GM A platform (1982)

Main article: GM A platform
GM A platform
Overview
Manufacturer General Motors
Production 19821996
Body and chassis
Class Mid-size
Layout Front engine, front-wheel drive/all-wheel drive (Pontiac 6000 only)
Body style(s) 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
4-door station wagon
Vehicles Buick Century
Chevrolet Celebrity
Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera/Cruiser
Pontiac 6000
Powertrain
Engine(s) Gasoline:
122 I4
Iron Duke I4
60° V6
Buick V6
Diesel:
Oldsmobile V6
Transmission(s) 3-speed 3T40 automatic
4-speed 4T60 automatic
4-speed 4T60-E automatic
5-speed Getrag manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 104.5 in (2,654 mm)
104.9 in (2,664 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor GM A platform (1936)
Successor GM W platform

The General Motors A platform (commonly called the A-body) was a mid-size car automobile platform designation used from 1982 to 1996. Previously the A body designation had been used for rear wheel drive mid-sized cars. The Chevrolet Celebrity and platform-mates were introduced in the 1982 model year which were essentially similar in mechanical design and interior space with the troubled X-car compacts, but long enough to be classified as intermediate cars with more traditional styling. They were initially offered alongside, but eventually supplanted rear-drive nameplates such as the Malibu for the intermediate niche.[1]

The A-body consisted of 4-door sedan, 2-door coupé and a 4-door station wagon It was updated in 1989 with a slightly longer wheelbase and a more rounded roofline (except for the Celebrity whose roofline remained unchanged as it was to be phased out in 1990). It also briefly saw duty as an All Wheel Drive platform for the Pontiac 6000.

Later GM platforms (specifically transaxle based, i.e. four-wheel drive and mid-engine rear-wheel drive) benefited from components and systems developed with the A-Body. Additionally the first generation U-body minivan (1990–1996) was constructed utilizing lightly modified A-body chassis.

The A-body began to be phased out in favor of the GM W platform beginning in 1990, although production did not end for the platform until 1996 due to popularity of the remaining models.

Applications:

External links

Notes

  1. 1982 Chevrolet Celebrity
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