RWD Chevrolet Sedan, Premium Zeta in Development

[FenwickHockey65]

Zeta Update: Chevrolet Sedan, Premium Zeta In Development
Link to Article at GMInsideNews

By Nick Saporito
September 27, 2010

In June GMI published that General Motors was looking into providing the Cadillac brand with a true luxury flagship sedan, but the program was not yet approved. Since June GM has solidified plans for more rear-wheel drive Zeta products, including a Chevrolet sedan coming in 2012 and an all-new Zeta platform called “Premium Zeta.”

Earlier this month GM Holden revealed the revised Zeta-based Commodore lineup. The refreshed Commodore is going to serve as the basis of an all-new Chevrolet product for the 2012 model-year. The sedan has been dubbed “SS Sedan” internally, though it does not have a name at this time.

The car will be imported from Australia in limited runs and will serve has a high performance sedan only. GM does not intend for the car to sell in high volumes. Sources state that the car will be “very closely related” to the former Pontiac G8 GXP, which also hailed from GM Holden.

Sources state that the unnamed Chevrolet is showing up internally as a 2012, meaning it could launch anytime between August 2011 and January 2012. Powertrains have not been confirmed, but GMI fully expects for GM’s LS3 6.2-liter V8 to be in tow.

Premium Zeta

Sources familiar with GM engineering have stated that development is taking place on a new iteration of Zeta that is being called “Premium Zeta.” Premium Zeta is likely the same platform that was being referred to as “Beta” over the summer.

The GM board of directors has blessed Premium Zeta, though vehicle programs that may reside on it are not yet approved for production. One of those programs is a Cadillac flagship sedan. According to sources familiar with GM’s executive committee, the car will have a price range of $70,000 to $140,000; slightly undercutting the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

Word has it that incoming GM CEO Dan Akerson is personally advocating for a flagship Cadillac sedan and that most of the GM board of directors is supporting such a vehicle as well. As GMI reported back in June, final approval of the program is not likely until after GM’s initial stock offering later this year.

Supplier sources have confirmed that GM has not sourced anything for Premium Zeta at this time; meaning development is still in its infancy. Once approved, the traditional time frame would mean Premium Zeta vehicles would launch during the second half of the decade unless GM fast tracks development, which is possible.

[FenwickHockey65]

Number 3, I'm sure you're chuckling to yourself right now.

[a_Username]

Sources state that the car will be “very closely related” to the former Pontiac G8 GXP

[nick at night]

[LOWDOWN]

The GM board of directors has blessed Premium Zeta, though vehicle programs that may reside on it are not yet approved for production. One of those programs is a Cadillac flagship sedan. According to sources familiar with GM’s executive committee, the car will have a price range of $70,000 to $140,000; slightly undercutting the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

Bet on the lower-end number, NOT the 6-figure wish...

You gotta crawl before you walk, and walk before you run...

[lil_chef]

i can dream again about owning a sport sedan from GM once again! ( im not in the caddy bracket...yet) I WILL drive a Chevy V8 one day.

[Entaille]

we all knew the g8 was too good of an idea to retire. had I heard this a couple of months ago I may have waited on the Camaro purchase to compare the two - I was really interested in a G8 GXP but could not find one for the life of me.

[Sax1031]

Great news

[Mr. Wyndham]

Premium indeed!! A similar chassis that underpins our car could seat a $70-140k car?! Dayum!

[truth411]

Hmmm how many times have things went back and forth about making a chevy version of the G8 GXP? Heck, it wouldn't surprise me if 2 weeks latter someone changes their minds again lol , but awesome if true though.

[The_Blur]

Keep up the good work, GM.

[Black5thgen]

I would jump all over an L99 powered chevy sedan.

[2010 SSRS]

Originally Posted by Black5thgen

I would jump all over an L99 powered chevy sedan.

+1

[SuperFly03]

Originally Posted by LOWDOWN

The GM board of directors has blessed Premium Zeta, though vehicle programs that may reside on it are not yet approved for production. One of those programs is a Cadillac flagship sedan. According to sources familiar with GM’s executive committee, the car will have a price range of $70,000 to $140,000; slightly undercutting the Mercedes Benz S-Class.

Bet on the lower-end number, NOT the 6-figure wish...

You gotta crawl before you walk, and walk before you run...

CTS V already runs $70k... so it's not that much of a stretch.