As the turmoil surrounding GM’s survival continues, scrutiny again falls on the number of GM’s brands that will survive. It’s possible that the lineup will be pared down from even the current proposal--Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC.

Anyway, this has me thinking. GM right now has invested in developing a stylish, roomy, nicely trimmed, right size-engine sedan: the Buick LaCrosse. It’s basically ready to go. But what if Buick goes to the chopping block before it hits the market? Simple: make it a Cadillac.

Even if Buick doesn’t get pensioned off, it’s surprising that Cadillac doesn’t offer a cheaper sedan than the sporty, rear-wheel drive CTS. Sure, Cadillac’s brand image aims at becoming the American BMW, but the most popular Lexus sedan sold is their Camry-based ES 350. The Lincoln MKZ (which was better named as Zephyr) sells decently. There’s clearly a market for a good sized, well-equipped, front-wheel drive, upscale sedan. Why give up those sales to the competition?

Cadillac may be gun shy here, given the history of the Cimarron (basically a fancy Cavalier), but the roomier and plusher LaCrosse is more than a leather-lined Malibu, so you can stop the Cimarron comparisons right there.

--Tom Mutchler