GM Releases Images of Future Models

Due to the ever-expanding reach of the internet, images of future GM products shown at a closed-door speech made their way to automotive enthusiast website Jalopnik this week. GM responded by releasing official versions to other media that were miffed to have been scooped. What’s this mean to you? You can get an early glimpse of the upcoming GM products we told you about on Tuesday.

Chevrolet Equinox: Yes, this is the Chevy version of the Saturn Vue. Once again, we’re left waiting to hear about its all-new and supposedly efficient four-cylinder engine before making judgment; otherwise it looks just like the Saturn Vue.

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Chevrolet Cruze: Watch out Corolla, Chevy seems to have figured out how to make a compact sedan almost as bland as yours. OK, the new Corolla is slightly less bland, and so is the Cruze. Its 9-mpg-better fuel efficiency over the Cobalt will probably sell this vehicle more than flashy looks would, but why can’t we have both?

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Cadillac SRX: Based on the Provoq concept, this too is based on the same platform as the Vue, but upscale. The SRX in this image looks much tamer than the Provoq.

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Saab 9-4X: Again, the early look at the production version of the concept is tame. Saab really needed a hit here, and the final grille treatment does not live up to the concept at all.

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Future Buick Sedan: We haven’t heard much about this one, but boy does it look nearly identical to the Lexus GS.

Let us know what you think in the comments.

Comments

[J]

The Equinox is a waste of investment. Rebadging does not work. How much more money does GM has to dump before they realize that?
The Buick is...Buick-ish. Like the Lucerne, kind of reminds me of the Park Avenue that they are selling in China.
The 9-4x, please tell me that is not the SAAB version of Traverse, Acadia, Outlook, Enclave.
The Chevy Cruze looks better than the Corolla. But the picture doesn't tell any specs.

[Colin B.]

The Equinox, SRX, 9-4X aren't based off the platform of the Saturn Vue.

The new Vue is based off a Theta I + Theta II hybrid platform. That maintains the size of the original Theta platform but gains a lot of weight as a consequence. These new crossovers are fully theta II and have grown quite large (Ford Edge sized).

Supposedly the SRX and 9-4x are using a 'premium' version of theta II with a more refined suspension setup, but for now that's unconfirmed.

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/2010-equinox-chevrolets-new-edge-66831/

[Jay]

For a company that needs consistenet "home runs", these are mostly "base hits". They aren't bad designs but they need something to seperate themselves from Honda/Toyota/Nissan. Also, they will need to offer hybrid or diesel powetrains to match the other manaufacturers offerings and fuel efficiency.

[Dave T]

We're not sure how significantly different the CUVs will be, but until we see the full specs I think what the Vue is versus what these will be, to the layman, are very very similar. GM may prove us wrong but we don't split the hairs too much when it probably won't have a major impact on the end result.

[Adrock]

Those are the worst pictures I've ever seen. They are clearly blown up from some smaller images. Look at the blocky edges! Where are the original images? Jalopnik's are terrible.

geez dave get off it! we know you apparently don't like GM but you don't have to bash them everytime there is news! biased is not review!

[Dave T]

Anonymous poster:
you clearly don't read our blog that much where we praise a lot of GM products when they deserve it. I think you have GM confused with Chrysler.

ok well lets take a look at the captions:

1) "supposedly" efficient four-cylinder engine before making judgment; otherwise it looks just like the Saturn Vue.

This doesn't look like a rebadge to me, the side view is different, the front is different, hrm..guess its different...

2) "Watch out Corolla, Chevy seems to have figured out how to make a compact sedan almost as bland as yours..."

I don't find this bland for economy car standards, and it looks great, not sure why you would call it bland, it has more sport than corolla!

Really Dave?

[Rick]

Ok, I must admit my perception of the Buick Brand was that it is for older folks. Now, especially in the past couple of years they have really stepped it up. The new models they have come out with have a sporty edge to them along with visual appeal. I would actually consider getting one now....They are also tied with Lexus for the Most Dependable Vehicles..

the buick has a muscular look to it, and it could possibly have RWD? thats the rumor atleast

[Dave T]

Anon,
I didn't say I wasn't being harsh on GM in this post but there's really no past biased against them. I think we clearly state when and why we don't like something.

it's not so much "we" as it is "you".

