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Yeah, I agree. Too little, too late. It would have been nice to see it happen, though. Actually, I think GM should have sold Saab when it had the chance. It seemed to me that the corporation displayed a certain degree of arrogance in not selling it a few years back. Now that the global economy is unstable, there really isn't much of a chance in that happening now. A potential source of revenue at the middle of this decade has now become a rusty anchor around GM's neck.

I'll agree that Cadillac (like most of GM's divisions/brands) has been out of focus for quite some time, but I think Lexus also tries to be all things to all people in the luxury market. The worst thing that has been said about Lexus is that their products lack soul. Lexus has a real estate agent's car (ES), a soccer mom crossover (RX), 3 RWD sedans (IS, GS, LS), 2 traditional SUVs (GX and LX), a retractable hardtop coupe (SC), and an upcoming dedicated hybrid sedan (HS, which doesn't really look like a luxury car at all). I'd say Lexus has cornered the market on schizophrenia probably more than any other luxury brand out there today. The area where Toyota has succeeded with Lexus is that the company has done a great job of maintaining a separation between their mainstream brand (Toyota) and their luxury marquee (Lexus). GM sort of squandered Cadillac when the corporation gave the division the Cimarron; that product stated clearly to the public that Cadillac was nothing more than just another division of GM. However, I don't believe the damage is irreversible if GM is dedicated to the task of restoring Cadillac's image and perception. I think Cadillac needs to be rebuilt from the bottom up though. They need sedans (and accompanying series) that can effectively compete with the best compact and midsize offerings in the luxury segment. These 2 segments drive the volume of the luxury market more so than the large flagship sedans. Cadillac needs to establish that they can compete with the big dogs in the heart of the market to build up their credibility in the luxury segment. This credibility will then pave the way for public acceptance of a large flagship sedan in Cadillac's portfolio. The current CTS sedan is a great first step (as long as GM keeps it technologically up to date and doesn't let it languish in the market), but it needs to be followed up with additions to the series (coupe and wagon) plus a smaller compact series (sedan, coupe, and wagon). I know a large flagship sedan would generate higher profit margins, but that is only true if the corresponding brand has the luxury cred to move the product off dealer lots. I don't think Cadillac is quite there yet. I think Saab (in its current form) does distract GM from properly positioning Cadillac and Buick/Opel. I don't think Saab needs to be a full scale division anymore; GM has Buick/Opel to cover the midmarket (executive class) territory and Cadillac to cover the upper portions of the luxury segment. Saab (in its present form) essentially just provides overlap while not adding anything incredibly vital or distinct to the mix. I still think Saab could complement Cadillac best by becoming a small premium vehicle boutique brand. Again, this is an area where GM currently has no presence and Saab has the goods to be the brand to accomplish this task. Saab could be an incredible small premium vehicle boutique brand with the following vehicles: 1) 9-1: 2-seat 3-door coupe built on an AWD version of the Gamma platform with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Styling would be inspired by the recent Aero X concept. 2) 9-2: 4-seat 3-door coupe built on an AWD version of the Delta platform with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Styling would be inspired by the recent 9-X Air Concept. 3) 9-3: 4-seat 3-door wagon built on an AWD version of the Delta platform with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Styling would be inspired by the recent 9-X BioHybrid Concept. And that would be it for Saab. I know this wouldn't make Saab a high volume brand and it isn't intended to be (Besides, Saab isn't a volume brand now). It is intended to give Saab a specific purpose and focused mission in GM's brand hierarchy. If Saab could properly pull off the product portfolio listed above, then I think it would be a much cooler boutique brand than Mini. The Gamma and Delta platforms already exist, it's just a matter of applying the right elements of Saab-ness to make unique and desirable products for the small premium boutique car segment. Since I seriously doubt that GM will be able to sell Saab given the current unstable conditions of the global economy, it might be in the corporation's best interests to finally give this brand its own particular niche and identity in the market.

I thought Audi's sedans were based on FWD platforms. I could have sworn that I read somewhere recently that Audi has passed both Mercedes Benz and BMW in sales in Germany (the home turf for these three companies). I'm sure that they achieved that accomplishment on the success of their FWD/AWD sedans more so than any other products in their portfolio. If I were GM, I would transform Saab into a small premium vehicle boutique brand that continued to support Cadillac. Saab would use AWD versions of the Gamma and Delta platforms (both short and long wheelbase) to create some interesting and upscale small vehicles with turbocharged engines. This is an area where GM really doesn't have any real presence while Saab has enough of its premium perception and quirkiness remaining to pull this off. Basically, Saab would be to Cadillac what Mini is to BMW; a small premium vehicle niche brand that complements the more mainstream luxury marquee. This is an area (small premium boutique vehicles) where Cadillac doesn't need to be and Saab could shine.

