Lack of funds and an overall turbulent market have shelved plenty of new car ideas, but General Motors’ Epsilon II revolution is still on, albeit at a slightly slower pace than originally anticipated. As the name implies, GM’s Epsilon II architecture is slated to replace the company’s Epsilon platform, but could also stretch to underpin some larger models.

GM’s Epsilon II platform is expected to make its North American debut in the form of the next-generation Buick LaCrosse, which should make its first appearance by the end of the year. Following the LaCrosse launch, GM is expected to roll out an Epsilon II-based Saturn Aura. However, the next-gen Aura – which will largely be based on the recently launched Opel Insignia — has reportedly been delayed due to fuel economy concerns. Despite the delay – which could be due more to platform or production issues rather than fuel economy – the Aura is expected to hit the market sometime around 2010.

The Epsilon-based Chevrolet Malibu was expected to have a three-year life-cycle, but the currently model will likely remain relatively unchanged for four or more years – largely due to the current economic state. That means an Epsilon II-based Malibu likely won’t hit the market until at least late 2011, but more likely sometime in 2012, according to GM Inside News.

The Malibu’s bigger brother, the Chevy Impala, could also be migrating to the company’s Epsilon II platform. The Impala was actually Chevrolet’s best-selling passenger car before the new Malibu hit the market, but the Malibu’s arrival has pushed the larger Impala into more of a niche segment. Because the Impala now sells in less numbers, GM is considering stretching the Epsilon II platform to underpin the next Impala, which would help keep costs to a minimum. However, a Zeta-based Impala is still not completely out of the question, although it doesn’t look particularly promising at this point.

If GM does go with an Epsilon II-based Impala, it could mean the same fate for Cadillac’s STS/DTS replacement. Although a front-wheel drive platform goes against Cadillac’s new style, it would further cut development costs and would also net an extra MPG or two. That being said, an Epsilon II-based Caddy in not set in stone with insiders indicating GM brass is still leaning toward a Zeta-based STS/DTS replacement. Whatever platform GM ultimately goes with, expect the new Cadillac model to bow in late 2011.

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