GM Epsilon platform
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| Manufacturer | General Motors |
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| Production | 2003–present |
| Predecessor | GM N platform GM2900 platform GM W platform (Epsilon II only; long-wheelbase) |
| Class | Mid-size (D) platform |
Epsilon is General Motors' mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was developed by Opel, and debuted in the 2002 Opel Vectra and 2003 Saab 9-3. Since this platform falls squarely in the center of the worldwide automobile market, GM plans to produce a great many Epsilon vehicles with over a dozen variations. As of 2005[update], it is GM's highest volume worldwide platform. Even after the dissolution of the GM/Fiat partnership, both companies retain the rights to continue developing Epsilon-derived models.
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[edit] Features
GM's Epsilon platform replaced the N platform in the US, and replaced the GM2900 platform elsewhere. Vehicles of this platform generally carry the symbol "Z" in the fourth digit of their VINs.
When the platform debuted, there was talk of an "Epsilon Wide" derivative, which was supposed to have provided the underpinnings for the Buick LaCrosse and Saab 9-5. However, the program was cancelled and the LaCrosse was put on the W platform, and the 9-5 was given a quick refresh for the 2006 model year.
Many of the Epsilon vehicles use the Ecotec Family II I4 engines and both the High Value and High Feature V6 engines.
The refreshed 2008 SAAB 9-3 debuted with an advanced version of all-wheel-drive it dubbed XWD, finally giving a definitive answer to rumors about the platform's ability to support AWD, which had been around since the debut of the platform.
The Lambda and Theta Premium crossover platforms are derived from Epsilon.
[edit] Vehicles
Vehicles based on the Epsilon I platform:
- Regular
- 2002 Opel Vectra
- 2003 Saab 9-3
- 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2006 Cadillac BLS
- Extended
- 2003 Opel Signum
- 2004 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
- 2005 Pontiac G6
- 2005 Fiat Croma
- 2007 Saturn Aura
- 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform:
- 2006 midsized Buick
[edit] Epsilon II
A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon II, debuted in 2008. It is adaptable for front and all-wheel drive applications. The architecture was developed by Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany.[1]
Current and announced vehicles built on Epsilon II:
- 2008 Opel Insignia, Buick Regal (SWB)
- 2010 Buick LaCrosse/Alpheon (LWB)
- 2010 Saab 9-5 (LWB)
- 2013 Chevrolet Malibu, Holden Malibu (SWB)
Concept vehicles built on Epsilon II:
- 2007 Buick Riviera
- 2007 Opel GTC
- 2006 Saab Aero X
Potential future vehicles to be built on Epsilon II:
[edit] Super Epsilon II
The automotive press has reported that GM Holden is developing a variation of the Epsilon II platform for full-size car applications.[2][3]
Current and announced vehicles built on Super Epsilon II:
- 2013 Cadillac XTS
Potential future vehicles to be built on Super Epsilon II:
[edit] Footnotes
- ^ http://www.caranddriver.com/spy-shots/2010-saab-9-5-spied
- ^ Todd Lassa. "Buick Future Car Plans". Motor Trend. http://motortrend.automotive.com/112814/112-0907-buick-future-car-plans/lucerne-enclave-lacrosse-regal.html. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
- ^ "Super Epsilon to Underpin Next Holden Statesman?". GM Inside News. 2009-07-09. http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/f60/super-epsilon-underpin-next-holden-statesman-81570/. Retrieved 2009-07-19.
[edit] References
- Kranz, Rich (April 12, 2005). "GM lagging behind in booming sport wagon market". AutoWeek. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20050412/FREE/504120701. Retrieved April 12, 2005.
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