2018 Chevrolet Equinox

[kevm14]

This might really move up the charts from 5th. GM really put some money into this it looks like. And why wouldn't they - this is the new bread and butter class (replacing the midsize sedan).

http://www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrole ... E977EA5D34

http://autoweek.com/article/car-news/di ... oming-2018

The new platform is being mainly engineered by GM's German subsidiary Opel in Rüsselsheim. According to GM the company has invested USD $220 million for the all new D2XX platform.
The platform is being developed for compact vehicle architecture, replacing both Delta II and the midsize crossover exclusive GM Theta platform.

Highlights:
- New chassis, on the D2XX/D2UX platform shared with new Cruze.
- All new engine lineup: 1.5L with about 170 hp, 2.0L with about 252 hp and shockingly, a diesel 1.6L with about 136 hp and 236 lb-ft
- ~400 lb weight reduction from prior Theta Equinox. Smaller exterior dimensions with no real loss of interior space. WAY better packaging and weight saving chassis technology.
- Initially, the 2.0L turbo will debut with GM's new 9-speed automatic
- 0.338 Cd
- Looking at 31 mpg highway for the base 1.5L, 28 mpg highway for 2.0L turbo and a fairly impressive 40 mpg for the diesel

This is a huge play in a hot segment.

[Bob]

I was going to post something about this. This is another example of tons of resources being poured into crossover development, which I happen to disagree with on a personal level. I understand why they do it (because Americans somehow prefer driving tall wagons to traditional wagons), but it makes me sad every time I see a really well developed crossover, because I knew it took away from traditional car development somewhere.

[kevm14]

You may have it backwards. Think of it as these financing the cars you really want them to make (which works as long as they make what you want - it's why we all accept the Porsche Cayenne). Or, they put money into things with a higher ROI to justify investment into things with lower ROI (but that pay in brand reputation like to enthusiasts).

[bill25]

I also have a problem with this. I hate this segment just about as much as the minivan segment. I never really minded that they made the minivan though, because it seemed like a niche market that wasn't overreaching into other segments. I appreciate that there are different people with different priorities and wants and I can completely respect that.

These crossovers are becoming the priority over "cars" now though and that sucks. The wagon was great because is was a car, with more space, so wagon sales promoted focus on the car platform. I know this is similar to the crossover, but I am not sure the similarities between the car and wagon are as similar as the car and crossover.

Also, wagons were a similar niche market like minivans, these crossovers are past a niche market and becoming the norm. I don't understand why.

The only thing that comes to mind is a crossover with AWD can be had for 25K and the average car is 33K, so cheap reliable capability?

[kevm14]

- Initially, the 2.0L turbo will debut with GM's new 9-speed automatic

Ugh, this is also a GM/Ford joint venture, like the RWD 10-speed.

http://www.motortrend.com/news/peeking- ... A11F4DB5A7

Ha, apparently it can lock the torque converter in first gear.

Yay, it has two non-serviceable filters.

It is true, though, that the Equinox is the debut vehicle for this transmission (9T50 in GM-land).

So I say "ugh" but if this is the alternative to just buying someone else's transmission (like FCA does for much of their line), then I am OK with it. Of the big three, GM and Ford definitely were better than Chrysler for transmission reputation.