[Dave T]

well at least I put my name on everything I pen.

[J]

Dave,

WAY TO GO!!

At least, we all understand what is badge engineering. Nameless does not.

[ziggy]

At least I'm not getting bashed this time.
By the looks of things I will assume that this is probably not the direction that GM needs to go to be competitive in the next 10 years. CUV's are not going to be the answer. GM needs to produce 3 or 4 small economy cars and get off the CUV/SUV kick it's on.

[Jason]

I, for one, think the new Cruze looks great (I have the right to change my opinion when I see one on the road). It has clean lines while still looking sporty. Compare it to other small vehicles that have that same impression (clean, somewhat boxy, still good looking): Honda Fit, Nissan Versa, Mitsutbishi Lancer, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus.

Its no Civic, but when the Hyundai Elentra looks too "bubbly" I think the Cruze is in the right direction (again, look at the Versa, Sentra, Lancer, Corolla -- clean, but a bit boxy).

Regardless, the Cruze appears to be a lot better design than the Cobalt.

[Ad]

The new Buick sedan looks just like a squished, smaller Enclave if you ask me.

That's pretty much the one that really peaks my interest; the Cruze looks too much like a smaller Malibu to me, but it has more personality then the Corolla and Sentra; kinda like how the Civic stands out in smaller sedans.

The others don't really do anything for me; but I am sort of biased towards imported cars, hahahaha.

Dave,

YOUR MOM!

Love,

Nameless

PS- it's not badge engineering (may I remind you that ALL AUTOMAKERS DO THIS!) when the freakin design is different, The Vue barely has a rear side window, where as this equinox has a traditional SUVish look to it on the side. Also, the front end it completely different, and doens't look like it has an interchangable clip, like most badge engineering products do.

Yes, it may share a platform, but so does a honda odyssey and a pilot...do you think that is badge engineering? didn't think so...

[Happymantis]

To nameless, the Odyssey and Pilot have the same basic powertrain structure and components, but they are not the same vehicle, sticking the badge on two models that are exactly the same is badge engineering...

yes smart one, that is what I was trying to say, since the new equinox and saturn vue ride on the same platform, dave and the other guy assumed that they are badge engineering. I was trying to make a point. Clearly, you didn't pick up on that.

your reading comprehension=0
thanks for playing

love,

nameless

[SaturnBob]

Here we go again. Another Saturn copy. First the Malibu/Aura and now this looks like the new 2008 VUE / Opel Antera. What the hell is GM doing to Saturn brand name? I guess the next clone will be a Chevy Astra here in the US?

[MSS]

I really like the look of the Cruze. It is far better than the design for the Corolla. The Corolla is king of bland, I mean the small reflector lights in the rear bumper are the only things that make it distinguished from the previous model.

The Cruze has great head and taillights.

[gpk]

Nice to know GM hasnt given up its love affair with SUV/CUV. Im sure the publics gonna race out to buy this when gas is 5-6 $ per gallon.

[Bloke]

Name, so you think the GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, and Buick Enclave are not badge engineering? Wow that new front end really changes things huh? GM is renowned for doing this, I personally think if it helps the automaker sell more cars, then do it. No it isn't like the Chevrolet Cavalier and the Cadillac Cimarron, but don't be a moron and say it is a different car because they change the front end. The rear window in the picture of the Equinox looks exactly the same as the one on the Vue, compare that picture with one of the Vue, there is no difference. And for someone who can't tell the difference between two SUVs and an SUV and a minivan, you really shouldn't call others names, since you won't take one yourself. Oh no that's right, you're nameless, how original.

[nameless]

considering that the article says it will have different looks, a new engine line up, etc etc...yeah, its a different vehicle that shares the same platform. End of discussion. Notice the VERY ROUND end of the vue, whereas this one has a traditional chunky SUV style end...and then the front doesn't have a different clip, its completely different, so yeah, this isn't badge engineering.

The durango/aspen (change of grills) is a badge engineering job. When you change the design language and engine offerings, NOT badge engineering.

