Riviera Redux?

2009 Riviera Concept

When I was young, a gentleman friend of my grandmother owned a beautiful Marlin Blue '63 Riviera with a white leather interior.  I remember riding on the rear center console of the Riviera going to a drive-in movie with the windows down and the sound of the exhaust burbling the tune of that Wildcat 401 cubic inch V-8 engine.  That car quickly cemented in my mind what a Buick should be and I've been fond of "real" Buicks since that time, especially Rivieras.

From 1963 to 1999, the Riv was the flagshp coupe in the Buick lineup.   During that time, the Riviera was arguably the styling leader within General Motors.  The '63-'65 models were highly praised for their style.  Bill Mitchell's boat-tail design for the third generation Riv shocked everyone in the auto industry and, while polarizing for many, could not be ignored.   The last of the big Rivs arrived with the beautiful 8th generation cars based on the G-body platform with the last one being produced in 1999.  It was the end of an era not just for fans of the Riviera, but also fans of personal luxury cars.

2004 Mercedes Benz CLS

In today's market, large coupe's are not viable business cases, but General Motors should consider bringing back the Riviera as a flagship personal luxury car not as a standard 2-door coupe, but as a 4-door coupe.   In 2004, Mercedes Benz created a new class of vehicles with their CLS-class.   The model has been a huge success with luxury car buyers.   Volkswagen followed up in 2008 with the CC, bringing the 4-door coupe to more people with a far lower price than the Mercedes.   The American car companies do not have a vehicle in this class, and for General Motors to be a full line vehicle manufacturer a 4-door flagship coupe would be a nice addition to Buick's portfolio of vehicles.  

Development costs for the new Riviera would be relatively low because General Motors already has many components already developed.  There current long wheelbase Epsilon II architecture is a stiff platform and offers the flexibility of either front or all wheel drive.  The new Riviera would be powered by new LFX 3.6 liter V-6 with direct injection and 6-speed automatic.  This engine produces 303 horsepower in the 2012 LaCrosse.  For drivers who wanted a high mileage stylish coupe, an eAssist model could also be offered.  Currently, the eAssist LaCrosse gets 26 mpg city/37 highway.  An eAssist Riv would do similarly well depending on the weight differences between the Riviera and LaCrosse.

The major development costs for General Motors would be the exterior and interior styling of the car.  A Riviera must be the most beautiful of all Buicks.   As a four-door coupe, it would need a sloping roofline that would give the car a sleeker appearance.  The interior would be more luxurious than that of the LaCrosse, offering more standard equipment such as standard leather and MyLink touch screen Infotainment.   As the flagship, it should also offer features that are not available on any other Buick car.

Volkswagen CC VR6 4Motion

General Motors recently released a statement saying that the market will drive new models instead of the unions.   There is a market for a four door coupe in this price range.   The Volkswagen CC currently has no competition at it's price point.  A four door Riviera coupe could compete with the Volkswagen CC with a price beginning at an estimated $35,000 and rise to $45,000 for a fully loaded model with all wheel drive.  While the Riviera would never be the best selling car in the GM stable, it's styling would increase showroom traffic to Buick dealers, bringing increased sales across the brand and give Buick a flagship car to help continue to improve the image of Buick in the minds of consumers at little development cost.

Straightening GM's Bowtie

Chevrolet has been on a roll with the new generations of small cars.  The Cruze was the best selling car in June 2011.  Sales of the Malibu, Equinox, and Traverse are staying strong.   The new GM is here to stay.   This fall, the 2012 Sonic arrives and has already been getting good reviews from the auto rags.   Late this winter, the much anticipated global Malibu arrives.  Chevrolet needs to continue this momentum with more improvements to an already good lineup of vehicles.   Below is my wish list of what I would like to see from GM's bowtie division.

CARS

Sonic
Models:  Sonic LS, Sonic LT, Sonic LTZ, Sonic RS
Architecture: Gamma (FWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 5-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 1.8 liter I-4, Turbo DI 1.4 liter I-4, DI 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Competition: Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit

**High end engine for Sonic RS

Cruze
Models:  Cruze LS, Cruze LT, Cruze ECO Cruze LTZ, Cruse RS
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 5-door Hatchback, Wagon
Engines:  DI Turbo 1.4 liter I-4, DI 2.0 liter I-4, DI 2.5 liter I-4, Turbo DI 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions:  6-speed manual,  6-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Honda Civic, VW Jetta/Golf/GTI

**5-door hatchback and wagon bodystyles for North American market.
**All wheel drive models for the snow belt regions.
**Upgraded powertrains to differentiate from the Sonic, improve performance.
**Sporty Cruze RS added as a separate model instead of a package.

