See main article: GM K platform.
See also: List of GM platforms.
| GM K platform (FWD) | |
| Aka: | K-Body |
| Manufacturer: | General Motors |
| Production: | 1980 - 1999 |
| Predecessor: | GM K platform |
| Successor: | GM G platform |
| Body Style: | 4-door sedan |
| Related: | GM C platform (FWD) GM H platform (FWD) GM G platform (FWD) GM E platform |
| Vehicles: | Cadillac Sedan Deville Cadillac Seville |
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.
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]