General Motors Theta platform

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
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production2002–2017
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)
GM VSS-S

Development

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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 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

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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

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  • 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

Theta Premium

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2010 Cadillac SRX

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:

References

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  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.