That was the point I was getting at, more development money for a 2+2 kappa would lead to a higher base price.

Well, the max tow capacity of the Colorado is less than 500lbs more than the Ute. Why develop an all new product for 500lbs more towing capacity? Especially when it's not a true work vehicle to begin with? When you need to haul something, it's got a bed. Bingo. It's a DD small pickup that can haul *** and cargo, and still handle like a great car.

It's not an expensive product, I believe in aussieland it tops out with the SS LS2 around $30K with the full aero and suspension package. And the base with V6 comes in around $17K. Bring the full line over here and I think it would do well.

 

My point is to not to expect a 2+2 Kappa. The engineering is simply not there to support it.

And you'll NEVER see any Zeta selling for $17K.

 

I was just saying that's what the V6 sells for in Aussieland. And I understand about kappa, I wouldn't want to see one. I want the nomad to be based off of kappa and be a 2-seater two-door small wagon, but I don't see it happening anytime soon.

 

Get rid of the dumb hydroformed body panels and go plastic and higher volumes will be possible. I heard they were chosen because they were slightly cheaper to produce than plastic. I know the kappa spaceframes are hand welded, but GM had no problem producing 130,000+ spaceframes for the 1984 fiero. Kappa is a very good idea, so far though some of GM's strategic decisions could have been better with this platform.
As far as a rear seat on kappa go look at the Saturn Curve (maybe they should have called it the Chevrolet Curve). When GM puts all its kappa cards on the table, I think many will be surprised.

Here is another thought, Lotus is developing a small rwd platform for a company they will not disclose. Sounds interesting.

 

Curve gives up it's fuel tank for that miniscule rear seat.

Regarding that thing about Lotus, very interesting, please keep us up to date.

 

I know there are engineers from GM who post here, does anyone know why the kappa platform didnt mount the gas tank between the seats like was done on the fiero. It would have meant that the sky and solstice could have actually had a nice size trunk.

I believe kappa has more potential than GM is admitting to. Remember when it was mentioned a v8 wouldnt fit.

 

I'm no engineer, but maybe they didn't put the gas tank between the seats because there's a drive shaft there? No drive shaft in Fiero, since the engine is behind the seats....

 

That would be my guess. Driveshafts and gas tanks don't mix very well.