GM Alpha platform
Encyclopedia
Alpha is rumored to be General Motors
' future compact
to mid-size rear wheel drive automobile platform
. Reports indicate that the new platform may share some components with the smaller GM Kappa platform
and the larger GM Zeta platform
. New reports are stating that the platform could be shelved or delayed due to cost-cutting measures after GM's bankruptcy.
's TT36 Torana
concept project of 2004. At that stage, Holden was strongly interested in developing GM's
then-idea of a small RWD style platform to go up against the BMW 3-Series range. The company took this concept and worked through GM's parts bin to come away with the end product. Holden borrowed parts and modules from various other GM platforms, the key contributor being its Kappa platform
. The Kappa platform's double-A-arm front and rear suspensions provided the basis for the platform's Lower Dominate Structure (LDS). The platform's unique LDS forms its backbone, whilst at the same time providing a stronger, tighter base to work with, giving any car which receives the platform a better chance of achieving high-performance goals. By using an LDS, it gives both designers and engineers more flexibility in relation to the design of the upper body of the car, while also maximising space efficiency.
While the TT36 concept was displayed with a twin-turbo Alloytec V6
engine, both the car and platform were developed to handle various engines, with smaller 4-cylinder petrol & diesel engines, as well as larger V8 engines, capable of being placed within a car underpinned by the Alpha platform. With the addition of certain components, AWD vehicles are a possibility with this platform.
Holden's TT36 concept car was showcased at the 2004 Australian International Motor Show, previewing two key ideas: both design language for the-then upcoming VE Commodore as well as showcasing the potential for a smaller, more affordable, RWD
vehicle. Plans failed to move dramatically forward within the next 18 months, but sources of late have indicated that GM has given the green light to the project, with the new platform to underpin a Cadillac BMW 3-Series competitor, possibly appearing by 2013, and a possible replacement for the Holden Commodore
and Chevrolet Impala
on a long-wheelbase version in 2015. Alpha is also rumored to be the basis for the next generation Chevrolet Camaro
.
compact luxury
concept car to journalists, reportedly on the rear wheel drive Alpha platform.
Motor Trend has reported GM will start selling Alpha platform based vehicles in 2014, which will include the new Cadillac ATS, the third generation Cadillac CTS, and the 6th generation 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. The platform is expected to be smaller, lighter and less costly than the current Zeta platform it is replacing.
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
' future compact
Compact car
A compact car , or small family car , is a classification of cars which are larger than a supermini but smaller than or equal to a mid-size car...
to mid-size rear wheel drive automobile platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
. Reports indicate that the new platform may share some components with the smaller GM Kappa platform
GM Kappa platform
Kappa was General Motors' subcompact rear-wheel drive automobile platform for roadster applications. The architecture debuted in the 2006 Pontiac Solstice and 2007 Saturn Sky, and ended production in 2009....
and the larger GM Zeta platform
GM Zeta platform
Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform. The architecture was engineered by Holden of Australia and was most recently referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta replaced the Australian V-body and was considered as the replacement...
. New reports are stating that the platform could be shelved or delayed due to cost-cutting measures after GM's bankruptcy.
History
The Alpha project can trace its roots back to HoldenHolden
GM Holden Ltd is an automaker that operates in Australia, based in Port Melbourne, Victoria. The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer. In 1908 it moved into the automotive field, before becoming a subsidiary of the U.S.-based General Motors in 1931...
's TT36 Torana
Holden Torana
The Holden Torana is a car which was produced by General Motors–Holden's , the Australian subsidiary of General Motors from 1967 to 1980. The name comes from an Aboriginal word meaning "to fly". The first Torana appeared in 1967 and was a four-cylinder compact vehicle that had its origins in the...
concept project of 2004. At that stage, Holden was strongly interested in developing GM's
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
then-idea of a small RWD style platform to go up against the BMW 3-Series range. The company took this concept and worked through GM's parts bin to come away with the end product. Holden borrowed parts and modules from various other GM platforms, the key contributor being its Kappa platform
GM Kappa platform
Kappa was General Motors' subcompact rear-wheel drive automobile platform for roadster applications. The architecture debuted in the 2006 Pontiac Solstice and 2007 Saturn Sky, and ended production in 2009....
