General Motors Theta platform
# 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 (2708 mm) wheelbase, with a 61 in (1549 mm) track. The Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent use a stretched 112.5 in (2857 mm) 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 sold in Middle East*
      * 2006-2008 Holden Captiva Maxx*
      * 2009–2017 Holden Captiva 5*
   * 2006–present Chevrolet Captiva
      * 2006-2011 Daewoo Winstorm**
      * 2006–2017 Holden Captiva 7**

Note: Vehicles with "*" are rebadged versions of the Opel Antara Note: 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

* Chevrolet S3X/T2X

## Theta Premium

General Motors has created a premium version of Theta for luxury applications. Reports differ, but the consensus is that it is a combination of the current Theta and elements of 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
