2010 Equinox Preview December 23, 2008
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary, Green.2 comments


2010 Equinox Side

2010 Equinox Interior
There has been a lot of excitment waiting for the new 2010 Equinox to be unvelied. Well, it has been previewed at the North Amnerican Auto Show in Detroit.
Below you will find the complete press release from General Motors. This vehicle will also be a segment leader in fuel economy making it a very Green automobile. The all new styling will make this not only a very utilitarian vehicle but a real styling statement too. Enjoy!
The Chevy Enthusiast
For release: Dec. 21, 2008, 12:01 a.m. ET
2010 CHEVROLET EQUINOX: A COMPACT CROSSOVER FOR ALL SEASONS – AND ALL LIFESTYLES
All-new crossover delivers expected segment-best highway fuel economy
DETROIT – Chevrolet unveiled the all-new 2010 Equinox, a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA certification pending) – a 25-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient, 2.4L engine.
The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover; and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features, according to Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet.
The Equinox makes its world debut at the North American Auto Show in Detroit next month.
“At a time when customers are so concerned about the fuel efficiency of their vehicle, the Equinox delivers,” said Peper. “It offers the roominess and capability of a crossover with great fuel economy. Equinox will provide customers a vehicle filled with refinement, comfort and great value.”
The 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:
- New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower (135 kW), which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
- New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW), which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
- Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups
- Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags
- Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control
- Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
- “Smart” remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature
“With the 2010 Equinox, we focused on appealing to the senses – from the overall design to the feel of the interior,” said Peper.
Design details
The design features Chevy’s signature global face – the two-tier grille and prominent gold Bowtie insignia. Strong fender shapes, a distinctive premium roofline, wraparound headlamps and dual round taillamps are additional elements that define Equinox as a true Chevrolet, Peper said.
“The new Equinox blends function and style into a very sporty, yet upscale compact crossover,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Both the exterior and interior surprise and delight with careful attention to detail.”
Additional design features include:
- A multi-dimensional hood and wraparound rear side glass and a wheels-at-the-corners stance
- Improved aerodynamic performance through a number of carefully designed exterior features, including moving the base of the windshield forward approximately three inches (75 mm) for a sleeker profile
Equinox’s rocker panels are integrated into the doors to make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle. They narrow the area over which a passenger must step, offering protection for pant legs that could brush against dirty rockers. Also, the select use of chrome trim and flush-fitting ”exposed-edge” windshield and rear glass reinforce Equinox’s build quality and reduce wind noise.
Dimensionally, the Equinox rides on the same 112.5-inch wheelbase (2,857 mm), but is about one inch (25 mm) shorter in length and an inch wider. It also has a wider front track that enhances the ride and handling.
Interior amenities, storage and flexibility
Inside, the Equinox features attention to detail – including a number of storage bins, such as an oversized glove box; a closed storage bin in the instrument panel above the center stack; and closed storage under the center armrest large enough for a laptop computer.
A “floating” center stack houses a multitude of ergonomic comfort and convenience controls. Contemporary, ice-blue ambient lighting – featured within and surrounding the center stack, encircling the center-console cupholders and within the door pull cups – accentuates the cabin. The front and rear seats, which include cloth and uplevel, perforated leather-trimmed offerings, were developed to help deliver best-in-class comfort.
The new Equinox retains its MultiFlex rear seat capability, which allows the seat to be moved fore or aft nearly eight inches (203 mm), for the best rear legroom in its class. With the 60/40-split-back rear seat moved all the way forward, the cargo area offers 31.4 cubic feet (889 liters) of storage.
The Equinox’s cabin is notable for its quietness. Noise-absorbing elements are built into the chassis, engine compartment and interior.
Convenience, infotainment and connectivity
A variety of technologies are integrated in the Equinox, such as an available seven-inch touch-screen navigation system. Additional features also include:
- Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
- USB audio connectivity
- DVD-based rear-seat entertainment system with two independent screens to enable DVD viewing on one and gaming on the other
- Internal memory/hard drive on uplevel radios for storing audio selections
- Power, programmable rear liftgate
- Rear-vision camera system, with display in the rearview mirror or in the navigation screen
- Range of premium-feature audio systems with up to eight speakers and 250 watts of output
Chassis and suspension
The 2010 Equinox is built on a body-integral structure with single-piece body side stampings and targeted applications of high-strength steel. Those elements form the foundation of a solid, quiet driving experience, according to Peper. The strong structure enabled engineers to tune the four-wheel-independent suspension system for greater control and driver feedback.
