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This is exactly what many of us have been saying that Chrysler needed for a midsize sedan. An attractive design based on the shortened version of the RWD LX platform. This would have been an awesome followup to the 300C. It also would have made Chrysler appear as more of a premium brand (something that the Sebring singlehandedly failed to do).

I agree. I think gas prices would have to be almost off the chart before many Americans would consider a vehicle this small. I think the subcompact class is probably the smallest acceptable size for most Americans. You think with all the advances in technology that we have today, someone would have created a fuel efficient vehicle of a comfortable size that doesn't require a major price premium or look like a shapeless egg.

I still think that GM should give Chevrolet the Captiva to slot below the Equinox and give the Orlando to Saturn as a small utilitiy vehicle to replace the Vue once Opel is aligned with Buick. Just slap a Daewoo three bar grille with a Saturn logo on it and it is good to go. To make the vehicle available in all areas, Saturn could be sold in some select Chevrolet dealerships where Saturn is currently not present.

I thought the same exact thing when I saw it. I do agree with empowah: It looks like they took a Toyota Avensis with some exterior styling modifications, dropped a hybrid powertrain in it, slapped a Lexus badge on it, and (Voila!) suddenly the first dedicated luxury hybrid appears. How impressive is that?! Yawn!

I hope you are right, although I have heard opposing rumors. The last thing I heard was that there was a good chance that even the next gen Ford Australia Falcon would move to a FWD platform. I like your version much better, though.

Yawn! I do have a question: Is Toyota and Honda in a contest to see who can create the ugliest grille designs in the auto industry? I say they are in a solid tie at the moment since Subaru has recently withdrawn from the contest.

The next question to ask is "for how long?". I don't think GM is planning to invest any more time or resources into the Kappa or Zeta platforms. Unless GM is planning on moving the G8 or Solstice to some version of Alpha in the future (and I don't believe they will), then these 2 models will be dropped after their current model cycle. If the Solstice coupe isn't a sales success (which will be difficult in an unstable economy), then I can see GM closing down Kappa production sooner than anticipated (especially since the corporation claims it loses money on each car it produces). On the other hand, the current G8 could see a long model cycle. It has some degree of utility (being a large 4-door sedan) and a timeless design that should age well over time. If GM takes enough interest in it to give it timely updates/improvements/facelifts, then it could continue in the Pontiac lineup for quite some time into the future. The only thing that I think is extremely doubtful about the G8 is that there will be a next gen model, at least anything resembling the current car. As far as the G6, the sedan version will be redundant in the B-P-G lineup when the new Insignia based Buick Regal reaches North America. Unless a next gen model is going to be built on Alpha (which again, I seriously doubt), then there won't be a next gen midsize sedan from Pontiac after the new Regal arrives. I believe this might be the reason why the facelifted version of the current G6 was such a halfhearted effort. GM didn't see the need to spend much money on this car when they had a much better product (the Insignia) ready to be placed somewhere in the B-P-G network. I could see GM continuing the life cycle of the G6 coupe and convertible beyond the introduction of the new Regal, but I doubt GM will invest much effort or resources in keeping it updated or competitive. The biggest lack of logic in this bit of news is the discontinuation of the Vibe. If GM cancels/discontinues the G3 and G5, the Vibe (which is an exclusive to Pontiac in the GM kingdom) would be the only FWD based small vehicle product at B-P-G until GM can supply Buick or Pontiac with North American built next gen Opel products. I have a hard time believing that GM would leave B-P-G without such a product for that long a period. I believe the news in the quoted post is a smokescreen to conceal GM's real intentions for Pontiac. If Pontiac has any future at all, then I believe it will be in a radically different form from what it is today. I'm not trying to be a downer (although I know I am to some extent). I'm just trying to be realistic to prevent any inevitable personal disappointments in the future (like the one Camino LS6 is currently experiencing over the cancellation of the G8 ST). I think it is commendable that many of you still have hopes about a performance future or even a future for Pontiac. I just hope GM lives up to your expectations.

Wow! I am impressed. This is a major improvement over the current version. The only disappointing aspect of this car is that I noticed that it took a lot of its design inspiration from the Interceptor Concept, which means that a RWD Ford flagship sedan is never going to be a reality. I'm not surprised or shocked. I am just taking the revelation of the 2010 Taurus as a definite confirmation that it's not going to happen. Overall, the car looks like a winner and should be something that gets Ford back in the mainstream large sedan game again.

