2009 Automobile All-Stars

The Chevrolet Equinox has never really been a loser in the compact crossover segment, but it has also never really been a leader, either. It was always just kind of “okay,” with milquetoast styling, so-so performance and reasonable roominess, but never anything really attention grabbing. Coming just a week after General Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper officially introduced the all-new 2010 Chevy Equinox as the first product of the “New General Motors,” and it’s clear that the company hopes their new baby is able to grab a much larger share of this burgeoning segment.

Among other things, the Equinox gets all new powertrains, including an available four-cylinder engine for the first time. Both the four and the new 3.0-liter V6 have direct fuel injection and are paired up with six-speed automatic transmissions. In fact, everything about the Equinox is new. Apparently the only major component carried over from the old model is the sunroof module. Everything else has been reworked or replaced. We had the opportunity to spend some seat time with both the four-cylinder and V6 models with front- and all-wheel drive. Find out if the Equinox finally has what it takes to be more than just competitive after the jump.

As soon as you lay eyes on the new Equinox, it’s clear that the design team put in a serious amount of effort this time. The dowdy looks of the previous generation have been replaced by a bold modern look that’s more muscular and better proportioned. Like all other recent Chevrolets, this one starts with a dual port grille that is flanked by a pair of handsome jeweled headlamp clusters. The combination of a rising character line along the flanks, aggressive wheel well flares and a higher beltline combine to visually lower the new model – even though it’s actually four inches taller.

The Equinox also gains Chevy’s current design DNA on the inside, with a dual cockpit instrument panel layout similar to the Malibu and Traverse. The new look is a huge improvement over the old model, both aesthetically and functionally. Like several other recent GM vehicles, the dashboard flows into the door panels with a look that provides some continuity. Some of the past iterations of this, notably the Saturn Aura, had an issue with vertical alignment of the door panels and dashboard. We’ve brought up this problem with GM officials on several previous occasions and they have apparently taken it to heart. None of the four Equinoxes we drove had any such alignment issues.

In fact, Mo Wazir, Vehicle Line Director for GM’s compact crossovers, explained that the engineering team addressed this from a root cause approach when developing the new Equinox. They examined why the parts were misaligned and found that it was related to tightening the two sides of the dashboard separately. The assembly process has been changed to ensure that the dashboard is more consistently installed. In fact, all the fits in the Equinox testers we sampled were better than before. That’s not to say the interior is perfect, however.

The same Ingersoll, Ontario assembly plant that built the previous Equinox began building so-called salable units about two months ago. These early production units are generally kept within GM for its captured test fleet, where engineers and managers drive the cars to look for last minute production problems. The examples that we drove were from this early build batch and the first units destined for customers are being built this week. The most prominent issue that we noted was a color disharmony on the dashboard. All four of the vehicles we drove had the two-tone interior scheme consisting of either black/brown or black/light gray.

The brown was the issue. The plastic panels covering the passenger side airbag and around the instrument cluster on the driver’s side had a slightly different shade than the two mating pieces on either side of the center console. According to Wazir, the center stack panels come from a different supplier than the other parts. GM is already aware of the problem and working to resolve it. The gray version also had a slight mismatch, but it was far less noticeable. The only other gripe we had with the interior is the silver plastic cover on the center stack and the vent surrounds. GM opted to put a glossy clear coat finish on these parts that we feel makes them look cheap. We would prefer the richer look of a matte or satin finish for these parts – GM has also heard this complaint from others and is considering a change here as well. Wazir explained that the clear coat finish gives the part better durability and resistance to scratches, but while it may be functional, we still don’t like it.

Otherwise, the interior is very good. The controls are well-placed and easy to use, with plenty of storage compartments. Models that don’t have the optional navigation system get a storage bin above the radio like the one in the Malibu and all models get a bin ahead of the shifter as well as the deep compartment in the center console. That bin is large enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop computer. It also has auxiliary audio and USB ports that support MP3 players or just thumb-drives with songs on them.

