General Motors K platform (FWD)

(Redirected from GM K platform (1980))

The General Motors K platform (commonly called the K-body) was an automobile platform designation used for front wheel drive Cadillac models beginning in 1980. It replaced the rear wheel drive K platform.

GM K platform (FWD)
1986-1988 Cadillac Seville
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Also calledK-Body
Production1980–1999
Body and chassis
Body style(s)4-door sedan
VehiclesCadillac Sedan Deville
Cadillac Seville
RelatedGM C platform (FWD)
GM H platform (FWD)
GM G platform (FWD)
GM E platform
Chronology
PredecessorGM K platform
SuccessorGM G platform

The K-body designation was used for sedans; similar coupé models used the nearly identical GM E platform. The GM G platform (FWD) was also based on the K. Beginning in 1986 K- and E-bodies were produced at GM's high-tech Detroit/Hamtramck Assembly plant. Unlike the E-body, the K designation has been exclusive to Cadillac.

The original FWD K-body Cadillac Seville was shared with the downsized E-body Cadillac Eldorado beginning in 1980. In 1986, the Seville was replaced with an even smaller front wheel drive model, also given the K designation. This new model featured a transversely mounted engine instead of a longitudinally mounted one like its predecessor. The Seville was lengthened in 1992, and the DeVille was moved from the GM C platform to the K platform in 1994. Starting with the 1998 Cadillac Seville, the K platform vehicles were moved to the G platform, however GM continued to call it the K platform.[1]

Vehicles

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References

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  1. ^ Frame, Phil (16 January 1995). "GM H CARS MOVE TO G PLATFORM". Automotive News. Archived from the original on 16 June 2013. Retrieved 17 May 2013.