Standard and available features include:
- Available all wheel drive
- Family of 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels
- Fuel-saving electric power steering system
The rack-mounted electric power steering system provides greater fuel efficiency of on 2.4L-equipped models that saves nearly 11 miles per tank of gas, or about 572 miles per year (assuming one fill-up per week). With the Equinox’s estimated 30 mpg on the highway, the electric power steering system saves the equivalent of approximately one tank of gas each year.
“With the outstanding interior execution and comfort, the stunning exterior design, numerous chassis improvements, and the connectivity to the outside world, the new Equinox is the favorite ride among our engineers,” said Tim Herrick, chief engineer. “I have to pull the keys out of their hands in order to take it for a spin myself.”
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
# # #
SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
|
Models: |
Chevrolet Equinox LS, LT and LTZ; FWD and AWD |
|
Body style / driveline: |
five-passenger, four-door SUV, front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive |
|
Construction: |
welded galvanized steel (except for hood and roof) monocoque |
|
EPA vehicle class: |
compact sport utility vehicle |
|
Manufacturing location: |
Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada |
|
Key competitors: |
Ford Escape, Jeep Liberty, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4 |
Engines
|
Type: |
2.4L DOHC I-4 DI |
3.0L DOHC V-6 DI |
|
Displacement (cu in / cc): |
145 / 2384 |
182 / 2994 |
|
Bore & stroke (in / mm): |
3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 |
3.50 x 3.15 / 89 x 80.2 |
|
Block material: |
cast aluminum |
sand-cast aluminum with cast-in bore liners |
|
Cylinder head material: |
cast aluminum |
cast aluminum |
|
Valvetrain: |
DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing |
DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing |
|
Fuel delivery: |
electronic direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
electronic direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
|
Compression ratio: |
11.7:1 |
11.7:1 |
|
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm): |
182 / 135 @ 6700 |
255 / 190 @ 6500 |
|
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): |
174 / 235 @ 4800 |
214 / 290 @ 5600 |
|
Recommended fuel: |
regular unleaded |
regular unleaded |
|
Emissions controls: |
close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor |
close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor |
|
Estimated fuel economy (city / hwy): |
21 / 30 (FWD) 20 / 27 (AWD) |
18 / 25 (FWD) 17 / 24 (AWD) |
Transmission
|
Type: |
Hydra-matic 6T45 six-speed automatic electronically controlled |
Hydra-matic 6T70 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with manual shift mode |
|
Gear ratios: (:1): |
|
|
|
First: |
4.58 |
4.48 |
|
Second: |
2.96 |
2.87 |
|
Third: |
1.91 |
1.84 |
|
Fourth: |
1.44 |
1.41 |
|
Fifth: |
1.00 |
1.00 |
|
Sixth: |
0.74 |
0.74 |
|
Reverse: |
2.94 |
2.88 |
|
Final drive ratio: |
3.23 (FWD) 3.53 (AWD) |
2.77 |
Chassis/Suspension
|
Front: |
independent strut-type with tuned coil springs; direct-acting stabilizer bar; hydraulic ride bushings |
|
Rear: |
independent four-link with coil springs and trailing arm; stabilizer bar; hydraulic link bushings |
|
Steering type: |
rack-mounted electric power steering with 2.4L; hydraulic power rack-and-pinion with 3.0L |
|
Steering ratio: |
18.1:1 (2.4L) 17.4:1 (3.0L) |
|
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: |
3.46 (2.4L) 2.90 (3.0L with 18-inch wheels) 2.80 (3.0L with 19-inch wheels) |
|
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): |
40 / 12.2 (with 17- and 18-inch wheels) 42.6 / 13 (with 19-inch wheels |
Brakes
|
Type: |
power front and rear vented discs, standard anti-lock brakes |
|
