GM says next-gen Epsilon platform could enable automaker to bring diesels to U.S.

[nadepalma]

Source: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103189

GM says next-gen Epsilon platform could enable automaker to bring diesels to U.S.

JASON STEIN | Automotive News
Posted Date: 9/19/05

FRANKFURT -- General Motors' next-generation mid-sized vehicle architecture will be able to accommodate engines from around the world, a high-ranking GM executive says.

That means fuel-efficient diesels could come to North America from Europe by the end of the decade on the Epsilon 2 architecture, Hans Demant, managing director of Adam Opel AG, told Automotive News at the Frankfurt auto show last week.

"The next-generation of Epsilon in North America will have full access to all of the European powertrains," Demant said.

"When you look into the (Chevrolet) Malibu today or the Pontiac G6, they have certain limitations with regard to the size of the powertrain. With Epsilon 2, we can put our powertrains into those vehicles."

That will allow GM to react more quickly to changing market demands, Demant said.

The Malibu, G6, Opel Vectra and Saab 9-3 are produced on the current generation of GM's front-wheel-drive mid-sized Epsilon architecture. But not all vehicles in the architecture can accommodate all engines.

Each region until now has engineered and designed their own products independently. Specifications are off just enough between vehicles that true interbuildability cannot be achieved.

The main characteristics of the current Epsilon architecture were developed with GM's Opel subsidiary in Germany. Engineering work on the next generation of vehicles is led by GM's technical center in Germany.

The goal is that vehicles on Epsilon 2 built around the world will share dimensions, components and manufacturing processes.

The sharing of engines falls under GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz's definition of interbuildability, a term that includes manufacturing and engineering, Demant says.

"It is the total spectrum of options and features available for use anywhere," Demant says. "If someone says they want a diesel in North America … we have a high-efficient diesel engine, and we can ship it. The (architectures) will all share the same module. We'll just be able to stick it in."

Demant also said GM has increased the range of dimensions on Epsilon 2. The front overhang has increased by 3 or 4 inches and so has the width and road height of the vehicle.

Global volume on the architecture is expected to exceed 1 million units, he said.

GM uses the term "architecture" to signify a set of common components, performance characteristics, a common manufacturing process, a range of dimensions and connecting points for key component systems.

[wpbharry]

I JUST read about this in AutoWeek. VERY interesting about the increased size of Eps 2. Just yesterday, I mentioned that if the next Malibu was about 3-4 inches longer and somewhat wider, then the current Impala would be totally unnecssary. Good riddance.

And it also probably answers our question as to if the black mystery car in the Employee Pricing ad is the next Malibu, some expressing hesitation because it seemed quite a bit larger than the current one, well, the answer just fell into our laps.

[chevynj]

Originally Posted by wpbharry

I JUST read about this in AutoWeek. VERY interesting about the increased size of Eps 2. Just yesterday, I mentioned that if the next Malibu was about 3-4 inches longer and somewhat wider, then the current Impala would be totally unnecssary. Good riddance.

And it also probably answers our question as to if the black mystery car in the Employee Pricing ad is the next Malibu, some expressing hesitation because it seemed quite a bit larger than the current one, well, the answer just fell into our laps.

Could this mean that in the future the impala will also be made even bigger or more luxurious? The impala could be made big enough and nice enough to take what used to be the Caprice's place. Give it some decent power and you have another new police cruiser.

[pkd87]

Some great news. If the Malibu grows then maybe the Impala will get bigger and be RWD to compete with the Charger. Im glad that Diesels have a chance of making over here.

[chevynj]

Originally Posted by pkd87

Some great news. If the Malibu grows then maybe the Impala will get bigger and be RWD to compete with the Charger. Im glad that Diesels have a chance of making over here.

I saw an episode of Top Gear recently, i believe he raced a diesel Jag on the Nurburgring (crazy looking track, seriously) It took some getting used to bet eventually that car hauled some @$$ on that track, diesel wasn't exactly the same as gas, but for what we do with cars here it will be more than fine.

[tgagneguam]

A greater commonality of parts and manufacturing processes also makes it easier to shift production to any part of the world, too... That would take a lot of the steam out of a strike in one country, assuming that that's something that might happen.

[joey]

SO why did they wait until '05 to come up with this idea? Why can't more diesels be offered in current models. Too little too late.

[GM_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by joey

SO why did they wait until '05 to come up with this idea? Why can't more diesels be offered in current models. Too little too late.

What are you talking about? They have known the issues with platform incompatibilities in different regions for years. They are planning the next gen platforms to solve these problems.

[gmsickofan]

That means fuel-efficient diesels could come to North America from Europe by the end of the decade on the Epsilon 2 architecture, Hans Demant, managing director of Adam Opel AG, told Automotive News at the Frankfurt auto show last week.

GM needs to stop talking about "could" and just do it.

[FoMoCo Fan]

The black car in the ad was a Lucerne.

[MelvinJ]

Originally Posted by joey

Why can't more diesels be offered in current models. Too little too late.

This statement applies to all but 2 car manufacturers in the U.S. today. If it's "too little, too late" then it's that way for almost everyone.

[Dizzer]

I know we're all anxious to see this happen, in about 15 - 20 years.

[Tiger]

Well, maybe the recent gas spikes will light the fire under their collective asses. GM offers more fuel efficient vehicles than anyone, but it isn't enough! Perception goes a long way! Bring it GM.

DC has fired the first shot with the Liberty Diesel 4 banger turbo. They already sell a 5 cylinder in the MB/DC Sprinter vans. Plus the traditional pickup trucks! GM are you listening!?!

[gopedxr7]

i was in europe this summer. so many people have diesels over there.

Alan

[Aerodynamix]

Originally Posted by Dizzer

I know we're all anxious to see this happen, in about 15 - 20 years.

For GM's sake, I should hope not!