GM G platform (RWD)

:seealso|GM G platform (FWD)Infobox Automobile platform
name = GM G platform (RWD)
aka =
manufacturer = General Motors


production = 1982–1988
class = Mid-size
similar = Chrysler M platform
Ford Fox platform
predecessor = GM A platform (RWD)
successor = GM H platform (FWD)
GM W platform
body_style = 4-door sedan
2-door coupe
4-door station wagon
engine =
transmission =
front_suspension =
rear_suspension =
wheelbase =
related =
vehicles =

The General Motors G platform (also called G-body) was used for GM mid-size cars such as Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu. This automobile platform letter was used twice. The current G-bodies use the front wheel drive version.

The first G-bodies were rear-wheel drive and built from 1982 to 1988. This generation of cars actually began production in 1978 under the A-body classification. Following the downsizing of the 1977 B-bodies (Impala and full-size), the A-body intermediates were next, shrinking to roughly the size of the previous X-body Chevrolet Nova compacts, with 6 passenger seating, and bringing down the wagon body style. The Buick and Oldsmobile were introduced with fastback coupe styles which were not well received, while the Chevy and Pontiac got notchbacks. The later notchback coupes were popular in NASCAR and lowriders. Another interesting design compromise was non-lowering rear door windows on 4 door models. These competed with the Ford Fox platform cars like the Fairmont and Thunderbird, and various Chrysler K and Plymouth Volare variants.

The front wheel drive A-body was supposed to replace the old rear wheel drive A-body cars in 1981, but due to high sales, the rear wheel drive cars remained in production under the G-body classification. By the time the G-body was nearing its end, most new cars moved in 1988 to the new GM W platform, although the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville moved to the H-body (introduced in 1986).

The coupes with formal rooflines (Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass Supreme Classic (1988), Cutlass Calais (until 1985), Cutlass Salon (1986–1987) and Regal) were dubbed as the "G-Special". These Specials were known as the "A-Special" prior to 1981.

Chick Hicks of the Cars (movie) is a 1980s G body, most likely a Buick Regal, but also similar to a Monte Carlo.

Vehicles

This family consisted of:
* Buick Grand National (1982, 1984-1987)
* Buick Regal (1982–1987)
* Chevrolet El Camino (1982–1987) note: ~200 unsold 1987s reportedly sold as 1988s; unclear if this included GMC Caballeros as well
* Chevrolet Malibu (1982–1983)
* Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1982–1988)
* GMC Caballero (1982–1987)
* Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (1982–1988) note: 1988 model known as Cutlass Supreme Classic
* Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais (1982–1985)
* Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser (1982–1984)
* Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon (1986–1987)
* Pontiac Bonneville (1984–1986)
* Pontiac Grand Prix (1982–1987)
* Pontiac Grand LeMans (1982–1983)

Performance vehicles

Performance applications include:
* 1982-1982 Buick Regal "Sport Coupe" 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
* 1982-1987 Chevrolet El Camino "SS" 5.0 L (305 in³)/5.7L (350 in³) V8
* 1983-1984 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 5.0 L (307 in³) HO V8:There is also speculation that 3 Hurst/Olds editions were made using 1988 Cutlass Supreme Classic bodies. These were not marketed through GM though. There was also a Hurst/Olds body kit available in 1988.
* 1983-1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo "SS" 5.0 L (305 in³) HO V8
* 1983-1986 Buick Regal "T-Type" 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
* 1982, 1984-1987 Buick Grand National 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
* 1985-1987 Oldsmobile 442 5.0 L (307 in³) HO V8
* 1986-1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo "SS Aerocoupe" 5.0 L (305 in³) HO V8
* 1986.5 Pontiac Grand Prix "2+2" 5.0 L (305 in³) V8:The 1986.5 Grand Prix 2+2 cosmetic features which included a NASCAR qualifying nose-cone was also available through GM for installation on any 1981–1987 Grand Prix. There were 17 Grand Prix GTs offered by Mertyle Motors in New York which offered a slightly different look and had some performance tuning in 1986.
* 1987 Buick Regal "T Turbo" 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
* 1987 Buick Regal "T" (307 in³)
* 1987 Buick Regal "many base and Limited models featured the 3.8 L" (231 in³) V6 Turbo
* 1987 Buick GNX 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo:The 1987 GNX was made in conjunction with ASC/McLaren and 547 were made and included a unique suspension system, featured fender flares, had Stewart-Warner gauges, and a net power of 276 hp (206 kW), above the 245 hp (183 kW) of the regular Grand National. There are many more features that set the GNX apart and are too many to list.

models not on list born before G-body classification of 1982 were:

* 1978-1981 Chevrolet Malibu F41
* 1980-1980 Chevrolet Malibu M80
* 1978-1981 Pontiac LeMans GT (possibly Canadian only)
* 1978-1980 Oldsmobile 442
* 1979-1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds

Links

* [http://gbodyforum.com/ GBodyForum.com -- '78-'88 GM A/G Body Community]
* [http://oldsgmail.com/ OldsGmail.com - Home of the Oldsmobile G-Body Mailing List]
* [http://www.gbodies.com/ GBodies.com - Devoted to the GM G Bodies]