Thanks for playing

[bloke dave nameless]

and what is with the "nameless" thing? I can easily put your name down when i'm typing, or barney for that fact. It makes no difference. You're just not intelligent enough to make a valid point in this discussion. Get over yourself, and have a pleasant day.

Thanks

[Dave T.]

It's called commenting. Without a name how do we know who to make fun of?

I think we've all said we'll wait and see what the real differences are but after seeing the Chevy Traverse I don't think anyone here is really expecting a serious change.

BUT since the Camaro is significantly different than the G8 which it shares a platform with, you're right, it could be a significantly different vehicle. I just doubt GM is going to spend the money to make it significantly different when it doesn't have to. Although I hear the interior will be like the Camaro's.

[Bloke]

Bdn, does that work for you? How about another turn... Make a valid point? First you have to actually have to have a discussion. Your sad reaction, and childish comments show you have a little trouble with that. You think that new engine won't make it to the Vue? And what is so different about the design language, it is a small SUV that is the same from the A-pillar back. Yeah it looks different, but not much. Badge engineering is whatever you want to call it, just like yourself, I say this is just a more modern way to do it. For example, take a look at a 2006 Chevy Equinox and 2006 Pontiac Torrent, this is the same type of comparison.

[NOAH]

i agree with nameless, most you guys are ignorant about the auto industry, just because you "THINK" you know doesnt mean your RIGHT! Come on Dave! Do some research before you bad mouth something you have no knowledge about for ex. (the whole Saturn Vue and Chevy Equinox thing)

[J]

NOAH

Just saying someone is incorrect without proving that they are is something even a 3 year old child can do.
Thanks.

[Bloke]

J, for once I totally agree with you. Noah, you sound like a bunch of crickets at night- just a bunch of background noise. How is anyone here ignorant about the auto industry when they read the stories and can see through the fluff? I am not anti-GM at all, I advocate that they should do whatever they can to sell more cars, badge engineering or not. But don't give me some lame argument that it is a different car when all that is changed is the look of the front end.

[Keith]

J, Bloke,
There are other auto enthusiast sites with plenty more insider information available on future products than what Dave has posted here. Plus there are tons of spyshots floating around. So while I won't use the word ignorant, I will say that you are misinformed to think that this next generation Equinox is simply the Vue with a new front clip.

And Dave, why are you posting unconfirmed information? While your information may generally be correct, it certainly hasn't been officially released by GM. I thought you didn't post unconfirmed information?

[Bloke]

Keith, thanks for the more pertinent response, but I have read a bunch of similar stories on this and haven't found anything that indicates this would be a different vehicle than the Vue except for looks. And I say that for the most part, sure the suspension could made to ride somewhat softer, while the seats may have a little more/less padding, but overall I see little difference. What is it that you think makes it so different? Could you tell me what websites you are reading this from?

[ziggy]

The new Equinox and the future GMC Terrain is the same Theta platform as the current Vue and the Suzuki XL7.

[Dave T.]

Keith,
These images were shown at an internal GM meeting and then leaked to a very good blog called Jalopnik. Jalopnik's coverage was so explosive other publications complained to GM to release the images Jalopnik had so dutifully secured. And they relented with very lo res versions of the slides shown. Which we have reposted here.

I really didn't want to spend too much time on them because there is so little information beyond where these vehicles are expected to fall in the GM lineup. I don't think the information regarding the Equinox's overall length being significantly bigger than the Vue's is very legit or reported anywhere besides forums. From all my history covering GM I can assume a lot and not be wrong but I completely admit these were just very brief, initial impressions from very small images that probably aren't even considered photographs.

I'd really like to see any past evidence that GM has differentiated its Equinox, Torrent and previous Vue and that the future models would be different? From what I understood from GM the Vue was such a success they really wanted it to be the basis of the new Equinox, with a Camaro interior. Sounds like a really good idea actually. I just thought this image was really blah.

[J]

Geez, I thought only 1 Noah is good enough.

Slamming others about mis-information while not providing any links or proofs of any kind whatsoever is what Noah just did yesterday.