Chevrolet Equinox Sport

The 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport will deliver something that’s still rare in the new-car marketplace: a complete sport-tuning package on a compact sport-utility vehicle.

The new Equinox Sport model was unveiled in January at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, and it should merit a second look from sport-minded shoppers when it goes on sale late this summer. While the market is crowded with hot-selling small SUVs, only the Mazda CX-7 and Toyota RAV4 offer sport models aimed at enthusiast drivers.

Like Chevy’s larger Trailblazer SS, the 2008 Equinox Sport will add a comprehensive performance-oriented package that includes a sports suspension, styling tweaks and a new, 263-hp V6 engine with a six-speed automatic transmission.

By appearance, the Sport will be easy to distinguish from the standard Equinox. The standard roof rack will be removed for a more streamlined look. The Sport’s grille and lower bumpers will be painted to match the body, with big, silver-trimmed air intakes in the front bumper. Polished five-spoke aluminum wheels, 18 inches in diameter, will come standard.

The biggest news is under the hood. Its 3.6-iter V6 is not a mildly tweaked variant of the overhead-valve engine in the standard Equinox. Rather, it’s the same four-cam V6 offered in more expensive GM vehicles like the Cadillac SRX, with the latest materials and control technology, including fully variable valve timing. Generating 263 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, the Equinox Sport’s engine will be one of the most powerful available in a small SUV, surpassed only by the optional V6 in the RAV4 Sport (269 hp, 244 lb-ft).

Moreover, the Equinox Sport will feature a six-speed automatic with tap-up, tap-down manual shift capability. The class standard remains a five-speed or less. Chevy promises 0-60 mph times in under seven seconds, and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity with the optional fulltime all-wheel drive system.

The Sport rides about an inch lower than the standard Equinox, with firmer springs and bushings for more immediate steering response and less lean in corners.

Inside, the Equinox Sport will feature seats with bigger side bolsters, a thicker, four-spoke leather steering wheel and model exclusive monotone Ebony trim. Standard features will include remote starting, a flat-folding front passenger seat, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering, rear liftgate defogger and wiper, and a six-speaker stereo with CD player, auxiliary jack and XM satellite radio. Options will include leather upholstery, power sunroof, seven-speaker Pioneer audio and GM’s OnStar system with navigation.

Safety features will include GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, four-channel antilock brakes and tire pressure monitoring. It remains to be seen whether Chevrolet will upgrade airbag protection. Current Equinox models are equipped only with front-impact airbags, while some competitors offer front-passenger side impact airbags and full-cabin head-protection airbags.

Bottom line: if Chevrolet’s typical pricing scheme applies, the Equinox Sport will offer a lot of small SUV for the money.

Source : http://nctd.com