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Cadillac, Saab considering Epsilon-based sport wagons; Caddy vehicle would be BMW X3 fighter
JASON STEIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 6/20/05
DETROIT -- In a push to get more aggressive in a growing segment, General Motors is developing premium mid-sized sport wagons for Cadillac and Saab.
The Cadillac vehicle, referred to internally as the BRX, is in the final stages of approval, say supplier, industry and GM sources. It would go into production in 2008 for sale in Europe and North America as a BMW X3 fighter.
The Saab vehicle, known internally as the 9-4X, would be the smallest of three Saab SUVs. The all-wheel-drive vehicle is scheduled to be produced in Europe in 2009.
Both vehicles would be based on GM's next-generation Epsilon architecture. The next generation of Epsilon, which currently is used for front-wheel-drive mid-sized cars such as the Saab 9-3, will have all-wheel drive capability.
If approved, the BRX would fit in Cadillac's lineup below the SRX sport wagon. One industry source said the base price will be in the mid-$30,000s, between the CTS sedan and the SRX. Most important, it could give Cadillac a smaller sport wagon as it pushes to build sales in Europe.
The BRX will borrow the 2.8-liter V-6 used in the CTS sedan as its base engine. A 3.6-liter V-6 will be available in a top-of-the-line model. Sources say there will be no third-row seat available.
Cadillac spokesman Jeff Kuhlman would not confirm the plans. But he said: "There are segments Cadillac does not participate in at both ends of the spectrum. We will look for opportunities in all of those."
Sources say the BRX could be built at GM's Trollhattan plant in Sweden or in North America.
