MotorAuthority

GM merging Sigma and Zeta for new Cadillac sedan

Posted Mon May 5 2008 8:39 PM by Alex Kaufmann

GM currently has two RWD large car platforms, the premium Sigma architecture used by Cadillac for cars like the CTS, SRX and STS, and the newer Zeta design, which debuted in the new VE Holden Commodore (Pontiac G8) and will eventually appear in the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro. According to latest reports GM may merge the two designs for Cadillac’s single vehicle replacement for the STS and DTS models.

The new Cadillac sedan is due in 2010 for the 2011 model year and its design is close to being finalized with only the car’s front-end still being worked over, reports Motor Trend. The new merged Sigma-Zeta platform will come in three flavors and all with forged aluminum suspension for a premium road-feel and better handling. The trio will include a shorter ‘Coupe Premium’ design earmarked for the next-gen CTS coupe, a ‘Midsize Premium’ for the next-gen CTS and a ‘Large Premium’ for the new STS-DTS replacement.

GM is also working on a third RWD platform for a range of new small sedans including a new Cadillac rival for BMW’s 3-series that’s aimed at European markets. A non-premium version of this platform is expected to spawn vehicles for Holden, Pontiac and Chevrolet.

The next-gen Chevrolet Impala won’t be getting a RWD platform. It will likely feature a stretched version of the FWD Epsilon II platform that debuted in the new Opel Insignia and will also appear in the next-gen Buick LaCrosse.

2009 Opel Insignia

2010 Buick LaCrosse spy shots

Buick Invicta Concept

Story Tags:

• Cadillac
• General Motors

Reader Comments

• Mon May 5 2008 9:31 PM

  evandro says

  I am brazilian and I know that none of this cars will come to my country. But i'd really be happy if cadillac comes back to its old tradition of being the gm's luxury brand... it deserves it. and i think that buick is really forgotten by gm, it doesn't have any new and good car, except of enclave. i think that the opel insignia could be the base for the new lacrosse just fitting it in the buick cloth.

• Tue May 6 2008 3:04 AM

  simple says

  As much as I'd like to see a RWD Impala, it's hard to make business case for it when the current FWD setup is a huge seller, with no signs of slowing down. A FWD Chevy makes more sense than a FWD Buick or Cadillac. Buick is the current sickling in GM's vast empire, and the most sensible way to fix it is to add a premium RWD vehicle to the lineup, it will give the brand added prestige and presense in a flooded and unforgiving marketplace. GM shouldn't let its founding brand wither away, there's alot more at stake than just money.