2006 Cadillac BRX | Saab 9-4X

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Cadillac, Saab Crossovers Coming in 2008
Date Posted 11-21-2005

DETROIT — The Cadillac BRX and the Saab 9-4X, as suppliers are calling the new vehicles, are expected to go into production in mid-to-late 2008. GM has indicated that it wants to assemble the vehicles at its Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico. A third model, which may go to Buick, could join the Cadillac and Saab in production for model-year 2009.

The 9-4X would be Saab’s first crossover vehicle. It would fill the void left by the stillbirth of the 9-6X — Saab’s proposed derivative of the Subaru B9 Tribeca. The 9-6X was scrapped at the eleventh hour when GM elected to sell its stake in Subaru’s parent, Fuji Heavy Industries.

The BRX would be slotted below the SRX in size and price and would be Cadillac’s lowest priced people mover.

The as-yet-unnamed Buick, if approved, would slot beneath the upcoming 2008 Enclave, Buick’s version of the new full-size, Lambda-based crossovers. The Enclave is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2007. The Enclave and its smaller companion would replace the current Rendezvous and Rainier models in Buick’s lineup.

All three models are intended to play in the premium segment now occupied by Acura, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Lincoln and Mercedes-Benz. Prices will likely range from about $35,000 to $45,000.

The new premium midsize crossovers will be built on what is described by GM suppliers as a long-wheelbase variant of the Theta platform that underpins the Chevrolet Equinox, the Pontiac Torrent and the Saturn Vue. They are expected to seat seven passengers and will be lavishly equipped. The vehicles reportedly will be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive versions and are expected to be powered by a 3.6-liter V6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

What this means to you: More choice in the growing CUV segment, and a new product that — in light of the company’s current financial situation — may convince more people to buy a GM product.