GM’s Next RWD Platform: Alpha

GM is set to debut a new small-to-medium-size vehicle platform, called Alpha, according to WINDING ROAD’s sources. The new vehicle platform will incorporate pieces of Kappa (Pontiac Solstice) and Zeta (Pontiac G8), creating a rear-wheel drive architecture that will play a large part in the future of Pontiac and Cadillac.

Sources say that Pontiac’s next G6 is set to go rear-wheel drive and will be the first to use the platform. GM’s Resident Car Czar, Bob Lutz, has said in public and private that he’d like to position the Pontiac brand as the company’s American answer to BMW, but with a more expressive and sexy design language. Along with this goal would be to migrate the entire platform to rear-wheel drive. This translates into less trucks and SUVs and more sport sedans, coupes, and sporty crossovers. We’ll have more news about which products are “shifting” away from Pontiac in the coming weeks.


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d1sinfo - 3/22/2007 2:20:43 PM

+4 Boost

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bigTYME - 3/22/2007 4:01:49 PM

+2 Boost

I see a great future for GM. Don't know about Ford or Chrysler.

goosubuc - 3/22/2007 7:49:32 PM

+2 Boost

I really like a couple things I'm seeing from GM. I've wanted a Euro 4 cyl for a while and the Saturn Astra is coming and now this alpha platform has some promise as well. Although, I do wonder how long it will take to make production.

d1sinfo - 3/22/2007 5:03:45 PM

+1 Boost

They are going to call it a Lexus IS-F

jasaero - 3/22/2007 5:49:41 PM

-2 Boost

What is with the lexus IS-F comments all over??

Need4Speed - 3/22/2007 11:53:54 PM

+4 Boost

Basically to make fun of the fact that somehow Lexus fans always seem to find a way to relate every post about every vehicle to the Lexus IS-F

SilverAero - 3/22/2007 7:50:05 PM

+2 Boost

Sounds sweet.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/22/2007 11:15:08 PM

+3 Boost

LOL Lexus IS-F. Yes, that is what it will be called. EVERYONE copies Lexus.

Aha...ha...he...ha...ha...ha

Lexus

S4cabriofoxone - 3/22/2007 11:16:06 PM

+3 Boost

"GM’s Resident Car Czar, Bob Lutz, has said in public and private that he’d like to position the Pontiac brand as the company’s American answer to BMW, but with a more expressive and sexy design language."

Holy $hit.

S4cabriofoxone - 3/24/2007 10:55:37 PM

+1 Boost

I agree.

Except, the SUBSTANCE isn't there.

The G8 looks promising... but I don't think Pontiac will reach Mercedes's or Audi's level of dynamism, let alone BMW's. At least in the foreseeable future.