something inherently satisfying about using a blunt force object for its exact purpose, be it ripping the cover off a baseball with a Louisville Slugger or bonking one of those animatronic pop-up varmints with a rubber mallet at the local arcade. At the opposite end of the spectrum, there's something equally satisfying about using a precise tool designed for an exact purpose, be it a Montblanc pen or a pickle fork. With the introduction of its 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV, General Motors is betting that law enforcement customers are willing to trade-in the former brand of satisfaction for the latter.

For decades now, an overwhelming majority of America's policemen and women have relied on the four-wheeled equivalent of a blunt object, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, as a primary tool in combating crime. Stubbornly resistant to change since its introduction during the Carter administration, the Crown Vic proudly rode its pig iron and scrimshaw frame into retirement earlier this month, a victim of growing legislative hurdles and slowing sales. Yet despite - or perhaps because of - its antiquated technology and crude construction, precincts far and wide have been clawing over each other to secure the last few examples.

GM believes it has a better way: 2012 Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle. Company officials say they are so cognizant of the unique needs of law enforcement that they've designed and built this special pursuit vehicle specifically for their use. GM has divulged no plans to park a civilian version in your Bowtie showroom and you won't be seeing them in New York yellow, either. This is a purpose-built piece of kit. Of course, the truth is a bit more complicated than that. The Caprice PPV is actually a lightly modified version of GM's long-wheelbase Zeta sedans that are marketed in Australia as the Holden Caprice and in the Middle East as... well, a Chevy Caprice. GM recently offered ordinary U.S. consumers a shorter Zeta, in the form of the well liked but short-lived Pontiac G8, but it expired when its brand was shuttered.

GM invited us out to its Proving Grounds to play cops and robbers on the very same day that the pilot light was going out at Ford's Crown Vic plant. Coincidence? Rather than mull the question, we hightailed it out to Milford, Michigan to live out our childhood policeman fantasies and file this report.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

2012 Chevrolet Caprice PPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Rumblings of Zeta-based family of rear-wheel-drive GM sedans persist

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Rumormill, Luxury

The ongoing yarn about General Motors fielding a brace of rear-wheel drive flagship sedans based on a new generation Premium Zeta platform has hit the big time, with Motor Trend reporting that the platform will underpin a sport sedan for Chevrolet. Last month, the rejigged Zeta was touted as the basis for a flagship Buick that would finally, and properly, challenge Lexus. MT's report says there will be two wheelbases for this new Zeta, and that those two variants will do duty under a Cadillac, a U.S. Buick and potentially a Chinese-market Buick, and several Holden models along with the aforementioned Chevy.

As the basis for premium sedans, General Motors could spend the money to make it properly light and strong through the use of high-strength steels. The Chevy sport sedan mentioned would be "a kind of four-door Camaro" - Pontiac G8 GXP redux, anyone? - while the Buick only gets described as "cushier," and both would go on the shorter wheelbase Zeta.

The most interesting tidbit could be Cadillac's use of the long-wheelbase platform. MT prices a Cadillac flagship at between $125,000 and $140,000 and says the Zeta-based Cadillac, Whitacre's S-Class rival for the Crest-and-Wreath brand, will sit beneath it. If it all comes to pass, that would give Cadillac a larger CTS, then an XTS, then a properly sporting high-end luxury competitor, then a one-Caddy-to-rule-them-all ne plus ultra model by 2014 or so. Hat tip to Joshua!

[Source: Motor Trend]

Rumormill: Rumblings of Zeta-based family of rear-wheel-drive GM sedans persist originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reader Spy: Are you a new tuner Pontiac Firebird homage, the Chevy Camaro Z28, or something else?

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Chevrolet

Mystery Chevrolet Camaro-based prototype - click above for high-res gallery

Autoblog tipster Mark has sent in these images of what appears to be some sort of Chevrolet Camaro body restyling kit that turns the Bowtie musclecar a latter-day Pontiac Firebird tribute. As posted on GMInsideNews forums, there is speculation that the mule could actually be a Camaro Z28, what with its big hood bulge and all, but the styling doesn't seem right to us, nor does the prototype's camouflage pattern. We suspect it's more likely an aftermarket affair, something along the lines of the Kevin Morgan Designs 'Phoenix' project, the ASC redux, or the Lingenfelter 455 T/A concept.

