General Motors' next-generation mid-sized vehicle architecture will be able to accommodate engines from around the world.
That means fuel-efficient diesels could come to North America from Europe by the end of the decade on the Epsilon 2 architecture. The next-generation of Epsilon in North America will have full access to all of the European powertrains.
When you look into the Chevrolet Malibu today or the Pontiac G6, they have certain limitations with regard to the size of the powertrain. With Epsilon 2, we can put Opel powertrains into those vehicles.
That will allow GM to react more quickly to changing market demands.
The Malibu, G6, Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3 are produced on the current generation of GM's front-wheel-drive mid-sized Epsilon architecture. But not all vehicles in the architecture can accommodate all engines.
Each region until now has engineered and designed their own products independently. Specifications are off just enough between vehicles that true interbuildability cannot be achieved.
The main characteristics of the current Epsilon architecture were developed with GM's Opel subsidiary in Germany. Engineering work on the next generation of vehicles is led by GM's technical center in Germany.
The goal is that vehicles on Epsilon 2 built around the world will share dimensions, components and manufacturing processes.
The sharing of engines falls under GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz's definition of interbuildability, a term that includes manufacturing and engineering.
GM has increased the range of dimensions on Epsilon 2. The front overhang has increased by 3 or 4 inches and so has the width and road height of the vehicle.
Global volume on the architecture is expected to exceed 1 million units GM said
GM uses the term "architecture" to signify a set of common components, performance characteristics, a common manufacturing process, a range of dimensions and connecting points for key component systems.
>>>For Sale? Clicky!<<<
-----The orginal Mr.Goodwrench on the JBO since 11/99-----
About time!!
Red 2005 Saturn Ion-3 Coupe
If it's not network news, it's probably the truth getting out.
