GM Zeta platform
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| GM Zeta platform | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | Global RWD Architecture |
| Production | 2006–present |
| Predecessor | GM W platform GM V platform (RWD) |
| Class | Mid-size Full-size |
| Body style(s) | 2-door coupe 2-door convertible 4-door sedan 5-door Station wagon |
Zeta is the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was engineered by Holden of Australia and was most recently referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta will replace the V-body and the W-body after 2010. North American adoption was reported to be temporarily suspended because of expected higher fuel consumption standards in the U.S., but GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz has more recently stated that Zeta development is once again on track. [1] [2]
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[edit] Development
Development was started in late 1999 by Holden of Australia in order to replace the aging V-body platform underpinning their Commodore VT-VZ platform after sister division Opel announced that the Opel Omega (on which the Commodore was based) would be discontinued. Principal development on the VE Commodore was completed by July 2004 at a cost of approaching AU$ 1,000,000,000 and the first testing mules underwent trials later that year. General Motors global corporate headquarters took notice of the VE design and began studies on the utilization of the underlying architecture (internally christened Zeta by GM engineers) for a range of future products on a global scale. The idea of Zeta as a global platform was officially revived when GM announced the future Camaro would use the Zeta platform.
[edit] Features
The Zeta architecture is very flexible and can accommodate a wide variety of automotive design features such as wheelbase length, ride height, windshield rake and roof line without adversely affecting chassis rigidity. Zeta's suspension system is all wheel independent and utilizes a MacPherson strut coupled with a dual ball joint lower A-arm for the front and a four link independent setup for the rear wheels. The engine is mounted slightly behind the front axle giving improved weight distribution.
[edit] Vehicles
Current vehicles using this platform:
- 2006 Holden VE Commodore / 2006 HSV E Series / 2007 Vauxhall VXR8 / 2007 Chevrolet Lumina / 2008 Pontiac G8
- 2006 Holden WM Statesman/Caprice / 2007 Chevrolet Caprice / 2008 Daewoo L4X / 2007 Buick Park Avenue
- 2007 Holden Ute
Future vehicles confirmed to be using this platform:
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
[edit] References
- Camaro tops GM's rwd list; Buick Velite concept, Pontiac GTO and Impala also possibilities. AutoWeek. Retrieved on January 16, 2006.
- Moving Up? Impala goes back to rwd in '09. AutoWeek. Retrieved on November 14, 2006.
- GM to Build New Car Based on Zeta Platform. Detroit Free Press (via Automotive Blogs). Retrieved on December 10, 2006.
- It's official: Pontiac GTO will return!. Leftlanenews.
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