The prototype was spotted in suburban Detroit area when its car cover partially blew off while parked, giving Mark the opportunity to capture his quarry. Unfortunately, the cover apparently never came all the way off, so we're left wondering what's been done to the back end. Judging by what we can see of the cover's outline, it doesn't appear to have been left alone, so our curiosity remains piqued. Thanks for the photos, Mark!

Gallery: Reader Spy: FireBreather Camaro

[Source: GMInsideNews]

Reader Spy: Are you a new tuner Pontiac Firebird homage, the Chevy Camaro Z28, or something else? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

Alex Nunez — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:50:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, GM, Holden, Police/Emergency

Chevrolet Caprice PPV - Click above for high-res image gallery.

Well, it's official. General Motors has resurrected the Australian-built Zeta sedan for North America, only this time around, it's just for the cops. Set to arrive in your local muni's police fleet in 2011 is the Chevrolet Caprice police patrol vehicle (PPV). First thing's first: it is not the Holden Commodore, a.k.a. Pontiac G8 (rest in peace). It's a left-hand-drive version of the long-wheelbase, Zeta-platform Holden Caprice/Statesman. Many of you already know that this car is also sold in the Middle East as, you guessed it, the Chevy Caprice. Also, as had been rumored - you can't buy one. It's a fleet special only, and we can envision fistfights breaking out over these at police auctions in a few years.

The Caprice Cop Special gets an E85-compatible 6.0-liter V8 dishing out 355 horsepower and 385 lb/ft of torque, and as you'd expect, the engine's duly ruggedized for police duty with oil, transmission and power steering coolers, along with a heavy duty alternator. And yes, the brakes and suspension are uprated. Cue the Elwood Blues litany whenever you're ready.

Inside, it's obviously outfitted with all the toys, including seats designed to accommodate officers' gun/equipment belts, a front-seat computer, and all the other stuff you'd expect to find in a police car. And since the fuzzmobile's based on the LWB sedan, there's plenty of room in back for you to relax should you find yourself involuntarily sampling the rear passenger seating. Actually, with your hands locked up behind your back, it probably won't be that comfy after all. Check out more photos of the Caprice PPV in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Caprice Police Car

[Source: GM]

Continue reading The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car

The cops get a Zeta sedan: GM unveils 355-hp Chevy Caprice police car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fritz Henderson to Autoblog: Chevy Caprice is being looked at as "police application"

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Chevrolet, Pontiac, Police/Emergency

Ever since General Motors announced this spring that it was killing the Pontiac brand as part of its restructuring, fans of the Holden-developed G8 sedan have been clamoring to save it as a Chevrolet. After company officials repeatedly said over the past two months that no such thing would happen, Bob Lutz re-lit the fire last week in one of his first pronouncements after un-retiring. Lutz proclaimed that the G8 would indeed become a new Chevrolet Caprice.

During our first drive of the new Buick LaCrosse this week, we had the opportunity on one of the legs to ride with GM CEO Fritz Henderson, and we pressed him for more details on the Caprice plan. Unfortunately it turns out Henderson brought his portable fire extinguisher with him, telling us:

We've been looking at it for police applications. As for whether or not it's broader than police applications, I am not a believer in re-branding and re-badging. We've been talking about in terms of potential police applications and we'll leave it at that."

Henderson also threw a soaking wet blanket on the idea of adding production to Oshawa alongside the Camaro, saying that the cars will continue to be sourced from Australia. So, for the moment, it looks like Zeta sedan fans will probably have to be content with taking a Blues Brothers approach to the problem: Buying their next car as a decommissioned black-and-white.

[Image: GoAuto]

Fritz Henderson to Autoblog: Chevy Caprice is being looked at as "police application" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Truck, Cadillac, GM, GMC, Australia

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]

REPORT: RWD Commodore platform could underpin Caddies, G8 GT could make a comeback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive

Noah Joseph — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: GM, Holden, Australia

Pontiac G8 GXP in the Autoblog Garage - Click above for a hi-res gallery

General Motors may be lacking the cash to develop any new rear-drive platforms, but reports out of Australia suggest that the existing Zeta platform that underpins such models as the Holden Commodore and new Chevrolet Camaro will carry on for at least another decade.

