GM K platform (1980)
The General Motors K platform (commonly called the K-body) was an automobile platform designation used for front wheel drive Cadillac models beginning in 1980. It replaced the rear wheel drive K platform.
| GM K platform (FWD) | |
|---|---|
 1986-1988 Cadillac Seville | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Also called | K-Body |
| Production | 1980–1999 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style(s) | 4-door sedan |
| Vehicles | Cadillac Sedan Deville Cadillac Seville |
| Related | GM C platform (FWD) GM H platform (FWD) GM G platform (FWD) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | GM K platform |
| Successor | GM G platform |
The K-body designation was used for sedans; similar coupé models used the nearly identical GM E platform. The GM G platform (FWD) was also based on the K. Beginning in 1986 K- and E-bodies were produced at GM's high-tech Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant. Unlike the E-body, the K designation has been exclusive to Cadillac.
The original FWD K-body Cadillac Seville was shared with the downsized E-body Cadillac Eldorado beginning in 1980. In 1986, the Seville was replaced with an even smaller front wheel drive model, also given the K designation. This new model featured a transversely mounted engine instead of a longitudinally mounted one like its predecessor. The Seville was lengthened in 1992, and the DeVille was moved from the GM C platform to the K platform in 1994. Starting with the 1998 Cadillac Seville, the K platform vehicles were moved to the G platform, however GM continued to call it the K platform.[1]
Vehicles
- 1980–1997 Cadillac Seville
- 1994–1999 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
References
- Frame, Phil (16 January 1995). "GM H CARS MOVE TO G PLATFORM". Automotive News. Archived from the original on 17 May 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
