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Motor vehicle platform From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The General Motors L platform (commonly called the L-body or L car) was a front-wheel-drive compact car automotive platform that was produced from 1987 through 1996.
GM L platform | |
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![]() 1994 Chevrolet Beretta Z26 | |
Overview | |
Manufacturer | General Motors |
Also called | L-body L car |
Production | 1987–1996 |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Compact (C) platform |
Layout | FF layout |
Body style(s) | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback |
Vehicles | Chevrolet Beretta Chevrolet Corsica Pontiac Tempest |
Related | GM N platform GM J platform |
Powertrain | |
Engine(s) | 122 I4 Quad-4 I4 60° V6 |
Transmission(s) | 3-speed 3T40 automatic 4-speed 4T40-E automatic 4-speed 4T60-E automatic 5-speed Getrag 282 manual |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 103.4 in (2,626 mm) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | GM X platform (FWD) |
Successor | 2nd generation GM N Platform |
The L platform was very similar to the GM N platform; however, the first-generation N-cars were engineered by Oldsmobile, while the L-cars were engineered by Chevrolet. The L platform used a twist-beam rear suspension and MacPherson struts in the front and featured a 103.4 in (263 cm) wheelbase.
Both platforms were used to replace the GM X platform on which the Citation, among others, were based.
GM also used a different L platform for the all-wheel-drive versions of the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari mid-size vans.
Pontiac sold its own version of the L-body in Canada only. It was marketed as the Tempest from 1987 to 1991. This model featured a unique grill and tail lamps (which were later used on the updated Corsica). This model was dropped after 1991, being replaced by the new 1992 Grand Am sedan.
The L-car lasted just one generation, with the nameplates being retired and replaced by the N-body Chevrolet Malibu.
This platform was the basis for the following vehicles:
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