GM's Australian subsidiary only finished development of the current Zeta platform a few years ago, and it's not about to flush that down the toilet. However the next Commodore, currently sold in the North American market as the Pontiac G8, is likely to downsize for the next generation, anticipated to debut in 2013 and carry on through 2020. Along with the reduced size and heft, the General could use smaller, more efficient, though still powerful engines, employing direct injection and/or turbocharging like the Cadillac and Saab variants of the V6 already used by Holden. As we've discovered with vehicles like the Pontiac G8, GTO and the new Camaro, what's good for the Australian market is, in General Motor's eyes, good for North America, so fans of rear-drive American muscle have some hope to hold onto yet, mate.

Gallery: In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP

[Source: GoAuto]

REPORT: GM's RWD architecture will downsize and survive originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motor Trend: Next Escalade to go Lambda

Alex Nunez — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:56:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Crossover, Cadillac, GM, Rumormill

MotorTrend reports that GM insiders are saying that the next-generation Cadillac Escalade will jump from its current GMT900 truck platform to the Lambda crossover architecture that underpins the GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Buick Enclave, and Chevy Traverse. MT points to the Buick Enclave Super that didn't happen as evidence that an Escalambda would be able to handle an eight-cylinder engine, which would be a step up from the rest of El Generalissimo's increasingly-crowded crossover lineup. Edgier, CTS-like styling would likely be a given, too.

Frankly, this is a good idea. The packaging afforded by the Lambda platform is vastly superior to what the GMT900 trucks offer. Remember that in the latter, the 3rd row is bolted to the cargo floor, it doesn't fold flat, and it's generally uncomfortable. The Lambda solves that instantly, and is better suited for what's positioned as a luxury vehicle anyway. Ride quality would be much better, and if GM Design were to deliver an interior on par with what's now found in the CTS, a Lambda-based Escalade would probably represent a quantum leap forward in terms of styling and refinement over the current vehicle.

As for the Avalanche-based Escalade EXT, MT says that GM's mulling over the idea of moving to a unibody pickup, a la the Zeta-based GMC Denali XT concept, to replace both of those vehicles. Again, not a bad idea, especially for Cadillac. The downside is that owners of the current vehicles who use them to tow will likely need to look elsewhere to fill that need. Still, if Cadillac's gig is to sell legit luxury vehicles, moving to more car-like platforms makes all kinds of sense. It's going to be really interesting to see if any of this stuff actually pans out.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Motor Trend: Next Escalade to go Lambda originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Chevrolet, GM, UAW/Unions, Rumormill

It has been rumored for the last few months that Chevrolet would be soldiering on with a front-wheel-drive Impala for at least the next few years. The recent contract agreement between the Canadian Auto Workers union and General Motors appears to cement this rumor as fact. According to the signed pact, GM promised to keep the Oshawa Assembly plant, where the current-generation Impala is made, open until 2012 -- two years longer than first planned. The Impala is a pretty good seller for the General, so we're not too surprised that upper-level management would want to leave it alone, but that doesn't stop us from wanting to see Chevy's bread-and-butter full-size sedan return to its roots by going rear-wheel-drive.

One thing is for certain: by the year 2012, the W-Body platform of the current Impala will be absolutely ancient. On the other hand, we've had nothing but good things to say about the new Zeta platform which underpins such enthusiast-friendly vehicles as the new Pontiac G8. Therefore, we can at least hold out some hope that GM will find a way to offer as many vehicles as possible using the new chassis architecture, whether they are named Impala or not. Anybody want to see a new Nova?

[Source: The GM Source]

Confirmed: FWD Impala around through 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 May 2008 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM RWD Update: FWD Impala remains, Zeta to merge with Sigma

John Neff — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, GM

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

After our sampling of General Motors' rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform in the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, we must admit that we're smitten with the platform. Its future in GM's North America car lineup, however, remains in question thanks to stricter CAFE standards that start going into effect by 2011. While the G8, G8 Sport Truck (actual name still pending) and Camaro are all guaranteed a spot on the Zeta platform, other vehicles like large RWD sedans for Chevy and Buick are likely dead in the water, according to Motor Trend. Hopes for a RWD Impala are all but gone thanks to strong sales of the current front-wheel-drive model, which continue despite the success of the now similarly sized Malibu.

Motor Trend also notes that GM plans to merge its current Sigma RWD platform with the Zeta around 2011. At that time, the Zeta/Sigma platform will be built in three sizes - coupe, midsize with 114.8-inch wheelbase and large with 118.5-inch wheelbase - and offer a premium version of each with forged aluminum suspension components. See the list below for a breakdown of how MT thinks things will look by 2011.

