Camaro like a Chevrolet CTS?

[Bruce Nunnally]

The new Chevrolet Camaro rides on the zeta platform architecture, and will be available in base form with the 300+ hp 3.6L DOHC VVT DI V6.

The current CTS rides on the sigma II platform architecture, and features as a base engine the 263 nonDI V6 or the 304hp DI V6.

What are the differences under the skin? The Sigma platform was the first product of the 'Global Rearwheel Drive' project. The project plan was to create a very flexible rear wheel drive architecture that could be used as the basis for a variety of cars, ranging from sedans to crossovers or stationwagons. The result was the Sigma architecture, which underpins the CTS, STS, and SRX. The Zeta platform is currently referred to as 'Global Rearwheel drive', and is a very flexible rear wheel drive architecture to be used as a basis for mid to large size cars upcoming, such as the Camaro and the replacement for the DTS.

The sigma architecture is a four-wheel independent suspension with control arms in front and multi-link in the rear.

The zeta architecture utilizes a MacPherson strut coupled with a dual ball joint lower A-arm for the front and a four link independent setup for the rear wheels.

Besides the slight difference in design, the sigma apparently includes more expensive forged aluminum suspension components where the zeta economizes with steel components.

When the Camaros start rolling out of the factory, I will tend to think of them as another sign of the successful CTS design.

In the future GM appears to be merging these two architecture lines, to reach a single architecture which can be produced with premium higher cost components or economical lower cost components for a variety of vehicles including Cadillac.