The Chevrolet Equinox is a mid-size crossover SUV from Chevrolet based on GM's Theta unibody platform, manufactured at CAMI Automotive (formerly a GM/Suzuki joint venture, now wholly owned by GM) plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada, and introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year.
First generation (2005–2009)
The Equinox is the first crossover SUV from Chevrolet, marketed by GM as a compact SUV. Riding on GM's Theta platform, the unibody Equinox is mechanically similar to the GMC Terrain, Saturn Vue,UNTIL 2007 Pontiac Torrent,06-09 and the 2007-2009 Suzuki XL7. However, the Equinox and the Torrent are larger than the Vue, riding on a 112.5 in (2,858 mm) wheelbase, 5.9 in (150 mm) longer than the Saturn. Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional all-wheel drive. The Equinox is not designed for serious off-roading unlike the truck-based Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet TrailBlazer. For the 2006 model year, GM updated the Equinox for the first time, as GM badges were added on the front doors.
The Equinox is produced at the CAMI Automotive GM/Suzuki joint venture plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. The 3.4 L LNJ V6 engine is made in China (by Shanghai GM), while the Aisin AF33 automatic transmission is made in Japan. Starting with the 2008 model year, the Equinox Sport was available with a 3.6 L V6 engine that was made in the United States.
The Chevrolet Equinox was not sold in Mexico during the 2009 model year.
Second generation (2010–)
The second generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The new Equinox has a pair of new gasoline direct injection engines, with better fuel economy claimed by GM. Earlier 2010 models had the GM badges, but were later deleted.
The new 2.4-liter straight-4 engine made in the US (Tonawanda, NY & Spring Hill, Tn.), produces 182 hp (136 kW) and 172 lb·ft (233 N·m) torque, and achieves up to 22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) (9.35 km/L) (city), 32 mpg-US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg-imp) (13.6 km/L) (highway).
Optional is a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 264 hp (197 kW) and 214 lb·ft (290 N·m) torque, with fuel economy at 17 mpg-US (7.2 km/l)(city), 25 mpg-US (11 km/l)(highway).
Both powertrains come with six-speed automatics and optional all-wheel-drive systems (front-wheel-drive is standard).
Marketing of Chevrolet Equinox resumed in Mexico during late November 2009, for the 2010 model year after a year of absence. As of the 2011 model year, no Chevrolet Equinox is sold in Mexico again.
Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell
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| Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell |
The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel cell vehicle uses hydrogen for fuel with water as its only exhaust. The Equinox Fuel Cell uses the fourth-generation hydrogen technology found in the Chevrolet Sequel concept, which was unveiled in September 2009. The fuel cell is designed for only 50,000 miles (80,000 km) of driving, but is engineered to be operable in subfreezing temperatures throughout its life. GM states that the Equinox Fuel Cell is about 500 pounds (230 kg) heavier than the original Equinox and has one inch less ground clearance.
To reduce weight, it has aluminum doors and a carbon fiber hood. It uses headlights from the Pontiac Torrent.
A dashboard mounted screen calculates the fuel savings to that of a gasoline-powered Equinox. It also includes a kilowatt meter and a fuel cell energy display. The fuel cell has four vapor outlets that replace the exhaust pipe. Three carbon-fiber fuel tanks store up to a maximum of 9.25 pounds (4.2 kg) of gaseous hydrogen at 10,000 psi (70 MPa), and give the Equinox a range of 200 miles (320 km). The Equinox Fuel Cell is certified by the EPA as a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). GM built 115 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and deployed them in through 2007-2008 in several target areas including New York and California as part of a comprehensive plan dubbed "Project Driveway".
Safety occupants, pedestrians
The Equinox Fuel Cell includes safety features such as ABS, traction control system, and GM's OnStar telematics service, which offers drivers advice on operating the cars as well as information on nearby hydrogen filling stations. The car meets all 2007 federal safety standards.
Performance
Motor Trend assessed the vehicle's performance as nearly the same as the 3.6 litre gasoline powered equivalent, while bemoaning the dearth of high pressure hydrogen filling stations near Riverside, California in 2008.
Electric vehicle
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| Chevrolet Equinox AMP converted battery electric vehicle |
Amp Electric Vehicles sells an all-electric conversion of the Chevrolet Equinox. They have sold their first electric Equinox to Dayton Power & Light, and have a five-year, 1,000 SUV order from Northern Lights Energy in Iceland.
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