I completely agree with #1. If GM is able to roll out this car in other markets, then I don't understand delaying its introduction on its home turf. As far as #2, I would rather see Chevy introduce a new Monte Carlo coupe on the SWB Epsilon II platform to compete against the Accord and Altima coupes. As cool as the upcoming Camaro is, I think there is still a market for those who prefer FWD based midsize coupes. It would need a killer design, not the deformed mess that was the last gen car. The Malibu is a great design for a midsize sedan, but I have a hard time imagining it in a coupe configuration. My personal preference would be to see a Zeta based RWD Monte Carlo coupe, but I know that will never happen. This option is a nice alternative. As far as #3, I agree with ZL-1. I think GM will put the next gen Malibu back on the SWB version of Epsilon II (as well as merge it with the global Epica/Tosca as he suggests) and use the LWB version for the next gen Impala. The upcoming Buick LaCrosse is about the size that modern FWD based large cars will probably be in the future and I expect the next gen Impala to follow in that direction. Until the next gen Impala arrives, a front/rear update of the current car wouldn't be such a bad idea. I would also like to see the newer 3.6L V6/6 speed auto trans combo installed in it, but I doubt GM can afford the expense of reengineering a dated platform to accept this engine/trans combo. The money needed to perform this engine/transmission transplant will be better spent developing an Eps II based next gen version.

If this is actually news and not just rumor or speculation, then the future is not really too bright for RWD at GM: Link: Visit My Website Source: GM Inside News It wouldn't surprise me if GM eventually cancels development of the Alpha platform too. GM simply seems unable to unlink poor fuel economy and RWD for some reason. Since the upcoming next gen SRX switched to the FWD based Theta-Epsilon platform and there are rumors that the next gen Escalade might be based on a modified Lambda platform, I also wouldn't be surprised if the sub-CTS car series (sedan, coupe?, and wagon?) didn't end up on the SWB version of the Epsilon platform (or even worse, Delta). Instead of getting a true C-Class or 3-Series fighter, Cadillac might end up with a next gen BLS instead that might possibly struggle to compete against the Audi A4. Hopefully the CTS series stays on Sigma (like the linked article suggests) since it may well become the flagship series at Cadillac in the future (the DTS/STS replacement has been delayed and it wouldn't surprise me if they cancelled that one too). Cadillac really needs their flagship car series to remain on a RWD platform. Between the corporation's current financial struggles, the reality of government interference in the corporation's product plans through bailout money agreements, the current state of the world economy, and the threat of upcoming CAFE standards, GM's future product plans might unfortunately hold little excitement for traditional enthusiasts. The times we are currently in seem to be really sad ones indeed.

I agree. The 200C is clearly an evolution (and a much more attractive one) of the Nassau Concept. I hope Chrysler finds some way to bring out a production version.

The 500 and the Bravo II would be great additions to some part of Chrysler's lineup. I really don't see either car being badged as a Chrysler or Dodge product. I think a "Fiat by Chrysler" designation might be suitable for the cars as a ploy to get some real traffic into Chrysler showrooms again. I wish Chrysler well with their new partnership.

I think they share the Theta architecture, but the Equinox is larger (by about 7-8 inches if the Captiva is the same size as the Saturn Vue) and is on a longer wheelbase (by about 5-6 inches). I was thinking that the Captiva would be more of a 4 cylinder propelled compact product, while the Equinox would be a 4-6 cylinder midsize product. I'm not really sure if there is that much difference in the interior dimensions between the 2 products to make this idea feasible or lucrative.

If GM feels that the G8 ST doesn't fit Pontiac's image, fine (I totally agree; the Ute should have never been under consideration for Pontiac). I still don't understand why they don't introduce it simultaneously with the Camaro as a "Chevrolet Performance Legends" line. They could get more bang for their buck by advertising the return of 2 legendary Chevy nameplates, instead of just the Camaro. How hard would it be to insert some sort of Chevy grille where the twin nostrils were to reside on the G8 ST? I think the trucklet would get much more attention (and probably success) as a Chevrolet El Camino anyway.

I thought the same thing. Ford announces that Mercury is supposed to complement Lincoln with a reduced future lineup of small premium cars, but then they keep releasing statements and concepts that indicate just the opposite. If Lincoln moves down to the compact "C" segment, then that leaves little room for Mercury to exist (unless Mercury is intended to handle subcompact "B" segment vehicles only). I think Ford is more on track with their plans than either GM or Chrysler, but this entire future Lincoln-Mercury plan still seems a little halfbaked at best. As far as this car, I like some of the Lincoln-esque design elements (and I think they would look great on a compact Lincoln sedan, coupe, or crossover). The overall concept looks too bizarre and I really can't say that I care too much for it. I hope the concept exists to test some Lincoln design cues on a compact car only, not to indicate what an actual compact Lincoln vehicle would look like.

I agree. I would replace the G6 sedan with the Aura (G7 maybe?). The G6 coupe and convertible would continue in Pontiac's lineup since no midsize FWD coupe or convertible is available from any other GM division. I would also give the Sky a facelift and reassign it to Buick (Reatta maybe?). Pontiac would only sell the Solstice coupe (the roadster would be discontinued) while Buick would sell the Reatta roadster. Pontiac might be better off than Buick on this one since Pontiac would be selling a version of Kappa that has a slight edge in practicality. The Vue (with some modifications) would become the Buick Rendezvous or a GMC product. My preference would be to give it to Buick. The Outlook would simply disappear (it shouldn't have existed in the first place). Pipe Dream: Import the current Astra OPC 3-door as a Pontiac (G4 GXP maybe?). I know it won't happen, but it would be sweet.

