GM Alpha platform
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
|---|---|
| Production | 2012 |
| Class | Compact/Midsize |
| Vehicles | Cadillac ATS |
| Related | GM Kappa platform |
Alpha is General Motors' future compact to mid-size rear wheel drive automobile platform. Reports indicate that the new platform may share some components with the smaller GM Kappa platform and the larger GM Zeta platform. The Cadillac ATS will be the first car to utilize the platform, which will debut in Summer 2012.
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[edit] History
The Alpha project can trace its roots back to Holden's TT36 Torana concept project of 2004. At that stage, Holden was strongly interested in developing GM's then-idea of a small RWD style platform to go up against the BMW 3-Series range. The company took this concept and worked through GM's parts bin to come away with the end product. Holden borrowed parts and modules from various other GM platforms, the key contributor being its Kappa platform. The Kappa platform's double-A-arm front and rear suspensions provided the basis for the platform's Lower Dominate Structure (LDS). The platform's unique LDS forms its backbone, whilst at the same time providing a stronger, tighter base to work with, giving any car which receives the platform a better chance of achieving high-performance goals. By using an LDS, it gives both designers and engineers more flexibility in relation to the design of the upper body of the car, while also maximising space efficiency.
While the TT36 concept was displayed with a twin-turbo Alloytec V6 engine, both the car and platform were developed to handle various engines, with smaller 4-cylinder petrol & diesel engines, as well as larger V8 engines, capable of being placed within a car underpinned by the Alpha platform. With the addition of certain components, AWD vehicles are a possibility with this platform.
Holden's TT36 concept car was showcased at the 2004 Australian International Motor Show, previewing two key ideas: both design language for the-then upcoming VE Commodore as well as showcasing the potential for a smaller, more affordable, RWD vehicle. Plans failed to move dramatically forward within the next 18 months, but sources of late have indicated that GM has given the green light to the project, with the new platform to underpin a Cadillac BMW 3-Series competitor, possibly appearing by 2013, and a possible replacement for the Holden Commodore and Chevrolet Impala on a long-wheelbase version in 2015.[1] Alpha is also rumored to be the basis for the next generation Chevrolet Camaro.
[edit] Vehicles
On August 11, 2009, GM revealed the Cadillac ATS compact luxury concept car to journalists, reportedly on the rear wheel drive Alpha platform.[2]
Motor Trend has reported GM will start selling Alpha platform based vehicles in 2013, which will include the new Cadillac ATS, the third generation Cadillac CTS, and the 6th generation Chevrolet Camaro. The platform is expected to be smaller, lighter and less costly than the current Zeta platform it is replacing.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f70/gmi-exclusive-impala-commodore-going-rwd-alpha-platform-77264
- ^ Abuelsamid, Sam (2009-08-11). "Cadillac XTS looks like Sixteen Concept, ATS aims at 3 Series with RWD". AutoBlog. http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/11/cadillac-ats-and-xts-coming-soon-ats-is-rwd-3-series-fighter/. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
- ^ MotorTrend Magazine, May 2010 Issue, Todd Lassa
[edit] Sources
- Wheels Magazine November 2004, Pg's 48-56
- "GM's Project Alpha Takes Shape". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121033. Retrieved June 5, 2007.
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