Malibu
Models:  Malibu LS, Malibu LT, Malibu ECO, Malibu LTZ
Architecture, Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, VW Passat, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata

**Wagon model added for more utility.
**DI 3.0 liter V-6 added for those who prefer V-6 to an I-4.
**8-speed automatic to stay ahead of the competition

Impala
Models:  Impala LT, Impala ECO, Impala LTZ
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan
Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Toyota Avalon, Ford Taurus

Volt
Model: Volt
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD)
Bodystyle: 5-door hatchback
Engine: 1.4 liter I-4 with 111kw electric motor/generator
Transmission: CVT Automatic
Competition:  Toyota Prius, Nissan Leaf

Camaro
Models:  Camaro LS, Camaro LT, Camaro LTZ, Camaro SS, Camaro ZL-1
Architecture:  Zeta - short wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyles:  Coupe, Convertible
Engines:  Turbo DI 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8, Supercharged DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Mustang, Hyundai Genesis Coupe


**New base engine Turbo I-4 with 270 hp, improved fuel economy.
**8-speed automatic


Chevelle
Models:  Chevelle LT, Chevelle LTZ, Chevelle SS
Architecture, Zeta - short wheelbase (RWD/AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines: Turbo DI 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic


Caprice
Models:  Caprice LT, Caprice LTZ, Caprice SS
Architecture:  Zeta - long wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyle:  Sedan
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

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CROSSOVERS/SUV'S

Trax
Models:  Trax LS, Trax LT, Trax ECO, Trax LTZ
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle:  5-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 2.0 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmission:  6-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue

**New compact SUV based on the Delta II architecture to compete with compact SUV's.

Equinox
Models:  Equinox LS, Equinox LT, Equinox ECO, Equinox LTZ
Architecture:  Epsilon II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle:  5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, aAssist 2.4 liter I-4,  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Edge, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Dodge Journey

**Moved to the Epsilon II architecture.
**eAssist model added for increased fuel economy.
**DI 2.4 liter I-4 replaced with DI 2.5 liter I-4 from the new Malibu.
**DI 3.0 liter V-6 replaced with DI 3.6 liter V-6 as top engine.
**8-speed automatic

Traverse
Models:  Traverse LS, Traverse LT, Traverse LTZ
Architecture: Lambda (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engine:  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Flex, Dodge Durango

**8-speed automatic

Blazer
Models: Blazer LS, Blazer LT, Blazer Z-71, Blazer LTZ
Architecture: GM2XX - short wheelbase (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.0 liter V-6, Turbodiesel 2.8 liter V-6, DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee

**New Colorado-based SUV

Tahoe
Models:  Tahoe LS, Tahoe LT, Tahoe Z-71, Tahoe LTZ
Architecture:  GM2XX - medium wheelbase (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyle:  5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8,  DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 and 8 speed automatic.
**New generation of truck V-8's.

Suburban
Models:  Suburban LS, Suburban LT, Suburban Z-71, Suburban LTZ
Architecture: GM2XX - long wheelbase (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engines: DI 5.5 liter V-8, Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Expedition EL

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 and 8-speed automatic
**New generation of truck V-8s.
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TRUCKS

Colorado

Models:  Colorado LS, Colorado LT, Colorado Z-71

Architecture: GM2XX - short wheelbase

Bodystyles:  2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, 4 door crew cab

Engines:  DI 2.5 liter I-4, Turbodiesel 2.8 liter V-6, DI 3.6 liter V-6

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic

Competition:  Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ram Dakota, Honda Ridgeline

Silverado

Models:  Silverado WT, Silverado LS, Silverado LT, Silverado Z-71, Silverado LTZ

Architecture:  GM2XX - various wheelbases

Bodystyles:  2 door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, 4 door crew cab

Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8, DI 5.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition: Ford F-150, Ram Truck, Toyota Tundra, Nissan Titan

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 and 8-speed automatic.
**New generation of V-8's.

