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 106.6 in wheelbase, with a 61 in track. The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent use a stretched 112.5 in 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 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 *
  • ** 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 Antara
Note: Vehicles with "**" are rebadged versions of the Chevrolet Captiva
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. Theta Premium supports larger models than the standard platform.
Vehicles using Theta Premium: