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Originally Posted by Cmicasa the Great XvX
But that argument holds absolutely no water since...as U pointed out about an "existing platform..." the same platform that the old SRX used is still being used under the CTS. Even more to the point:
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Not really. Without question, whether or not GM was going to produce this generation of SRX on a fwd or rwd platform there could be little doubt that they weren't likely to take another stab at the 'Outback-style without the butch styling' approach that they took with the first gen SRX. And that is really the problem here, there has never actually been a suv based on the Sigma platform since the truth is that the first gen SRX was really just a CTS wagon with a whole lot of ground clearance.
If you're going to try and produce a full on hybrid like the X5 or ML on Sigma architecture then the first reality to be considered is that chassis hardpoints for an suv are quite different than the chassis hardpoints you'll find in a sedan. That means that any potential X5/ML fighting suv based upon Sigma architecture is for all intents and purposes going to represent a new platform by the time all the needed changes are made, and that is if we accept the notion that building a full on hybrid suv like the X5 or ML is even possible on Sigma. And then you still have to face the reality that unless and until you find another Cadillac product to base upon such a chassis it would represent a stand alone piece. In other words a Sigma based suv platform would for all intent be a new platform.
Using Theta for the SRX was an entirely different scenario. That platform has existed since 2002 and underpins a slew of vehicles besides the SRX. No doubt, from a volume perspective building a vehicle to try and take a slice of the pie vehicles like the Lexus RX has proved is so lucrative had to prove attractive, but Cadillac playing in that segment also creates some conflict with Buick since GM claims the Buick brand is supposed to be countering entry level Lexus models, not Cadillac.