+1 I believe the Fiesta will become the standard bearer in the subcompact segment.

Isn't this car one class lower than the Aveo or Fiesta? I thought the Aveo and Fiesta were classified as subcompacts, while this car would be classified as a mini or city car. Anyway, the overall shape of this car still reminds me of the Opel Agila; the detailing is dramatically different, but the overall shape seems to be very similar. I guess there is only so much designers can do with a tall and stubby box. I do think it would be great to see a next gen Aveo subcompact sedan (although I would like to see the Nova name resurrected) with Beat styling cues make its way into Chevrolet's lineup. Hatchback versions (with Daewoo styled grilles) would be assigned to Saturn (since I the Opel/Saturn relationship seems to be history).

I still think Pontiac will be positioned as a sporty entry premium sub-brand in B-P-G. As such, they would be assigned the next gen Corsa 3-door/5-door and Astra 3-door/5-door. I really believe in Buick's potential and its proposed expansion to cover the premium segment, but I still have a hard time seeing the brand selling subcompact and compact premium hatchbacks. I do think Buick could successfully sell the next gen Astra sedan as a Skylark. If Pontiac is not repositioned in this capacity, then I think GM will eventually discontinue the brand (unfortunately); GM seems to be shying away from most of its RWD projects at the moment (as are some other car companies), which means a RWD based niche lineup for Pontiac is more than likely not going to materialize. I'm really having a hard time understanding GMC's role as a "core" division of GM. To me, GMC should be reduced to selling the fullsize Sierra and fullsize Yukon (although I would rechristen it as the "Denali" instead). These 2 products should only be sold in their upper trim levels to reinforce the premium stature of the B-P-G network. All premium FWD based crossovers (Theta, Theta-Epsilon, and Lambda) should be sold by Buick in the B-P-G network. There are other options that could be explored for GMC, but this one is the easiest one to execute within GM's current financial restraints. As far as Saturn, I still think the brand should be returned to its roots as an affordable small vehicle brand and assigned GMDAT based subcompact/compact hatchbacks and MPVs. The GMDAT based small sedans and crossovers would be assigned to Chevrolet in addition to the other products that would make it a full-scale mainstream division. Saturn would just sell the 2-3 small GMDAT vehicles that is assigned to the brand. To make Saturn more available to all North American markets, it would be sold in select Chevrolet dealerships only in markets where a Saturn dealership does not currently exist. The Saturn products would receive a new face that consists of the Daewoo 3-bar grille treatment fitted with a Saturn logo. The submitted ideas above are just my suggestions and predictions. I don't think they are the best case scenarios (in fact, they are quite different from what I would really like to see happen), but they seem to be some feasible solutions given the unstable nature of both GM and the economy.

Looks like a big improvement from just this side view. I can't label it a total success until all angles of the car are fully revealed.

Buick NA needs this car much sooner than 2011. Does it really take 2-3 years to produce a car in North America that is already for sale in other parts of the world? While I agree with not bringing it to the U.S. this year to allow for the proper introduction of the new LaCrosse, I can't see waiting another 2 years either. Early to mid 2010 would be an ideal period. This way the new Regal can build on the momentum of the new LaCrosse. A preview at either this year's New York or Los Angeles auto shows with an on sale date during the first half of next year would be the best case scenario. I'm assuming 2011 is the calender year by the way the initial post reads. If it is actually the model year (which means that the 2011 model would be introduced in the 2010 calender year), then it would be just about perfect for Buick NA. As far as engine choices, I think the new NA Regal should be fitted with the same engines that are offered in the new Equinox (DI 2.4L 4 cylinder and 3.0L V6) to keep it positioned below the new LaCrosse. Another option could be to just offer it with the 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder that is offered in the Solstice GXP.

This leaked image was on the World Car Fans website today. This would make a nice premium compact hatch for either Pontiac or Buick. I didn't really see Buick selling an upscale hatchback, but this design has changed my mind (although Buick would still need a sedan version also). It seems to have a more upscale exterior appearance than the current Astra. Link: Visit My Website Source: World Car Fans

Simply Beautiful! Buick definitely has a bright future! What a great followup to the Enclave! WOW!

