The next-generation Pontiac G6 will arrive earlier than expected, according to a new report. Based on GM's Alpha rear-wheel-drive platform for midsize cars, the new G6 should show up for the 2011 model year in late 2010.
A recent report indicated the Alpha-based G6 might not arrive until 2013, but this latest information from Edmunds indicates the G6 will be the first car to use the new architecture.
A successor to the front-drive Cadillac BLS will arrive a few months later, in early 2011, the report claims. Priced below the Cadillac CTS, the new BLS will be sold in North America, and should start in the high $20,000s.
For the 2012 model year, Saturn will also get a new Alpha-based car. It will be offered in addition to the front-wheel-drive Aura, rather than as a replacement.
Of course, many of GM's midsize cars will remain front-wheel-drive. The next Malibu will transition to the Epison 2 platform in late 2010, and the next Buick LaCrosse will also make use of the architecture, albeit a year earlier. Saab's next 9-5 and 9-3 will also be Epsilon-2 based, the report says.
GM is believed to have previewed its Alpha platform with the Holden Torana concept (pictured) in 2004. Given the close relationship between GM Australia's Holden and America's Pontiac division, the next G6 will probably have a close counterpart at Holden.
A recent report indicated the Alpha-based G6 might not arrive until 2013, but this latest information from Edmunds indicates the G6 will be the first car to use the new architecture.
A successor to the front-drive Cadillac BLS will arrive a few months later, in early 2011, the report claims. Priced below the Cadillac CTS, the new BLS will be sold in North America, and should start in the high $20,000s.
For the 2012 model year, Saturn will also get a new Alpha-based car. It will be offered in addition to the front-wheel-drive Aura, rather than as a replacement.
Of course, many of GM's midsize cars will remain front-wheel-drive. The next Malibu will transition to the Epison 2 platform in late 2010, and the next Buick LaCrosse will also make use of the architecture, albeit a year earlier. Saab's next 9-5 and 9-3 will also be Epsilon-2 based, the report says.
GM is believed to have previewed its Alpha platform with the Holden Torana concept (pictured) in 2004. Given the close relationship between GM Australia's Holden and America's Pontiac division, the next G6 will probably have a close counterpart at Holden.
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