I don't know if that 3-banger will be available in the USDM. I also hope that the -Series is still offered with the I-6, especially in turbo-form, I don't want to see this go down-market.

There were reports that surfaced from time to time which indicated a "green" supercar, and this could very well be it, this makes sense. The "green" supercar was also said to resemble or be somewhat based on the M1 Homage concept.

As I'm to understand it, the SUV/crossover concept was essentially not to be produced, but just to serve as an announcement as "look, we're back", but a second concept is afoot, which is to be more of a luxury/uber-sedan, which is more production-focused.

The X-Type had it's run, but, it won't be missed so much, especially taking into account the line-up Jaguar has now, and will be bolstered by the outstanding new XJ! It's felt that the X-Type diluted the brand, and gave it less cache and exclusivity. Also taking into account that it was based on an (older) Ford Mondeo, and front-drive bias, even though it was AWD, this didn't help matters.

I have perceived, said, and posted many times in several sites and blogs: with the Aplina B7 edition and the 760 Twin-Turbo V12, an M edition of the BMW 7-Series is not needed. This seems to be the thinking at BMW, as well.

I could see an evolution of the platform from the well received European Mondeo underpinning some of the vehicles, especially if Volvo gets sold off, but, I hope the cars such as the new Taurus, Flex, MKS and MKT are not reduced in size, humbled and, dumbed-down. They now have this D3 as a proud line with presence, and a great EcoBoost twin-turbo, D.I. V6 upgrade - I don't want to see this brought down. I admire the current line-up much and want to see it built on for the next-generation.

Now the answer is more fully out.

This could really be a good thing, looking at the well-engineered and flexible Epsilon-2, which can be resized and can even accommodate a V8 (mounted transversly) and AWD.

Of course, you have the smaller Epsilon-2, which is the Insignia, which would have arrived initially in the USDM as a new-generation Saturn Aura, but is now confirmed to be a Buick Regal for the USA instead, as it already is for China. You also have a LWB version, which is used for the beautifully designed new-generation Buick LaCrosse, and the similiarly sized, 5-meter, upcoming new-generation Saab 9-5 (which is owned now by Koenigsegg), and I believe that the next-generation Chevrolet Malibu (currently based on an Epsilon-1), from what some reports have indicated, will be based on the LWB Epsilon-2, which would put it to the size of the new LaCrosse.

Now, getting to the just announced Cadillac XTS Epsilon-2 based large sedan, I figure (unless I'm corrected and/or proven wrong) that this model, being a Cadillac, would probably be on a further expanded version of the Epsilon-2 chassis, perhaps sized overall to the Lincoln MKS, which to me appears to be a main competitor. It could likely sport a 304 or so HP 3.6L D.I. V6 as a base powerplant, and with standard FWD, and have a likely upgrade to an LS V8, putting the power to AWD, and this would be a great competitor to the Lincoln MKS with EcoBoost! I see that configuration for it is a flagship, and would have to also stand up against European and Asian competition, which is RWD-bias.

I'm sure that the styling will be expressive and bold, taking the new SRX crossover into account (I saw it at NYIAS-NY last spring and it's beautiful in person) and it would likey be a tall and stately sedan with perhaps hints of tailfins as the SRX carries. I feel that this could work out very well and beautifully succeed the aging DTS, which would not likely be missed, and I don't really know the case of the STS.

As far as an Impala successor, to also be an Epsilon-2, now we know more, but it shouldn't be so long in waiting, I would point out. The current Impala is so Jurassic, based on an ancient chassis which started life as a GM-10 in MY1988. It appears to be primarily a fleet car as it is, an answer of sorts to the Ford Crown-Vic, and overshadowed by the current Malibu.

If the next-generation, Epsilon-2 based Malibu is based on the LWB version, than the next Impala would have to be upsized to the XTS's size, and it would also be a great comeptitor the the highly-acclaimed new-generation Ford Taurus. I could also see a higher end edition sporting an LS V8 with AWD, an Impala SS, which would pit well with the Taurus SHO!

This is based on my own take and perception, but, I find it pretty credible and logical. I'm sure well hear more reports as time goes on.

It's a nice appearance, and perhaps a handling upgrade, for the new-generation 7-Series. As far as an M7, as I said before in other posts, with the Alpina B7 edition, and the 760 with the Twin-Turbo V12 which is shared with Rolls-Royce, albeit in different tune, you really do not need an M7.

Look like this will be the last hurrah for lame-duck Pontiac, and, at least this will be an outstanding swansong and have the division go out with a bang!

I still feel that GM are fools of they don't bring the Zeta-based Pontiac G8 over to Chevrolet or Buick, it's such an amazing and formidable sedan for it's class, and, take a look at how the Zeta-based Camaro is hot and selling.

A correction on my previous post - this version, I just found out, upon further reading, is an addition to the current line-up, where a 470hp version of the supercharged 5.0L V8 will bridge the gap between the naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8 with 385hp and the top-level with the supercharged 5.0L V8 with 510hp. That is a welcomed addition in the XF line-up!