General Motors H Platform (1986)

The H platform, or H-body designates a General Motors front-wheel-drive full-sized car platform introduced in 1986 as a derivation of the front-drive C platform introduced for model year 1985. Originally available in both 2-door and 4-door versions — the latter was much more popular and two-door models dropped by 1992. Engines were predominantly the Buick's 3.8 liter (231 cubic-inch) V6 engine and later, GM's Buick 3800 V6; in naturally aspirated and supercharged variants (from 1991-1999).

Previously, GM had used the ''H platform'' nomenclature to designate the unrelated rear-wheel-drive compact cars. Starting in 2000, all H-body vehicles moved to the G platform, related also to the K platform. GM continued to call it the H platform.

1986-1999 Buick LeSabre

The 1986 LeSabre was introduced on the new front wheel drive H platform, foregoing its previous rear-drive B platform. Rebadged variants included the Oldsmobile Delta 88 and the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville, which had immediately prior used the mid-size G platform. The LeSabre used a reverse clamshell hood hinged at the front like the Buick Electra, introduced the year before. The all new flush aerodynamic styling combined with front drive ushered in a new era for the LeSabre.

In 1986 model, the LeSabre featured the 3.0 liter (181 cubic-inch) V6 as standard, with most models from 1986 until 2005 using Buick's 3.8 liter (231 cubic-inch) V6 engine, developing . Beginning in 1988 the engine was redeveloped to include a balance shaft, with . For 1991 this engine, called the 3800 V6, made with the addition of Tuned Port Injection.

This LeSabre was re-introduced in 1991 for the 1992 model year, and was redesigned along the same lines as the previous year's Park Avenue. The LeSabre was availabley as a four-door sedan from this point forward until the car was discontinued in 2005. The headlights were streamlined with a separated amber turn signal strip wrapping around the lower front fascia. The rear fascia featured a wider trunk mouth and lower lift over height to ease loading baggage while the front was smoothed with simplified chrome molding and absent bumperettes. The LeSabre also featured GM's plastic body technologies, with high-stress plastic replacing traditional steel in the front fenders. The LeSabre's engine from 1992 to 1995 was the 3800 V6 (L27), which produced and 225 lb·ft (305 N·m) The 3513 lb (1593 kg) car got 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in the city and 28 mpg (8.4 L/100 km) on the highway, which was slightly better than the 1991 model. The car accelerated to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 8.9 seconds and could cover the quarter mile in 16.9 seconds at 80 mph (129 km/h). Top speed was electronically limited to 108 mph (173 km/h).

1986-1999 Oldsmobile 88

For 1986, the Oldsmobile Delta 88 switched platforms from the GM B platform to the smaller front-wheel drive H platform, with a wheelbase of only . The headlights changed from square sealed beam quads to integrated regular/high beam composite lamps in 1987. The Oldsmobile Eighty Eight was redesigned for 1992, following the redesign of the Ninety Eight the previous year. This was the last Eighty Eight or 88 model from Oldsmobile (along with its performance LSS and Regency models) before being discontinued in 1999 and being replaced in 2001 with the Aurora. The 3.8 L Buick V6 was still the only engine, but output increased to and of torque.

1987-1999 Pontiac Bonneville

For 1987, Pontiac decided to change the Bonneville from the rear wheel drive G-body with the V8 to the more economical front wheel drive one-year-old H Body platform with the Buick LeSabre and Oldsmobile 88. Initially, a 3.8 L V6 was the sole engine, mated to a four-speed Hydramatic 4T60 automatic and performance was adequate from this pairing. The new Bonneville was placed on '' Car & Driver's'' “10 Best” list for 1987, offering both a base model and LE model. For LE models, an SSE sport package was also available that featured a quicker gear ratio, sportier suspension and more standard features, as the Bonneville was intended to have a more sporty, European flavor than the LeSabre and 88.

