Kapa + Zeta = Alpha

In the past 18 months, GM has brought out two all-new rear-wheel drive platforms at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Kappa platform underpins the Solstice and Sky roadsters, as well as several concepts that have been shown at auto shows this season. At the larger end, the crew at Holden has created the Zeta platform that drives the Commodore/Pontiac G8/Chevy Camaro/2009 Impala and likely more.

Now it's being reporting that there will be a new mid-sized RWD platform code-named Alpha. Alpha would apparently take pieces from the other platforms and be used for future Pontiacs and Cadillacs. The next generation G6 may use this architecture instead of the front wheel drive Epsilon II. For Cadillac, the new car would slot in below the CTS and also replace the much derided BLS in Europe.

If it's done right, such a Cadillac would give the brand a real competitor for the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4/S4, as long as consumers aren't hounded by the memory of other entry-level Cadillacs like the Cimarron. A smaller, rear-drive sedan and/or coupe would fit in much better with Cadillac's current lineup, however, and further help to lower the average age of the brands' customers.

Click the above image for an Autoblog high res. gallery of the Holden Torana Concept.