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Without spilling the beans I mentioned that we might not see the new Sol / Sky in time - wish I remember the thread.. just posted this a few days prior to the news article - for the planned move.
Yes, the platform looses money. The advertising *was* great.. and the car justified itself for that media attention. A redesign / new platform would *not* pull the same advertising / media attention and thus... could not pay for the loss the car endures at sale time and time again. No way around that.
Lots of programs have been shelved / delayed / what ever term you want to use. Most SUV's, all other ZETA vehicles (outside of the Camaro) and those are just the ones I *know* are public and written about. I don't read all of the press / magazine sites because I get most of my information from GM folks / suppliers and have no need.. but I know of some other very high profile projects that have been shelved in the last two weeks.
GM needs positive cash flow, and needs to meet CAFE standards. Any vehicle which does not meet these two requirements... and yes I mean *ANY* vehicle (think iconic / halo performance cars in the lower brand structures) which does not meet these requirements is being either canceled, or held off for changes. Changes cost money... plain and simple.
My guess is you'll see less and less refreshes to vehicles (extending the time frame) and more and more engine options driving towards CAFE rule requirements. That's the cheapest path to meet those two goals.. and seems to fit the projects which are both still active, and those which have been shelved for now.
Wish I could say more... but DI V6 in a Kappa.. no. DI V6 in a 'Vette.. no. Kappa II.. no. Alpha platform.. delayed. The Sol / Sky is on tract to miss at least a model year after Wilmington stops production.
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