A car such as the Velite, joining a rejuvenated lineup of new models that should shortly include a revised Rendezvous roughly based on the Centieme concept crossover, as well as the previously mentioned Allure midsize sedan that replaces the current Regal and Century, would see Buick directly targeting Toyota's upscale Lexus brand.
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| With Cadillac having been built up to battle against Audi and BMW, General Motors has been working to prepare the Buick brand for Lexus competition. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Isn't Cadillac GM's upscale Lexus killer? Yes and no. While the Cadillac brand has decidedly gone upscale its art meets science new-edge design philosophy has its sights more squarely set on Audi and BMW, rather than conservative Lexus.
But as enticing as the new Velite is, don't expect it to do battle with Lexus' SC 430 roadster anytime soon. According to sources within the company, Buick won't be able to bring the Zeta based convertible to market until 2007 at the earliest, as a 2008 model.
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| Don't expect a Velite and Lexus SC 430 face-off any time soon, the Buick probably won't hit the market until 2007 if it does at all. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
Before that a large luxury sedan will roll out on the Zeta platform, while new Pontiac Grand Prix and GTO models are scheduled for the following year. Either 2008 or 2009 will see a new rear-wheel drive Chevrolet coupe and convertible everyone hopes will be the next-generation Camaro, while a completely revised Impala is expected in 2009 - obviously two generations from the car currently looking in dire need of a redo. The following year an all-new Monte Carlo will be based on Holden's Zeta architecture.
While Zeta platform has been designed primarily for rear-wheel drive applications, it could also feature an optional all-wheel drive configuration similar to the system shown on the new STS. It also has the capability of accommodating both V6 and V8 drivetrains, and various wheelbase lengths. Most likely, however, the Velite will come to market only with rear-drive and V8 power.