Wikipedia / General Motors Theta platform
Wikipedia / General Motors Theta platform
Theta is General Motors' automobile platform for compact/mid-size crossover SUVs. The architecture debuted in 2002 with the Saturn Vue and was later used for the Chevrolet Equinox and Captiva and similar models.
Development
The Theta uses a four-wheel independent suspension. Engine choices include the Family II straight-4, Ecotec straight-4, 3400 V6, and even a Honda V6, the L66. A 5-speed automatic and two 5-speed manual transmissions are used.
The original Saturn Vue used a short 106.6in (2708mm) wheelbase, with a 61in (1549mm) track. The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent use a stretched 112.5in (2857mm) wheelbase, but share much with the Saturn.
The Suzuki Grand Vitara, although similar in size and appearance to a Saturn Vue, was developed by Suzuki using some Theta components, but should not be considered a Theta derivative.
Engineering for the Opel Antara and Chevrolet Captiva was performed in large part in Korea by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, and by Opel in Germany.
Hybrids
The Saturn Vue was one of the first of General Motors' vehicles to be offered with a hybrid powertrain, GM's belt alternator starter (BAS) system, in 2006.
Vehicles
Short wheelbase:
2002–2007 Saturn Vue
2006–2015 Opel Antara
2006–2011 Daewoo Winstorm MaXX*
2006–2017 Chevrolet Captiva Sport*
2008–2010 Saturn Vue*
2008–2010 GMC Terrain (Middle Eastern market)*
2006–2008 Holden Captiva Maxx*
2009–2017 Holden Captiva 5*
2006–2018 Chevrolet Captiva
2006–2011 Daewoo Winstorm**
2006–2018 Holden Captiva 7**
Note: Vehicles with "*" are rebadged versions of the Opel AntaraNote: Vehicles with "**" are rebadged versions of the Chevrolet Captiva
Long wheelbase:
2005–2009 Chevrolet Equinox
2006–2009 Pontiac Torrent
2006–2009 Suzuki XL7
2010–2017 Chevrolet Equinox
2010–2017 GMC Terrain
Concepts:
Theta Premium
General Motors has created a premium version of Theta for luxury applications. It mixed elements of the current Theta and the new Epsilon 2 architecture. Thus, this platform is sometimes also referred to as Theta-Epsilon (GMT166). Theta Premium supports larger models than the standard platform.
Vehicles using Theta Premium:
2010–2016 Cadillac SRX
2011 Saab 9-4X