| U-platform | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | North America: 1990–2009 China: 2000–present |
| Assembly | Tarrytown, New York (1990–1996) Doraville, Georgia (1997–2008) Shanghai,China (SAIC-GM) (1999-2004, 2016-present) Shenyang,Liaoning,China (SAIC-GM Norsom Motors) (2010-present) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Minivan Crossover SUV |
| Layout | FF layout/All-Wheel Drive |
| Body style(s) | 3-doorminivan 4-doorminivan 4-doorCrossover SUV |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | GM Lambda platform (North America and Middle East) |
TheU-platform (orU-body) is a front wheel driveminivan andcrossover SUV platform fromGeneral Motors produced since 1990. North American sales ended in 2009, but Chinese production continues. The minivans were divided into three generations, 1990–1996, 1997–2005 and 2005-current. The U-body was also used for General Motors' first generation crossovers from 2001-2005.
Keeping with itsEPA designation as a light truck, the fifth character in theVIN for a U-body is "U", instead of the fourth, as is standard for cars.
Confusingly, GM also used the "U-body" (or "U-car") designation in the mid 1970s for its mid-sized European models - principally theOpel Ascona andVauxhall Cavalier.
Released in the fall of 1989 for the 1990 model year, the U platform (GMT199) utilized a galvanized steel space frame underneath composite plastic dent resistant panels similar to those used inSaturn models and thePontiac Fiero. The vans feature unconventional styling, which some commenters likened it to aDustBuster vacuum cleaner.[1]
All models used a 120-hp,3.1L V6 mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. In 1992, the3800 Series I V6 became available with a four speed automatic. Both were replaced by theLA1 3400 V6 in 1996.
The vehicles in this generation included:
In 1994, The Lumina and Trans Sport received a facelift, which shortened the nose and gave them a more conventional look. The Silhouette did not receive this update, however, and while it did receive a facelift in 1993, it was very minimalistic with only the front bumper being slightly changed. The rest of the front end remained unchanged.
The Pontiac Trans Sport was sold in Europe as a rebadged Oldsmobile Silhouette with European safety specifications.
European customers had grown accustomed to sleek minivans, thanks to vehicles such as theRenault Espace, and did not object to the Trans Sport's futuristic styling. In 1994, when the Trans Sport was updated, the European version retained the original shape with a minor facelift, with the Oldsmobile Silhouette being sold as a badge-engineered Pontiac Trans Sport.
The European Trans Sport was also available with two options that were never offered on a North American specification U-body: A four-cylinder engine (theLD2 Quad 4) and a 5-speed manual transmission.
In 1996 (for the 1997 model year), the second U-body (platform) minivans arrived,[2] also known as theGMT200. The new minivans were ofunibody steel construction and the styling was intentionally conventional to such an extent that contemporary reviewers remarked that without looking closely at the badging and grille treatments, these minivans could be mistaken for their primary competitors, theDodge Caravan andPlymouth Voyager, which at the time commanded a 50% share of the minivan market.[3]Production of this generation was performed at GM'sDoraville, Georgia facility, and later atGM Shanghai.
The vehicles in this generation included:
The U-body was updated once again in 2004 for the 2005 model year, also known as theGMT201. These vans were referred to as "Crossover Sport Vans" (CSV) by General Motors, in reference to theirSUV-inspired styling. North American vans were built in GM's plant inDoraville, Georgia. General Motors stopped minivan sales in the United States as of 2008. The Pontiac Montana and Chevrolet Uplander continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico for 2009. Production of the Buick GL8 continues inShanghai, China.
The vehicles in this generation include:
In 2010,Shanghai GM introduced a new version (SGM258) of theBuick GL8 called GL8 Luxury Business Edition. The previous generation remains on sale as the Business Edition.
Prior to the car's release, aconcept car called theBuick Business was shown at the 2009Shanghai Auto Show.[5]
In 2016,Shanghai GM introduced a new version (SGM358) of theBuick GL8 in 2 versions: ES and top of the line Avenir. The previous generation remains on sale as the Land Business Class. The exterior was completely redesigned but the platform was retained. However, the platform was updated with a new, more sophisticated independent rear suspension. The only engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 cylinder engine. This generation of GL8 is produced in Shanghai rather than Shenyang where the older generations of GL8 have been produced since 2004.
In 2001General Motors decided to produce its first entry into theCrossover SUV category using a shortened U-body platform.[6]
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