Chevrolet Sportster Rumor

[robrecht]

Have some of you seen this in Popular Mechanics? The side fender vents are reminiscent of the Corvette. Some people don't seem to put much stock in the Popular Mechanics rumors, but at least it is an interesting idea.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/auto...it_spy_report/

[mceb]

GM is planning many Kappa spin-offs. Every division seems to be looking at one version or another of a coupe, roadster or 2+2 off this architecture.

[psychosquirrel]

Those wheels and the headrest fairings look to be straight from the Solstice parts bin.....

[Allanon]

Wouldn't the Buick Bengal be one of those spin offs?

Allanon

[robrecht]

Originally Posted by Allanon

Wouldn't the Buick Bengal be one of those spin offs?

Allanon

At least the Bengal has already been shown as a concept car.

[psychosquirrel]

I like the Bengal and it would be a sweet little kappa vehicle + Solstice cousin, however, the Buick Velite 4 seat model, photos with tiger woods already released (briefly). The Velite is much larger than a Kappa i think, it could be based on a hybrid chassis, (is it Zeta?? not sure if it has a name yet?) and is much more likely for production in my opinion. Look for the Velite at the NYAS (maybe). Buick needs some sort of sporty car to compete with Lexus and Infinity for the luxury-sport market.

Hopefully GM will also release a few more tidbits at the NYAS about the production Solstice, and a possible GXP version? (please please please)

[naoki]

The May 2004 Motor Trend has a full page spread on the concept Velite. Your correct on the Zeta platform thing. Guesstimate Base Price on it is "$39,500 if built." Puts it out of my league, and a bit higher than I expected. ANyways, the article says the concept is RWD, 3.6L/400hp V6, twin-turbo. Estimated by GM to go 0-60 in 5 flat. The article also states "Zeta will underpin the next GTO, a big Opel, a big HOlden, and possibly a new Camaro or Firebird." Another Buick will be based on Zeta as well.

[robrecht]

See the Velite live next weekend at the NY Auto Show. It doesn't do anything for me.

[garyhoov]

I hope they don't do a Chevy version. GM seems to be getting away from the idea of making nearly identical cars with slightly different cladding, and I'm all for it. If you want a Solstice, buy a Solstice. Why dilute things by making slight variations?

While the Cadillac XLR and Corvette share many components, they are clearly different cars for different types of customers. If they do make a Solstice variation, I'd rather see an upscale Buick, for example to compete with BMW rather than a Chevy.

The Chevy Nomad and Saturn Curve (love 'em or hate 'em) are good examples of more distinct uses of the platform.