WHAT IS AN F-BODY?
The F Platform, or F-Body, was General Motors' rear-wheel drive automobile platform from 1967 until 2002. It was based partially on the GM X platform, which was used for compact applications instead of the sporting intent of the F-Body.
The only two vehicles to have been built using the F-Body platform are the:
The fourth character in the Vehicle Identification Number for an F-body car is "F" on model year 1985 and up vehicles.
Earlier Camaros and Firebirds had differing VIN codes, but are now commonly referred to as F-bodies.
The only two vehicles to have been built using the F-Body platform are the:
- Chevrolet Camaro
- Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am
The fourth character in the Vehicle Identification Number for an F-body car is "F" on model year 1985 and up vehicles.
Earlier Camaros and Firebirds had differing VIN codes, but are now commonly referred to as F-bodies.
1ST GENERATION (1967-1969)
The first F-body cars were produced in 1966 for the 1967 model year, as GM's response to the Ford Mustang and later the Mercury Cougar.
Originally designed strictly as the platform for the Camaro, Pontiac engineers were given a short amount of time prior to the Camaro's release to produce a version that matched their corporate styling as well.
The F-Body was available as both a hardtop coupe and a cloth-top convertible.
As was GM policy at the time, Chevrolet and Pontiac both installed their own engines; however, the engine lineups were similar.
Both cars could be had with either division's base inline six-cylinder engine, a V8 engine of approximately 5.3 liters (327 cu in for Chevrolet, 326 cu in for Pontiac), or a larger V8 engine of approximately 6.6 liters (396 cu in for Chevrolet, 400 cu in for Pontiac).
Due to delays with the design of the second-generation car, the 1969 models were produced longer than usual.
Originally designed strictly as the platform for the Camaro, Pontiac engineers were given a short amount of time prior to the Camaro's release to produce a version that matched their corporate styling as well.
The F-Body was available as both a hardtop coupe and a cloth-top convertible.
As was GM policy at the time, Chevrolet and Pontiac both installed their own engines; however, the engine lineups were similar.
Both cars could be had with either division's base inline six-cylinder engine, a V8 engine of approximately 5.3 liters (327 cu in for Chevrolet, 326 cu in for Pontiac), or a larger V8 engine of approximately 6.6 liters (396 cu in for Chevrolet, 400 cu in for Pontiac).
Due to delays with the design of the second-generation car, the 1969 models were produced longer than usual.
1971 Camaro SS350 was named one of the 10 best cars in the world in August 1971
2ND GENERATION (1970-1981)
The second generation F-body cars were actually released in February 1970, due to extensive delays in the design and production of the new body style.
Both cars grew considerably, with fairly drastic changes in styling to match each brand's updated styling across the lineup.
Only Pontiac received engine options in the 7.5 L range in the earlier years of the second generation - (454 cu in for Chevrolet is in technical manuals, but was never produced), 455 cu in for Pontiac.
However, this engine option would be discontinued as emissions and fuel-economy restrictions made their production costs prohibitive.
Performance continued to decline through 1981, as power levels dropped and weight increased.
Both cars grew considerably, with fairly drastic changes in styling to match each brand's updated styling across the lineup.
Only Pontiac received engine options in the 7.5 L range in the earlier years of the second generation - (454 cu in for Chevrolet is in technical manuals, but was never produced), 455 cu in for Pontiac.
However, this engine option would be discontinued as emissions and fuel-economy restrictions made their production costs prohibitive.
Performance continued to decline through 1981, as power levels dropped and weight increased.
3RD GENERATION (1982-1992)
The third generation of the F-Body was introduced for 1982, as a major redesign with a more modern look and a lighter, better-handling car. In a move that would later happen across almost all GM models, the Firebird switched from Pontiac-designed engines to the same Chevrolet engines that powered the Camaro.
This was also the first generation of F-Body to be available with a four-cylinder, the Iron Duke.
The last Firebird to be built with an engine not available in the Camaro was the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, which had a turbocharged 3.8 L Buick V6, derived from the Buick Regal.
This was also the first generation of F-Body to be available with a four-cylinder, the Iron Duke.
The last Firebird to be built with an engine not available in the Camaro was the 1989 Turbo Trans Am, which had a turbocharged 3.8 L Buick V6, derived from the Buick Regal.
4TH GENERATION (1993-2002)
The fourth and final generation of the F-platform was released in 1993.
It was an extensive revision to the third generation car, instead of a clean-sheet design. It was produced until the platform was canceled at the end of the 2002 model year.
Unlike most of the years past, the engine choices were simplified considerably; each year, on both the Camaro and the Firebird, there was only one V6 and one V8 available.
