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GM Lambda Vehicle Platform

Lambda is the name of a General Motors vehicle architecture designed to underpin full-size crossovers (CUVs). The platform made its debut in late 2006 with the 2007 Saturn Outlook and GMC Acadia, followed by the 2008 Buick Enclave in mid-2007 and the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse in mid-2008.

For the most part, Lambda is derived from GM’s Epsilon platform, which underpins the Chevrolet Malibu and similar models.

Lambda was GM’s second crossover architecture after Theta. It is expected to be replaced by the C1XX vehicle architecture. The long-wheelbase C1XX platform is set to underpin the second-generation 2017 Chevy Traverse and Enclave, while the regular/short-wheelbase C1XX platform will underpin the 2016 Cadillac SRX and 2017 GMC Acadia.

The Lambda platform has several notable elements, including:

  • Front-engined, transversely-mounted layout
  • A four wheel independent suspension system
  • Front- and all-wheel-drive applications
  • Three-row seating
  • Ample trunk/cargo space with the third-row seats up

General Motors considered using the Lambda platform for a new range of minivans. However, due to a continuous decline in the popularity of minivans, the automaker canceled the minivan programs.

Vehicles based on the Lambda platform have only used two engines during their lifetime — the 3.6-liter V6 LY7 and its successor, the 3.6-liter V6 LLT. A dimensionally larger engine, such as the 3.6L V6 LFX, can not be used due to space restrictions.

All Lambda-based vehicles use GM’s Hydra-Matic 6T70 6T75 automatic transmissions.

  • Chevrolet Traverse
  • GMC Acadia
  • Buick Enclave
  • Saturn Outlook (discontinued in 2010)

All Lambda-based vehicles are manufactured at GM’s new Lansing Delta Township Assembly plant near Lansing, Michigan.

The four Lambda-based crossovers started production at different times:

Lambda Vehicle Production Rollout
Vehicle Production Site Date Of Production Launch Model Year
Saturn Outlook Lansing Delta Township Assembly Late 2006 2007
GMC Acadia Lansing Delta Township Assembly Late 2006 2007
Buick Enclave Lansing Delta Township Assembly Mid 2007 2008
Chevrolet Traverse Spring Hill Assembly September 2008 2009

The Chevy Traverse started production at the retooled Spring Hill Assembly Plant in Tennessee in 2008, and production was moved to Lansing Delta Township in 2009.

GM Lambda Platform Vitals
TYPE: UNIBODY WELDED STEEL BODY
SIZE: FULL-SIZE
SUPPORTED VEHICLE TYPE: CROSSOVER/CUV
LAYOUT: FRONT-ENGINE, FWD OR AWD
POWERPLANT LAYOUT: TRANSVERSE
POWERPLANT RANGE: V6
PREDECESSOR: GM U-BODY (MINIVANS)
SUCCESSOR: C1XX LONG-WHEELBASE

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