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): |
front: 12.6 x 1.18 / 321 x 30 rear: 11.9 x 0.78 / 303 x 20 |
|
Total swept area (cu in / mm): |
front: 20.7 / 526 rear: 15.3 / 390 |
Wheels/Tires
|
Wheel size and type:
|
17-inch aluminum (std. with 2.4L) 18-inch aluminum (std. with 3.0L) 19-inch aluminum (opt. with 3.0L) |
|
Tires: |
P225/65R17 all-season steel-belted radial blackwall tires P235/55R18 all-season steel-belted radial blackwall tires P235/55R19 all-season steel-belted radial blackwall tires |
Dimensions
Exterior
|
|
|
|
Wheelbase (in / mm): |
112.5 / 2857 |
|
Overall length (in / mm): |
187.8 / 4771 |
|
Overall width (in / mm): |
72.5 / 1842 |
|
Overall height (in / mm): |
66.3 / 1684 |
|
Track (in / mm): |
front: 62.5 / 1587 rear: 61.8 / 1570 |
|
Approach angle (deg): |
14.8 |
|
Departure angle (deg): |
23.2 |
|
Breakover ramp angle (deg): |
16.5 |
|
Minimum ground clearance (in / mm): |
7.8 / 198.5 |
|
Ground to rear load floor (in / mm): |
28.8 / 731.2 |
|
Curb weight, base (lb / kg): |
3770 / 1710 |
|
Weight distribution (front / rear): |
58 / 42 |
Interior
|
Seating capacity: |
5 |
|
Headroom (in / mm): |
front: 39.8 / 1012 rear: 39.2 / 995 |
|
Legroom (in / mm): |
front: 41.2 / 1046 rear: 37.2 / 946 |
|
Shoulder room (in / mm): |
front: 55.8 / 1418 rear: 55.3 / 1405 |
|
Hip room (in / mm): |
front: 55.1 / 1399 rear: 51.3 / 1304 |
Capacities
|
EPA interior volume (cu ft / L): |
130.5 / 3695 |
|
Passenger volume (cu ft / L): |
99.7 / 2822 |
|
Cargo volume (cu ft / L): Maximum behind rear seat: Maximum behind front seat: |
31.4 / 889 63.7 / 1803 |
|
GVWR, standard (lb / kg): |
4960 / 2250 |
|
Payload, base (lb / kg): |
1190 / 540 |
|
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): |
1500 / 680 (2.4L) 3500 / 1588 (3.0L) |
|
Fuel tank (gal / L): |
18.8 / 71.1 (2.4L) 20.9 / 79.1 (3.0L) |
|
Engine oil (qt / L): |
5 / 4.7 (2.4L) 6 / 5.7 (3.0L) |
|
Cooling system (qt / L): |
8.9 / 8.5 (2.4L) 10 / 9.5 (3.0L) |
*Pending SAE certification.
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication. Please visit our GM Media web site at http://media.gm.com for updates.
2009 Camaros in racing December 16, 2008
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Auto Racing, Enthusiastic Commentary.add a comment

2009 Camaro GS

I don’t know about you, but I am very excited at the thought of the 2009 Camaro racing in the Koni Challenge series starting in Jan 2010. It has been a while since we have had the opportunity to watch the Camaros and Mustangs compete in a road race series.
Being a spec series competition, the race version of the 2009 Camaros will be produced by Riley Technologies of North Carolina. Their past experience and racing credentials more than qualifies them as the only fabricator recognized to prepeare the Camaros for Grand Am Koni Challenge Series.
While we have not seen any Riley prepped client Camaros yet, the prototype that was shown at SEMA is enough to stir your heart if you are any kind of Chevrolet racing fan!
The 2009 Camaro GS prototype shown at SEMA truly captures the sense of the 1969 Trans Am series Camaro that was run by Penske with Mark Donahue driving to the championship, from the dark blue paint, yellow wheels, the number 6 on the car and that mean looking stance. It is very cool!
The initial press release from August 2008 can be found on the Riley Technologies website http://www.rileytech.com
The Riley prepped cars will be true racers that are built from factory “bodies in white”. Full roll cages installed and all the body seams welded to increase the rigidity and safety of the vehicle. To lighten the Camaro, they will have carbon fiber hood, doors and trunck lid added. A solid mounted LS3 backed by a Tremec 6060 close ratio 6 speed will round out the powertrain. The Camaro will have the necessary extra oil coolers for the transmission and differential along with an upgraded engine oil cooler.
