GM Epsilon platform

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.

Main article: List of GM platforms
GM Epsilon platform
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2002–present
Body and chassis
ClassCompact executive car (D) platform
Mid-size (D) platform
Large car (E) platform
LayoutTransverse[1] 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
VehiclesBuick 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
RelatedGM Alpha platform
Powertrain
Engine(s)Gasoline/Petrol engines:
Ecotec I4
Ecotec Family 1 I4
54° V6
High Value V6
High Feature V6
Diesel engines:
Multijet I4, I5
Family B I4
Dmax V6
Chronology
PredecessorGM N platform
GM2900 platform
GM W platform
GM G platform
GM Zeta Platform

A total of 16 different models have made use of the GM Epsilon platform, some of which remain in production 17 years after the platform debuted.

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:

  • Opel Vectra C
  • Vauxhall Vectra
  • Holden Vectra
  • Chevrolet Vectra
  • Saab 9-3
  • Saab 9-3 Convertible
  • Saab 9-3 SportCombi
  • Saab 9-3X
  • Cadillac BLS
  • Cadillac BLS Wagon
  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Chevrolet Malibu MaXX
  • Opel Vectra C Caravan
  • Vauxhall Vectra Estate
  • Opel Signum
  • Vauxhall Signum
  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Pontiac G6
  • Pontiac G6 Coupe
  • Pontiac G6 Convertible
  • Saturn Aura
  • Fiat Croma

Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform:

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.[2]

Current and announced vehicles built on Epsilon II:

  • Opel Insignia
  • Opel Insignia OPC
  • Opel Insignia Sports Tourer
  • Vauxhall Insignia
  • Vauxhall Insignia Estate
  • Buick Regal
  • Buick Regal GS
  • Holden Insignia VXR
  • Chevrolet Vectra
  • Buick LaCrosse
  • Alpheon EL300
  • Roewe 950
  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Chevrolet Impala
  • Cadillac XTS
  • Saab 9-5

Concept vehicles built on Epsilon II:

  • Buick Riviera Concept (2007)
  • Opel GTC Concept

E2XX

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

The E2XX platform targets weight reductions and longer wheelbases.

Vehicles

Vehicle built on E2XX:


  • Chevrolet Malibu
  • Opel Insignia Grand Sport
  • Opel Insignia Sports Tourer
  • Opel Insignia Country Tourer
  • Opel Insignia GSi
  • Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport
  • Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer
  • Buick Regal Sportback
  • Buick Regal GS
  • Buick Regal TourX
  • Holden Commodore (ZB)
  • Holden Commodore (ZB) Tourer
  • Cadillac XT4
  • Buick Envision

P2XX

P2XX is the longer variant of the E2XX platform.

Vehicle built on P2XX:

  • Buick LaCrosse

C1XX

C1XX is the crossover variant of the E2XX platform, replacing the Theta Premium and Lambda platforms.

Vehicles built on C1XX:

Smaller mid-size:

  • Cadillac XT5
  • Chevrolet Blazer
  • GMC Acadia
  • Holden Acadia

Larger mid-size:

  • Buick Enclave
  • Cadillac XT6
  • Chevrolet Blazer


Full size:

  • Buick Enclave
  • Chevrolet Traverse

Footnotes
  1. https://www.autoevolution.com/news/general-motors-vehicle-platforms-explained-from-the-gamma-to-the-all-new-gm-omega-platform-93953.html
  2. Meiners, Jens (May 2009). "Spied: 2010 Saab 9-5". Car and Driver. Hearst Magazines. Retrieved 2013-05-05.
  3. Sutcliffe, Ashley (12 April 2012). "Roewe | Roewe 950 hits the market, priced competitively". chinacartimes.com. China Car Times – China Auto News. Archived from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 2 October 2012.

References
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