GM Theta platform

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

Main article: List of GM platforms
GM Theta platform
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2002–present
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)

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 shares 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. The Grand Vitara front and rear suspensions are substantially different from the Theta vehicles. The 2007 Suzuki XL7 is based on the Theta platform and is built alongside the Equinox and Torrent at CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. It is the first non-GM branded vehicle to come off the Theta platform. Styled by Suzuki, the engineering was performed by GM engineers in the US and Canada.

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 as well.

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

  • Chevrolet S3X/T2X

Theta Premium
2010 Cadillac SRX

General Motors has created a premium version of Theta for luxury applications. Reports differ, but the consensus is that it is a combination of the current Theta and elements of 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.
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