Unless you think this is just another “instant racer”, this prototype has looged many hours of extensive testing to dial in the suspension and drivetrain tuning. When you get the keys to one of these, it will be race ready. We have been told that you can also acquire these Camaro racers to match your budget. Riley Technologies will sell you one in various states of completion. Just contact them at info@rileytech,com
The Chevy Enthusiast
GM 3.6L V6 on Ten Best Engines List December 16, 2008
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary, Green.add a comment
This is a press release from GM Canada……..
St. Catharine’s Produced GM 3.6L Direct Injection V-6 Engine Makes Ward’s North American ‘Ten Best Engines’ List
The 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection in the Cadillac CTS recognized for second year for delivering fuel efficiency and performance
Oshawa, Ontario. - General Motors’ 3.6L direct injection V-6 VVT has been named to Ward’s AutoWorld magazine’s 2009 “Ten Best Engines” list for North America. Produced at GM Canada’s St. Catharines powertrain facility, the engine is part of GM’s overall strategy to equip vehicles with advanced propulsion technologies that improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
This is the second year that the magazine’s editors have recognized this engine, which is in the 2008 Cadillac CTS – Motor Trend’s 2008 Car of the Year – and six other GM models. The award will be presented in January at the North American International Auto Show.
“We are pleased that the results of our green by design transformation are being recognized,” said David Paterson, vice president of corporate affairs for GM of Canada. “Results like these reflect the aggressive focus we’ve paced on improving fuel economy and reducing vehicle emissions through advanced engine and transmission technologies.”
GM’s 3.6L V-6 engine with variable valve timing and direct injection technology is one of the most fuel-efficient in GM’s high-feature engine family, delivering a 3-percent fuel economy improvement over its predecessor. The 2008 CTS, when equipped with the 3.6L V-6 VVT with direct injection and six-speed automatic transmission, consumes just 7.5L/100 km highway and 10.1L/100km combined.
The application of direct injection also reduces cold-start hydrocarbon emissions by 25 percent. With direct injection, fuel is sprayed directly into the engine cylinder, where it is mixed with air. As the fuel vaporizes in the cylinder, the air and fuel mixture is cooled. This enables the use of a higher compression ratio, which improves engine efficiency and performance.
In addition to the Cadillac CTS, the 3.6L DI V-6 engine is available in the 2009 Buick Enclave, Cadillac STS, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook and Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid.
The vehicles that people want…. December 9, 2008
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary.add a comment
It continues to amaze me to hear pundits say that General Motors has not built the vehicles that people want. If that was true, then how is it that General Motors is the largest selling manufacturer in Canada?
There are claims that GM has continued to build SUV and Pick Up style vehicles when there is no consumer interest. Well, somebody has forgotten to tell the consumers that they are still buying the wrong products!
The new Chevrolet Traverse is causing a lot of interest and we continue to sell them due to the demand. Can we have the only clientele that want them? I think not!
Try telling a contractor, landscaper or farmer that they need to drive a sub-compact to carry all their tools and products to and from various destinations. Or should they be taking public transit? No! They need trucks, vans and SUVs to accomplish their tasks. General Motors has been building great trucks for 100 years. If you combine the GMC and Chevy Trucks pick-up lines together, since they are the same vehicles but rebadged, they out sell the venerable Ford F150. People buy the GM trucks in volume. Must be a lot of folks out there that are buying products that they don’t want, at least accodring to the pundits.
When is comes to cars, there is a lot of great GM product out there. On the Chevrolet side, the Malibu is a hot item with the 4 cyl engine demand so high, they are hard to keep in inventory. The Malibu Hybrid is available also. The new Aveo is a fuel miser that has a low price to match the low fuel consumption. The Cobalt is comfortable value packed compact that performs and gives great mileage.
At the other end of the spectrum is the Corvette. This is truly a World class sports touring automobile. It comes in various option levels from “smooth performance cruiser” to “take no prisoners club racer/autocrosser”. World class performance with 35 MPG. If the Corvette is a vehicle that people do not want, then they forgot to tell the legions of Corvette fans that have been following this marque since it’s inception in 1953. Today the Corvette remains a much sought after vehicle with waiting lists to acquire the iconic ZR1 version.
Enough time on the soapbox! I have a 2009 Silverado to deliver and a client that wants to buy a 2009 Corvette Z06.
