GM Lambda platform
Lambda is General Motors full-size or mid-size 3-row crossover SUV automobile platform. It is largely derived from the GM Epsilon platform, which underlies the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and similar models.
| GM Lambda platform | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2006–2017 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size crossover SUV |
| Layout | FF layout/All wheel drive |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Vehicles | Saturn Outlook (discontinued) GMC Acadia Buick Enclave Chevrolet Traverse |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission(s) | 6-speed automatic |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | GM U platform GMT360 GMT370 (For GMC Acadia) |
| Successor | GM C1XX platform |
The Buick Enclave concept car was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, and the Saturn Outlook was shown at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The 2007 Outlook and GMC Acadia went into production in late 2006, followed by the 2008 Enclave in mid-2007, and the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse in mid-2008.
Lambda vehicles feature easily accessible three-row seating. They were supplied with the LY7 3.6-liter V6. Starting with the 2009 model year all Lambda vehicles have GM LLT 3.6-liter gasoline direct injection engine for improved fuel efficiency, horsepower and torque. With the cancellation of GM's next-generation DOHC V8, it appears unlikely that GM will offer a V8 engine for Lambda. The platform has been designed for front and all-wheel drive applications.
Lambda vehicles are produced in the new Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan. The Traverse began production in September 2008 at a retooled Spring Hill Assembly Plant in Tennessee, but production was later moved to Lansing. GM discontinued the Outlook after the 2010 model year along with the entire Saturn brand.
Meanwhile, GM announced a second generation of its GMC Acadia for the 2013 model year, taking the bodyshell of the defunct Saturn Outlook, while at the same time, GM would refresh its Buick Enclave & Chevrolet Traverse vehicles.
Minivans
GM was considering replacing the U-body minivans with new minivans using the Lambda platform for the 2009 model year, but due to the decline of minivan sales the plan was cancelled.[1]
Vehicles
Vehicles based on this platform:
- 2007–2010 Saturn Outlook
- 2007–2016 GMC Acadia
- 2008–2017 Buick Enclave
- 2009–2017 Chevrolet Traverse
Sales
| Calendar Year | Total US sales | Acadia | Enclave | Outlook | Traverse |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 624 | 480 | - | 144 | - |
| 2007 | 136,799 | 72,765 | 29,286 | 34,748 | - |
| 2008 | 145,942 | 66,440 | 44,706 | 25,340 | 9,456 |
| 2009 | 201,159 | 53,820 | 43,150 | 13,115 | 91,074 |
| 2010 | 230,465 | 68,295 | 55,426 | 106,744 | |
| 2011 | 244,811 | 79,288 | 58,392 | 107,131 | |
| 2012 | 220,589 | 78,280 | 56,703 | 85,606 | |
| 2013 | 246,794 | 89,793 | 60,534 | 96,467 | |
| 2014 | 250,215 | 83,972 | 62,300 | 103,943 | |
| 2015[2] | 278,419 | 96,393 | 62,081 | 119,945 |
References
- Kranz, Rich (April 12, 2005). "GM lagging behind in booming sport wagon market". AutoWeek. Retrieved April 12, 2005.
- "GM Drops Plans for New DOHC V8 Engine in 2009". Edmunds' Inside Line. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved January 19, 2008.
- Kiley, David (November 22, 2006). "What Do Moms Want? GM's Minivan Issue". BusinessWeek. Archived from the original on July 1, 2009. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
- http://media.gm.com/dld/content/Pages/news/us/en/2016/Jan/0105-gmsales/_jcr_content/rightpar/sectioncontainer_0/par/download_0/file.res/GM-Deliveries-December-2015.pdf