It's gorgeous! Now if GM would just quit being stupid and call this car "Invicta".

I think it's drop dead gorgeous. If this car and the Enclave are the signs of things to come for Buick, then Buick is in for a very bright future. I still wish GM would reconsider the name, but at least it appears that they nailed the execution of the vehicle.

I did have that in mind when I thought of the plan. It also sounds a bit like Scion too, unfortunately.

I'm not convinced that the Astra failed because it was only available in a hatchback configuration (although this configuration would certainly qualify it for "niche" status in the U.S.). I think there are many factors that have contributed to the failure of the Astra in the U.S. (exchange rates, lack of advertising, car not tailored to match U.S. market's standards of premium, premium car sold under a brand perceived as "affordable", limited dealer network, limited interior volume, etc.). I do agree and accept that the hatchback configuration is not exactly considered mainstream in the U.S. This is the very reason why a hatchback version of the Cruze (with grille, logo, and model name alterations) would be ideal for Saturn; this configuration (as well as the MPV) is viewed as quirky and unconventional (at least in the U.S.), just as Saturn should be. To me, Chevrolet should be marketed to the mainstream while Saturn should be marketed to those who consider themselves to be "individualists" or "nonconformists". The problem with giving Saturn affordable sedans under this plan is that it would cause Saturn to overlap and compete with Chevrolet. Since both brands would be sold under one dealership in some markets (via the "expansion" plan), this would be an incredible redundancy.

How do three products (1 subcompact, 2 compacts) make a brand a full line vehicle division? I agree that GM doesn't need all its brands to be full line divisions (which happens to be one of the ways that the corporation went terribly wrong with Saturn in the first place), but some of the brands (especially Saturn and Pontiac) could make nice supporting sub-brands. My understanding was that GM was developing a hatchback version of the Cruze for some markets that prefer that particular configuration; why not slap a Daewoo grille with a Saturn logo/model name on it and give it to Saturn. Chevrolet would still have the Cruze sedan to chase the volume part of the affordable compact segment in the States. I'm sure there will be a hatchback version of the next gen Aveo sedan. Again, what harm would it do to let Saturn carry a slightly altered version of the hatchback configuration instead of Chevrolet? The Orlando is a type of vehicle (MPV) that is considered sort of quirky in the U.S. and has an unproven level of success in this country. Why not give this vehicle a trial run in this country under a brand that has a quirky and nonconventional image in the market? The development of the products will already be done and paid for, it's just a matter of applying a Saturn logo to the products and arranging to build them in North America. As far as "expanding" Saturn, my plan was to place them in some existing Chevrolet dealerships only in markets where Saturn does not currently exist. Other than a new sign and some space on the dealers' lots, how much would that really cost? Would it be cheaper to follow this plan than to take on the costs and negative publicity of shutting Saturn down? I'm not a big Saturn fan and I'm not championing the brand out of loyalty (I personally think it was absolutely ludicrous to launch a new brand than to simply make changes within the existing brand structure). However, I do believe that shutting down the brand will be far costlier to GM (in both actual dollars and public perception) than finding a way to give the brand a small niche of the market to pursue. By assigning the brand affordable hatchbacks and MPVs, GM can continue to support the brand with vehicles that won't deduct much volume from Chevrolet and might serve to reinforce the quirkiness and individuality of the Saturn brand. If GM needs to restructure without the costs and negative publicity of shutting down brands, then this might be the way to go as far as Saturn is concerned.

