Expect greater differentiation in GMs next generation SUVs

Expect greater differentiation in GMs next-generation SUVs General Motors says its next-generation Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade models will offer shoppers improved interior differentiation. Car and Driver recently caught up with Chris Hilts, GMs creative manager of interior design, who said that the cabins will all feature unique instrument panels, consoles, center stacks and switchgear moving forward. Apparently GM is now aware that consumers may be bothered by the fact that todays $85,000 Escalade has effectively the same cabin as a $45,000 Tahoe. Hilts says SUV buyers want more refinement than their pickup purchasing counterparts – and those same buyers also want their SUVs to have more exterior differentiation between the companys Silverado and Sierra pickup lines. Shocking.

Expect greater differentiation in GMs next-generation SUVs

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front 3/4 view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear 3/4 view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front 3/4 view 1

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear 3/4 view 1

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum side view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear view

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum cup holder

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum dash

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum badge

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum engine

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum hybrid system info

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum headlight

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum rear seat television screen

2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid Platinum front 34 view 4

That all sounds good to us, but weve heard this song and dance before. GM made big waves about how different the new-for-2013 Silverado and Sierra would look from each other, but judging by what weve seen so far, GMs stylists are painting in shades rather than with the full spectrum. For more on the what to expect out of GMs new SUVs, click on the C/D link below.

Expect greater differentiation in GMs next-generation SUVs

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster next gen MX 5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata Although a little bit later than expected, Mazda and Fiat have signed a final agreement that will bring a next-generation MX-5 Miata to the Japanese automaker and a new roadster to Alfa Romeo. When the proposed arrangement was announced back in May, the two automakers had hoped to seal the deal last year, but it doesnt appear that the production timeline for these cars has slipped any, with both expected to start rolling off assembly lines in 2015.

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata logo

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata front view

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata rear view

Other than a shared chassis with a rear-wheel-drive layout, it sounds like the two cars are still planned to be distinct in their own ways from their styling right down to their engines. Mazda will produce both cars at a plant in Hiroshima, Japan, but it isnt clear what role each automaker will play in the cars developmental process. The big question, of course, is what clever portmanteau name we can come up with, like Toyobaru. Mazda Romeo is the easy choice, but Alfazda might roll off the tongue a little better.

Mazda and Fiat finalize deal for Alfa roadster, next-gen MX-5 Miata Scroll down for a brief press release from both automakers.