Considering the slightly outlandish front end treatment Mazda gave the 2010 Mazda3, this design seems like a well executed and refreshing change. I am a big Mazda fan, but I was a little disappointed in how the Mazda3 (the 5-door even more so than the sedan) turned out. The new front end design is a little disturbing. This car would make a nice alternative.

I thought I read somewhere that Buick is held in high regard because: 1) As already mentioned, it represents "The American Way Of Life" and "American Luxury" to many Chinese. 2) China's leaders used to use them (or they still do?) and they represent luxury to many Chinese people because of this. I'm not quite sure Pontiac would be perceived the same way. The American culture angle might work, but I don't think Pontiac has the same history with the Chinese people that Buick does. I do have a hard time seeing them becoming enamored of a muscle car; it somehow doesn't seem to mesh with their culture. It is an interesting thought though.

Didn't Buick use the "Beyond Precision" tagline not so long ago. With the Enclave, new LaCrosse, and new Regal, Buick would finally have the appropriate products to back up this tagline. I do like "The Craft Of Modern Luxury" also. The fact is that it will take the great products AND effective marketing to change the public's perception of the brand. Buick seems to finally be in a position to make this happen.

I never did understand why GM undertook expansion projects (Saturn, Saab, and Hummer), when its established brands (Chevrolet, Pontiac, GMC, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac) were unfocused and needed desperate attention and direction. I don't like or dislike Saturn, but I agree that it was a totally unnecessary waste of effort and resources for GM. GM needed to work on improving products and customer service within their existing brand hierarchy and dealerships, not start a new brand or buy existing ones that have only served to add to the corporation's problems.

+1

I agree. The sad truth is that this announcement signifies a temporary reprieve instead of a promise of longevity. GM is keeping the brand and the products listed in the article alive until Buick can be properly expanded. Once Buick starts to expand, the remaining Pontiac products will be phased out and the brand will either be discontinued (highly likely) or relegated to a position that supports Buick (less likely). I agree that it's a sad and unnecessary end to the brand, but I think it is inevitable at this point. GMC's future still has me baffled. Buick is more than capable of covering the premium crossover market on its own. I can see keeping GMC around to either sell premium versions of the corporation's trucks and traditional SUVs or selling car based SUTs (or maybe both), but it seems they would want to assign the midmarket premium crossovers to Buick. I just don't quite understand how GMC qualifies as a "core" brand.

Agreed. Ford has one hit and one miss at NAIAS. The Taurus is a hit and the MKT is a bit of a miss. The interior looks fine, but the exterior is rather odd looking. As much bashing as GM has taken over the new Cadillac SRX, I think I would much rather drive one of those than this. The SRX looks like a more cohesive design.

Buick Skyhawk? Actually, I still think GM should give the next gen Corsa/Astra hatchbacks to Pontiac: * LeMans: Corsa 3-door/5-door * Tempest: Astra 3-door/5-door Buick would sell the next gen Astra sedan as the Skylark. If the hatchbacks are assigned to Buick, then I guess they could give them the following model names: * Apollo: Corsa 3-door/5-door * Skyhawk: Astra 3-door/5-door * Skylark: Astra sedan

I hate classifying vehicles by gender, but this "toy" definitely falls under the category of "Chick Truck". Link: Visit My Website Source: Autoblog

I'm not a big Audi fan and this concept hasn't really changed my mind. It looks nice enough, but I just don't find it to be very impressive. If this is Audi's entry in the "4-door coupe" category, then I think I would rather go with the Passat CC instead. Link: Visit My Website Source: Autoblog

Mercedes Concept B Zero: As in "Be a Zero if you are actually seen driving anything this hideous!" What the heck has happened to the designers over at Mercedes? They have definitely been off the mark lately.

I'm not quite sure what to think of this one. Subaru seems a little lost as far as their styling is concerned lately. I don't think it's as bad as the current Impreza sedan, but it's not the winner I was hoping they would come out with either. I have a feeling that Subaru will continue to be a bit player in the auto market based on this car; maybe they actually prefer it that way. I would like to see them make a bigger impact in the market because I have always viewed them as a somewhat quirky underdog. This product doesn't appear to have the goods to do the job. Visit My Website Source: Autoblog

+1 It's a good thing that Chrysler is almost completely separated from Daimler because it appears as though Mercedes has completely lost any styling mojo it had left. This thing is hideous inside and out. I also agree with you about the upcoming LaCrosse and Taurus. It's about time Detroit showed the world that they can be leaders in vehicle design again. There is nothing from any foreign automakers that can compare to these 2 great designs.

Platform sharing done RIGHT! You would never know that this vehicle shares its underpinnings and technology with the Chevrolet Volt. This is an alternative powertrain vehicle that I definitely wouldn't mind owning. It is GORGEOUSSSS! It definitely puts the Lexus hybrid offering to shame. If GM can survive its current financial crisis, then it has a bright future indeed.