The sharing of architecture can be applied in many different ways. Take the Hummer H2 from GM, for example: The H2 is derived from the GMT-800 platform, allowing Hummer engineers to tap into a broad array of existing components to adapt to their needs. The front end of the frame was spun off from the 2500 Series SUVs (3/4-ton Suburban and Yukon XL), while the rear portion was borrowed from the 1500 Series (Tahoe and Yukon) for its five-link suspension components. Although both the front and rear sections of the frame were modified so that the H2 would have improved approach and departure angles for traveling off road, the rest of the components were the same as the heavy-duty utilities', right down to dies and metals. In cases where new elements had to be developed, the previous work on developing the suspension geometry alone saved months in the process.
In another example, a few years back when Chevy saw an opening in the pickup truck market for a vehicle with increased cargo and passenger flexibility, it used common architecture to create the Avalanche. The company was able to bring the truck to market with a short lead time and thus remain a competitive, dynamic player. The Avalanche got its frame and suspension components from the Suburban, as well as its interior from the A- to C-pillar. The powertrains were common to many GMT-800 models, allowing the major pieces to come together quite efficiently. This permitted engineers to focus on how to distinguish the Avalanche, with its innovative midgate, bed storage bins, and protective body cladding. So while the new truck was born from shared components, the product itself remains unique in GM's lineup. And just as important, the Avalanche remains distinct in the marketplace even after a few production years.
In the case of Nissan's F-Alpha platform, it was developed initially for the full-size truck and SUV program: Titan, Armada, and Infiniti QX56. When the engineers sat down to lay out the platform, they considered everything from frame rail spacing, suspension geometry, and even wire harness routing to create a "clean" package that could be shared among other vehicles. For 2005, the
F-Alpha platform has been adapted to underpin the all-new Frontier pickup range and Pathfinder and Xterra sport/utes. The midsize F-Alpha uses frame rails the same width as those on the original, full-size iteration. Likewise, the crossmembers are in basically the same location, and the suspension geometry is similar, but with shorter control arms. The Titan may have a V-8, but the midsize vehicles' V-6 has virtually the same exhaust routing. The key differences between the full-size and midsize versions? The gauge of steel is not identical on the two iterations, because the midsize frame doesn't need to be as strong as the full-size one.