The front seats use a common seat frame developed by GM that is employed on a variety of platforms including the Epsilon II Opel Insignia, Buick LaCrosse and other models. The seats have excellent cushioning which provides decent lateral support and excellent comfort. In this case, one of the advantages of using a common frame is that the lower cushion is longer than found on many cars, thus providing decent thigh support – of our most common complaints. In the back, GM has retained the sliding rear seat that can move fore-aft a total of eight inches. When pushed back, the 112-inch wheelbase allows for positively luxurious legroom. If more cargo room is needed, sliding the seat forward provides extra space for gear or luggage.

How about those fancy new DI engines? They are very good indeed – especially the four-cylinder. This is the first four-cylinder ever offered in the Equinox and it runs smoothly and quietly with no noticeable ticking from the direct fuel injectors. Both the four- and six-cylinder engines at 182 hp and 264 hp respectively make about the same amount of power as the 3.4-liter and 3.6-liter V6 engines used in 2009 models. Unfortunately, the smaller displacement and lack of boosting mean that both engines lack in torque compared to the old engines. The four pot generates 172 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm while the old 3.4-liter V6 produced 210 at 3,800 rpm. Similarly, the previous model’s 3.6-liter V6 that produced 250 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm easily trounces the 3.0-liter’s 222 lb-ft at a lofty 5,100 rpm. Frankly, we would have preferred that GM go down the turbocharging path with even less displacement for the resulting fatter torque curve. Of course, that would have added cost, which GM was obviously trying to avoid.

Nonetheless, the four-cylinder will still likely be more than sufficient for the majority of drivers who don’t need any significant towing capacity. The four can drag along an extra 1,500 pounds, while the V6 can pull 3,500 pounds. The four-cylinder Equinox is no speed demon (neither is the V6 for that matter), but it has enough acceleration that you’ll never worry about merging onto freeways or making a pass with a reasonable amount of room. Both six-speed automatic transmissions have been re-calibrated and have much improved shift quality compared to previous versions, especially the larger unit used with the V6.

One new feature of the four-cylinder model is an ECO button located ahead of the shifter. Currently, it just makes adjustments to the shift map and torque converter lock-up points to help enhance fuel efficiency. It’s claimed to improve mileage by about 1 mpg overall. Future iterations will likely add control over the electronic throttle response and cruise control, as well. During our drive time in the front-wheel-drive four-cylinder Equinox, we averaged a respectable 26 mpg – not bad for a 3,800-pound non-hybrid CUV.

The aerodynamic work done on the Equinox pays dividends for fuel economy and for NVH. Driving in the Equinox was a remarkably subdued experience. The plastic A-pillar covers on the old model are gone and the windshield is now virtually flush with the surrounding pillars. The result is a drastic reduction in wind noise. Combined with the more rigid body shell (which includes a one-piece body side stamping and acoustic laminated side glass), the Equinox delivers a pleasantly quiet interior.

The Equinox’s strut front and multi-link rear suspensions are also well tuned to provide an excellent balance of ride and handling, especially on the base 17-inch wheel and tire package. Front-wheel drive models can have optional 18s, which are standard with all-wheel drive and 19s are optional on AWD versions. Switching to the larger, heavier wheels makes a noticeable difference to ride quality, with small road imperfections being much more likely to pass through to occupants. Another factor that detracts from handling is the all-wheel drive. The extra couple hundred pounds of hardware seem to make it feel much less nimble than the FWD variant, but the system ought to pay dividends when the weather turns sour..

Four-cylinder models get an electric power steering system while the V6s stick with a tried-and-true hydraulic setup. The difference comes down to cost and fuel efficiency. The EPAS is more expensive but draws less power and since GM was trying to max out mileage numbers for the four, it received EPAS. Eventually, as costs come down, EPAS will be offered across the board. Both systems felt about the same at the steering wheel, with comparable levels of effort that were just about ideal. Neither system provide huge amounts of cornering force feedback, although the hydraulic system felt slightly better.

The new Equinox -deserves a look.

For more information click here!

 First there was Malibu, then Traverse and Camaro. Now comes the 2010 Equinox—Chevrolet’s newest addition to the American Revolution. With its great-looking styling, segment-leading features and best-in-class fuel economy, quietness, seat comfort and safety, the new Equinox redefines the compact crossover segment.

The all-new Equinox is a refined yet responsible compact crossover that provides the fuel economy of a sedan with the utility of a crossover. It has a host of highly competitive selling advantages; however they can be grouped under three Key Messages:

• Superior Value

• Exceptional Quality

• Great-Looking Design.