. The Kappa platform's double-A-arm front and rear suspensions provided the basis for the platform's Lower Dominate Structure (LDS). The platform's unique LDS forms its backbone, whilst at the same time providing a stronger, tighter base to work with, giving any car which receives the platform a better chance of achieving high-performance goals. By using an LDS, it gives both designers and engineers more flexibility in relation to the design of the upper body of the car, while also maximising space efficiency.
While the TT36 concept was displayed with a twin-turbo Alloytec V6
GM High Feature engine
The 3600 LY7 are members of General Motors' new High Feature engine family of modern DOHC V6s. This new family of engines was introduced in 2004 with the Cadillac CTS. Holden sells the HFV6 under the name Alloytec. The High Feature moniker on the Holden produced engine is reserved for the twin...
engine, both the car and platform were developed to handle various engines, with smaller 4-cylinder petrol & diesel engines, as well as larger V8 engines, capable of being placed within a car underpinned by the Alpha platform. With the addition of certain components, AWD vehicles are a possibility with this platform.
Holden's TT36 concept car was showcased at the 2004 Australian International Motor Show, previewing two key ideas: both design language for the-then upcoming VE Commodore as well as showcasing the potential for a smaller, more affordable, RWD
RWD
RWD may refer to:* Rear-wheel drive, method of propulsion in an automobile* RWD , Polish aircraft manufacturer* RWD Technologies, software vendor of electronic performance support systems* Rewind Magazine, British based music magazine...
vehicle. Plans failed to move dramatically forward within the next 18 months, but sources of late have indicated that GM has given the green light to the project, with the new platform to underpin a Cadillac BMW 3-Series competitor, possibly appearing by 2013, and a possible replacement for the Holden Commodore
Holden Commodore
The Holden Commodore is an automobile manufactured since 1978 by the Holden subsidiary of General Motors in Australia, and, formerly, in New Zealand. In the mid-1970s, Holden established proposals to replace the long-serving Kingswood nameplate with a smaller, Opel-based model...
and Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala is a full-size automobile built by the Chevrolet division of General Motors introduced for the 1958 model year. Deriving its name from the southern African antelope, Chevrolet's most expensive passenger model through 1965 had become the best-selling automobile in the United...
on a long-wheelbase version in 2015. Alpha is also rumored to be the basis for the next generation Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is an automobile manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand, classified as a pony car and some versions also as a muscle car. It went on sale on September 29, 1966, for the 1967 model year and was designed as a competing model to the Ford Mustang...
.
Vehicles
On August 11, 2009, GM revealed the Cadillac ATSCadillac ATS
The Cadillac ATS is an upcoming compact luxury sedan from Cadillac. Currently, General Motors considers ATS a "codename" for the model, which means the final production name may change. It will be smaller than the Cadillac CTS, but roughly the size of the ELR, and is intended to compete with the...
compact luxury
Compact executive car
Compact executive car is a car classification term applied to premium cars smaller than executive cars. In European classification, compact executive cars are part of the D-segment. In North American terms, close equivalents are compact premium car, compact luxury car, entry-level luxury car and...
concept car to journalists, reportedly on the rear wheel drive Alpha platform.
Motor Trend has reported GM will start selling Alpha platform based vehicles in 2014, which will include the new Cadillac ATS, the third generation Cadillac CTS, and the 6th generation 2015 Chevrolet Camaro. The platform is expected to be smaller, lighter and less costly than the current Zeta platform it is replacing.
Sources
- Wheels MagazineWheels magazineWheels is an Australian automotive magazine published monthly by ACP Magazines. The publication is well-renowned by Australian car enthusiasts...
November 2004, Pg's 48-56