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Old Dec 14, 2006 | 09:26 AM
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Equinox Sport

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...=2&docid=31243


Chevrolet Equinox Sport Brings Excitement To The SUV Segment

DETROIT – Chevrolet announced the new 2008 Equinox Sport, a performance-oriented variant of the popular compact SUV.

It has an aggressive stance and a sporting nature, thanks to a lowered suspension, bold 18-inch wheels, a powerful, 263-horsepower (196 kW) DOHC engine – backed up with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual tap up/tap down control – a tuned exhaust and unique exterior appointments. Details such as body color fascias and the elimination of the roof rack contribute to the sleek design, making the Equinox Sport an uncompromising performance vehicle.

“The Equinox Sport embodies all of the value-driven performance ingredients that have made Chevrolet the brand for performance enthusiasts of all walks of life,” said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. “Better still, customers don’t have to sacrifice the versatility they expect from the Equinox – they simply get an SUV that hauls their friends and cargo with head-turning style.”

The 2008 Equinox Sport is scheduled to arrive at Chevrolet dealerships in the third quarter of 2007. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available.

Design details
Using Chevrolet’s popular Equinox SUV as the foundation, the Equinox Sport delivers a performance-inspired appearance, with body colored front and rear fascias and a body color grille cross bar. The front and rear fascias have trapezoidal design cues; the front fascia uses silver-painted trapezoidal air inlets, while the rear fascia features dual chrome trapezoidal-shaped exhaust outlets.

The Equinox Sport’s performance-oriented look is enhanced by eliminating the roof rack, although it is offered as an option. Also, 18-inch flangeless, high-polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels, mounted on P235/50R18 tires, complement an aggressive stance.

Inside, the Equinox Sport has standard all-Ebony trim and appointments all its own. New seats with bolsters that enhance lateral support during quick cornering maneuvers are standard, with perforated leather-covered versions available. It also has a leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel and specific instruments, including a 140-mph speedometer. The shifter also is unique to the Equinox Sport, as it is a J-gate design that enables precise control of the six-speed transmission’s fully automatic or manual tap-up/tap-down features.

Standard features also include those for which the Equinox is already known and appreciated: five-passenger seating with a Multi-Flex, split-folding rear seat, flat-folding front passenger seat , power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering, rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speaker audio system. XM Satellite Radio and remote vehicle starting also are standard. Available options include a power sunroof, Pioneer seven-speaker audio system and OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Performance
GM’s high-feature 3.6L V-6 powers the Equinox Sport. It is a DOHC engine with variable valve timing that delivers 263 horsepower (196 kW)* and 250 lb.-ft of torque (342 Nm)* – a 42-percent power increase over the Equinox LT. The 3.6L engine is paired with a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic that provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. This powertrain combination delivers performance that would be the envy of many sports cars, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of less than seven seconds.

The Equinox Sport’s underhood acumen is complemented with a performance-tuned suspension. A long, 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide, 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track give the Equinox a stable, confident road feel, while the Sport’s lowered ride height, specific shock tuning, control arms and larger, solid stabilizer bars add to its more responsive, sporting driving experience. The overall ride height is reduced by about 1 inch (25 mm).

The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design with new control arms and stiffer, hydraulic bushings and slightly stiffer springs. The rear suspension features a four-link independent layout with stiffer bushings.
GM’s innovative StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, front and rear disc brakes with four-channel ABS and tire pressure monitoring system all are standard on the Equinox Sport – as they are on all Equinox models for 2007. On AWD models, the automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push. It engages automatically when wheel slip is detected.

*Pending SAE certification.


2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX SPORT PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS

Overview
Models:
Chevrolet Equinox Sport FWD & AWD
Body style / driveline:
5-passenger, 4-door SUV , front-engine, front- or all wheel drive
Construction:
welded galvanized steel monocoque
EPA vehicle class:
compact sport utility vehicle
Manufacturing location:
Ingersoll , Ontario , Canada
Key competitors:
Toyota RAV4 Sport, Mazda CX-7

Engine
Type:
3.6L V-6 (LY7)
Displacement (cu in / cc):
217 / 3564
Bore & stroke (in / mm):
3.7 x 3.37 / 94 x 85.6
Block material:
cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
Valvetrain:
dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder
Ignition system:
coil-on-plug
Fuel delivery:
sequential fuel injection
Compression ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower (hp / kW @ rpm):
263 / 196 @ 6500*
Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm):
250 / 342 @ 3100*
Recommended fuel:
87 octane
Emissions controls:
evaporative system, dual catalytic converters and positive crankcase ventilation
Estimated fuel economy
(city / hwy):
TBD

Transmission

Type:
6T70 6-speed automatic electronically controlled
Gear ratios: (:1):
First:
4.48
Second:
2.87
Third:
1.84
Fourth:
1.41
Fifth:
1.00
Sixth:
0.74
Reverse:
2.88
Final drive ratio:
2.77

Chassis/Suspension
Front:
independent MacPherson struts
Rear:
independent 4-link w/coil springs and trailing arm
Steering type:
hydraulic power rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio:
16.5:1
Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock:
2.5
Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m):
41.83 / 12.75

Brakes
Type:
power front and rear disc, standard anti-lock brakes
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):
front: 11.65 x 1.02 / 296 x 26
Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm):
rear: 11.93 x 0.79 / 303 x 20

Wheels/Tires
Wheel size and type:
18-inch high-polished, flangeless aluminum
Tires:
P235/50R18 all-season steel-belted radial blackwall tires

Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase (in / mm):
112.5 / 2857
Overall length (in / mm):
189.6 / 4816
Overall width (in / mm):
71.4 / 1814
Overall height (in / mm):
65.7 / 1669 (w/o roof rack); 67.9 / 1726 (w/ roof rack)
Track (in / mm):
front: 61.7 / 1568
rear: 61.8 / 1572
Approach angle (deg):
14.9
Departure angle (deg):
21.7
Breakover ramp angle (deg):
12.85 @ EPA mass
Minimum ground clearance (in / mm):
6.6 / 167.5
Curb weight (lb / kg):
FWD: 3908 / 1773
AWD: 4044 / 1835
Weight distribution (front / rear):
FWD: 59 / 41
AWD: 58 / 42

Interior

Seating capacity:
5
Headroom (in / mm):
front: 40.9 / 1038
rear: 40.1 / 1018
Legroom (in / mm):
front: 41.2 / 1048
rear: 40.2 / 1021
Shoulder room (in / mm):
front: 55.7 / 1414
rear: 55.9 / 1420
Hip room (in / mm):
front: 51.1 / 1298
rear: 51.4 / 1305

Capacities

EPA interior volume (cu ft / L):
138.6 / 3919
Passenger volume (cu ft / L)
106.4 / 3013
Cargo volume (cu ft / L):
Maximum behind rear seat:
Maximum behind front seat:

35.2 / 996.9
68.6 / 1942.8

GVWR, standard (lb / kg):
5114 / 2320 (FWD & AWD)
Payload, base (lb / kg):
1000 / 454 (FWD & AWD)
Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg):
3500 / 1588 (FWD & AWD)
Fuel tank (gal / L):
FWD 20.5 / 77.6
AWD 16.6 / 62.8
Engine oil (qt / L):
5.5 / 5.2
Cooling system (qt / L):
12.7 / 12
****************************************

Not called SS, which should put some at ease. Sounds like a very nice package to me.
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 09:31 AM
  #2  
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Originally Posted by 96_Camaro_B4C

Not called SS, which should put some at ease.
I find that part very interesting.
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 09:34 AM
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Very cool. That 3.6L is putting out more power than the Cadillac 3.6Ls (at least in 2007) Glad to see a 6 speed with it too.

I'm also extremely excited to see that they didn't call it SS. Looks like they might be trying to revers the trend of watering down the SS brand. So now maybe you will have Chevys that are "Sports" and "Super Sports"
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 10:43 AM
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This solves all the problems I have with the Equinox (except the semisplit headlights). Definately going to give the Rav a run for its money IF marketed and ordered correctly!
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 11:04 AM
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Originally Posted by Z28x
I'm also extremely excited to see that they didn't call it SS. Looks like they might be trying to revers the trend of watering down the SS brand. So now maybe you will have Chevys that are "Sports" and "Super Sports"
My thoughts exactly.

But it's too bad this powertrain wasn't standard. I'd like to see GM try to go beyond its competition for once, instead of following their footsteps.
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 11:40 AM
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Originally Posted by R377
But it's too bad this powertrain wasn't standard. I'd like to see GM try to go beyond its competition for once, instead of following their footsteps.
The competition has 4 cyls standard. The 'Nox will be getting a 225HP 3.5L V6 as the standard engine. Personally I'd like to see a Direct injection 2.4L used (~200HP?).
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 07:18 PM
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was this supposed to be the SS?
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Caps94ZODG
was this supposed to be the SS?
Yes
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 10:04 PM
  #9  
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I thought that the SS was going to have a 275 HP 3.9? This is still lass power than the RAV 4? GM need to take 2 leaps ahead of the competition instead of matching them.

I can't believe the weight on this thing. Still no NAV.
Old Dec 14, 2006 | 10:45 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by Suaveat69
Still no NAV.
http://www.trader.ca/powerpage/detai...3&adid=5673791
Old Dec 15, 2006 | 12:44 AM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by Suaveat69
I thought that the SS was going to have a 275 HP 3.9? This is still lass power than the RAV 4? GM need to take 2 leaps ahead of the competition instead of matching them.

I can't believe the weight on this thing. Still no NAV.

They have to use what they've got. 3900-4100 pounds for an SUV of that size is about right, isn't it?


Well, not right, but typical?
Old Dec 15, 2006 | 05:57 AM
  #12  
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so why not call it SS maybe cus its only a sport and not a supersport?
Old Dec 15, 2006 | 06:11 AM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by Z28x
The competition has 4 cyls standard. The 'Nox will be getting a 225HP 3.5L V6 as the standard engine. Personally I'd like to see a Direct injection 2.4L used (~200HP?).
It's wasn't the type of base engine I was talking about, just the fact that they have a base engine. Why not just give everyone the top engine and have a little something to brag about vs. the compeitition (like the XL7 did)? With the size of this vehicle even the HFV6 is barely adequate for today's market.
Old Dec 15, 2006 | 07:21 AM
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Originally Posted by R377
It's wasn't the type of base engine I was talking about, just the fact that they have a base engine. Why not just give everyone the top engine and have a little something to brag about vs. the compeitition (like the XL7 did)? With the size of this vehicle even the HFV6 is barely adequate for today's market.
To some people MPG > HP

When gas hits $4 most people aren't going to be looking for the most powerful crossover SUV on the market.
Old Dec 15, 2006 | 07:27 AM
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Yeah, to me (outside of my sports cars); standard utitily vehicles have hit their HP peak along time ago. I'd take a smaller engine for more fuel effeciency. It's a SUV for crying out loud; and a crossover at that so I'm not going ot be pulling anything with it. Why would I need the high HP?



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