Like Malibu and Traverse, Equinox is more than contemporary styling and segment-leading features. It tops all competitors in fuel economy and highway cruising range. It is a fundamentally superior vehicle with Quality, Reliability and Durability to match the best of the imports. Its design and execution – both interior and exterior is refi ned, with a high level of perceived quality. Its safety, quietness and comfort lead the segment.

   SUPERIOR VALUE

 “Pay for good and get great”

• Outstanding fuel economy includes an estimated 30 highway mpg , the result of Equinox’s new 4-cylinder Ecotec engine with direct fuel injection,standard 6-speed automatic transmission, lowrolling- resistance tires, refi ned aerodynamics and more.

 • Low base price is expected to be lower than the previous Equinox models. Yet it includes a premium 6-speed automatic transmission, tilt/telescoping wheel, XM Radio, OnStar, 17″ aluminum wheels and other segment-leading comfort and aff ordable technology features.

 • Segment-leading fuel range of 567 miles, provided by Equinox’s highly fuel-effi cient powertrain and 18.9-gallon fuel tank.

 “Safe and worry-free ownership”

• Segment-leading safety includes a commanding view of the road, 6 air bags and is so complete it is expected to meet both the new 2010 pole sideimpact standards and 2011 roof crash requirements. StabiliTrak with Rollover Mitigation, traction control, ABS, 4-wheel disc brakes, auto-on exterior lights, Daytime Running Lamps and more are also standard.

GREAT-LOOKING DESIGN 

“Distinctively refined, undeniable Chevy”

• Unexpected refinement and quietness rival those of a luxury sedan. The interior is meticulouslycrafted to ensure a high level of quality and comfort.

 • Expressive exterior styling with sleek, fl owing lines delivers an immediate sense of quality.

Best coverage in America

Surprise and delight features

 EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY

  The 2010 Camaro sets a new standard of performance and refinement in its class. It has the performance and image that Camaro fans demand, plus the advanced technology and safety features that enhance the driving experience for different customers. The 2010 Camaro comes in three trim levels, offers either a V6 or a V8 engine and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This range of powertrain options allows Camaro to be equipped for the performance-oriented customer or for a customer who wants a good-looking ride with responsive handling and unmistakable style. The Camaro name has a rich heritage that brings an image to most customers’ minds, even if they’ve never owned a Camaro or any other sports car. As the new Camaro takes center stage, it brings a long history of performance and sharp good-looks. The new Camaro’s evolutionary and revolutionary design takes classic design cues and reinvents them with a modern interpretation. The Camaro is not just a performance machine—it’s a true 21st Century Sports Car. 

THREE KEY MESSAGES

All car shoppers have different sets of priorities when looking for a vehicle and it’s up to you to be ready to address these priorities based on their personal desires and needs. Once you have determined their motivations, you should highlight what attracted them to the car and point out other features that may interest them. To help this process, we have three key messages that will help you organize Camaro features and benefits for a quick information download for your customers.

DISTINCT DESIGN

 • Iconic design

• Clean, creased lines, broad shoulders featuring a one-piece rear quarter, V-shape grille and lowslung stance create a sleek but powerful presence, accentuated by large 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels.

 • Striking features

 • Tight gaps and quality materials

• A beautiful interior with timeless analog gauges,a well thought-out instrument panel, and available sunroof combines style and functionality.

                             CUTTING-EDGE TECHNIQUES

                           EXHILARATING PERFORMANCE

 • Two advanced engines 

• Transmissions: 6-speed manual transmission

 • Sport and Performance suspensions:

• Independent rear suspension:

Don’t miss out on an amazing life opportunity! The Camaro is waiting for you! 

Save Hundreds, even thousands on the vehicle you want! Don’t wait anymore, Chevy has an amazing opportunity knocking at your door!

Don’t pay attention to these things like ” GM is not as long lasting as the competition”….. Think Again!

GM is here to provide the very best, and now at amazing offers!

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Chevy Traverse

The quality of towing is an important benefactor. A vehicle may have the rating you need but how enthusiastically does it do the job? What kind of mpg does it record while doing so?