Zeta/Sigma variants:

Coupe - Camaro, maybe Holden Monaro and Pontiac G8 Coupe
Coupe Premium - Cadillac CTS Coupe
Midsize - Pontiac G8 and Holden Monaro, maybe Chevy sedan (not Impala)
Midsize Premium - Cadillac CTS Sedan
Large - Holden Statesmen/Buick Park Avenue (China), Holden Ute/Pontiac GT ST, maybe Buick Lucerne replacement
Large Premium - Cadillac STS/DTS replacement

Finally, MT also speculates that GM is working on a small rear-drive platform for Cadillac in Europe. The resulting 3-Series fighter would give Caddy more cachet in the old country, though MT does not specify is this would be an all-new platform or a larger variant of the Kappa platform that underpins the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

[Source: Motor Trend]

GM RWD Update: FWD Impala remains, Zeta to merge with Sigma originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MT claims Holden Coupe 60 is really 3-year-old Pontiac GTO replacement

Dan Roth — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, GM, Pontiac, Misc. Auto Shows, Holden

Spot any similarities? Holden surprised and delighted when it rolled out the Coupe 60 at the Melbourne Auto Show this past week. Motor Trend put two and two together and dug up some three-year-old photos that show off essentially the same car wearing a Pontiac suit, instead. The nose on the original concept shows what GM was planning for the next-gen GTO at the time. We're glad the prototype styling was deemed too expensive for production; the world wasn't ready for a modern interpretation of the 1982 J2000.

The Coupe 60 started life as Pontiac's replacement for the sales-proof GTO, but Motor Trend reports that development stopped when GM went full bore at getting its next-gen full-size GMT900 trucks to market early. The reappropriation of this past work to create the stunning new Holden show car could signal a return of the Monaro, which could trickle down to North America as another page in the G8 brochure, or a new GTO, but don't start holding your breath yet.

Gallery: Holden Coupe 60

[Source: Motor Trend, Photo: Motor Trend]

MT claims Holden Coupe 60 is really 3-year-old Pontiac GTO replacement originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #87

Dan Roth — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Podcasts, Hybrid, Minivan/Van, Truck, Crossover, Acura, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GM, Suzuki, Volkswagen, India

The Chicago Auto Show wasn't that eventful, but that's what we lead off Autoblog Podcast episode #87 with. The Challenger was the biggest deal, followed by the Denali XT, and then a bunch of inconsequential things. We did find ourselves talking about the Suzuki Equator and the Ford Transit Connect, too. We give you our first up close and personal impressions of the Challenger SRT-8 in this podcast. We also saw the VW Routan, which certainly doesn't conjure warm, fuzzy memories of Type IIs gone by. Chevy's Traverse calls into question the usefulness of Saturn's Outlook in the product lineup. Speaking of GM badge-engineering, we got word this week that Pontiac will not be getting a Trans Am companion to the Camaro, dang. Another disappointment is the rumor that Cerberus is going to let the Viper run down without rewinding the clock for a third generation. We wrap up by touching on the possibility that an Indian pickup could be the first diesel hybrid in the US, even though it's not even being imported yet, and we're sure that when it gets here, it'll generate even more hate than the new Acura RL. 42 minutes, that's it. Sorry it's a little late this week, it's all Alex's fault, I swear.

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Autoblog Podcast #87 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Feb 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, GM, Holden

GM's Australian subsidiary Holden has recalled 86,000 rear-wheel-drive Zeta cars with the V6 engine to correct a potential fuel leak that could lead to fires. The CNN Money article says that the recall doesn't impact the Pontiac G8, GM's North American Zeta variant, because that car's underhood layout is different. We should also mention that the G8 is not even on sale yet, so there are none in customer hands to recall.

VE and WM Commodores in Australia and New Zealand, Chevrolet Lumina and Caprice models in the Middle East, as well as the Chevrolet Omega in Brazil are all affected. When a clip chafes on the fuel line, it can apparently cause a leak with nasty results if the gasoline ignites. The risk is low, says GM's John Lindsay, but they're calling the cars back, nearly all of the Zetas with V6 engines sold since the car's redesign, and fixing them free of charge just to be on the safe side.

[Source: CNN]

Holden recalls 86,000 Zetas equipped with V6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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