| GM will use the G8 platform in lots of new cars, including Camaro. In order to cut cost, General Motors will merge the rear-wheel drive Zeta and Sigma platforms, a new report finds. The Zeta platform currently underpins the Pontiac G8 and the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro, while the Sigma platform is exclusively used for the Cadillac brand (CTS, SRX and STS).
According to Motor Trend, the first car to bow on the merged platform will be the 2011 Cadillac STS/DTS replacement. Following that car's launch, the new platform will underpin several other models.
Despite the semi-revival of the rear-wheel drive car, don't expect the Chevrolet Impala to make the switch from its current front-wheel drive setup. Although the Impala shares the sales floor with the hot-selling Malibu sedan, it continues to be one of Chevrolet's top sellers. Instead, the Impala will likely move to the Epsilon II platform that will underpin the next-generation Buick LaCrosse.
However, a rear-wheel drive Chevy sedan is not completely out of the question as the new Zeta/Sigma platform will underpin six models on three different wheel bases, including:
The next-generation Chevrolet Camaro, and possibly the Holden Monaro and a G8 coupe.
The next-generation Cadillac CTS coupe. Although the next-gen car will have the same wheel base, handling will be improved thanks to a forged-aluminum suspension.
The next-generation Pontiac G8/Holden Commodore, and possibly a Chevrolet model — although not the Impala.
The next-generation CTS sedan. Unlike the coupe, the sedan's wheel base will be stretched by 1.4 inches, but will use the same forged-aluminum suspension.
A longer wheel base version of the Zeta/Sigma platform will underpin the Holden Statesman/Buick Park Avenue in China (essentially long wheel base versions of our Pontiac G8) and possibly even a rear-wheel drive Buick Lucerne.
The aforementioned STS/DTS replace will also ride on the extended platform, but will get a forged-aluminum suspension and longer overhangs.
As we have reported before, the new platform will also underpin Cadillac's upcoming 3-series fighter and will replace the Euro-spec BLS. To help further spread costs, Holden, Pontiac and Chevrolet could get models based on the small Cadillac platform.  | 
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