G8 and Camaro = same platform?

[GXPPilot]

I thought the G8 was Commodore based and the Camaro was it's own deal.... Some Camaro owner today was telling me they were the same... Am I smoking crack here?

:shutup:

[gtp40th]

Thats true! ZETA platform!

[GRRRR8]

Most parts exchange.

Front and rear cradles are different.
Front and rear sway bars are different
Front and rear struts are different
Front sway bar endlinks are different.

[GeorgeInNePa]

I think they called it Zeta-II.

[Slizzo]

I think they called it Zeta-II.

Don't know if this is true. What I do know for sure is that it is just a shortened version of the traditional Zeta platform in the G8/Commodore/Lumina. The Caprice Cop Car is on the Long Wheel Base version of Zeta that underpins the Calais.

[Devilish34]

Sameular not the same

[GeorgeInNePa]

Don't know if this is true. What I do know for sure is that it is just a shortened version of the traditional Zeta platform in the G8/Commodore/Lumina. The Caprice Cop Car is on the Long Wheel Base version of Zeta that underpins the Calais.

http://gmhightechperformance.automotive.com/93536/0901gmhtp-2010-chevy-camaro-ss/index.html


The Camaro will also attempt to hide that weight with a carefully tuned suspension that employs what GM calls a "multi-link strut" setup up front with a "direct-acting stabilizer bar," double-ball joint, and progressive-rate coil springs. This arrangement is similar to the Pontiac G8 (http://www.automotive.com/2009/09/pontiac/g8/index.html), which was built upon an older generation of the Global Rear Wheel Drive platform (Zeta I), except the front axle has been moved forward to fit the Camaro's already established body lines and the chassis has been stiffened considerably (making it sometimes referred to as Zeta II). Good news for autocrossers and road racers: caster, camber, and toe angle are fully adjustable.

[GXPPilot]

Sameular not the same

See that's what I thought... he insisted they were the exact same thing.

[Crazy Paul]

Don't know if this is true. What I do know for sure is that it is just a shortened version of the traditional Zeta platform in the G8/Commodore/Lumina. The Caprice Cop Car is on the Long Wheel Base version of Zeta that underpins the Calais.

Not Calais but Caprice.

Short Wheelbase = 2915mm = Omega, Berlina, SV6, SS, SS-V, Calais, Sportswagon.
Long Wheelbase = 3009mm = Caprice, Statesman, Ute.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/holden-range_00_02.jpg

Short Wheelbase.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/calais-dim_03.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/SW-dim_03.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/SSV-dim_03.jpg

Long Wheelbase.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/ute-dim_03.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/Statesman-dim_03.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/Caprice-dim_03.jpg

[GXPPilot]

Speaking Holden... after I told him that it was not the exact same platform, I told him the G8 was the Commodore based Holden... Pretty much just rebadged. He told me I was wrong, again.

Sheesh. Then he went on saying how little Camaros they were making, yadda yadda and came up with some numbers. I did not even bother telling him how little GXPs they made, or that my car was ~ 1 of 7 of it's kind but I was not up for being wrong any more, haha.

[Slizzo]

Thanks for the info George and Paul.

So, looks like it isn't officially dubbed as Zeta-II, just a moniker they use to easily differentiate the platforms? Also, yeah, I had a feeling I would be mixing up the Caprice and Calais. Calais is the "upmarket" Commodore correct? You're correct about the Commodore/G8. Essentially the same car with some minor body differences (hood, front fascia, spoiler) and differing drivetrains.

As for the Camaro build numbers. He's on crack about that. They've produced far more Camaros already than there are G8s of any kind IIRC. Something like over 100k Camaros have been churned out already. If you think Chevy isn't going to rape the crap out of the Camaro, then the stuff he's smoking is powerful indeed.

[Crazy Paul]

Speaking Holden... after I told him that it was not the exact same platform, I told him the G8 was the Commodore based Holden... Pretty much just rebadged. He told me I was wrong, again.

Here's some pics of an old Holden test mule,here in Oz.
It looks a bit like a G8.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150632.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150633.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150634.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150635.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150640.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150641.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150643.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y20/PerthPurplePenguin/New%20Holdens/R2150644.jpg






Calais is the "upmarket" Commodore correct?
Yes.

