GM G platform
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The General Motors G platform (also called G-Body) automobile platform name was used twice. The current G-bodies use the front wheel drive version.
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RWD
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. The FWD A-Body was supposed to replace the old RWD A-Body cars in '82 but due to high sales, the RWD cars remained in production under the classification G-Body until they were replaced in 1988 with the new long-wheelbase GM W-Body platform.
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 G-Special. These Specials were known as A-Special prior to 1982.
Vehicles
This family consisted of:
- Buick Century (A-car period only)
- Buick Grand National (G-car period only)
- Buick Regal
- Chevrolet El Camino
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo
- GMC Caballero
- Oldsmobile Cutlass
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon
- Pontiac Bonneville (G-car period only)
- Pontiac Grand Prix
- Pontiac Grand Am (A-car period only)
- Pontiac Le Mans (A-car period only)
Performance vehicles
Performance applications include:
- 1978-1980 Oldsmobile 442 5.7 L (350 in³) V8
- 1978-1983 Buick Regal Sport Coupe 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
- 1978-1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS 5.0 L (305 in³)/5.7L (350 in³) V8
- 1979 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 5.7 L (350 in³) V8
- 1980 Chevrolet Malibu M80 5.0 L (305 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
- 1984-1986 Buick Regal T-Type 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
- 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 guages, 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.
FWD
The second G-body platform (the GMX690) was used for front wheel drive luxury cars from 1995. The new G-body was based on Cadillac's K-body architecture. The Buick Riviera moved up from the GM E platform, while the Oldsmobile Aurora was a new model. The Buick Park Avenue migrated to the G-body in 1997 and remained unchanged until its demise for 2005. The G platform was refreshed for 2000 and a two more large sedans moved to it, the Buick LeSabre and Pontiac Bonneville.
With the demise of the Bonneville, Park Avenue, and LeSabre after 2005, the only remaining G-body car will be the Buick Lucerne. This vehicle again shares a platform which is similar to the K-body. The K-body cars will also be replaced by a single ongoing model, the Cadillac DTS.
Applications:
| Years | Wheelbase | Model | Previous platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995-1999 | 113.8 in | Buick Riviera | GM E platform |
| 1995-1999 | Oldsmobile Aurora | New | |
| 1997-2005 | Buick Park Avenue | GM C platform | |
| 2000-2003 | 112.2 in | Oldsmobile Aurora | |
| 2000-2005 | Buick LeSabre | GM H platform | |
| 2000-2005 | Pontiac Bonneville | GM H platform | |
| 2006+ | 115.5 in | Buick Lucerne |