General Motors Lambda platform
| GM Lambda platform | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size crossover SUV |
| Layout | FF layout/All wheel drive |
| Body style(s) | 4-door SUV |
| Vehicles | Saturn Outlook GMC Acadia Buick Enclave |
| Powertrain | |
| Transmission(s) | 6-spd automatic |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | GM U platform |
Lambda is General Motors' full-size crossover SUV automobile platform. The architecture debuted in 2006. The program was delayed several times because of company fears that it would take sales and profits away from the GMT truck platform.
The Buick Enclave was previewed at the 2006 North American International Auto Show, officially as a concept, making it the first Lambda vehicle to be displayed. The first Lambda vehicles on sale are the 2007 Saturn Outlook, introduced in April at the New York Auto Show, and the GMC Acadia, with the Buick Enclave following in mid-2007. Pontiac was originally scheduled to receive a Lambda model, but it was given to GMC as a reward for strong sales.
Lambda vehicles feature easily-accessible three-row seating. They are supplied with the LY7 V6, with a new V8 following later. Unlike the similar Theta crossover SUVs, the Lambdas offer lower ground clearance. The platform has been designed for front and all-wheel drive applications. The Lambda platform is very versatile in that it can be made into a very swoopy and svelte design, or a more upright, boxy shape.
Lambda vehicles are produced in the new Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan.
Minivans
GM was expected to replace the current GMT-201 U-body minivans with new vehicles using the Lambda platform for the 2009 model year, but due to the decline of minivan sales, GM has canceled this program. They reportedly would have looked very different from today's offerings, with one GM insider saying they were to look "like spaceships." They would have had fold-flat seats and other features not currently available on the U-body vans.
Vehicles
Current vehicles based on this platform:
- 2007 Saturn Outlook
- 2007 GMC Acadia
- 2008 Buick Enclave
Future vehicles based on this platform:
- 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
Cancelled vehicles based on this platform:
- 2007 Pontiac sport wagon - it was rebadged as the Acadia.
- SUT (Sport Utility Truck) competitor to the Honda Ridgeline
References
- GM Lambda Crossovers at GMCROSSOVER.COM http://www.gmcrossover.com
- "GM lagging behind in booming sport wagon market". AutoWeek.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help) - "AcadiaForum.net". acadiaforum.net.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|accessmonthday=ignored (help); Unknown parameter|accessyear=ignored (|access-date=suggested) (help)