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All GM Kappa platform owners are welcome including:

  • Pontiac Solstice & GXP & Coupe
  • Saturn Sky & Red Line
  • Daewoo G2X and Opel GT

GM Kappa Platform Specification and History

The Kappa platform, introduced in 2002 as the Pontiac Solstice Concept, was General Motors' subcompact rear-wheel drive automobile platform for roadster applications. The architecture entered production as the 2006 Pontiac Solstice and 2007 Saturn Sky, and ended production in 2009 coinciding with the GM bankruptcy.

The Pontiac Solstice Concept was shown at the 2002 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in two forms: a drivable roadster convertible, and a design study of a fastback coupe. The concept cars were very well received by the press and the public. General Motors recognized the need in their lineup for a highly-styled, low-cost, low-volume niche vehicle, and had no existing platforms that could be used to achieve the needs of a modern compact rear wheel drive roadster. The Kappa platform features:

  • Rear wheel drive, longitudinal-mounted transmission and front-mid engine.
  • Independent suspension, short-long arm type, in front and rear.
  • Hydroformed rails and a tunnel structure similar to the Corvette architecture.
  • Ecotec Family II engine.
  • 5-Speed manual transmission.
  • 5-speed automatic has been available since January 2006.

Since the introduction of the Solstice, GM designed another roadster that looks substantially different, but shares the same underlying Kappa platform: the Saturn Sky. The Saturn Sky was styled after the pattern of the Vauxhall VX Lightning design. There is a European version built off the same platform, essentially a turbo-engined Sky with Opel badging, under the name Opel GT.

The GXP version of the Solstice debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show in January 2006. It is powered by a new 2.0 L (121.9 cu in) I4 Ecotec engine equipped with a dual-scroll turbocharger. The engine's output is 260 hp (193 kW) and 260 ft·lbf (353 N·m). This is the highest specific output of any engine in the history of General Motors at 2.1 hp (1.6 kW) per cubic inch, and it is the first gasoline direct injection engine from an American automaker. According to Pontiac's website, the GXP goes 0 to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds.

A targa Coupe version of the Solstice was unveiled at the 2008 New York Auto Show. Engine choices are the same as the convertible versions of the Solstice. The roof can be removed, but the hard roof cannot be fit into the trunk. An optional cloth top is available, which can be fit into the trunk.

Article based on the Wikipedia entry for the GM Kappa platform.



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Thursday March 7, 2024
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The author, Corvus Digital Corp, believes to the best of his knowledge the information contained in this website to be correct, however no warranty is made as to its accuracy. Corvus Digital Corp disclaims any liability for financial loss, property damage or injury in connection with use of this information. Any trademarked names are property of their respective trademark holder and are used for identification purposes only. Portions of this website may be copyrighted by other individuals or organizations. The opinions published by members on this website including but not limited to the forums, library and journals do not necessarily state or reflect the views of Corvus Digital Corp. Publication on this website should not be considered an endorsement.

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About This Website

This site was launched in October 2010 by Skye Nott as the 10th website in The AutoShrine Network.
All design and content is © Corvus Digital Corp unless otherwise noted.

This website is not in any way connected with, or authorised by, Pontiac, Saturn or General Motors Corporation.




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