Silverado HD

Models:  Silverado HD WT, Silverado HD LS, Silverado HD LT, Silverado HD LTZ

Architecture: GM2XX - various wheelbases

Bodystyles: 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, 4-door crew cab

Engines: DI 5.5 liter V-8, Turbodiesel 6.6 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  Ford F250/F350, Ram HD

**New generation of truck V-8s and 8-speed automatic.

Professional grade future

GMC needs to further differentiate themselves from Chevrolet.   GM has taken strides by differentiating the styling of many GMC models and establishing the successful Denali luxury line.   Despite initially polarizing styling, the Terrain is proving to be a good seller for the brand.  The Acadia continues to sell at consistent numbers.  The Sierra and Yukon are holding their own.   The future of GMC should continue to distance itself from Chevrolet Trucks and expand the lineup.  The Denali line should also be expanding to the Terrain models and be further differentiated from lesser trim levels by more equipment and more powerful powertrains.

CROSSOVERS/SUVs

Granite
Models:  Granite SLE, Granite SLT
Architecture:   Delta II (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, Turbo DI 1.4 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Competition:  Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue

Terrain
Models:  Terrain SLE, Terrain SLT, Terrain Denali
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle:  5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6,  Turbo DI 3.0 liter V-6 (Denali)
Transmissions: 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic (Denali)
Competition:  Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander,  Ford Edge, Nissan Murano

**Epsilon II platform used instead of Theta to reduce company costs by limiting the number of platforms.
**eAssist high mileage model added to increase company CAFE, improve sales.
**Denali model receives turbo 3.0 liter engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.

Acadia
Models:  Acadia SLE, Acadia SLT, Acadia Denali
Architecture:  Lambda (FWD/AWD)
Bodystyle: 5-door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6,  Turbo DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmissions:  8-speed automatic

**Turbo DI 3.6L V-6 for more power/towing.
**Upgraded to 8-speed automatic.

Yukon/Yukon XL (1500/2500)
Models:  Yukon SLE, Yukon SLT, Yukon Denali
Architecture:  GMT2XX (RWD/4WD/AWD)
Bodystyles:  5-door SUV/5-door extended wheelbase SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6,  Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8,  DI 4.6 liter V-8, DI 5.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8
Transmissions:  6-speed Allison automatic (diesel), 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Ford Expedition/EL, Toyota Sequoia

**base V-6 now DI 3.6 liter V-6.
**Small Duramax diesel for fuel economy and high tow ratings.
**All new range of V-8's for trucks
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TRUCKS

Canyon
Models:  Canyon SL, Canyon SLE, Canyon SLT
Architecture: GMT2XX (RWD/4WD)
Bodystyles:  2-door Regular cab, 4-door Extended Cab, 4-door Crew Cab
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, Turbodiesel 2.8 liter V-6, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, Ram Dakota

**GMC version of upcoming Chevrolet Colorado
**Engine lineup includes DI 2.4, Duramax 2.8 V-6, and DI 3.0 liter V-6.

Sierra
Models:  Sierra SL, Sierra SLE, Sierra SLT, Sierra Denali
Architecture:  GMT2XX (RWD/4WD/AWD)
Bodystyles:  2-door regular cab, 4-door Extended Cab, 4 door Crew Cab

Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6,  Turbodiesel 4.5 liter V-8,  DI 4.6 liter V-8, DI 5.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed Allison automatic (diesel), 8-speed automatic

Competition:  Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra, Ram, Nissan Titan

**Duramax 4.5L V-8 added for fuel economy towing for half tons.

Sierra HD (2500/3500)

Models:  Sierra HD SL, Sierra HD SLE, Sierra HD SLT, Sierra HD Denali

Architecture: GMT2XX (RWD/4WD)

Bodystyles:  2-door regular cab, 4-door Extended Cab, 4 door Crew Cab

Engines:  DI 5.5 liter V-8, DI 6.2 liter V-8, Turbodiesel 6.6 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  Ford F250/F350, Ram HD

Lining up the Tri-Shields.

Buick has gone from being the stale geriatric brand to becoming a brand that represents understated affluence with beautiful design.  The result:  Buick is the fastest growing near luxury brand in the industry right now.   Since 2008, Buick has introduced three new models.  This fall, the Verano, a new luxury compact joins the lineup.  With the lineup rounding itself out, Buick now has a full line of vehicles that finally represent Buick with respect.   Despite the all new lineup, there are a few model gaps that still need filled and some changes that should be made.

Changes denoted by **.

Verano
Models:  Verano, Verano Turbo
Architecture:  Delta II (FWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, 3-door Hatchback
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4 liter I-4, DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4
Transmissions:  6 speed automatic, 6 speed manual (turbo only)
Competition:  VW Jetta SEL (sedan), VW Golf/GTI (hatchback)

**eAssist model added for high mileage engine option.

Regal
Models:  Regal, Regal Turbo, Regal GS
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist DI 2.4liter I-4,  DI 3.0 liter V-6, turbo DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 6-speed manual (Turbo, GS), 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Acura TSX

**Wagon model added.  Prototypes already seen around Detroit.
**AWD currently not available, but should be so it was added.
**Direct injected 3.0L V-6 added.  Cars in this segment need a V-6
**Upcoming 8-speed automatic added to high end models

LaCrosse
Models:  LaCrosse, LaCrosse GS
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan, Wagon
Engines:  eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Lexus ES, Lincoln MKZ, Acura TL

**LaCrosse GS - performance model with stronger turbo V-6
**Wagon bodystyle - improved economy for people who need utility
**Upcoming 8 speed automatic

Electra
Models:  Electra
Architecture:  Zeta - long wheelbase (RWD)
Bodystyles:  Sedan
Engines:   DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Competition:  Lexus LS

**Extended wheelbase Zeta rear wheel drive large car with V-6 and V-8 power.
**Electra could be sold to livery companies for "black car cabs" and limousines.

Riviera
Models:  Riviera, Riviera Turbo
Architecture:  Epsilon II - long wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  4 door Coupe
Engines:   DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Volkswagen CC

**Flagship design leader 4-door coupe to compete with the VW CC.
**Epsilon II architecture utilized for cost efficiency.
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Envision
Models:  Envision, Envision Turbo
Architecture:  Epsilon II - short wheelbase (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles:  5 door SUV
Engines:  DI 2.4 liter I-4, eAssist 2.4 liter I-4, Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.0 liter V-6
Transmissions:  6-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
Competition: Lincoln MKX, Acura MDX, Lexus RX

**New small(er) SUV based on Epsilon instead of Theta.  Too many platforms within GM these days.
**eAssist model for high mileage

Enclave
Models:  Enclave
Architecture: Lambda (FWD, AWD)
Bodystyles: 5 door SUV
Engines:  DI 3.6 liter V-6
Transmission:  8 speed automatic
Competition:  Lincoln MKT,  Ford Explorer Limited, Toyota Highlander Limited

**Upcoming 8-speed automatic replaces currently 6-speed automatic

Rounding out the Wreath & Crest

Cadillac's rebirth has been tremendous.   The rebirth began in mid 2002 with the radically different 2003 CTS.   It was like no Cadillac in history.   The car received mostly good reviews for its drivetrain and handling prowess, but was panned for its chintzy interior materials (and rightly so).   Despite the cheap interior bits, the CTS sold well and other angularly chiseled Cadillacs followed.  Cadillac was well underway in its reinvention process.   Fast forward nine years.  The CTS is now battling mid size luxury cars from the German automakers at the same price as a 3-series or C-Class.  The Escalade is still the high zoot SUV to have.  The newly styled and resized SRX is proving successful among buyers as well.  Cadillac, however, needs to be a full line luxury car line to fully compete with the German automakers they are targeting.

Below I have created my wish list for a complete Cadillac lineup that would compete well against BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Audi.  I am starting small and working up in size.

ATS Series

ATS 2.0T, ATS 3.6, ATS-V

Architecture:  Alpha (RWD, AWD)

Bodystyles:  Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Convertible

Engine lineup:  DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6, Twin Turbo 3.0 liter V-6

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW 3-series, Mercedes Benz C-Class, Audi A4

**I believe the production ATS will be close to these specifications.
**Sedan will roll out first, then wagon, coupe, and convertible.

CTS Series

CTS 3.0, CTS 3.6, CTS 5.5, CTS-V

Architecture:  Alpha-L (RWD, AWD)

Bodystyles:  Sedan, Coupe, Wagon, Convertible

Engine lineup:  DI 3.0 liter V-6, DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8, Supercharged 5.5 liter V-8

Transmissions:  6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW 5-series, Mercedes Benz E-class, Audi S6

**I believe the next generation CTS will be close to these specifications.
**Sedan will roll out first, with wagon, coupe, and then convertible following within 18 months.

