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"platform" sharing is a non-issue.... Posted by REM in Seattle [Email]  (#4)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from REM in Seattle) on Tue, 29 Jan 2002 11:26:36
In Reply to: Made in USA, boonsboro, Tue, 29 Jan 2002 10:55:26 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
This comes up rather often. A vehicle 'platform' is merely a starting point for the design of the car, just as a foundation is the start for a house (be it luxury or spartan).
What really counts is how the 'platform' is integrated into the whole vehicle. In the late 1980's Saab, Alfa-Romeo, and Peugeot all developed a common platform. The cars built on that platform (Saab 9000, Alfa 164, Peugeot ?) are clearly different animals with very different characteristics. The Lincoln LS and Jaguar S-Type are both set on the same platform but have remarkably little in common. The NG900 and 9-3 are built on the same platform as the Opel Vectra but are clearly more refined and have much better road manners than the Opel product.
What remains to be seen is how the Saab engineers integrate the GM platform into the next 9-3. Perhaps we will see a ‘clone’ of a GM product but I doubt it. I expect that the Saab engineers can keep the Saab spirit and uniqueness. Being a part of GM brings some very valuable technology for Saab. The GM lost foam casting process is really world class. The GM Northstar engines are very good. GM suspension and transmission experience is excellent. If the Saab engineers simple draw on the best from GM and then incorporate that into the spirit of Saab, the results can be simply outstanding. At this point only time will tell.
posted by 208.49.24...
_______________________________________ REM in Seattle Current: 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design, Rebel Blue, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 2024 MINI Cooper S Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 6-speed manual Former: 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible, Steel Gray metallic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed 1998 Saab 900SET 5-door, Silver, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider convertible, Alfa Red, 2.0L 4-cyl, 5-speed 1984 Saab 900T 3-door, Red, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed
, Tue, 29 Jan 2002 21:53:53, Wed, 30 Jan 2002 17:14:22, Tue, 29 Jan 2002 11:26:36 <-- Viewing This Message, Tue, 29 Jan 2002 12:02:34, Tue, 29 Jan 2002 11:45:50
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