[johnbell2]

Would love to see the sport wagon over here in USA. Looks good in blue.

[GeorgeInNePa]

Would love to see the sport wagon over here in USA. Looks good in blue.

I was thinking the same thing...

[wnt2gofst]

YOu two want the wagin i want the Ute.

[GrandPrix98GT]

Would love to see the sport wagon over here in USA. Looks good in blue.

That's what I wanted all along, but oh well.

[todds87ss]

Speaking Holden... after I told him that it was not the exact same platform, I told him the G8 was the Commodore based Holden... Pretty much just rebadged. He told me I was wrong, again.

Sheesh. Then he went on saying how little Camaros they were making, yadda yadda and came up with some numbers. I did not even bother telling him how little GXPs they made, or that my car was ~ 1 of 7 of it's kind but I was not up for being wrong any more, haha.

This is becoming commonplace with the new Camaro Owners. Since they were out of production for so long, there seems to be a different type of owner; not one knowlegable about the marque, just folks who have a lot to learn.

[deputycrawford]

That test mule allowed on the roads over there? The steering wheel is on the wrond side, unless the pics backward. Good pics though. I like the silver alot. Paul, you always have the best info anyone can find anywhere.
Slizzo, its my believe that the Camaro is 3 inches longer than the Commodore. I believe that puts it in the Caprice area. The Calais is more of the stripped SS version. The longer bodied versions go Caprice, Senator, Statesmen, I think. Paul, we need you again....lol

Jerry

[cashie]

That test mule allowed on the roads over there? The steering wheel is on the wrond side, unless the pics backward. Good pics though. I like the silver alot. Paul, you always have the best info anyone can find anywhere.
Slizzo, its my believe that the Camaro is 3 inches longer than the Commodore. I believe that puts it in the Caprice area. The Calais is more of the stripped SS version. The longer bodied versions go Caprice, Senator, Statesmen, I think. Paul, we need you again....lol

Jerry

Long wheel-base cars go (from cheapest to dearest) Statesman, Caprice, Senator.
The Calais is the luxury version of the short wheel-base cars (has a bit more fruit but less sporty than the SS or SS-V)
We generally have several LHD mules on the road over here at any one time conducting testing etc (they normally have a "LEFT HAND DRIVE" sign on the rear)
Here's one that was seen in Hay NSW last week:
http://dev.cnorth.com.au/temp/ls101.JPG
http://dev.cnorth.com.au/temp/ls102.JPG

[johnbell2]

I don't care how it happens I want a Holden back in the USA asap. I am VERY HAPPY with my G8 in spite of all the complaints I've posted in the past. That's what warranties are for and I can live with that.

I had a GMC Acadia for a week while the techs worked on my sunroof and realized they needed to order new parts. The Acadia was ok but after about a week I *really* started to miss the G8. When I got her back I was quickly reminded why, these sure are fun cars to drive and the price is right!

[barr1340]

was that a red g8 with a hitch?? I couldn't dare

[deputycrawford]

Thanks for setting me straight. Good info. Would love to take a vacation over there just to drive all the different types. HEY, would anybody over there make a kinda bed and breakfast thing for fellow G8ers to stay while were there to drive. WOO HOO vacation everyone. We can all stay at Paul's.

Jerry

[Slizzo]

That test mule allowed on the roads over there? The steering wheel is on the wrond side, unless the pics backward. Good pics though. I like the silver alot. Paul, you always have the best info anyone can find anywhere.
Slizzo, its my believe that the Camaro is 3 inches longer than the Commodore. I believe that puts it in the Caprice area. The Calais is more of the stripped SS version. The longer bodied versions go Caprice, Senator, Statesmen, I think. Paul, we need you again....lol

Jerry

Neg, Camaro is definitely riding on a shortened Zeta platform. Smaller car than the G8. Sit in one and you'll see.


Wheelbase 112.3 in (2,850 mm) ^^^ Camaro

Wheelbase 114.7 in (2913 mm) ^^^ G8/Commodore/Lumina


Length 190.4 in (4,840 mm)
Width 75.5 in (1,920 mm)
Height 54.2 in (1,380 mm) ^^^ Camaro


Length 196.1 in (4981 mm)
Width 74.8 in (1900 mm)
Height 57.7 in (1466 mm) ^^^G8