by Brenda Priddy
One new platform, two brands and three countries - all in one week!
The engineers must be busy: the upcoming Epsilon platform, the foundation for General Motors’ all-new Saab 9’, Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am, Saturn L-Series, and Opel/Vauxhall Vectra has been caught testing in Australia, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. Our spies caught the Saab and Vectra prototypes.
The Saab 9’, known internally as project 109, will be the first model built off of the Epsilon platform. With production scheduled to begin late this year, the all-new 9’ will likely arrive in dealerships in the first quarter of 2002 as a 2003 model. Expect a generous amount of sharing between brands in the area of engines, transmissions and chassis, but where the Saab and Opels are concerned, all visible parts including door handles, mirrors, interior controls and even pedals will be individually designed for each brand. And to please Saab buyers even more, the ignition switch will again be located between the front seats.
New engines will power both the Saab and Vectra. Base models of the Vectra will be equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but both brands will offer 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter engines. Two V-6s will be available, in 2.6-liter and 3.2-liter displacements. All engines, including newly developed turbodiesel units, promise to feature improved performance, economy and emissions. Apart from the Vectra’s 1.8-liter entry-level engine, all drivetrains will be available for the new Saab 9’, with the 2.0-liter and 2.2-liter engines likely offering turbo options.
The German design team, led by Hans Seer, has given the new Vectra a very distinctive shape and an upscale interior. Better quality of materials and more attention to interior details are a direct response to European consumers. The Vectra’s simplified controls - and less of them - are also considered a major interior improvement.
Originally scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2001, delays have caused GM to postpone the introduction of the Vectra until the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.
© 2001 The Car Connection