XTS Series

XTS 3.6

Architecture:  Epsilon II (AWD)

Bodystyle:  Sedan

Engine lineup:  DI 3.6 liter V-6

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  Lincoln MKS

STS Series

STS 3.6, STS 5.5

Architecture:  Omega (rear wheel drive)

Bodystyle:  Sedan

Engine lineup:  DI 3.6 liter V-6, DI 5.5 liter V-8

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW 7-series, Mercedes Benz S-class, Audi A8

**STS is just a guess at what the 2015-2017 Omega based flagship Cadillac will be named.

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SRX series

SRX 2.0T, SRX 3.6

Architecture: Delta II (AWD)

Bodystyle:  SUV

Engine lineup:  DI Turbo 2.0 liter I-4, DI 3.6 liter V-6

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes Benz GLX-class

**Delta II instead of Theta-Epsilon.  There are too many platforms at GM and consolidating them would be more cost effective for GM.

TRX series

TRX 3.6

Architecture:  Epsilon II (AWD)

Bodystyle:  SUV

Engine lineup: DI 3.6 liter V-6, turbo 3.6 liter V-6

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Competition:  BMW X5, Mercedes Benz ML-class

**New midlevel luxury SUV to compete with X5 and ML-class
**Based on Epsilon II architecture utilizing all wheel drive drivetrain standard.

Escalade/ESV

Escalade 5.5, ESV 5.5
Architecture:  GMT20XX

Bodystyles:  SUV

Engine lineup:  DI 5.5 liter V-8

Transmission:  8-speed automatic

Competition:  Navigator/Navigator L, Mercedes Benz GL-class

Missing Out(back)

2011 Subaru Outback

A few days ago I posted my thoughts on the future of wagons at General Motors.   After publishing the article, I was pondering other ways in which these wagons could add sales to their prospective model lines.   Subaru sells <100,00 Subaru Outbacks per year.   In 2010, sales of the Super Outback skyrocketed, forcing Subaru to add shifts to increase production of the SUV alternative.   General Motors is missing out on a growing market segment that currently only offers one car.   The Epsilon II platform that underpins the Malibu was designed to accommodate all wheel drive.  Chevrolet could invest in adding all wheel drive, raising the ride height, and butching up the styling for a Malibu based SUV alternative that would compete directly with the Subaru Outback.   Sales of the Outback will continue to rise and GM should take notice and bring to market a competing model to steal some sales away from Subaru.  

2005 Holden Adventra

GM's Australia division Holden introduced a butched up Commodore Wagon called the Adventra.  The big wagon was powered by eith a 3.6 liter V-6 or a 5.7 liter V-8.  Sales of the model were slow due to its high price and high global petrol prices.  A modern, all wheel drive sedan based on the global Malibu would be a better alternative in today's market for people who need the utility and traction of an SUV with the fuel efficiency of a modern car.   If GM wants to be a full line automaker, it should introduce cars across all of its brands that compete in every segment.

Cops, Cabs, Livery & Onions

Before I begin, I'd like to tip my hat to the Ford's Panther platformed cars for their service to our country.   The Crown Victoria has served as a trusted police car for more then 30 years.   The Crown Vic and Grand Marquis have been reliable taxi cabs for many in great cities such as New York and Chicago.  The Town Car has served as a limo for weddings, funerals or an executive express "black car" in large cities.  

With the demise of the Panther platform, there is currently a unique opportunity for General Motors to rise to the occasion and grab thousands of livery sales from the competition.  The new 2011 Chevrolet Caprice PPV is only offered to law enforcement buyers currently.   The Caprice PPV is built off of an extended wheelbase rear wheel drive Zeta platform that we knew in America as the superb Pontiac G8 and in other markets as Holden Commodore (Australia), Chevrolet Lumina (Arabia),

2011 Chevrolet Caprice PPV

Currently, the Caprice is only offered to law enforcement, unfortunately limiting the model to only a small percentage of the livery market.   If GM believes the Caprice is tough enough to be a police cruiser, then it should be able to handle the crowded big city streets of New York and Chicago.   In Australia and China, the Holden Caprice/Buick Park Avenue are sold as high end luxury models with posh appointments in both the front and back seats.   The Caprice could be offered in high end luxury trims that would rival the outgoing Lincoln Town car and offer livery companies a highly capable, roomy, luxuriously appointed "Black car" for executives to be chauffeured from place to place.   The Caprice could also be extended into a stately limousine as well.

The potential for sales in the livery market is huge.  There would be nominal cost for GM to modify the Caprice for taxi and livery service.  The money made from taxi and livery services would more than make up for this cost.   In closing, just do it GM, and while you're creating the livery version, give Chevrolet and Buick (Park Avenue redux) one as well.