General Motors C platform (FWD)

GM C platform, also known as the C-Body, was a front wheel drive (FWD) automobile platform used by General Motors' Cadillac, Buick and Oldsmobile divisions for their full-sized automobiles from 1985 through 1996, sharing unibody construction, transverse engine configuration, rack and pinion steering and four-wheel independent suspension.

GM C platform (FWD)
1991-1996 Buick Park Avenue
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Also calledC-Body
Production1985–1996
Body and chassis
ClassFull-size car
LayoutTransverse FF layout
Body style(s)Two- and four-door sedan; extended wheelbase limousine.
VehiclesBuick Electra
Buick Park Avenue
Cadillac De Ville
Cadillac Fleetwood
Cadillac Series 75
Cadillac Sixty Special
Oldsmobile 98
RelatedGM H platform (FWD)
GM K platform (FWD)
Chronology
SuccessorGM G platform

C-Bodies used, V6 or V8 engines, GM's TMH440 transaxle (initially), unibody construction and all had been aerodynamically refined, with the Oldsmobile achieving a .383 drag coefficient.

GM's C platform and H platform were largely identical, sharing the same 110.8 in wheelbase, most bodywork, interior details, glass and engines. Manufacture began with the C platform in late 1983, first at two purpose-built plants, Wentzville Assembly and Orion Assembly later moving to Lansing Car Assembly as well as Flint and Willow Run assembly plants.

Significantly shorter, narrower, lighter and more fuel-efficient than the platform they replaced, the C Platform vehicles were noted for having nearly the same key interior dimensions as their predecessors and a much more nearly flat passenger compartment floor[1] albeit with thinner seats and dramatically less upper tumblehome, locating windshield as well as side glass closer to passengers.[1]

Introduced in early 1984, the models were marketed as the Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (11th gen), Buick Electra (6th gen) and Cadillac Deville (6th gen) and Fleetwood (1985-90)..

Cadillac would later introduce C Body models with a 113.8 in wheelbase. Most C-body vehicles were ultimately replaced with cars on the related G, H, and K platform designations.

The Cadillac Series 75 limousine briefly made its return on this platform, stretched by 23.6" to a wheelbase of 134.4". Cadillac used the platform though 1993; Buick heavily revised the Electra, becoming the first generation Buick Park Avenue (1991-1996), while still using the C Platform; and Oldsmobile marketed C Platform derivatives through 1990, notably the Oldsmobile Touring Sedan.

Models using the C Platform

Years Model Next platform
1985–1987Cadillac Series 75-
1985–1992Cadillac FleetwoodGM D platform
1985–1993Cadillac De Ville (6th Generation)GM K platform (FWD)
1987–1993Cadillac Sixty Special-
1985–1990Buick Electra (6th Generation)-
1991–1996Buick Park AvenueGM G platform (FWD)
1985–1996Oldsmobile 98 (11th generation)
1987–1990Oldsmobile Touring Sedan (subsequent 98 trim levels used a succeeding platform)

The H platform and C platform were largely identical, sharing the same 110.8 in wheelbase, most bodywork, interior details, glass and engines.

Years Model Previous platform Next platform
1986–1999Buick LeSabreGM B platformGM G platform
1986–1999Oldsmobile 88/LSSGM B platformRetired
1987–1999Pontiac BonnevilleGM G platform (RWD)GM G platform (FWD)


References

  1. Jim Dunne (April 1984). "PS Drives GMs 85 Luxury Cars". Popular Science, April 1985.
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