General Motors L platform

The General Motors L platform (commonly called the L-body or L car) was a front-wheel-drive compact car automotive platform that was produced from 1987 through 1996.

GM L platform
1994 Chevrolet Beretta Z26
Overview
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	L-body L car
Production	1987–1996
Body and chassis
Class	Compact (C) platform
Layout	FF layout
Body style(s)	2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door hatchback
Vehicles	Chevrolet Beretta Chevrolet Corsica Pontiac Tempest
Related	GM N platform GM J platform
Powertrain
Engine(s)	122 I4 Quad-4 I4 60° V6
Transmission(s)	3-speed 3T40 automatic 4-speed 4T40-E automatic 4-speed 4T60-E automatic 5-speed Getrag 282 manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	103.4 in (2,626 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor	GM X platform (FWD)
Successor	2nd generation GM N Platform

The L platform was very similar to the GM N platform; however, the first-generation N-cars were engineered by Oldsmobile, while the L-cars were engineered by Chevrolet. The L platform used a twist-beam rear suspension and MacPherson struts in the front and featured a 103.4 in (263 cm) wheelbase. Both platforms were used to replace the GM X platform on which the Citation, among others, were based. GM also used a different L platform for the all-wheel-drive versions of the Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari mid-size vans.

Canadian Pontiac Tempest

Pontiac sold its own version of the L-body in Canada only. It was marketed as the Tempest from 1987 to 1991. This model featured a unique grill and tail lamps (which were later used on the updated Corsica). This model was dropped after 1991, being replaced by the new 1992 Grand Am sedan.

The L-car lasted just one generation, with the nameplates being retired and replaced by the N-body Chevrolet Malibu.

This platform was the basis for the following vehicles:

• 1987–1996 Chevrolet Beretta^[1]
• 1987–1996 Chevrolet Corsica^[2]
• 1987–1991 Pontiac Tempest (Canada)^[3]

See also

• List of GM platforms