GM Epsilon platform
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Epsilon is General Motors' new mid-size front wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture debuted in the 2003 Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra. 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 2004, 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 replaces the N platform in the US, beginning in 2006.
Many of the Epsilon vehicles will use the Ecotec I4 and V6 engines.
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Vehicles
Current vehicles based on this platform:
- 2003 Opel Vectra
- 2003 Saab 9-3
- 2004 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2004 Opel Signum
- 2005 Pontiac G6
- 2005 Fiat Croma
Future vehicles using this platform:
- 2006 Saturn Aura
- 2007 Cadillac BLS (Europe only, small FWD sedan)
- 2007 mid-size Holden
Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform:
- 2006 Alfa Romeo Spider replacement (AWD, eventual used the GM/Fiat Premium platform)
- 2006 small Buick
Epsilon 2
A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon 2, will debut in 2008. It will be adaptable for front, rear, 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.
Epsilon 2 will be used in the following vehicles:
- 2008 Opel Vectra
- 2009 Chevrolet Malibu
- 2009 Pontiac G6
- 2009 Saab 9-3
- 2009 Saab 9-5
- 2009 Saturn Aura
- 2009 Saturn sport wagon
- 2009 Cadillac BRX sport wagon
- 2009 Saab 9-4X sport wagon
- 2010 Cadillac BLS (global)
- 2010 Other sport wagons
References
See also
Current GM platforms: