Rahul Sharma (Editor)

GM Epsilon platform

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Manufacturer
  
General Motors

Production
  
2002–present

GM Epsilon platform

Class
  
Compact (C) platform Mid-size (D) platform Large car (E) platform

Layout
  
Front engine, front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive

Body style(s)
  
2-door Convertible 4-door Sedan/Saloon 5-door Hatchback/Liftback 5-door Station wagon/Estate/Caravan 5-door Multi-purpose vehicle

Vehicles
  
Buick Lacrosse/Alpheon Cadillac BLS Cadillac XTS Chevrolet Classic Chevrolet Impala Chevrolet/Holden Malibu Chevrolet Malibu Maxx Fiat Croma Opel Insignia/Buick Regal Opel Signum Opel Vectra Pontiac G6 Roewe 950 Saab 9-3 Saab 9-5 Saturn Aura

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, it was 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.

Contents

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 Inline-four 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.

Vehicles

Vehicles based on the Epsilon I platform:

  • Regular
  • 2002-2009 Opel Vectra C saloon and liftback
  • 2003-2012 Saab 9-3
  • 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu
  • 2006-2009 Cadillac BLS
  • Extended
  • 2002-2009 Opel Vectra C Caravan
  • 2003-2008 Opel Signum
  • 2004-2007 Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
  • 2005-2010 Pontiac G6
  • 2005-2011 Fiat Croma
  • 2007-2010 Saturn Aura
  • 2008-2012 Chevrolet Malibu
  • Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform:

  • 2006 midsized Buick
  • Epsilon II

    A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon II, debuted in 2008. It is adaptable for front and all-wheel drive applications. In long wheelbase format, Epsilon II supports US EPA Large Cars, allowing GM to replace the G and W platforms. The architecture was developed by Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Many safety features and AWD fitment modifications were done by Saab.

    Current and announced vehicles built on Epsilon II:

  • 2008–present Opel Insignia, Buick Regal (saloon, hatchback, estate) (SWB)
  • 2010–present Buick LaCrosse/Alpheon (LWB)
  • 2010–2012 Saab 9-5 (LWB)
  • 2012–present Roewe 950 (LWB)
  • 2012–present Chevrolet Malibu, Holden Malibu (SWB)
  • 2012–present Cadillac XTS (LWB)
  • 2014–present Chevrolet Impala (LWB)
  • Concept vehicles built on Epsilon II:

  • 2007 Buick Riviera
  • 2007 Opel GTC Concept
  • E2XX

    E2XX is the successor to the Epsilon II platform. It is a fork of the Epsilon II platform, consistent with other platform revamps, such as D2XX (based on Delta II).

    The E2XX platform targets weight reduction, improved interior, and longer wheelbases. The E2XX is utilized in the redesigned 2016 Chevrolet Malibu.

    P2XX

    P2XX is the longer variant of the E2XX platform. It is expected to be used in the 2017 Buick LaCrosse and next generation Chevrolet Impala.

    C1XX

    C1XX is the crossover variant of the E2XX platform, replacing the Theta Premium and Lambda platforms. It underpins the 2017 Cadillac XT5 and soon to be followed the 2017 GMC Acadia in regular wheelbase form, while the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse and 2018 Buick Enclave will utilize the long wheelbase variant.

    References

    GM Epsilon platform Wikipedia


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