GM is seriously considering building a V6 version of its Kappa sports car (aka Pontiac Solstice & Saturn Sky). But the scuttlebutt around Motown is that this new version would get an all new body, a Chevy badge & one of the most iconic names in the GM sports car pantheon -Sting Ray. It would be positioned as a muscular, entry level Chevy sports car priced under the current Corvette range, but above the higher end Pontiac & Saturn models. Given the enduring success of the Corvette, the Sting Ray plan seems plausible-and profitable.

Insiders report V6 powered Kappa mules wearing Pontiac Solstice sheetmetal are already running around GM test facilities, even though the Sting Ray program has yet to be given official approval from GM brass. The V6s Chevy is playing with are the 3.9L pushrod motor used in the Malibu SS & the high-feature 3.6L in the Cadillac CTS. The 3.9 is rated at 240hp, a number that equals the expected horsepower under the hoods of the coming 2.2L turbo 2007 Solstice & Sky, but with much better low-end torque. The 3.6 is rated @ 255hhp in the CTS & would seem the right engine to beat the BMW Z4s 225hp inline-6. The twin overhead cams in the high feature engine would require a bulge in the Sting Rays hood.

Compete with BMW? Yes, like the Corvette, the Sting Ray would transcend GMs old divisional order. If it gets the green light, itll be a well-equipped, high-spec model, priced far above the Pontiac Solstice & Saturn Sky. Both those cars will remain 4-cylinders only, although the 2008 Pontiac Solstice Coupe also will come with a V6, which helps the Chevys business case, as it mean some development & certification costs can be shared.

The Sting Ray mule comes along just as GM has confirmed a third sports car off the Kappa, a 2007 Opel/Vauxhall GT to be imported from the US to Europe. That car launches only after the debut of the Saturn Sky late this spring & shares its styling. The Opel GT will probably get just one of the two engines to be offered in the Solstice/Sky - either the 170hp 2.4L Ecotec four of the 240hp 2.2L turbo, but not both.

The Sting Ray makes sense. Adding a division (or changing divisions) for a platform certainly is more novel than offering special edition packages with leather-covered shift knobs.

The unique Sting Ray styling, a V6 engine & high content also could come along just as everyone who wants a Solstice or Sky has already bought one. Throw in 1950s-1960s Corvette styling cues & an attitude that doesnt try to hide the fact that this is an American-style sports car, & it could be a winner. One other factor in the Sting Rays favor: GMs new Corvette chief, Tom Wallace, also is in charge of the Kappa cars.

although the 2008 Pontiac Solstice Coupe also will come with a V6