GM Epsilon platform

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

GM Epsilon platform
Manufacturer	General Motors
Production	2003–present
Predecessor	GM N platform GM2900 platform
Class	Mid-size (C/D) platform
Similar	Nissan D platform Ford EUCD platform Ford CD3 platform

Epsilon is General Motors' new mid-size front-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture 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 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.

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.

Control of the Epsilon platform has passed, as of 2005, to GM Europe. Headquartered with Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, GM Europe will be responsible for all future Epsilon product decisions other than Saab and Cadillac models.

One reason for this central "homeroom" of Epsilon development was because of slight differences in the platform. GM assumed that all cars based on the platform were exactly the same underneath. This led Pontiac to approve a G6 convertible, since the 9-3 is available as a convertible. Unbeknownst to GM NA, Saab had changed some of the "points" of the platform when it developed the 9-3 to suit its production line, meaning Pontiac could not build it at the Orion Township^{[citation needed]} plant. Pontiac only discovered the difference shortly before the convertible was set for production, which led to the convertible being pushed back. The Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible became available in spring 2006.

1 Vehicles
2 Epsilon II
3 References
4 Links
5 See also

[edit] Vehicles

Current vehicles based on this 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

Future vehicles using this platform:

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform:

2006 Alfa Romeo Spider replacement (AWD, eventually used the GM/Fiat Premium platform)
2006 small Buick

[edit] Epsilon II

A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon II, will debut in 2008. It will be adaptable for front and all-wheel drive applications.

Although "crossover SUVs" were planned for the original Epsilon platform, none were produced. Epsilon 2 also has this vehicle type planned, but they are more likely to use the planned Theta Premium architecture.

Opel has reportedly designed a new flagship model based on Epsilon 2 which would succeed the Omega and also be offered by Saturn. Or these vehicles could be based on the Lambda platform.

The Epsilon II will be used in the following vehicles: