gms smart they probrably wanted to save money. they wanted to make a roadster for the states. but probrably didnt want the speedster with the MR setup so they just dumped the speedster, and put the GT outand just used that platform over here with the solstice/sky. Just like they are doing with the Saturn vehicles which are identicle to the opels. Gm was in financial trouble so i guess they saved some money sharing platforms instead of making all those different vehicles across the world. Ford is supposedly doing the same thing with their new lineup mazda/ford/volvos sedans all share the same platform as the european fords. ford was gonna bring the mondeo over to the states. BUT.. instead they jsut brought the platform over to use... i guess it means better cars from domestic companies!!