VSS-S, or Vehicle Strategy Set – SUV, is the name of an upcoming automotive architecture that will underpin next-generation, front-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive-based all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) from General Motors.
Contrary to its name, the VSS-S will underpin crossovers (CUVs) built using a unibody construction. Meanwhile, body-on-frame sport utility vehicles (SUVs) will utilize the GM VSS-T platform set.
Overview
The VSS-S platform, or more appropriately the VSS-S vehicle set, is part of GM’s objective to consolidate platforms, reduce complexity, and simplify engineering and manufacturing processes in order to realize significant cost savings and enable the company to deliver better-differentiated designs more quickly to customers around the world. In that capacity, the VSS-S platform would replace some or all of GM’s front-drive, transverse-engine crossover platforms with a single set that will, in turn, have several subsets for differently sized vehicles.
At the time of this writing, we understand that VSS-S will be used for large (midsize and full-size) crossovers. However, it is unclear whether the set will also be used for small (subcompact and compact) crossovers.
GM’s vehicle sets will employ common components and structures, which will save engineering, purchasing and tooling costs. In theory, the undertaking will also enable GM to better tailor individual models to regional markets and specific sectors. For instance, a small crossover for China would share many basic parts but not sheet metal with a mid-size crossover for sale in America.
Development
Development of the Vehicle Set strategy was started in the 2013-2014 timeframe by GM CEO Mary Barra when she headed GM’s product development department before succeeding Dan Akerson as CEO in January 2016. The project is currently lead by GM Executive Vice President of Product Development, Mark Reuss.
Subsets
It is believed that the VSS-S set will have several subsets to underpin differently-sized vehicles. It is currently unclear what these subsets are.
Vehicle Applications
As we understand it, VSS-S will underpin future midsize and full-size front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive crossovers (CUVs) with a transverse powertrain orientation. In addition, it’s possible that the VSS-S will also underpin smaller (subcompact and compact-sized) crossovers with a transverse powertrain orientation, though this is unclear at the time of this writing, since GM might be looking at the VSS-F set to perform such duties.
Here are the vehicles we expect VSS-S to underpin:
Midsize & Full-Size Crossovers:
- Future Chevrolet crossovers:
- Future Chevrolet Blazer (fourth generation; midsize)
- Future Chevrolet Traverse (third generation; full-size)
- Future GMC crossovers:
- Future GMC Acadia (third generation; midsize)
- Potential Acadia XL (full-size)
- Future Buick crossovers:
- Future Buick Enclave (third generation; full-size)
- Buick Enspire (possible name of potential new midsize crossover)
- Future Cadillac crossovers:
- Future Cadillac XT5 (second generation; midsize)
- Future Cadillac XT6 (second generation; full-size)
Subcompact & Compact Crossovers (currently unclear if VSS-S will support these vehicles, or if they will be underpinned by VSS-F):
- Chevrolet:
- Future Chevrolet Trax/Tracker (second generation; subcompact)
- Future Chevrolet Equinox (fourth generation; compact)
- Buick:
- Future Buick Encore (second generation; subcompact)
- Future Buick Envision (second generation; compact)
- GMC:
- Potential GMC Granite (possible name of potential new subcompact crossover)
- Future GMC Terrain (third generation; compact)
- Cadillac:
- Cadillac XT2 or Cadillac XT3 (possible name of potential new subcompact crossover)
- Future Cadillac XT4 (second generation; compact)
Platform Replacement
GM VSS-S will succeed transverse-engined, front-drive and front-drive-based all-wheel-drive crossover platforms, including:
- GM C1 platform (Chi), which underpins:
- Cadillac XT5 (short wheelbase)
- GMC Acadia (short wheelbase)
- Chevrolet Traverse (long wheelbase)
- Buick Enclave (long wheelbase)
- Cadillac XT6 (long wheelbase)
- GM E2 platform, which underpins the Cadillac XT4
If VSS-S takes over the subcompact (C segment) and compact (B segment) crossover platforms, then it will also replace:
- GM D2 platform, which underpins:
- GM Gamma platform, which underpins:
- Chevrolet Trax/Tracker
- Buick Encore
Other GM Vehicle Sets
GM VSS-S will join three other General Motors vehicle sets, including:
