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You might remember the Theta-based GMC Terrain from the Kuwaiti International Automobile Exhibition. Apparently, GMC decided they wanted a piece of the action and will be bringing the mini-ute to the Chicago Auto Show. Interestingly, some reports say that the new Terrain will be based on the extended wheelbase Theta platform (as opposed to the short wheelbase version of the Middle Eastern Terrain). To compensate for the possible six-inch increase, our expert photoshoppers have stretched the current Terrain by approximately six inches. [Source: Auto News (Sub. Req.)] More »
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As a proud graduate of the University of Texas, there was a time when I knew all the letters of the Greek alphabet and all the fraternities and sororities that corresponded to them. There was also a time when I thought I knew all of the GM platforms and their associated Greek letters. Recently I've noticed that I'm getting the two of them confused. Is a Sigma the midsized RWD platform underpinning the Cadillac CTS, a drunken frat boy with strong opinions about his southern heritage, or both? Below our guide to GM Plats and College Frats (and Sororities). More »
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The quick-to-the-snap spy photographers at KGP have shot what they think is the upcoming 2009 Cadillac BRX doing some cold weather testing out near GM's Milford proving grounds. At least we can only assume it's cold weather testing as it's wearing a leather snowsuit that'd make even little Randy topple over into the snow. Plus we're here, so we know it's frickin' freezing. According to KGP's sources, this actually may not even be the BRX. We heard back in December GMC was also going to get a Theta-platformed CUV, and after the arrival of Cadillac's Provoq concept at CES and the Detroit Auto Show — which features several design cues that alternately match, and differ from this prototype, neither us, nor Black Bart's KGP's shooters are comfortable in decisively stating that yes, this is the BRX. However, it's more likely than not — and that Vue-like shape is a pretty obvious tell that it's a Theta. While we're not sure whether it'll be 2009 or 2010 when we'll see the first BRX, the full description from KGP of their reasoning why this is representin' Cadillac style and not so much professional grade, after the jump. And by the way — we actually decided not to buy KGP's pictures this time around as they're not that much different from the last prototype tester seen in our last set of shots — only this time more close-up. So we've decided instead just to run these old n' busted shots of the 2009 Cadillac BRX below and we've linked to his new shots after the description after the jump. More »
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The Saab watchers at Trollhattan Saab rounded up the latest dirt on the next rebadged (sorry, guys) appropriated GM product to round out the Saab line. Word came down late last year that a new crossover would join the Swedish bunch, culled from GM's upcoming line of midsize CUVs, like the Buick Entourage and Saturn Outlook. Now, Wards talked with Saab Boss Jay Spenchian, who says such a vehicle would substitute the truck-based 9-7X SUV after GM updates the platform that underpins it. Wards uses the vague construction "slots in for" instead of "replace," however, so we're far from definite on this. Still, TS has more to say, as per usual. More »
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Not today...rather this is tomorrow's Chevy truck...err...SUV. Either way, the newest edition to Chevy's line-up of mid-size SUV's is built on the Theta platform — like it's brother/sister cars, the Pontiac Torrent and the Suzuki XL-7. The Equinox SS (you can tell by the double pipes in back) seems to have the same basic front fascia, but the real changes'll be under the hood — specifically in the form of a 3.9L V6 with a 6-speed tranny. Our friendly neighbors over at How Bourgeois snagged this shot and you should feel free to peruse the rest of the pics over on their site. More »
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GM released a bunch of new shots of its T2X concept truck to the European media today, giving them a look at the sporty two-door SUV unveiled at the Seoul motor show earlier this year. It's a variant of the Daewoo-built S3X prototype, which we know in the states through such Theta-architecture vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox and (soon to be) next-gen Saturn VUE. No word on whether Europeans will be getting a production vehicle similar to this, but with Chevrolet's often stated plan to expand on the Continent, we wouldn't be a bit surprised. More »
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GM's self-described "product renaissance," by which the company expects to pull out of a sales nosedive, includes a raft of crossover vehicles that will span its entire pricing spectrum. At the top end are the Cadillac BRX and its "Born from Jets" cousin, the Saab 9-4X. As Edmunds Inside Line reports, the cars planed for production in 2008, with a possible Buick version coming a year later. The crossovers, which GM says will use a "long-wheelbase variant of the Theta platform" (Chevrolet Equinox, Pontiac Torrent) and will cost in the $35,000-$45,000 range. The Saab version replaces the Tribeca-based Saabru 9-6X that was dropped with GM's sale of its Scoobie snack to Toyota, and the Cadillac would be fitted in beneath the SRX, becoming the World's Cheapest Caddy. The cool kids are calling them CUVs, and the world'll be lousy with them in a few years, making GM again the largest car company in the world (bar none) or the worst bettor since that time we tried baccarat in Atlantic City. More »
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According to The Car Connection, which has procured the first spy shots we've seen of Suzuki's newest SUV, it'll be bigger than the Grand Vitara and ride on the Theta platform Suzuki developed with partner GM. That means the unnamed joint will share underpinnings with the Pontiac Torrent, Chevy Equinox and upcoming next-gen Saturn Vue. Spies say it's longer than the GMers but will be assembled alongside them in Ontario, and will likely be powered by a version of the same 3.4-liter V6. MORE badge engineering? Not less, MORE. More »
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