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Nomad Gets Preliminary Go Ahead While Curve is Expected Next

Kappa Architecture Expected to Spawn Compact Caddy and Buick

North American sports car enthusiasts got a boost in January with a first look at the new Pontiac Solstice. Most, however, didnt expect the two teasers that joined it on stage also based on the same rear-drive Kappa architecture.

Rumor has it these are more than just concepts mind you, but actual prototypes of future production models the General plans to bring to market to revitalize their respective brands.

Chevy hardly needs resuscitating when it comes to trucks and SUVS, recently being recognized by J. D. Powers and Associates for the highest nameplate retention rate in the U.S. But as well as it does overall, the GM divisions car retention

The Chevy Nomad is the first of this years new Kappa-based concepts to get a tentative green light for production. (Photo: General Motors)

rate definitely drags the brand down.

Saturn, on the other hand, has a reputation for a high-level sales experience. This has struck a chord with women especially, tired of being manipulated by pushy salesman. The import fighting divisions challenge lies in the fact its cars havent been as reliable as GMs mainstream brands, while the perceived quality appears suspect mostly because of wide panel gaps brought about because of the polymer exterior skin.

Both the Nomad for

The Curve could be exactly what Saturn needs to draw attention to the the import fighting brand. (Photo: General Motors)

Chevy and the Curve for Saturn could be just what their respective brands need to draw attention their car lines, each which are undergoing a dramatic multi-model upgrade.

General Motors made the Nomad "official" recently, stating that it is tentatively approved for production by mid-2007, while adding that a variety of "sporty spin-offs" of the Kappa architecture are planned to follow shortly thereafter.

Rumors are rampant that the upcoming models include a new sporty coupe (probably the Saturn Curve), an upscale retractable hardtop for the Buick division, and an entry C-category (compact) model for Cadillac - something the luxury division hasnt had since

The Vauxhall Lightning concept shows GMs worldwide commitment and application of the new Kappa platform. (Photo: General Motors)

the ill-fated J-body Cimarron. There is also no definitive word on the production possibility of Vauxhalls Lightning concept, also spun off of the Kappa platform. While a roadster for the British arm of GM wont affect North Americans directly, it shows the global applications of the architecture and the potential for optimizing economies of scale, something GM needs to achieve in its new model development more often.

Saturns 2+2 Curve, if produced, most likely wont appear identical to the concept, needing a slightly taller roofline in order to be practical. Word has it both a coupe and sedan will be offered, but reportedly the latter will not be a traditional sedan as we currently know it. Saturn will slot it between an updated L-Series and the compact ION.

A compact Cadillac makes a lot of sense, especially if the brand is serious about Europe.

For GM, Kappa is the key to creating sporty, image conscious cars at both ends of the price spectrum. (Photo: General Motors)

The Kappa architecture should make sure the cars driving dynamics are sporting and refined enough to be given the Cadillac badge, if early reports are to be believed, and it is flexible enough to allow Cadillac a sport sedan, positioned directly at entry-luxury models such as the Acura TSX, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Volvo S40, to name only a few. A two-seat retractable hardtop roadster, at a more attainable price point than the nameplates $110,000 XLR, would be a sound business decision too, especially if it takes on some of the stunning styling cues of its bigger brother. It would target the Audi TT Roadster, BMW Z4, Chrysler Crossfire Roadster, Honda S2000, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and others.

The good new for automotive enthusiasts is that GM appears to be supporting the drive to develop sporty, image conscious cars, both at the affordable end of the market and the premium set. Kappa could be what GM needs to take a lead in style and performance, which would do much to alter buyer perceptions about the automaker and its many divisions.

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