After reading about the launch of the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere on another post topic, I came up with a new direction and purpose for Saturn: Since there are rumors swirling that Buick will be aligned with Opel (which it should be), Saturn will definitely need a new direction (if GM plans to keep the Saturn brand alive). There is a possible cost effective way to give Saturn a new direction with brand specific products without spending massive amounts of ground up development funds. The Overall Objective: Return Saturn to its roots as a somewhat quirky and affordable small vehicle brand. Product Strategy: Split the future GMDAT small vehicles between Chevrolet and Saturn based on body style in North America. Chevrolet will carry the more traditional body styles (sedans and crossovers) that sport the current divisional split grille design and Chevrolet logo. Saturn will carry the more quirky body styles (hatchbacks and MPVs) that sport the Daewoo grille, except the Saturn logo will sit where the Daewoo logo currently resides. For Example: Chevrolet will carry the next generation Aveo sedan (Gamma), the Cruze sedan (Delta), and the Captiva crossover (SWB Theta). Saturn will carry the next generation Aveo 3-door/5-door (Gamma; possibly named "Signal"), the Cruze 3-door/5-door (Delta; possibly named "Evoke" or "Ion"), and the Orlando MPV (Delta; this vehicle will become the next gen "Vue" in North America). Saturn will only carry these three products. Chevrolet will naturally continue as GM's full scale affordable division. Plan to Expand Saturn Network: In markets where a Saturn dealership already exists, nothing other than Saturn's new direction and lineup will change. In markets where Saturn is not currently present, Saturn will be expanded into existing Chevrolet dealerships. This will allow all markets access to Saturn products without closing down existing Saturn dealerships. This plan will accomplish the following goals: 1) Save GM the expense (as well as negative publicity) of closing Saturn. 2) Return Saturn to its more traditional role of a quirky and affordable small vehicle brand. 3) Maintain an exclusive lineup for Saturn. Saturn will be the only division that sells affordable GMDAT based hatchbacks and MPVs for GM in North America. 4) Expand access to the Saturn brand. Saturn will be expanded into Chevrolet dealerships only in markets where Saturn does not currently exist. 5) Give Saturn a new "face". The Daewoo divisional grille that was introduced on the new Daewoo Lacetti Premiere featured in this forum topic will become the new "face" of Saturn. The only exception will be that the Saturn logo will replace the Daewoo logo.

My person preference would have been that the vehicle continue to use the RWD Sigma platform to help keep Cadillac somewhat exclusive (although the target demographic for this vehicle could probably care less that the vehicle sits on a FWD platform), but I do think the vehicle looks good and probably won't hurt Cadillac's image at all. The use of a FWD platform is probably only really disappointing to enthusiasts.

+1

+1! Well said! This is the definitive reason to resurrect the "Invicta" name. What a great way to reinforce the revitalization/transformation of the Buick brand!

I still don't quite understand the fascination with Buick's lineup in China. I do agree that the Zeta based Park Avenue and the recently introduced SWB Eps II Insignia based Regal are great products (that I would love to see here in the U.S.), but the rest of the current lineup (except the Enclave, which started its exceptional lifespan here in the U.S.) doesn't look all that superior or like anything that would have changed the brand's fortunes or demographic in the U.S. at all. China's version of the current LaCrosse doesn't look any better or more upscale than the U.S. version (at least the exterior; I couldn't find any pics of the interior); in fact, it looks more like a Camry/Accord/Altima competitor than a true premium segment player. China's current Excelle line is based on outdated GMDAT vehicles that didn't experience any overwhelming success in the U.S. when Suzuki sold them here (Forenza sedan/wagon and Reno). In fact, I think the Forenza sedan faired quite poorly in crash tests if I remember correctly; not exactly something that GM would want to offer in the premium segment. The GL8 minivan looks like just another tired variation of the GM minivans (Venture/Uplander, Montana, Silhouette, Relay, and Terraza) that didn't exactly set the segment on fire here in the States either. I know that both GM and Ford have robbed the U.S. market of great products that were available overseas in the past, but I don't find that to be entirely true in Buick's case. I say bring over the Zeta based Park Avenue and new Regal, but leave the rest of the garbage (current W-body LaCrosse, GMDAT based Excelle line, and GL8 minivan) in China. I do believe that GM has lost possible U.S. sales by not offering some of their overseas products in the U.S. as Buicks (and Pontiacs), but the dropped ball lies more with Euro Opel than Buick of China. The current Astra sedan and wagon would have made great small products for Buick in the U.S. and would have maybe attracted some younger buyers to the brand (just like the current Corsa/Astra hatchbacks and Tigra/Astra TwinTops would have made great small products for Pontiac). The current Excelle line offered in China would have just served to further damage the premium perception of Buick in the U.S. If all the speculation I have read online is true, Buick has a great future. The Enclave was the first giant step in the brand's revitalization and the upcoming LWB Eps II based LaCrosse (hopefully rechristened "Invicta" for North America) is an awesome followup. If GM follows through with the hearsay about using Euro Opel products to fill in the rest of the brand's lineup, then the brand can truly be transformed into a first rate and relevant premium player.