GM Delta platform

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Delta is General Motors' new compact front-wheel drive automobile platform, replacing the GM J platform. The platform debuted in the 2003 Saturn ION. Vehicles of this platform generally carry the symbol "A" in the fourth digit of their VINs. The architecture was developed in cooperation between GM North America and Opel in Germany and bears strong resemblance to the previous Opel Astra (GM2700/3000) platform. Due to that, it is often suggested that the 2004 Astra H/C is actually a Delta car and therefore the platform is in fact an evolution of the GM2700/3000.

The Volkswagen Jetta is said to have been the target for the design group. Delta uses an independent suspension in front and torsion bar type in the rear. The Ecotec Family II engine is widely used, as are a 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual transmission.

Control of the Delta platform has passed, as of 2005, to GM Europe. Headquartered with Opel in Rüsselsheim, Germany, GM Europe will be responsible for all future Delta product decisions. One of the first decisions of this group was to drop the "Delta" name for the platform.

Vehicles

Current vehicles based on this platform:

2003 Saturn ION
2004 Opel Astra H/C (speculative - see comment above)
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
2005 Pontiac Pursuit/G4 (Canada/Mexico only)
2005 Opel Zafira B (speculative - see comment above)
2006 Chevrolet HHR
2007 Pontiac G5 (USA/Canada/Mexico)

Possible future vehicles based on Delta:

2007/08 Saab Sonett IV
2008 Saab 9-1
2008 Saturn ION replacement (it is speculated that this will be the Opel Astra itself)

GM Delta platform

Vehicles

See also