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, didn't expect the two teasers that joined it on stage also based on the same rear-drive Kappa architecture.
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| The Chevy Nomad is the first of this year's new Kappa-based concepts to get a tentative green light for production. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
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 North America. But as well as it does overall, the GM division's car retention rate definitely drags the brand down.
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| The Curve could be exactly what Saturn needs to draw attention to the the import fighting brand. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
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 division's challenge lies in the fact its cars haven't been as reliable as GM's 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 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.