Power is big when it comes down to these standards.  The vehicle with the edge in horsepower will often have the higher m.p.g when it comes to the maxload because it doesn’t have to work as hard.

For this reason the $30,990 Chevy Traverse gets the nod “as the best bet!” The latest addition to GM Lambdabased Crossovers, The Traverse is the first to be rated for 5200- pound trailering, for it’s robust 3.6 or V6 engine(280 to 288 horsepower or 266 to 270 of torque) manages easily with much of the punch left over.

General Motors Corporation 100Renaissance Center Detroit, MI 48265

Vehicle Warranty

Statement:

GM vehicle warranty coverage is safe and sound, and GM dealerships remain open for sales and service. GM values its customers and we appreciate their loyalty. We are more committed than ever to making every car and truck we build a winner and to providing the best ownership experience in the industry. What happens to my warranty as you restructure? Absolutely nothing. There is no change to the warranty. General Motors would like its millions of current and future customers to know one thing: GM’s warranty coverage is absolutely safe and sound, now and well into the future, no matter what the GM make or model. The quality of our products is the bedrock of our business. GM has been in business for 100 years and we’re planning to be in business for the next 100 years and beyond. We’ve always taken care of our customers and stood behind our products — and we will continue to do so. As a reminder, current and new GM customers should know the following about our vehicle warranty coverage (*except Saab, see section related to Saab):

 GM offers 100,000 Mile / 5 Year Powertrain Limited Warranty, which we believe is the industry’s best overall coverage.*

Saab customers are unaffected and current Saab products are unaffected:

 There are no fees and no deductibles.

 The warranty is transferable from owner to owner.

 GM’s warranty covers more than 900 parts, which is more than any manufacturer.

 In addition to the warranty, our coverage includes roadside assistance and courtesy vehicle transportation.

Saab warranties for both new and certified used are still valid, with full GM backing. Saab products still offer the progressive design, good fuel efficiency and excellent performance that they always have. Saab has had several different types of ownership arrangements during its history — as a stand-alone company, partially-owned by GM and fully-owned by GM. Now, it is using the reorganization process under Swedish law to see if it can become a viable, independent company.

The Extended-Range Electric Vehicle that is redefining the automotive world is no longer just a rumor. In fact, its propulsion system is so revolutionary, it’s unlike any other vehicle or electric car that’s ever been introduced. And we’re making this remarkable vision a reality, so that one day you’ll have the freedom to drive gas-free.

Chevy Volt is designed to move more than 75 percent of America’s daily commuters without a single drop of gas.(2) That means for someone who drives less than 40 miles a day, Chevy Volt will use zero gasoline and produce zero emissions.(1)

Unlike traditional electric cars, Chevy Volt has a revolutionary propulsion system that takes you beyond the power of the battery. It will use a lithium-ion battery with a gasoline-powered, range-extending engine that drives a generator to provide electric power when you drive beyond the 40-mile battery range.

Chevy Volt. Fully charged 2010.

                                 “The beauty of the Volt’s design is much more than just surface deep. The interior and exterior design is an important element of the Volt’s overall mission to be the most energy-efficient Chevy ever.”

                                       - Bob Boniface, Director of Design, Chevrolet Volt

For an Audio show, more pictures and  info,  click here to find out more about the ELECTRIFYING 2010 Chevy Volt!

PASSION PERFECTED
Modern performance fused with unmistakable soul — that’s
the all new Camaro. A 21st century sports car that proves
awe-inspiring design, performance and efficiency
can coexist — perfectly. A standard 304-hp 3.6L V6
engine offers an astonishing EPA estimated 29 MPG highway.

 Starting at $22,9954
(as shown $26,3804)

      Arrives in Dealerships in Spring!

See it now! 

           The all new 2010 Chevy Equinox is the compact crossover that comfortably accomodates five passengers and reflects Chevy’s quality in design, precision utility and capabilty. The Equinox FWD  is expected to offer the best highway fuel economy in it’s class, 30 mpg, thats better than the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. The Equinox is available in all wheel drives and it activates automatically while the available power liftgate can be programmed to your height. The all new Chevy Equinox its definetley the compact crossover worth waiting for.

For more information search here!