A Few Thoughts On How To Bring A Small RWD Chevrolet To Market
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Word has it that the proposal to bring a small, rear-wheel-drive compact Chevrolet (like the Code 130R Concept) to slot under the next-generation Camaro and compete in the space of the Scion FRS/Subaru BRZ twins is in jeopardy. Reportedly, it’s for a few reasons, with perhaps the most important one being that the car needs to exist on its own platform, which would have to be developed from scratch, requiring a lot of money to properly execute — something that has apparently been the roadblock for the project being approved. And developing a new architecture for the compact enthusiast-focused coupe also seems to go against GM’s plan to slash the number of platforms it uses in half from now until 2018 globally. That being said, I lost a few hours of sleep last night theorizing a situation that could make such a program possible.
I ruled out the idea of using the old Kappa platform (Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky) and shelved Kappa II project. They’re obviously not going to work. If they were going to, GM probably would have given the program the green light by now, and used the architecture.
Yours truly fantasizes of a small RWD platform with AWD capabilities that could be sold globally as a Chevrolet, in Australia as a Holden, and perhaps even as a Cadillac, as a true BMW 1 Series fighter (since Alpha is too big). Launch the Cadillac first, considering such a model has the most potential to rake in the most profits per vehicle sold — not unlike what we’re currently seeing with the Alpha-based ATS and CTS, before the sixth-generation Camaro arrives in less than two years from now. Then, launch the Chevy/Holden models. Even if it takes three of four years, it’s better than never. It would also be important that the platform be relevant enough that it can stay around for years to come, with incremental changes being made down the road (like the Mazda Miata). Eventually, it will all pay for itself. But surely, this plan has crossed Mark Reuss’ mind by now.
So, here’s the alternative. It is perhaps what needs to happen in order for the project to really see fruition.
Considering that Toyota had to team up with Subaru to bring the Scion FR-S/Toyota GT-86/Subaru BRZ to market globally, a compact rear-wheel-drive GM project might have to call on outside collaboration to really get it done. This would mean that GM and another automaker would have to put aside their differences and develop a vehicle for the good of the car enthusiast cause. The way I see it, the plan could be extremely beneficial.
Splitting the costs up with another car company just might appease the accountants. Plus, teaming up with a Japanese or European automaker could have some intangible gains in sales, considering the hold they have on their respective domestic markets, while GM’s is less than ideal outside of the Americas (and China). A joint-effort project would allow the vehicle to be badged under a non-GM moniker in those regions, yet would still help cover the costs of the project. The mystery however, is figuring out who would be up to the task. Mazda? Nissan? Honda? Chrysler? Daimler?
If anybody would like to expand on this thought, feel free to sound off in the comment section just below.
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I wouldn’t copy of Toyota’s range or way of doing things (and that’s not because I find them boring cars) its because people are not daft they will realise hey GM are doing everything Toyota did 5 years ago. Then there’s the fact the market can change a lot in 5 years, and finally GM is GM & Toyota is Toyota two different company’s with different outlooks (hopefully) on how is the right way of doing things & turning a healthy profit.
In the USofA if you dont drive you dont get to work not everyone lives in Chicago and New York where there are transit systems so for Gen Y there is a need for vehicles that meet their needs. This idea that Gen Y doesnt like to drive where is this coming from, not sure I believe that, anyway Is Gen Y any more complex then Gen X I really dont think so. My recollection was reading articles about what is gen x who are they and all these rediculous articles about Gen X being a bunch of derilicts, how rediculous was that… Now we have so called marketers saying tediculous stuff about Gen y… Listen if you cant get to work theres a problem so there is an absolute need for transportation plain and simple…
Gen Y doesn’t have as much disposable income as Gen X did at their age.
Gen Y is more educated, but the job prospects aren’t there for them.
Gen Y will end up having to move often to chase after employment opportunities.
Gen Y is going to be tight with their money, and as such a car will be seen as an expensive luxury no matter who made it.
Sure, you’ll find the odd person who loves to hoon about in old Wranglers and Balzers on their father’s farm land, but those people are a minority in Gen Y. The majority of Gen Y lives in cities with and without proper transit systems. That, and the city offers the facilities and products that meet virtually all of their needs.
It’s not that Gen Y “doesn’t like driving”, it’s more like “why bother with a car if I have everything I need within walking distance or by bus and taxi?”
I’ve said before, Gen Y will force GM to become less of a car company and more of a transportation company.
The scenario you just mentioned has been in play for the last 25 years, people moving for their career… Iam Gen X and have moved 4 times in the last 12 years… I buy used GM cars ect…
The answer to the rwd platform is the Nissan van partnership. Partner with Nissan to develop a small rwd, oh I don’t know maybe something similar to a Z platform.
Back in the 70’s, Holden had a small/medium RWD car called the Torana. It could come in a hatchback (in today’s terms: “Sportback”). Not really a competitor to the Scion FRS/Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ as its more like a proper car than a driver’s car but it was RWD and V8 powered. A reborn Torana would be the same as a BMW 3-Series and a Merc C-Class. In the lead up to the VE Commodore reveal, Holden released a drivable concept car called Torana TT36, look it up!
DUDE GM teaming up with nissan for the 240sx…EPIC GM could learn a lot from nissan on how cars should be made…