Big GM Rear-Drivers on the Chopping Block Again?

By Marty Padgett August 13th, 2008

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A new generation of rear-drive vehicles from General Motors is in question again as the automaker tries to rationalize new cars for Cadillac and Buick with coming fuel-economy regulations.

The Detroit Free Press and other sources suggest GM will push back, and possibly cancel, plans for a replacement for the Cadillac DTS and a planned new full-size sedan for Buick.

The new DTS was to enter production in Lansing, Mich., in 2011. A Buick model to replace the Lucerne--and spearhead a new drive by GM to enter taxi and livery fleets--was to follow. Both were to be spun from the architecture that will underpin the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.

A replacement for the current Pontiac G8 also was in the original plan, as was a rear-drive sedan for Chevrolet, but those cars may be moved to a front-drive platform to conserve weight and boost fuel economy.

GM recently lifted the lid on a string of small cars and crossovers for the next two model years, including the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, the 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, and a pair of small crossovers for Cadillac and Saab.

Posted in : 2008, Buick, Cadillac, GM |

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3 Responses to “Big GM Rear-Drivers on the Chopping Block Again?”

dont abandon the large cars too. it will be a huge mistake to think that most people will ignore that segment. not everyone will want to be driving in some micro-car.

I’ll take the modern mico car!

It’s a myth to claim that front-drive cars are more efficient, or more weight effective, else why is the Olds Toronado not around all these years.

The truth is, FWD is simply more convenient for the plants because the entire engine/transmission/drive are in the one assembly package with the front suspension kit.

Ask yourself why, even to this day, giants like Toyota have stuck with the RWD layout on all their bigger commercials, and Mercedez Benz even moved their Van from FWD back to RWD