Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-sizerear-wheel driveautomobile platform developed by GM's Australian subsidiary company Holden and was most recently referred to as the "Global RWD Architecture". The GM Zeta replaced the V-body, and debuted with 2006 Holden Commodoresedan and Holden Ute. This platform was considered as the replacement for the North AmericanW, H, and K platforms until plans were cancelled due to fuel-economy considerations and GM's financial situation. Although the future of the Zeta program was in doubt at that time, in May 2009, Holden began the development of an improved second version of the platform that went on to form the basis of the 2013 Commodore and Chevrolet SS. The 2010-15 fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro was the only Zeta platform model produced in North America. All other Zeta platform vehicles have been manufactured in Australia by Holden. In 2016, the Chevrolet Camaro debuted on the GM Alpha platform. Australian manufactured models include the long-wheelbase Holden WM Statesman/Caprice sedan and the high performance range produced by Holden Special Vehicles. On export markets, Holden-based models included the:
short-wheelbase Commodore -based Pontiac G8 and the Commodore -based Chevrolet SS
In December 2013, Holden announced that it will cease its local production by 2017 and, with it, the production of the GM Zeta platform. Production ended in October 2017.
Development
Development was started in late 1999 by Holden to replace the aging V-body platform underpinning the third generation Commodore that debuted in 1997, after Opel announced that its Omega would be discontinued. Principal development on the VE Commodore was completed by July 2004 at a cost approaching A$1 billion and the first testing mules underwent trials later that year. Unlike previous Holden platforms, the platform was designed around the LWB Caprice and Statesman initially and then shortened to create the Commodore. General Motors global corporate headquarters was impressed by the VE design and began studies on using the underlying architecture for a range of future products on a global scale. After the cancellation of the plan due to the fuel-economy considerations and GM's financial situation, the idea of Zeta as a global rear drive platform was revived with plans for the fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro of 2010.
Features
The Zeta architecture was designed for great flexibility and could accommodate a wide variety of automotive features such as wheelbase length, ride height, windshield rake and roof line. Zeta's suspension system was all wheel independent and utilizes a MacPherson strut coupled with a dual ball joint lower A-arm for the front and a four link independent setup for the rear wheels. The engine was mounted slightly behind the front axle giving improved weight distribution.
Further development
In May 2009, Holden began the re-engineering of the Zeta platform to create a lighter, stronger, better handling and more fuel efficient version. The improved second version of the platform formed the basis of the 2013 Commodore, which also spawned the 2013 Chevrolet SS that GM announced in May 2012 for the US market. This Chevrolet made its debut at the 2013 Daytona Shootout. The Holden VF Commodore, on which the Chevrolet SS is based, went on sale the same day in Australia.
End of production
In December 2013, Holden announced the end, at the Elizabeth plant in South Australia by the end of 2017 and, with it, that of the Zeta platform. Sigma-based vehicles that shared design engineering with Zeta transitioned to the Alpha platform, which used Zeta as its basis. In particular, the new-age Chevrolet Camaro transitioned to the Alpha platform in November 2015, with the launch of the 2016 sixth generation model.
Vehicles
The vehicles that have used the Zeta platform include:
