Earlier this month, it was reported that Chevrolet — not Pontiac — would get a vehicle based on the rear-wheel drive Alpha platform. However, according to an online post by GM chairman Bob Lutz, Pontiac will be getting a car based on the Alpha platform. Lutz even called the earlier report “totally untrue.” The Alpha architecture will also underpin a future Cadillac , slated to slot below the CTS.
GM needs a volume car for the Alpha program to make fiscal sense, which is where the Chevrolet vs. Pontiac debate comes into play. However, Lutz didn’t rule out both marques getting a car based on the Alpha platform.
GM is hoping to pull from its Lambda program — which underpins four crossovers: the Buick Enclave , GMC Acadia , Saturn Outlook and upcoming Chevrolet Traverse — in order to successfully differentiate the Chevy or Pontiac model from the Cadillac .
According to Motor Trend, GM is also considering moving the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky from their current Kappa platform to Alpha in 2013. GM could not find a way to stretch the Kappa platform to underpin a rear-drive sedan, but could shorten the Alpha platform to work in a two-seat sports car.