The Chevy Enthusiast
2011 Chevrolet Cruze Introduction December 23, 2008
Posted by wilsonniblett in Auto News, Enthusiastic Commentary, Green.1 comment so far
2011 Cruze Front
2011 Cruze Rear
2011 Cruze Interior
The following is a Press Release from General Motors concerning the New Chevy Cruze that will be introduced at the NAIS
CHEVROLET CRUZE: ALL-NEW SEDAN DELIVERS GREAT LOOKS AND OUTSTANDING FUEL ECONOMY
DETROIT – The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze makes its North American debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The all-new, compact sedan with coupe-like design proportions, midsize-like interior and trunk space, and great fuel efficiency will go on sale in the United States and Canada in the first half of 2010.
In North America, the Cruze will be powered by an optional new, 1.4L Turbo engine that is expected to deliver better fuel economy than the current leader in this segment, the Chevrolet Cobalt XFE that is rated at 37 mpg on the highway.
“Around the world, Chevrolet stands for expressive value and that’s exactly what the Cruze delivers,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “The Cruze’s combination of great design, strong performance and outstanding fuel economy makes it a compelling choice.”
Cruze is the result of a development process harnessing GM’s global expertise and is the first of a new family of compact products that will deliver world-class quality. It will be backed by expected highest scores in all major crash safety ratings.
Vehicle highlights include:
The Cruze will be offered in base, LS, LT and LTZ models. Production for North American models will take place at GM’s Lordstown, Ohio assembly plant, while the 1.4L Turbo engine for North America will be manufactured in Flint, Mich.
“The Chevy Cruze built and sold in North America will differ only slightly in markets around the world,” said Peper. “Only market-specific features will distinguish the global models and all will proudly wear the Chevy Bowtie on the grille.”
Arching roofline
The new Chevy Cruze’s design is distinguished with a bold “face” that is becoming the signature look for Chevrolet models around the globe, as well as an arching roofline that gives the car a sporty, coupe-like proportion.
“The Cruze reinterprets the traditional sedan with drama, confidence and a decidedly upscale presence,” said Taewan Kim, chief designer. “It is a refreshing, exciting design that advances Chevrolet’s character around the world.”
Large headlamp housings are incorporated in the front-end design. They wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and sculpted hood. The headlamps flank a two-tier grille that features the iconic Bowtie logo between the horizontal openings.
An arching roofline extends from the Cruze’s steeply raked windshield to fast-sloping rear pillars, culminating at a short rear deck. It’s a profile typically found on sports coupes and gives the Cruze a decidedly aggressive look that is complemented by a wide, confidant stance.
The Cruze is wider and longer than most of its competitors, with minimal overhangs around the wheels. Taut, tightly drawn bodywork conveys solidity, while restrained use of exterior trim enhances the car’s high-quality feel.
That bold yet purposeful design ethic and attention to detail carries over to the interior, where a Corvette-inspired twin-cockpit motif is matched with high-quality materials and exceptional assembly tolerances. Grained, soft-touch components and low-gloss trim panels exude a quality that is uncommon in the segment, while conveniences such as Bluetooth and USB inputs offer customers the latest connectivity options.
Turbocharged efficiency
Pumped up with its exhaust-driven turbocharger, the Cruze’s 1.4L Turbo performs like a larger engine when needed, but retains the efficiency of a small-displacement four-cylinder in most driving conditions. Its power-boosting advantage comes from forcing more air into the engine than a non-boosted engine would draw normally; power ratings are estimated at 140 horsepower (104 kW) and 148 lb.-ft. of torque (200 Nm).
The 1.4L Turbo is part of GM’s family of global small-displacement engines. They are designed with fuel efficiency in mind, including technology such as full variable valve timing that optimizes performance and fuel economy across the rpm band. Carefully matched transmissions, including a six-speed automatic available on the Cruze, further enhance performance and fuel economy.
In addition to the 1.4L Turbo, the Cruze will also be offered in North America with an efficient 1.8L four-cylinder engine with dual continuously variable camshafts. It is rated at an estimated 138 horsepower (103 kW).
Chevrolet is one of America’s best-known and best-selling automotive brands. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevy is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $12,120 to $103,300. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles. More information on Chevrolet can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
# # #
2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
1.8L DOHC VVT (138 hp / 103 kW – est)
Hyda-matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
(cu ft / L):
Note: Information shown is current at time of publication.