''In addition to the robust chassis architecture and suspension components,'' Queen says, ''Kappa engineers sweated dynamic details to produce a world-class platform, including:
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| The Kappa chassis was designed for the all-aluminum Ecotec four-cylinder engine. (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
- near 50/50 weight distribution for a balanced handling feel
- hydraulic engine mounts for a smoother engine feel
- an acoustic barrier and sound absorption package to provide world-class levels of interior quietness
- exterior components, such as mirrors, wind-tunnel tested to minimize wind noise, and
- tires selected for handling performance and low noise.
The Kappa chassis also was designed for the all-aluminum Ecotec four-cylinder engine, which will include three iterations, starting with the 2.4-liter version of the DOHC in the Solstice.
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| "The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe." (Photo: General Motors of Canada) |
While Kappa may have a unique suspension setup, the team that designed the new architecture were happy to ''leverage existing GM components where possible,'' to save time and money.
So the Solstice's rear differential is borrowed from the Cadillac CTS, for example, Queen says, with other ''proven component selections'' in Solstice and other Kappa cars.
Queen is quick to head off the suspicion that using what the auto industry sometimes calls ''parts bin engineering'' will be bad for the Solstice or anything else. ''The parts are adapted to the Kappa architecture and do not compromise the vehicle's design or function,'' she says.
Although the primary motivation for the Kappa architecture was the development of the Solstice, its platform is adaptable, so the Nomad has a longer wheelbase for a second row of seats. as demonstrated with the Chevrolet Nomad sport wagon and Saturn Curve 2+2 coupe concept vehicles.
''The Kappa architecture is a great platform for sporty, driver-oriented applications around the globe,'' says Queen. ''Two years ago it didn't exist, but as the other concepts show, the additional possibilities are tantalizing.''