GM Pulls Kappa Plaform Development - Future Sky and Solstice Development Vaporize

It is no secret by now that General Motors has been shaking up its product programs left and right. We first heard of the slashing of the Buick Zeta car, apparent death of the Cadillac Zeta car, and the impending death of a couple GMC product programs. Now GMI is hearing that the Kappa II program, successor to the current lineup of Kappa roadsters, has been pulled from the product plans. The reasons for all of these changes are obvious; uncertain gas prices, an uneasy economy, poor financial situation within the company and an overall product shake up are just a few reasons.

The Kappa line of products makes the "cut" bill rather easily. GMI has been told that when the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky came to the market, GM was losing around $10,000 per unit built. Needless to say, that is not a money-making product line by any stretch of the imagination. It is not entirely surprising that Kappa has been a money pit of a product program. From the ground up Kappa cars are costly; starting with the frame no less. The Kappa architecture is hydroformed as part of the fabrication process to achieve the dimensions and frame rails needed. Many of the body panels (namely the hood, deck-lid, and fenders) are hydroformed as well. Hydra-forming is a costly fabrication method, particularly for vehicles that have such low starting prices and low volume to boot. Add on the fact that the Kappa vehicles are largely “hand built” cars (at least by today’s standards); it becomes quite evident why GM will likely never get a return on investment with the Kappa products.
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91z4me - 9/2/2008 11:19:38 AM

+1 Boost

Didn't we already do this story a few weeks ago?

Anyways look for the current Kappa cars (Solstice, Sky/Opel GT) to stay on the current platform w/ some tweeks for the near future. Although production may move to the Corvette plant in Bowling Green, KY when XLR production stops in a few years.

Also the article has some errors: hydroformed body panels are cost efficient only at low volume levels not high.

Add in that Kappa was never supposed to be a money making program (it was designed to create exciting models and generate buzz on the cheap). Basically these cars are driving marketing machines for their brands.

Agent009 - 9/2/2008 11:23:16 AM

+1 Boost

I think the prior article was speculation.

bmwdrvr - 9/2/2008 11:31:45 AM

+1 Boost

i never understood why they didnt make better use of this platform, like a coupe, roadster, sedan, and a crossover. It couldnt have been used for a small cadillac sedan/coupe, and maybe a roadster. an entry level performance Pontiac, or even a small sports coupe for chevy with 4cyl engines.....

bmwdrvr - 9/2/2008 11:32:47 AM

+1 Boost

typo: could have been used

91z4me - 9/2/2008 12:59:13 PM

+1 Boost

bmwdrvr,
Kappa's hydroformed frame rails and low slung nature make it not just difficult but nearly impossible to create a cost controlled variants beyond a 2 door, 2 seat coupe. The decision to move forward w/ a smaller RWD more traditional unibody chassis was made a while ago and this chassis will underpin coupes, sedans, and likely wagon variants the world over. The question of what engine type to package protect the chassis for is still ongoing as far as I know but when the chassis is taken off hold (as money becomes available) I expect the program to progress rather quickly.

91z4me - 9/2/2008 1:02:16 PM

+1 Boost

Agent009,
This article is as much speculation as any other article. Unless there is a press release (which their wouldn't be on something like this) it is just speculation.

bmwdrvr - 9/2/2008 5:54:33 PM

+1 Boost

well actually is my understanding that they "Alpha" platform was essentially a stretched and modified version of the "Kappa" platform...and this Alpha platform was used for a Holden Concept Small Rear drive sedan...and was rumoured for production in a Cadillac sedan, and a Holden sedan as well.............

91z4me - 9/2/2008 5:59:17 PM

+1 Boost

bmwdrvr,

The Holden Torana concept from a few years ago did use some Kappa components but it was limited to the suspension pieces. The entire body structure was completely different as was the engine bay. Essentially the whole car (save the powertrain and suspension) was a 1 off.

Alpha (or a smaller, lighter version of Zeta) will underpin at least 1 Caddy, a range of Holdens, at least 1 Chevy and possibly some other brands as well.

Lemonade - 9/2/2008 12:06:46 PM

+1 Boost

Another One Bites The Dust.

91z4me - 9/2/2008 12:59:49 PM

+1 Boost

Read my comment, the current chassis is sticking around. A complete replacement for the chassis was just cut back.