General Motors Theta platform

Main article: List of GM platforms
GM Theta platform
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2002–2017
Body and chassis
ClassCompact/Mid-size crossover SUV
VehiclesChevrolet Captiva
Chevrolet Captiva Sport
Chevrolet Equinox
Daewoo Winstorm
Pontiac Torrent
Saturn Vue
Suzuki XL7
GMC Terrain
Saab 9-4X
Opel Antara
Chronology
SuccessorGM D2XX platform (for short wheelbase)
GM C1XX platform (for long wheelbase and Theta Premium)
GM VSS-S

Theta is General Motors' automobile platform for compact/mid-size crossover SUVs. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the Saturn Vue and was later used for the Chevrolet Equinox and Captiva and similar models.

Development

The Theta uses a four-wheel independent suspension. Engine choices include the Family II straight-4, Ecotec 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 share much with the Saturn.

The Suzuki Grand Vitara, although similar in size and appearance to a Saturn Vue, was developed by Suzuki using some Theta components, but should not be considered a Theta derivative.

Engineering for the Opel Antara and Chevrolet Captiva was performed in large part in Korea by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, and by Opel in Germany.

Hybrids

The Saturn Vue was one of the first of General Motors' vehicles to be offered with a hybrid powertrain, GM's belt alternator starter (BAS) system, in 2006.

Vehicles

  • Short wheelbase
    • 2002-2007 Saturn Vue
    • 2006–2015 Opel Antara
      • 2006-2011 Daewoo Winstorm MaXX*
      • 2006–2017 Chevrolet Captiva Sport*
      • 2008-2010 Saturn Vue*
      • 2008-2010 GMC Terrain sold in Middle East*
      • 2006-2008 Holden Captiva Maxx*
      • 2009–2017 Holden Captiva 5*
    • 2006–present Chevrolet Captiva
      • 2006-2011 Daewoo Winstorm**
      • 2006–2017 Holden Captiva 7**

Note: Vehicles with "*" are rebadged versions of the Opel Antara
Note: Vehicles with "**" are rebadged versions of the Chevrolet Captiva

Concepts

Theta Premium

2010 Cadillac SRX

General Motors has created a premium version of Theta for luxury applications. It mixed elements of the current Theta and the new Epsilon 2 architecture.[1] Thus this platform is sometimes also referred to as Theta-Epsilon (GMT166).[2] Theta Premium supports larger models than the standard platform.

Vehicles using Theta Premium:

References

  1. ^ Davis, Matt (April 2011). "Saab 9-4X". Auto Express. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
  2. ^ Lassa, Todd (December 2008). "Caddyshock! GM Bets Big On Cadillac". Motor Trend. Retrieved 20 February 2012.