Repair-It

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.

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.

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).

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 wrote:- 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.