- GM Epsilon platform
Infobox Automobile
name=GM Epsilon platform
manufacturer=General Motors
production=2003 –present
class=Mid-size (C/D) platform
predecessor=GM N platform GM2900 platform
similar=Nissan D platform Ford EUCD platform Ford CD3 platform Epsilon is
General Motors ' new mid-sizefront-wheel drive automobile platform . The architecture debuted in the2002 Opel Vectra and2003 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 , it is GM's highest volume worldwide platform (or "architecture" in GM-speak). Even after the dissolution of the GM/Fiat partnership, both companies retain the rights to continue developing Epsilon-derived models.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 andSaab 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.
Control of the Epsilon platform has passed, as of
2005 , to GM Europe. Headquartered withOpel inRüsselsheim, Germany , GM Europe will be responsible for all future Epsilon product decisions other than Saab andCadillac models.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.
Vehicles
Current vehicles based on this platform:
* Regular
** 2002 Opel Vectra
** 2003Saab 9-3
** 2004Chevrolet Malibu
** 2006Cadillac BLS * Extended
** 2003Opel Signum
** 2004Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
** 2005Pontiac G6
** 2005Fiat Croma
** 2007Saturn Aura
** 2008Chevrolet Malibu Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform:
* 2006Alfa Romeo Spider replacement (AWD, eventually used theGM/Fiat Premium platform )
* 2006 smallBuick Criticism
Jeremy Clarkson , whilst driving a Vauxhall Vectra built with this chassis, described it as "one of the worst chassis I've ever come across", due to the way the Vectra with the 2.8 V6 turbo torque steered and was unable to handle its power. Improvements to the Vectra have been made, and the 9-3 with this engine was much better in regards to power management. [ cite video
people =Jeremy Clarkson
year =
title ="Top Gear"2006-07-16
accessdate =2007-02-05
medium =TV
location = London
publisher =BBC]Epsilon II
A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon II, will debut in
2008 . It will be adaptable for front andall-wheel drive applications.Concept vehicles built on Epsilon II:
* 2007Opel GTC The Epsilon II will be used in the following vehicles:
* 2009
Opel Insignia
* 2010Buick LaCrosse
* 2010Saab 9-5
* 2011Saturn Aura
* 2012Chevy Malibu Footnotes
References
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