GM's new compact front-wheel-drive platform created to replace the Delta platform is longer with a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. This will give allow it to underpin at least eight new models in a range of segments and markets around the world. Compare that to the current Delta platform, which sits under just six models (including the current Cobalt and coming Astra), all of them small or mid-sized vehicles.
The as-yet-unnamed platform is expected by 2012 to be produced in volumes exceeding one million units per year. It will form the basis for small, economy models to be sold in emerging markets for under $10,000, as well as luxury models sold in Europe for $40,000, and everything in between. The extra length will also allow it to underpin a small Chevy minivan or CUV, as well as a 7-passenger SUV replacement for the Opel Zafira. Other variants include the next-gen Saturn Astra in 2009 or 2010, a South-Korean-market Daewoo, a European Chevrolet, a China-market Buick, the Chevy Volt, and a potential Saab model.
The new platform will also allow GM to exploit the economies of scale that it can't do now with the Delta, because region-specific engineering has often made the platform unusable in some markets. The new platform "will be identical across the globe," and the same suppliers will be used in many cases, hopefully allowing GM to take real advantage of the global platform its been working on for some time now. In the mean time, the Cobalt is expected to ditch the Delta platform in favor of the also front-wheel-drive Gamma platform, and the Pontiac G5 will be put on the Alpha rear-wheel-drive platform, all according to Automotive News. Mmm... a RWD Pontiac G5 would almost make up for the current model.
[Source: Auto News, sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Pete @ Nov 26th 2007 3:57PM
EXCELLENT!
James @ Nov 26th 2007 4:03PM
if you ask me who is on the right track to succede it is GM. Unlike ford they are taking the right steps. in four to five years GM cars will be made as good if not better than most makers. gm good job
Ten Gears http://www.tengears.com
J.Crew @ Nov 26th 2007 4:03PM
Wow, that is pretty diverse. I would imagine they will use some new materials in this structure if they are going world wide in the application. High strength steel, maybe some aluminum? Lighter, faster, and stronger I hope?
aman @ Nov 26th 2007 4:08PM
ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelabration time COME ON!
i think Pontiac (and GM as a whole) is moving in the right direction. good job
aman @ Nov 26th 2007 4:08PM
ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelabration time COME ON!
i think Pontiac (and GM as a whole) is moving in the right direction. good job
aman @ Nov 26th 2007 4:08PM
ceeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelabration time COME ON!
i think Pontiac (and GM as a whole) is moving in the right direction. good job.
seoultrain @ Nov 26th 2007 4:12PM
a little too much celebration, there.
seoultrain @ Nov 26th 2007 4:18PM
Can someone explain what exactly constitutes a platform? Basically, what will the $10k economy car and the $40k luxury car share?
elprogramer @ Nov 26th 2007 4:26PM
Chassis, engine placement, drive-train, suspension, etc.
CastleCharles @ Nov 26th 2007 4:29PM
Really..... anyone have time to take this one....
I'm just surprised someone on this blog needs this explanation.
mavkato @ Nov 26th 2007 4:34PM
think along the lines of what the toyota sienna and lexus rx share
Dave @ Nov 26th 2007 5:43PM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_platforms
aman @ Nov 26th 2007 4:29PM
"Basically, what will the $10k economy car and the $40k luxury car share?"
If the company is smart, nothing. although, there are some cars in tose price categories that do share certain things
geo.stewart @ Nov 26th 2007 4:37PM
well, lets see, the Ford GT and the Ford Focus shared the intermittent wiper stalk...
tikirob @ Nov 26th 2007 4:31PM
I just wish it was sooner...I'm really starting to dislike there current small car offerings.
Rob
http://www.movie-cat.com
The Other Bob @ Nov 26th 2007 4:34PM
So the Cobalt in going to the Gamma platform and the Malibu is almost as big as the Impala, and the Impala goes to rwd. There is a small hole in the lineup for a car on the new, bigger Delta platform about the size as the old Malibu. Maybe this is just fille dby the Volt? Doubtful. Maybe there will be another Chevy on the horizon.
RayJ @ Nov 26th 2007 4:43PM
Well think of it like this...the Saab 9-3, Malibu, Aura, Opel Vectra, and G6 are all on the Epsilon platform and the New Vue, Chevrolet Equinox and others are all modified version of that same platform. GM started doing this around 2000 world wide. Each will share metal underneath but on the outside will be different and while the suspension will basically be the same it will be calibrated to give totally different feels. This is great news also because it will mean even more cost saving and such.
So can you tell the 9-3 and the G6 are the same car if no one told you? NO and they have totally different crash test scores because each brand can adapt the platform to their own needs. Engine will also vary as we do not get half the engine choices that Europe and the rest of the world get.
roar @ Nov 26th 2007 5:28PM
Simplify the underpinnings and spend the money on exteriors and interiors. Make sure the vehicles exteriors and interiors are different enough so the buyers do not recognize them. Makes sense to me.
roar
Noidor @ Nov 26th 2007 5:55PM
I applaud GM, they are the prime example of what can be achieved if everybody finds common ground, common goal, and a plan how to get there. With exception of GMAC and UAW I think GM is on its way to profitability within next 2-3 years. I think US sales are going to be dismal because we are going to recession around February-March, but rest of NA should do well, Asia, South America, EU to an extent, should also provide considerable boost to GM. However, it is my strong belief that we are going to lose Chrysler probably by end of the decade.
rgt88@hotmail.com
whofan @ Nov 26th 2007 8:05PM
I sure hope we don`t lose Chrysler. I`m glad GM has a solid game plan and hope we as Americans start to be proud of what we achieve again.
If Japan can have five or six profitable Auto manufactures. The US should be able to support the three it has. If we keep losing our ability to produce a gross national product we are in trouble.
Chrysler and Ford both must live along with GM!
Prosperity gives us a good life style and hope for a good life.