General Motors VSS platforms

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GM VSS platforms
2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer RS AWD, front 7.11.20.jpg
Chevrolet Trailblazer, one of the first vehicles to use a VSS platform
Overview
Manufacturer General Motors
Also called
  • VSS-F
  • VSS-R
  • VSS-S
  • VSS-T
Production2019–present
Body and chassis
Layout
Chronology
Predecessor

Vehicle Set Strategy (VSS) is a series of four automotive platforms developed by American manufacturer General Motors for their vehicles as part of an effort to consolidate their platform usage for the present and future. [1] GM eventually plans to have the VSS platforms underpin over 75% of their models, the exceptions being the BEV3 platform used for electric vehicles and specialty vehicles like the Corvette. [2]

Contents

VSS-F

VSS-F is GM's primary front-wheel drive (F) platform as of 2024, considered a successor to the Gamma, Delta, and Epsilon platforms. It is planned to underpin many subcompact to fullsize cars as well as GM's smaller crossovers in the future, a pattern established by the first models to use it, the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Buick Encore GX. [3] The platform can also be used for all-wheel drive vehicles.

Of the four, this platform has the most developed implementation plan, with three variants already established: [4] which are VSS-F A for minicompact cars (i.e. Chevrolet Spark), VSS-F B/C for subcompact and compact cars and crossovers (e.g. Buick Encore and Chevrolet Sonic), and VSS-F D/E for midsize and fullsize cars (i.e. Chevrolet Malibu and Impala).

Applications

VSS-R

VSS-R GM's planned rear-wheel drive (R) platform, considered a successor to both the Alpha and Omega platforms. Vehicles slated to be underpinned by this platform include the second generations of the Cadillac CT4, CT5, and CT6, as well as future models of the Chevrolet Camaro. [5] [6] [7]

VSS-S

VSS-S GM's planned secondary (S) front-wheel drive platform, also capable of all-wheel drive. GM intends to utilize this platform for vehicles ranging in size between compact and fullsize. Vehicles slated to be underpinned by this platform include the Buick Enclave and Chevrolet Equinox. [8]

VSS-T

VSS-T is GM's planned body-on-frame SUV and pickup truck (T) platform, considered a successor to the long-standing GMT platform and capable of all-wheel drive. It is to be capable of supporting midsize and fullsize truck dimensions, and will underpin both the fifth generation Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra and the fourth generation Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. [9]

See also

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References

  1. "GM's 2025 platform plan: Simplify and seek to save billions". Reuters. October 2, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  2. "GM's new unified platform strategy makes its debut with Buick Encore GX, Chevy Trailblazer". Motor Authority. May 31, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  3. "GM Looks To Consolidate 26 Platforms Into Four Vehicle Sets By 2025". GM Authority. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  4. Reuss, Mark. "2014 General Motors Business Conference". pp. 4–8. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  5. "Possible NEW engines and drivetrains for 7th gen Camaro!!! - Page 5 – CAMARO6". www.camaro6.com. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  6. "Alpha and Omega will Combine: Next CT6 to be on VSS-R. Larger Escala-Type to Follow". Cheers and Gears. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  7. "What's Really Going On With The Future Chevrolet Camaro". GM Authority. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  8. "General Motors future models – Chevrolet SUVs & pick-ups". www.just-auto.com. September 2, 2019. Retrieved April 16, 2020.
  9. "Setting The Record Straight: T1 GM Platform Is Not VSS-T". GM Authority. Retrieved April 16, 2020.