New version of the Epsilon platform
Thread Starter
Moderator Alumni
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-11-04
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 0
From: NJ
New version of the Epsilon platform
DETROIT -- General Motors is developing a new version of its mid-sized front-wheel-drive Epsilon architecture to add a sport wagon at Saturn and possibly at other GM divisions worldwide.
Company sources say GM will use the architecture, internally known as Epsilon 2, to enter new segments. The current Epsilon is GM's highest-volume global car architecture. Saturn will be the initial North American beneficiary with a new crossover vehicle or a sport wagon by 2009 or 2010, a GM source says. Those Saturn vehicles will be developed jointly with Opel.
"You'll see a crossover vehicle as a variant, a multiactivity vehicle or even a pseudo-wagon," the source says. "Saturn products will be flexible and moveable, and we will continue to move in that direction."
The upgraded architecture will be applied to the next generation of the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saab 9-3, says Gene Stefanyshyn, Epsilon vehicle line executive.
GM uses the term "architecture" to signify a set of common components, performance characteristics, manufacturing process, connecting points and a range of dimensions for key component systems.
GM's key goal is flexibility. Vehicles developed on the Epsilon 2 architecture will have a greater range in wheelbase and width than current Epsilon products. Overall length likely will stay the same, Stefanyshyn says.
European synergy
Insiders say Epsilon 2 also presents an opportunity for GM to benefit further from European operations.
Jim Hall, an analyst with AutoPacific of Southfield, Mich., says development work on Epsilon 2 is necessary because the current version has been in use since early in 2002.
"Cadence is enormously important here," says Hall. "They've got to kick out the product, especially in Europe where the competition is murderous."
Hall says the original Epsilon, which was introduced on the Opel Vectra, was successful as a global architecture. But GM needs to cut lag time between European and North American launches.
"These are huge volume vehicles," Hall says. "If there is too much lag, (GM) won't realize the potential of getting up front supplier savings."
The Epsilon 2 architecture already is being designed into the next-generation Vectra. That vehicle will debut in 2008 or 2009.
Company sources say GM will use the architecture, internally known as Epsilon 2, to enter new segments. The current Epsilon is GM's highest-volume global car architecture. Saturn will be the initial North American beneficiary with a new crossover vehicle or a sport wagon by 2009 or 2010, a GM source says. Those Saturn vehicles will be developed jointly with Opel.
"You'll see a crossover vehicle as a variant, a multiactivity vehicle or even a pseudo-wagon," the source says. "Saturn products will be flexible and moveable, and we will continue to move in that direction."
The upgraded architecture will be applied to the next generation of the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saab 9-3, says Gene Stefanyshyn, Epsilon vehicle line executive.
GM uses the term "architecture" to signify a set of common components, performance characteristics, manufacturing process, connecting points and a range of dimensions for key component systems.
GM's key goal is flexibility. Vehicles developed on the Epsilon 2 architecture will have a greater range in wheelbase and width than current Epsilon products. Overall length likely will stay the same, Stefanyshyn says.
European synergy
Insiders say Epsilon 2 also presents an opportunity for GM to benefit further from European operations.
Jim Hall, an analyst with AutoPacific of Southfield, Mich., says development work on Epsilon 2 is necessary because the current version has been in use since early in 2002.
"Cadence is enormously important here," says Hall. "They've got to kick out the product, especially in Europe where the competition is murderous."
Hall says the original Epsilon, which was introduced on the Opel Vectra, was successful as a global architecture. But GM needs to cut lag time between European and North American launches.
"These are huge volume vehicles," Hall says. "If there is too much lag, (GM) won't realize the potential of getting up front supplier savings."
The Epsilon 2 architecture already is being designed into the next-generation Vectra. That vehicle will debut in 2008 or 2009.
New Member
Joined: 02-02-05
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: fla
I have a 2004 malibu Maxx and It is based on the saab Epsilon platform.. and may I say it rides and drives great .. I got it last yr for the wife and she loves it .. It's a lot better then the two door cavy we have.. now that we have a 5 month old lil girl the wife loves the four door
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
