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.
| GM Theta platform | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2002–2017 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact/Mid-size crossover SUV |
| Vehicles | Chevrolet Captiva Chevrolet Captiva Sport Chevrolet Equinox Daewoo Winstorm Pontiac Torrent Saturn Vue Suzuki XL7 GMC Terrain Saab 9-4X Opel Antara |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | GM D2XX platform (for short wheelbase) GM C1XX platform (for long wheelbase and Theta Premium) GM VSS-S |
Development
editThe 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
editThe 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
edit- 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
- Long wheelbase
- 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2006-2009 Pontiac Torrent
- 2006-2009 Suzuki XL7
- 2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox
- 2010–2017 GMC Terrain
Concepts
Theta Premium
edit
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:
- 2010-2016 Cadillac SRX
- 2011 Saab 9-4X
References
edit- ^ Davis, Matt (April 2011). "Saab 9-4X". Auto Express. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ Lassa, Todd (December 2008). "Caddyshock! GM Bets Big On Cadillac". Motor Trend. Retrieved 20 February 2012.