Can a Full Size Zeta V8 CUV be far behind?

[MonaroSS]

Can a Full Size Zeta V8 CUV be far behind?

LeftlaneNews.com confirms that the GMC Zeta Truck Concept will appear in a few weeks at Chicago. If GM creates a Zeta Truck to sell under the too heavy for CAFE Body on Frame Full Size Trucks, then like night follows day this will likely spawn a Zeta Full Size V8/V6 CUV to sell under the CAFE unfriendly Full Size SUV's.

With V8 power and higher payload and towing capability than the Lambda's (and Hybrid ready unlike Lambda) the question then is; which Division/s should get them?

Should they be GMC and Chevy, or put the Park Avenue Zeta Interior in them for luxury Cadillac or Buick versions?

See my artists chop below of GMC Zeta Truck, Zeta Sportwagon (G8) for size comparison, and likely Zeta V8/V6 CUV.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/car-base...t-pontiac.html

Originally Posted by Leftlane News

January25

General Motors will take the wraps off its car-based GMC concept at the Chicago Auto Show in under two weeks, rather than at the New York Auto Show as previously thought. It appears GM's Bob Lutz misspoke when he said the vehicle would debut in NYC. Instead, a similar Pontiac model will debut at that show in late March.

This morning, a report surfaced online claiming the car-based GMC pickup would arrive at the Chicago show instead of New York. Leftlane sources have now 100% verified this claim. The concept will certainly debut in just under two weeks.

The concept might be the world's first true unibody pickup truck. Perhaps we're witnessing the emergence of a new segment — "crossover-pickups," anyone?

The vehicle is styled to look like a true GMC — which means truck-inspired design elements and a generally chunky exterior. Lutz said people might at first be put off by the concept's styling, but it is likely to grow on them when they understand the intention.

The concept is built on GM's Zeta platform, which is also used for the Pontiac G8, Chevrolet Camaro, and Holden Commodore and Ute.

[69Firebird400]

I think I'd expect to see GM take a different approach - using the FWD-based Lambda platform for non-BOF trucks (like the Acadia SUT - similar in concept to the Ridgeline).

Zeta-based trucks would save fuel over BOF trucks, but Lutz said that all things being equal, FWD saves about 1 mpg versus RWD. Plus the majority of the engineering is complete on the Lambda trucks, just by having the CUVs on the road.

[Phoenix]

I like the idea of the luxury Cadillac and Buick versions, but Chevy and GMC should ride the dinosaur until the meteor hits.

[jomo]

Originally Posted by MonaroSS

LeftlaneNews.com confirms that the GMC Zeta Truck Concept will appear in a few weeks at Chicago. If GM creates a Zeta Truck to sell under the too heavy for CAFE Body on Frame Full Size Trucks, then like night follows day this will likely spawn a Zeta Full Size CUV to sell under the CAFE unfriendly Full Size SUV's.

The question then is; which Division/s should get them?

Should they be GMC and Chevy, or put the Park Avenue Zeta Interior in them for luxury Cadillac or Buick versions?

See my artists chop below of GMC Zeta Truck, Zeta Sportwagon (G8) for size comparison, and likely Zeta CUV.

I believe a Zeta-based SUV has a lot better chance than a Zeta-truck. I think if GM DOES go this route, it needs to be a Tahoe and/or Yukon replacement. Why?

Towing.

I know a lot of people think the Fridgeline does ok at this, but, in reality, Honda essentially HAS to make all Fridgelines be AWD. There's a lot of RWD Tahoes and Yukons out there that dispense with the extra weight, cost, and complication of a transfer case. They can tow just fine, and, in some cases, better than a 4WD (less parasitic weight). Make the Tahoe/Yukon replacement be a RWD machine with a beefy rear suspension and they should do ok at towing for what the AVERAGE person needs. E.g. as our Aussie friends like to point out, towing a modest boat or trailer to the campgrounds. The reason that Dodge's Rampage concept could never make it to production was that it was a Front-driver with a Hemi. Load the bed up with anything, and you take the weight off the front wheels. Once that happens, you've lost your traction and you're screwed. With a RWD setup (optional AWD), you have less problem with this.

[agman25]

Full size CUV. The lambda's have more space than the GMT900's. The full size CUV is already here.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by agman25

Full size CUV. The lambda's have more space than the GMT900's. The full size CUV is already here.

/Thread.

[MonaroSS]

Originally Posted by agman25

Full size CUV. The lambda's have more space than the GMT900's. The full size CUV is already here.

I think jomo hit the nail on the head, and I've altered the original piece to reflect his thinking. It is the availability of V8 power, RWD and higher payload and towing capability that would separate these from the Lambda's, and make them appeal more as a cross shop-able choice for people who currently use Full Size SUV's for more than taking the kids to school.

[agman25]

Originally Posted by Buick61

/Thread.

What?
Just go to the Buick site and compare it against the Tahoe. It comes to a fraction of an inch in most measurements.

[MonaroSS]

Originally Posted by agman25

What?
Just go to the Buick site and compare it against the Tahoe. It comes to a fraction of an inch in most measurements.

As another article points out, the Lambdas are not suitable for Hybrid drive trains whereas the Zeta platform is already designed for them. Combine the availability of Hybrid drive and higher payload and towing, along with available RWD/AWD and V8/V6 engines, these Full Size CUV's would offer far more options for the SUV buyer - in addition to just interior size.

[mcool]

GMC could do well with a crewman. As long as it doesn't look too much like the G8 sport truck, though.

I'd say give GMC a crewman-type product to run down the line with the Camaro. Also, this is where the SRX replacement can come from. Make it a tall sportswagon with impressive dynamics and respectable cargo capcacity. That would allow the BRX to slot in as entry level, yet retain a car-like product underneath the Escalade range.

[WishIhadatruck]

The Lamda's are really appealing to me but I want something with a minimum of 5000lb towing capacity. I'd also be leary of towing something that heavy with FWD and I'm not sure I need or want the upfront and ongoing costs associated with AWD. My RWD wagon works well for me but when I replace it someday I want something with a friendlier 3rd row and all the modern safety features. I don't know that I want FWD for a tow vehicle. With RWD you gain traction as you put the tounge weight on the hitch. With FWD you loose traction.

I never thought about it before but I'd prefer a Zeta Full size SUV over a Lambda FWD SUV as long as it had adequate towing capacity. Isn't a Jeep Grand Cherokee a unibody and not BOF? It seems to have adequate towing capacity but it certainly doesn't seem to offer a fuel economy benefit. Maybe I'm wrong on that.

[Buick61]

Originally Posted by agman25

What?
Just go to the Buick site and compare it against the Tahoe. It comes to a fraction of an inch in most measurements.

Yes. I agreed with you. This thread needs no more discussion, as you've said all that needs to be said.


Having both a fullsize RWD unibody SUV and a fullsize FWD unibody SUV is absurd.

[MonaroSS]

Originally Posted by Buick61

Yes. I agreed with you. This thread needs no more discussion, as you've said all that needs to be said.


Having both a fullsize RWD unibody SUV and a fullsize FWD unibody SUV is absurd.

Isn't what you say the equivalent of saying that if Chevy had a FWD Caprice that it would be absurd for them to also have a RWD Impala?

I think there would be many on here who would not agree with that.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by Phoenix

I like the idea of the luxury Cadillac and Buick versions, but Chevy and GMC should ride the dinosaur until the meteor hits.

ACtually.... This this into the Escalade!!! And maybe they have something...

[GM-Joe]

It would be nice to keep the SRX around, so maybe a Zeta will keep it alive another generation.