Epsilon is General Motors' mid-sizefront-wheel driveautomobile platform. The architecture was developed by Opel, and debuted in the 2002 Opel Vectra and 2003 Saab 9-3. Since this platform falls squarely in the center of the worldwide automobile market, GM plans to produce a great many Epsilon vehicles with over a dozen variations., it was GM's highest volume worldwide platform. Even after the dissolution of the GM/Fiat partnership, both companies retain the rights to continue developing Epsilon-derived models. A total of 16 different models have made use of the GM Epsilon platform, some of which remain in production 17 years after the platform debuted.
Features
GM's Epsilon platform replaced the N platform in the US, and replaced the GM2900 platform elsewhere. Vehicles of this platform generally carry the symbol "Z" in the fourth digit of their VINs. When the platform debuted, there was talk of an "Epsilon Wide" derivative, which was supposed to have provided the underpinnings for the Buick LaCrosse and Saab 9-5. However, the program was cancelled and the LaCrosse was put on the W platform, and the 9-5 was given a quick refresh for the 2006 model year. Many of the Epsilon vehicles use the Ecotec Inline-four engines and both the High Value and High FeatureV6 engines. The refreshed 2008 SAAB 9-3 debuted with an advanced version of all-wheel-drive it dubbed XWD, finally giving a definitive answer to rumors about the platform's ability to support AWD, which had been around since the debut of the platform. The Lambda and Theta Premiumcrossover platforms are derived from Epsilon.
A new version of the Epsilon, dubbed Epsilon II, debuted in 2008. It is adaptable for front and all-wheel drive applications. In long wheelbase format, Epsilon II supports US EPALarge Cars, allowing GM to replace the G and W platforms. The architecture was developed by Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Many safety features and AWD fitment modifications were done by Saab. Current and announced vehicles built on Epsilon II:
E2XX is the successor to the Epsilon II platform. It is a fork of the Epsilon II platform, consistent with other platform revamps, such as D2XX. The E2XX platform targets weight reduction, improved interior, and longer wheelbases.
