GM Zeta platform

GM Zeta platform

Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Global RWD Architecture
Production	2006–present
Predecessor	GM V platform (RWD)
Class	Full-size
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 2-door convertible 2-door coupé utility 4-door sedan 5-door Station wagon

Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was engineered by Holden of Australia and was most recently referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta replaced the Australian V-body and was considered as the replacement for the North American W, H, and K platforms, but ultimately not used. Although the future of the Zeta program was in doubt during GM's financial troubles, as of May 21, 2009, development of a new form of the Zeta chassis, said to be lighter and more economical has begun, intended to replace existing Australian-produced models. The Chevrolet Camaro is the only Zeta platform model to go into production in North America (Canada). All other Zeta platform vehicles are manufactured in Australia by Holden.

Development

Development was started in late 1999 by Holden of Australia in order to replace the aging V-body platform underpinning their Commodore VT-VZ platform after sister division Opel announced that the Opel Omega (on which the Commodore was based) would be discontinued. Principal development on the VE Commodore was completed by July 2004 at a cost of approaching A$1 billion and the first testing mules underwent trials later that year. General Motors global corporate headquarters took notice of the VE design and began studies on the utilization of the underlying architecture (internally christened Zeta by GM engineers) for a range of future products on a global scale. The idea of Zeta as a global platform was officially revived when GM announced the future Camaro would use the Zeta platform.

Features

The Zeta architecture is very flexible and can accommodate a wide variety of automotive design features such as wheelbase length, ride height, windshield rake and roof line. Zeta's suspension system is all wheel independent and utilizes a MacPherson strut coupled with a dual ball joint lower A-arm for the front and a four link independent setup for the rear wheels. The engine is mounted slightly behind the front axle giving improved weight distribution.

Future

As of May 2009, development of a new form of the Zeta chassis has begun, said to be lighter and more economical and intended to replace existing Australian-produced models. GM plans to import the long wheelbase Zeta to North America as a Chevrolet Caprice Police vehicle. There are also rumors of an "SS" performance model for civilians, as well as new full-size Buick and Cadillac flagship sedans being based on the platform.

Vehicles

Current vehicles using this platform:

• 2006 Holden VE Commodore / 2006 HSV E Series / 2007 Vauxhall VXR8 / 2007 Chevrolet Lumina / 2008 Pontiac G8 / 2006 (2010) Chevrolet Omega
• 2006 Holden WM Statesman/Caprice / 2007 Chevrolet Caprice / 2008 Daewoo Veritas / 2007 Buick Park Avenue
• 2007 Holden Ute
• 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

References

• "Camaro tops GM's rwd list; Buick Velite concept, Pontiac GTO and Impala also possibilities". AutoWeek. http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060116/FREE/60116001/1024/LATESTNEWS. Retrieved January 16, 2006. 
• "Moving Up? Impala goes back to rwd in '09". AutoWeek. http://autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061113/FREE/61113001/1024/LATESTNEWS. Retrieved November 14, 2006. 
• "GM to Build New Car Based on Zeta Platform". Detroit Free Press (via Automotive Blogs). http://blogs.automotive.com/1001248/miscellaneous/gm-to-build-new-car-based-on-zeta-platform/index.html. Retrieved December 10, 2006. 
• "It's official: Pontiac GTO will return!". Leftlanenews. http://www.leftlanenews.com/its-official-pontiac-gto-will-return.html.