[jasaero]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-rwd-update-fwd-impala-remains-zeta-to-merge-with-sigma/

After our sampling of General Motors' rear-wheel-drive Zeta platform in the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT, we must admit that we're smitten with the platform. Its future in GM's North America car lineup, however, remains in question thanks to stricter CAFE standards that start going into effect by 2011. While the G8, G8 Sport Truck (actual name still pending) and Camaro are all guaranteed a spot on the Zeta platform, other vehicles like large RWD sedans for Chevy and Buick are likely dead in the water, according to Motor Trend. Hopes for a RWD Impala are all but gone thanks to strong sales of the current front-wheel-drive model, which continue despite the success of the now similarly sized Malibu.

Motor Trend also notes that GM plans to merge its current Sigma RWD platform with the Zeta around 2011. At that time, the Zeta/Sigma platform will be built in three sizes – coupe, midsize with 114.8-inch wheelbase and large with 118.5-inch wheelbase – and offer a premium version of each with forged aluminum suspension components. See the list below for a breakdown of how MT thinks things will look by 2011.

 

[jasaero]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I had been predicting Zeta and Sigma would merge. Seems Motor Trend has some stronger info on that actually being a reality.

 

[mgescuro]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I had been predicting Zeta and Sigma would merge. Seems Motor Trend has some stronger info on that actually being a reality.

That's what I had heard too.
When I asked if CTS Coupe was on that "modified" Zeta, no one knew.
So... I wonder...

We'll see, I guess.

As for Impala, keep it FWD. That's fine. Give it AWD capabilities and make sure it's competitive with Taurus. It barely was when the 500 came out. The Superman Taurus looks to roll right over Imapala.

 

[FenwickHockey65]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

Zeta/Sigma merger actually makes sense...why have two different RWD platforms for the same size cars?

 

[EldoFan]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

Zeta/Sigma merger actually makes sense...why have two different RWD platforms for the same size cars?

Exactly, given Zeta's flexibility size-wise.

 

[jasaero]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I had asked in a CTS midcycle discussion and someone replied that was very unlikely. Makes sense though as you could probably make the lines at Grand River run smoother if all the vehicles there are one one platform. Not to mention the parts commonality savings that accrue in the long run.

 

[KIDDIESEL79]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I'm still waiting on Alpha news.

 

[TCBNJ]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-rwd-update-fwd-impala-remains-zeta-to-merge-with-sigma/

other vehicles like large RWD sedans for Chevy are likely dead in the water, QUOTE]

dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb!!!

 

[mcmlxv]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

Actually, according to MT, we might see a Sigma/Zeta sedan from both Chevrolet and Buick.

Caprice/Electra perhaps?

 

[Avalanche13]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

That's what I had heard too.
When I asked if CTS Coupe was on that "modified" Zeta, no one knew.
So... I wonder...

We'll see, I guess.

As for Impala, keep it FWD. That's fine. Give it AWD capabilities and make sure it's competitive with Taurus. It barely was when the 500 came out. The Superman Taurus looks to roll right over Imapala.

I'm willing to bet the CTS Coupe is no different than Camaro under its skin.

An AWD Impala SS powered by a 5.3L V8 would be awesome.

 

[jbernie]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/gm-rwd-update-fwd-impala-remains-zeta-to-merge-with-sigma/

other vehicles like large RWD sedans for Chevy are likely dead in the water,

dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb!!!

Not all that dumb, more wise, if GM is going to spend alot of money on hybrid tech then spending lots of money on new vehicles as opposed to new models isn't a bad move as they need to make sure they have the hybrid tech ready to suit those vehicles before commiting.

If the BAS+ (??) comes through and can cope with almost all plaforms then GM has more options available. Don't rush through approving products and spending the money unless you can be sure that the cost is lower long term.

 

[mgescuro]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I'm willing to bet the CTS Coupe is no different than Camaro under its skin.

I would hope the CTS Coupe, if it was on Zeta, would have more sophisticated mechanicals than Camaro.

An AWD Impala SS powered by a 5.3L V8 would be awesome.

I'd like to see a high output Turbo 6, personally.

 

[Rick_VT]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

The current Holden Ute now runs on the standard Commodore wheelbase not the LWB it shared with wagon and Statesman/Caprice but MT say it will be, Holden only just recently changed to the SWB version.

If there not goin to put Impala on RWD why does GM keep both it and the new Malibu, are they goin to keep Mailbu for retail and Impala for fleet?? I know GM does some silly things in platform sharing but to have 2 in the same division seems weird

 

[jasaero]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I would hope the CTS Coupe, if it was on Zeta, would have more sophisticated mechanicals than Camaro.


I'd like to see a high output Turbo 6, personally.

This article says there will be premium all aluminum suspension version of Zeta for Cadillac also. So there will be atleast that unique to Cadillac. My guess is there would be some other stuff also.

A turbo 6 would be cool. After reading about the turbo straight six in the Falcon it makes me wish GM would develop a straight six to use in the Cadillacs as this Ford one makes it sound like BMW isn't really superior with their straight sixes so much as the straight six itself has such inherent advantage from a power delivery and NVH perspective. Guess they could derive it from the Trailblazer engine even.

 

[jasaero]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

Also if you goto the MT article it adds that the DTS/STS replacement will not only ride on the longer statesmen 118.5 inch wheelbase, but also have larger overhangs than that car and it's derivatives. That could make for an interesting looking car with PLENTY of trunk space. Could be a very impressive or very ugly car depending on how they are adding the extra overhang. I'm all for it if they can do it and make it look good as these large cars really shouldn't have the no overhang thing going on as that isn't important on such a huge car that is never going to perform well anyhow. The wheels at the corners thing is more for handling than looks in the end anyhow.

EDIT: Also the MT version points out that the CTS will infact get lenthened to the G8 wheelbase. That would make good sense. But contradicts the supposed latest info on the DTS/STS replacement thread from Docray1. Maybe he can explain this MT article better??

 

[free_energy0]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

What will the next Impala ride on? The W-body is junk and came out in 1988.

 

[KingElvis]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

Motor Trend could well be wrong.

I think Impala would need a wheelbase stretch. People say backseat legroom is really not that great - and it's a 'full size' car.

Especially now that Accord is 'full size' Impala needs more room.

Besides, if they keep some V8 - even a 4.8L or 4.4L for an SS - it would differ little from the one we have now.

 

[DuSpinnst]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

What will the next Impala ride on? The W-body is junk and came out in 1988.

Extended Epsilon II.

 

[Carguy]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

I'm willing to bet the CTS Coupe is no different than Camaro under its skin.

An AWD Impala SS powered by a 5.3L V8 would be awesome.

Well you would be betting wrong! The SIGMA uses a duel a arm front and a more advanced 5 link rear suspension to the ZETA'S front strut type / rear 4 link design. So for now they will be VERY DIFFERENT! An AWD Impala would be nice but it would still be FWD based.---OH WELL!

 

[stick076]

Re: Impala Stays FWD and Sigma and Zeta to merge at CTS mid-cycle.

An AWD Impala SS powered by a 5.3L V8 would be awesome.

Yeah, because who doesn't like a big V8 with gas at $4.00 a gallon?

Jeez people, think.