GM G platform (RWD)
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The General Motors G platform (also called G-body) was used for GM mid-size cars such as Buick Regal and Chevrolet Malibu. This automobile platform letter was used twice. The current G-bodies use the front wheel drive version.
The first G-bodies were rear-wheel drive and built from 1982 to 1988. This generation of cars actually began production in 1978 under the A-body classification. Following the downsizing of the 1977 Impala and full-size, the intermediates were next, shrinking to roughly the size of the previous Chevrolet Nova compacts, with 6 passenger seating, and bringing down the wagon body style. The Buick and Oldsmobile were introduced with fastback coupe styles which were not well received, while the Chevy and Pontiac got notchbacks. The later notchback coupes were popular in NASCAR and lowriders. Another interesting design compromise was non-lowering rear door windows on 4 door models. These competed with the Ford Fox platform cars like the Fairmont and Thunderbird, and various Chrysler K and Plymouth Volare variants.
The front wheel drive A-body was supposed to replace the old rear wheel drive A-body cars in 1981, but due to high sales, the rear wheel drive cars remained in production under the G-body classification. Most new cars moved in 1988 to the new GM W platform, although the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville moved to the H-body (introduced in 1986).
The coupes with formal rooflines (Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Cutlass Supreme, Cutlass Supreme Classic (1988), Cutlass Calais (until 1985), Cutlass Salon (1986-1987) and Regal) were dubbed as the G-Special. These Specials were known as the A-Special prior to 1981.
Chick Hicks of the Cars (movie) is a 1980s G body, most likely a Buick Regal, but also similar to a Monte Carlo.
Vehicles
This family consisted of:- Buick Grand National (1982, 1984-1987)
- Buick Regal (1982-1987)
- Chevrolet El Camino (1982-1987)
- Chevrolet Malibu (1982-1983)
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1982-1988)
- GMC Caballero (1982-1987)
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (1982-1988)
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Calais (1978-1984)
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser (1978-1984)
- Oldsmobile Cutlass Salon (1985-1987)
- Pontiac Bonneville (1982-1986)
- Pontiac Grand Prix (1982-1987)
Performance vehicles
Performance applications include:- 1981-1982 Buick Regal Sport Coupe 3.8 L (231 in³) V6 Turbo
- 1982-1987 Chevrolet El Camino SS 5.0 L (305 in³)/5.7L (350 in³) V8
- 1983-1984 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 5.0 L (307 in³) HO V8
- There is also speculation that 3 Hurst/Olds editions were made using 1988 Cutlass Supreme Classic bodies. These were not marketed through GM though. There was also a Hurst/Olds body kit available in 1988.
Links
[GBodyForum.com -- '78-'88 GM A/G Body Community]
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