FUTURE GENERAL MOTORS CARS

Detroit-based General Motors now views itself as the purveyor of four core brands. These core brands sold a combined 2,588,399 vehicles in the United States in calendary year 2008. For the purposes of this post, forget about the dying Pontiac, likely-to-be-sold Hummer and Saturn, and the confused Saab. Also ignore Aussie-based Holden and GM Europe's Opel/Vauxhall establishments, especially considering these Euro brands may become part of Fiat. Oh, do remember how General Motors paid Fiat $2,000,000,000 not to take control a few years back.

The vehicles you'll read about below are assured of arriving at dealerships near you in the relatively near future. Each vehicle is likely to be a prime mover and shaker in its respective segment. As far as becoming a prime player, only sales statistics from 2011 will can tell us anything on that front. So, if you're worried about General Motors and the possibility that more ho-hum product lines won't help the company revive, check out these eight automobiles.

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2010 BUICK LACROSSE: Gorgeous in shape, modern in technology, the LaCrosse (Allure in Canada, most likely) is an able-bodied foe for the Toyota Avalon and even the Chrysler 300. Don't forget Ford's new Taurus. For plenty of pics and some details, click here.

2010 GMC TERRAIN: Like the Equinox below, the Terrain hopes to be a fuel-efficient alternative to all the soft-utes that look soft. The Terrain is very GMC-like in its appearance and represents good product per/$. Check out a full gallery with details here.

2010 CADILLAC SRX: Just think shrinkage. The new SRX hopes to provoke a slightly different group of buyers into Cadillac showrooms. Previously long and lithe, the 2010 SRX is ever-so-slightly rounder and quite a bit smaller. Forget V8s - leave them for the Escalade. Pics and details over here.

2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX: Following up on the first-generation of Chevrolet's first genuine crossover, the new Equinox is a higher quality piece in every way. Plus, this time it doesn't look like a minivan replacement. Head this way for pics and stuff.

2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE: When Chevrolet introduced us to the Cobalt, we were told how they reverse-engineered suspension parts from successful small cars and spent extra money inside. Indeed, the Cobalt has been a very decent seller later in its life. But it hasn't inspired loyalty. It hasn't assured Chevrolet of repeat customers for life. The Cruze hopes to get us while we're young. If Chevrolet is telling us the Cruze is greater than reality suggests come late next year, much of the younger generation will be turned off for life. Pictures and details over yonder.

2011 CHEVROLET VOLT: Ironic, is it not, that all the hype and hooplah circles around a vehicle most of won't be able to afford. Yes, the Volt, an electric vehicle with a range extender (plug-in hybrid) is an extremely forward-thinking car. True, the Volt looks the part. For sure, the Volt is a remarkably efficient vehicle. It might not until Gen2 or Gen3 that we taste the trickle down. More pics are here.

2012 CHEVROLET SPARK: Although somewhat larger, the Spark will be fighting with the smart fortwo and Toyota/Scion iQ for the hearts and minds of city dwellers who think smaller is better. Good-looking though the Spark may be, to confront Toyota and smart, quality and safety are a must. It's harder to make money off small cars than the United States Congress, Senate, and White House lead you to believe. Chevrolet will try and save money somewhere. Check it out here.

2012 CHEVROLET ORLANDO: Cruze-based, the Orlando will attempt to conquer the Mazda 5 and minivan customers who want a little cool with their kids. The Orlando seats seven and in general, appears to be the type of vehicle much of the population is heading towards. Can you dig it?