The ninth-generation Pontiac Bonneville was unveiled on February 8, 1991, at the 1991 Chicago International Auto Show and launched in July 1991 for the 1992 model year; the interior and exterior of the car were completely redesigned. Developed over a -year period from 1986 to early 1991 under program director Dave Mitchell, styling work took place from 1987 to 1988, with a final design by John Folden being chosen in 1988 and frozen for production that same year. The first prototypes were built in 1989 and went into testing in mid-1989. In August 1990, production preparation began, with early production "builds" being constructed during late 1990. The first series production models were assembled in May 1991, with SE variants being launched in July 1991.http://www.pontiacregistry.com/members/viewtopic_chapter.php?p=7421&sid=b585aab6f2dd4f9a441be9679d73108c This generation hosted quite a few Bonneville firsts, becoming quicker and considerably safer. One of the most notable improvements over the previous generation was that the Bonneville SE now came standard with a driver airbag and was the first General Motors product equipped with a passenger airbag, while ABS was available as part of the sport appearance package. The SSE models came with standard ABS and traction control.

Vehicles

Year-to-Year Changes

::1986: Ninety-Eight switched to contemporary front-drive in 1985. Now it was Delta 88's turn. The new H-body version, sharing the same platform as the Buick LeSabre. The all-new B-body version, similar to the new Chevrolet Caprice and Pontiac Parisienne. The all-new D-body version, similar to the new Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham and Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse.
::1987: After a complete redesign in 1986, Delta 88 was Oldsmobile's best-selling automobile. Power steering and door mounted seatbelts are added to the options list for 1987. Delta 88 was similar to the new Pontiac Bonneville and Buick LeSabre. The all-new B-body version, similar to the new Chevrolet Caprice. The all-new D-body version, similar to the new Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Brougham Limousine and Cadillac Brougham Hearse.
::1988: The Delta 88 lineup continued unchanged from the year before. Only four models are available the Royale coupe and sedan and Royale Brougham coupe and sedan. Standard powertrain for the Delta 88 was the Buick-built 3.8-liter 231 V6 engine. Delta 88 was similar to the new Pontiac Bonneville and Buick LeSabre. The all-new B-body version, similar to the new Chevrolet Caprice. The all-new D-body version, similar to the new Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Brougham Limousine and Cadillac Brougham Hearse. Delta 88 ended production on Friday, August 26th, 1988.
::1989: As of 1989, the former Delta 88 Royale was renamed the Eighty-Eight Royale. Only four models are available the Royale Brougham coupe and sedan and Royale coupe and sedan. Power sunroof was dropped from the options list. Sunroof, air conditioning, tilt steering wheel and AM-FM cassette/CD (Compact Disc) audio system was added to the options list. Eighty-Eight was similar to the new Pontiac Bonneville and Buick LeSabre. The all-new B-body version, similar to the new Chevrolet Caprice. The all-new D-body version, similar to the new Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Brougham Limousine and Cadillac Brougham Hearse.
::1990: As of 1990, the Eighty-Eight was offered in four models: the Royale Brougham coupe and sedan and Royale coupe and sedan. Reflectors fill the voids by moving the backup lamps. Level III (FE3) suspension comes with aluminum wheels. A new tilt steering wheel is available. Eighty-Eight was similar to the new Pontiac Bonneville and Buick LeSabre. The all-new B-body version, similar to the new Chevrolet Caprice. The all-new D-body version, similar to the new Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Brougham Limousine and Cadillac Brougham Hearse.
::1991: As of 1991, the Eighty-Eight was offered in four models: the Royale Brougham coupe and sedan and Royale coupe and sedan. Windshield wipers and tilt steering wheel are added to the options list. Eighty-Eight was similar to the new Pontiac Bonneville and Buick LeSabre. The all-new B-body version, similar to the new Chevrolet Caprice. The all-new D-body version, similar to the new Cadillac Brougham, Cadillac Brougham Limousine and Cadillac Brougham Hearse. The Eighty-Eight Royale Brougham coupe and sedan and Eighty-Eight Royale coupe ended production on Friday, March 15th, 1991. It was replaced by the Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight LS in 1992.

H platform vs. Taurus

References

List of GM VIN codes
{{General Motors platforms

H 2