GM's
Epsilon platform replaced the
N platform in the
US, and replaced the
GM2900 platform elsewhere. Vehicles of this platform generally carry the symbol "Z" in the fourth digit of their
VINs. When the platform debuted, there was talk of an "Epsilon Wide" derivative, which was supposed to have provided the underpinnings for the
Buick LaCrosse and
Saab 9-5. However, the program was cancelled and the LaCrosse was put on the
W platform, and the 9-5 was given a quick refresh for the 2006 model year. The Epsilon platform is a midsize front-driver promising a 200 percent improvement in rigidity, with aluminum suspension components—MacPherson struts in front and a four-link independent arrangement in the rear, and four-wheel disc brakes. Many of the Epsilon vehicles use the
Ecotec Inline-four engines and both the
High Value and
High Feature V6 engines. The refreshed 2008 SAAB 9-3 debuted with an advanced version of all-wheel-drive it dubbed XWD, finally giving a definitive answer to rumors about the platform's ability to support AWD, which had been around since the debut of the platform. The
Lambda and
Theta Premium crossover platforms are derived from Epsilon.
Vehicles Vehicles based on the Epsilon I platform: • Regular • 2002–2009
Opel Vectra C saloon and liftback • 2002–2009
Vauxhall Vectra saloon and liftback • 2002–2009
Holden Vectra • 2002–2009
Chevrolet Vectra • 2003–2011
Saab 9-3 • 2004–2007
Chevrolet Malibu • 2006–2009
Cadillac BLS • Extended • 2002–2009
Opel Vectra C Caravan • 2002–2009
Vauxhall Vectra Caravan • 2003–2008
Opel Signum • 2004–2007
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx hatchback • 2008–2012
Chevrolet Malibu • 2005–2010
Pontiac G6 • 2005–2011
Fiat Croma • 2007–2010
Saturn Aura Cancelled vehicles which would have used this platform: • 2006 midsized
Buick ==Epsilon II==