GM K platform (1980)

Main article: GM K platform

GM K platform (FWD)
1986-1988 Cadillac Seville
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	K-Body
Production	1980–1999
Body and chassis
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Vehicles	Cadillac Sedan Deville Cadillac Seville
Related	GM C platform (FWD) GM H platform (FWD) GM G platform (FWD)
Chronology
Predecessor	GM K platform
Successor	GM G platform

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.

Vehicles

• 1980–1997 Cadillac Seville
• 1994–1999 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

References

• List of GM VIN codes