GM Theta platform
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| GM Theta platform | |
| Manufacturer: | General Motors |
|---|---|
| Production: | 2002–present |
| Class: | Compact/mid-size crossover SUV |
| Similar: | Chrysler KJ platform Ford CD3 platform Nissan F-Alpha platform |
| Vehicles: | Chevrolet Equinox Pontiac Torrent Saturn VUE Suzuki XL-7 |
Theta is General Motors' mid-size crossover SUV and compact SUV automobile platform. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the Saturn VUE (Theta, Compact SUV) and was later used for the Chevrolet Equinox (Extended Theta, Mid-Size Crossover SUV). The platform was developed by GM in North America. The Saturn was engineered in Michigan and the Equinox/Torrent were engineered by GM's Canadian Regional Engineering Center (CREC) in Oshawa, Ontario. Neither Suzuki nor GM's Shanghai, China operation, Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Center has had involvement in engineering or developing the Theta platform.
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[edit] Development
The Theta uses a four wheel independent suspension. Engine choices include the Ecotec Family II straight-4, 3400 V6, and even a Honda V6, the L66. A 5-speed automatic and two 5-speed manual transmissions are used.
The original Saturn VUE used a short 106.6 in (2708 mm) wheelbase, with a 61 in (1549 mm) track. The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent use a stretched 112.5 in (2857 mm) wheelbase, but shares much with the Saturn.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara, although similar in size and appearance to a Saturn VUE was developed entirely by Suzuki and is NOT a Theta derivative. The entire Grand Vitara chassis (inclusing both the front and rear suspensions) are substantially different from the Theta vehicles. The 2007 Suzuki XL7 is based on the Theta platform and is built alongside the Equinox and Torrent at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. It is the first non-GM branded vehicle to come off the Theta platform. Styled by Suzuki, the engineering was performed by GM engineers in the US and Canada.
Engineering for the Opel Antara, Chevrolet Captiva, and reported upcoming replacement for the Saturn VUE was performed in large part in Korea by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology.
[edit] Hybrids
The Saturn VUE was one of the first General Motors to get a hybrid vehicle powertrain, GM's Belt alternator starter system in 2006. The company also plans to add hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Captiva and Vauxhall/Opel Antara, but those will use GM's Two-Mode system instead of the BAS.
[edit] Vehicles
Current vehicles based on this platform:
- Short wheelbase
- 2002 Saturn VUE
- Long wheelbase
- 2005 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2006 Pontiac Torrent
- 2006 Chevrolet Captiva - 7-passenger SUV (Australia, Europe and South Korea only)
- 2007 Holden Captiva
- 2007 Opel/Vauxhall Antara
- 2007 Suzuki XL7
Future vehicles based on this platform:
- 5-door, long floorplan (S3X concept)
- 2-door coupe, short floorplan (T2X concept)
- 2007 Chevrolet Captiva - 5-passenger variant
- 2008 Saturn VUE (same as Antara)
[edit] Sub-Theta
GM is working on a "Sub-Theta" platform that will spawn compact SUVs comparable to the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Both Saturn and Chevrolet will get a model off of this platform, and GMC may also get one. The platform is expected to debut for 2009.
Recently it was announced that platform will now be based on the Delta Platform, with vehicles similar to the Chevy HHR. A GMC and Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn versions are also planned.
[edit] Theta Premium
In addition to the Sub-Theta, GM is also preparing a premium version of Theta. Reports differ, but the general consensus is that it is a combination of the current Theta and elements of the new Epsilon 2 architecture. So far, the only models planned are the Cadillac BRX, Saab 9-4X, and a possible Buick model.
Vehicles using Theta Premium:
- 2010 Cadillac BRX
- 2010 Saab 9-4X
- 2010 Opel/Vauxhall/Saturn MAV
[edit] See also
Current GM platforms:
