I don't think I need to "highlight" the fact that the Cadillac CTS is 190.1 inches long, while the 3-series sedan is a mere 176 inches long. For a bigger car, the CTS is barely an improvement, and in many ways offers worse interior packaging than the German-built Catera did.

 

That's why I posted the 5-series dimensions right after that... they are very comparable there too.

 

Yes, I'd like basically see the GM equivalant of the RWD BMW 1 series, but maybe a hair bigger so it has the interior and truck space of something like an SRT-4. It could be offered with just the Ecotec for those that want a small practical commuter car, but are sick of FWD and want something that handles a little better. A performance version could be offered with a 250-300HP turbo Ecotec and since it is RWD it would be a serious performance sedan and get more respect than the SRT-4, Ion Redline, and other FWD pocket rockets.

 

How big is the Solstice to the 1 series?

I'm wondering if there's isn't a possibility of using that chassis for such a niche vehicle like this?

 

Define practical, I'm not sure what context you're using it in here.

You mean practical for a daily driver? Why wouldn't a RWD version be "practical"? Something along the lines of the Nissan 240SX.

Just because it's FWD doesn't mean it's going to be more practical. When you have 200HP hitting your front wheels, you're going to have issues with icy roads anyway, unless you're a decent driver, in which case you should be able to handle RWD.

 

I believe that would be one hot selling little car.

 

In general fwd cars are considered more practical to the general public because they're regarded as true four seasons cars.

I've driven RWD and FWD in a variety of conditions (from 200 inches a year of snow on the south side of Lake Erie to Chicago's lame winters), I've yet to see RWD equal FWD in all season conditions. Traction control or not. I've seen RWD sedens not get onto the road because they were stopped on a small incline at the entrance to the parking lot. I've plowed snow over the hood of my GP in Erie's worst snowstorms. Even in light snowy conditions FWD is an easier drive to most people because they're not driving enthusiasts who have extra skills from performance driving events.

Plus this isn't the same market segment as $25K Mustangs and 300s or $33K 300Cs. The people who buy cars in this segment do not have much if any disposable income nornally.

That's why I think that it would be a very hot car but only to a very limited niche. It's probalby be something we'd see in Europe but would never make it across the pond.

 

It wouldn't replace the Cobalt, Malibu, or Vibe. People could still by FWD cars. South of Washington DC there is no need for FWD. With traction control and snow tires it should nave no problems in the north east. People still buy BMWs, Mercedes, CTS, Crown Vics and other RWD cars in the NE and have no problems driving them.

 

The Zeta is going to be made in numerous versions. GM themselves mentioned that the large and performance chassis cars will be developed at the same time. Mid-sized Zetas will start showing up near the end of the decade.

Believe it or not, there is actually a RWD sedan under consideration at GM based on the Kappa chassis.

It's not a go for production, and it I don't think you can even consider it "in the pipeline" just yet, but there is another version of the Kappa being studied that would spin off a small sedan for Pontiac along with other possibilities.

Depending on how much is carried over, this sedan (if made) is one of the cars that GM might actually be able to pull off within 18-24 months after "approval" once the Kappa plant is set up and producing.