For 1993 to 1995, the V6 was the 3.4 L (208 cu in) 60°; 1996–2002 cars received the 3.8L (231 cu in) 3800 Series II V6. 1993–1997 V8 cars shipped with the 5.7L (350 cu in) LT1, while 1998–2002 cars received the 5.7L (346 cu in) LS1.
Both engines were available with the 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. V6 engines with a manual transmission had a five-speed unit; the manual for V8 cars was the T-56 six-speed, manufactured by either Borg-Warner or Tremec. An optional Hurst-supplied shifter was also available on V8 models.
The fifth-generation Camaro was released in 2010 (after a seven-year layoff) as a 2010 model, using the Zeta chassis, with a VIN code of "F".
According to GM, and contrary to rumors of a Firebird companion, no accompanying Pontiac model was planned before the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand in 2009.
The sixth generation of the Camaro utilizes the GM Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and CTS.
It was an extensive revision to the third generation car, instead of a clean-sheet design. It was produced until the platform was canceled at the end of the 2002 model year.
Unlike most of the years past, the engine choices were simplified considerably; each year, on both the Camaro and the Firebird, there was only one V6 and one V8 available.
For 1993 to 1995, the V6 was the 3.4 L (208 cu in) 60°; 1996–2002 cars received the 3.8L (231 cu in) 3800 Series II V6. 1993–1997 V8 cars shipped with the 5.7L (350 cu in) LT1, while 1998–2002 cars received the 5.7L (346 cu in) LS1.
Both engines were available with the 4L60E four-speed automatic transmission. V6 engines with a manual transmission had a five-speed unit; the manual for V8 cars was the T-56 six-speed, manufactured by either Borg-Warner or Tremec. An optional Hurst-supplied shifter was also available on V8 models.
The fifth-generation Camaro was released in 2010 (after a seven-year layoff) as a 2010 model, using the Zeta chassis, with a VIN code of "F".
According to GM, and contrary to rumors of a Firebird companion, no accompanying Pontiac model was planned before the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand in 2009.
The sixth generation of the Camaro utilizes the GM Alpha platform shared with the Cadillac ATS and CTS.
April 1, 2010, the Camaro was named the World Car Design of the Year at the World Car of the Year Awards.
5TH GENERATION (2010-2015) | ZETA PLATFORM
Zeta was the original name for General Motors' full-size rear-wheel drive automobile platform developed by GM's Australian subsidiary company Holden and was at one stage referred to as the "GM Global RWD Architecture".
The GM Zeta platform replaced the V-body, and debuted with 2006 Holden Commodore (VE) sedan and Holden (VE) Ute.
This platform was considered as the replacement for the North American W, H, and K platforms until plans were cancelled due to fuel-economy considerations and GM's financial situation.
Although the future of the Zeta program was in doubt at that time, in May 2009, Holden began the development of an improved second version of the platform that went on to form the basis of the 2013 Commodore (VF) and Chevrolet SS.
The 2010-15 fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro was the only Zeta platform model produced in North America.
In 2016, the Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation) debuted on the GM Alpha platform.
The GM Zeta platform replaced the V-body, and debuted with 2006 Holden Commodore (VE) sedan and Holden (VE) Ute.
This platform was considered as the replacement for the North American W, H, and K platforms until plans were cancelled due to fuel-economy considerations and GM's financial situation.
Although the future of the Zeta program was in doubt at that time, in May 2009, Holden began the development of an improved second version of the platform that went on to form the basis of the 2013 Commodore (VF) and Chevrolet SS.
The 2010-15 fifth generation Chevrolet Camaro was the only Zeta platform model produced in North America.
In 2016, the Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation) debuted on the GM Alpha platform.
Motor Trend named the 2016 Camaro its "Car of the Year".
6TH GENERATION (2016-2024) | ALPHA PLATFORM
The GM Alpha platform currently underpins General Motors' compact to mid-size, front-engine, rear-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles.
Platform basics include MacPherson struts on the front, 5 link independent rear, use of high strength steel and aluminum, and an overall focus on reducing weight.
The GM Alpha platform made its debut in the 2013 Cadillac ATS, which entered production in July 2012.
Vehicles that used the Alpha Platform:
Platform basics include MacPherson struts on the front, 5 link independent rear, use of high strength steel and aluminum, and an overall focus on reducing weight.
The GM Alpha platform made its debut in the 2013 Cadillac ATS, which entered production in July 2012.
Vehicles that used the Alpha Platform:
- Cadillac ATS (D)
- Cadillac CTS (Third generation) (E)
- Chevrolet Camaro (sixth generation) (D)
Source: Wikipedia