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Automotive Consumer
AUTOS: GM Designing Big-Car Platform
Next-generation of large, rear-drive sedans would ride on the replacement of the Sigma platform from the discontinued STS.
The Cadillac Ciel Concept unveiled last year is seen a signpost for future large-car styling for the GM luxury division. (Photo: Cadillac)
GM’s Sigma platform has spawned a handful of sporty and comfortable rides for Cadillac, but it’s starting to grow long in the tooth and will soon be obsolete, especially now that the STS is no longer with us, the SRX has moved to a crossover platform and the next-gen CTS is adopting the lighter and more-flexible Alpha platform.
So GM is working on a replacement for its Sigma platform, one that would spawn a number of large, rear-wheel drive models including a replacement for the XTS as well as the long-rumored Caddy flagship.
The new platform, according to Car and Driver, will be called Omega.
The new platform will spawn some of the biggest models in GM’s passenger vehicle lineup, but it will still pick up many elements from the smaller Alpha design to provide greater economies of scale.
This will allow engineers to keep the platform light as well as adaptable to a variety of body styles. It will also mean that Omega-based cars could potentially be built on the same production line as Alpha vehicles, once again helping to reduce cost while improving flexibility; it appears GM has learned some lessons from its key rivals Toyota and Volkswagen.
In terms of size, Omega-based cars can range from something slightly larger than a BMW 5-Series to something a few inches longer than a long-wheelbase 7-Series. There’s word that a large crossover model could also be developed for Cadillac, though it’s unclear how this particular model would fit in with a planned seven-seat Lambda-based crossover and next-gen Escalade, which will be keeping its truck roots.
As for the cars we can expect, the first is likely to be a rear-wheel-drive sedan slightly larger than the XTS in about two years. It will either be sold alongside the XTS or replace it altogether and will serve as Cadillac’s range-topper until a true, slow-cooked flagship is developed. GM is not fully committed to launching a big sedan in the vein of 2003's Sixteen concept as its flagship, meaning we could instead see a mega-coupe or convertible designed along the lines of last year’s Ciel concept.
One thing’s for certain, Omega will be reserved for premium vehicles only. Other large, rear-wheel drive models are expected to be built around the Zeta II platform, which is currently being developed in Australia and will debut in the next-generation Holden Commodore around 2016. Zeta II is expected to figure in some Chinese-market Buick sedans and some that could be manufactured in the U.S. by Chevrolet.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
So GM is working on a replacement for its Sigma platform, one that would spawn a number of large, rear-wheel drive models including a replacement for the XTS as well as the long-rumored Caddy flagship.
The new platform, according to Car and Driver, will be called Omega.
The new platform will spawn some of the biggest models in GM’s passenger vehicle lineup, but it will still pick up many elements from the smaller Alpha design to provide greater economies of scale.
This will allow engineers to keep the platform light as well as adaptable to a variety of body styles. It will also mean that Omega-based cars could potentially be built on the same production line as Alpha vehicles, once again helping to reduce cost while improving flexibility; it appears GM has learned some lessons from its key rivals Toyota and Volkswagen.
In terms of size, Omega-based cars can range from something slightly larger than a BMW 5-Series to something a few inches longer than a long-wheelbase 7-Series. There’s word that a large crossover model could also be developed for Cadillac, though it’s unclear how this particular model would fit in with a planned seven-seat Lambda-based crossover and next-gen Escalade, which will be keeping its truck roots.
As for the cars we can expect, the first is likely to be a rear-wheel-drive sedan slightly larger than the XTS in about two years. It will either be sold alongside the XTS or replace it altogether and will serve as Cadillac’s range-topper until a true, slow-cooked flagship is developed. GM is not fully committed to launching a big sedan in the vein of 2003's Sixteen concept as its flagship, meaning we could instead see a mega-coupe or convertible designed along the lines of last year’s Ciel concept.
One thing’s for certain, Omega will be reserved for premium vehicles only. Other large, rear-wheel drive models are expected to be built around the Zeta II platform, which is currently being developed in Australia and will debut in the next-generation Holden Commodore around 2016. Zeta II is expected to figure in some Chinese-market Buick sedans and some that could be manufactured in the U.S. by Chevrolet.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
The Lyonheart K
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