They Cannot Be Serious: The Chevrolet Equinox SS?

[YSSMAN]

I saw the pictures come up earlier today...

...Hmmmm, interesting. The buzz points to the engine being the new direct-injection version of the 3.6L VVT V6, but my theory is that it is using the much larger LS4 (5.3L) V8 from the Impala SS. It seems within reason, but it is pretty obvious that it is an SS prototype. Plus, I think its funny that they have the Torrent wheels on it.

 

[Rogue Ssv]

Come on, man, that would be hot! I mean, the true sleeper!
What are they smoking, because I want some. The Equinox sucks enough already, this is worse!

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, obviously they are trying to capitalize on the SS badge as much as possible, doing more of an AMG thing than an M thing.

If they can tune it right, I'm all for it I suppose...

...Wait a second...
Since they are going to be replacing the VUE, they must be looking for a replacement for the VUE Red Line. Hmmmm, I guess the idea isnt as bad as I thought?

 

[Rogue Ssv]

PreVue. Hmm, note the similarities to design of Equinox. Im willing to bet its the same platform too. (its not the kappa is it?) Hmm.... you do know A LOT!

 

[JCE]

Anything with an SS badge is already automatically cooler than it's normal model. ... That is except the absolutely hideous Monte Carlo--possible the ugliest car in GM's history next to the Aztek.

 

[YSSMAN]

Nope, it isnt a Kappa. Kappa cars are the small sports cars...

A quick lineup of the GM (car) platforms sold in the US:
- Delta: Cobalt, Ion
- Epsilon: Malibu, G6, Aura, 9-3
- W: Impala, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, LaCrosse
- Sigma: CTS, SRX, STS
- Zeta: Next-gen Camaro, GTO, Impala, Monte Carlo, Grand Prix, Invicta
- K: Lucerne, DTS
- Y: Corvette, XLR
- Theta: VUE, Equinox, Torrent
- Lambada (GMT 510 and 960): Outlook, Enclave, Acadia, Uplander, Relay
- GMT345: H3 (similar to GMT355)
- GMT355: Colorado, Canyon
- GMT360: Trailblazer, Envoy, Raineer, 9-7X
- GMT900: Tahoe, Suburban, Avalanche, Yukon, Escalade, Silverado, Sierra

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My understanding of the next-gen VUE is that it will share the design/chassis etc. with the new Opel Antara, which rides on the next-gen version of the Theta platform allready underneath the VUE.

This should be what the Saturn looks like:

Predictably, engine choises are going to be near the same as they are currently. A base version will most likely use a 2.4L 174HP ECOTEC I4, the base V6 version will most likely use the 3.5L VVT engine, and will later have an optional 3.9L V6 with AFM. There should also be a hybrid version, using the system currently employed in the VUE Green Line, a 2.2L ECOTEC dual-mode Hybrid.

 

[amp88]

Just what the world doesn't need. Another high performance SUV. Well, it'll sell, I suppose, but I wonder how it'll be priced? I don't know much about the American SUV market, but they'll have to price it lower than things like the X5 and Cayenne, so does that make it an entry-level performance SUV? Any word on performance figures?

Come on, man, that would be hot! I mean, the true sleeper!

Cayenne Turbo S is the ultimate sleeper in the SUV market. Even the Cayenne Turbo (450bhp, 457 ft lb, 2355kg, 0-60mph in 5.4 secs) could keep up with an M3 round evo's test track. The new Cayenne Turbo S is more powerful again for the same weight (520bhp, 531 ft lb, 2355kg, 0-60mph in 5.0 secs). This Equinox SS can't be a competitor to the Cayenne (surely?). Perhaps to one of the X5 models though...?

 

[YSSMAN]

Well, performance is a tough one to peg because we do not have specifics on the engine. It's sibling, the Saturn VUE Red Line is 6" shorter, weighs less, and has a Honda V6 under the hood. The VUE is a performer however, scooting to 60 in 7.4 seconds, and pulls an honest .81g on the skidpad (actually matching the Pontiac GTO aka Monaro).

Assuming for a moment that the Equinox SS will use the 3.9L V6 with AFM, the 245HP should scoot it to 60 in 7.5 seconds. But if Chevrolet has the balls like I think they do, they could use the LS4 from the Impala SS, lowering the 0-60 time into the low 6 second range. Handeling is also tough to predict, but given it's larger size, I doubt the SS would match the Red Line on the skidpad.

...Think of it as a sporty touring estate with a raised ride height, kinda like the Mercedes-Benz R350. The Equinox SS is by no means any kind of compeditor to any Porsche, Mercedes, or BMW; But if we are to compare apples to oranges, this would be shooting for the X3, not the X5.

 

[amp88]

Ok, cool. I was only comparing it to the X5 based on size, but you're right. The X3 would make a better suited competitor.

 

[YSSMAN]

No, I understand. Not to pick on you because youre from Scotland, but you obviously dont have much expierience with the crossover to begin with.

I'd say in size it is kinda between the X3 and X5... Closer to the Chevrolet Captiva you should be getting pretty soon. It has a lower ride height like a car, but with AWD, actually has some capability off-road as well. I don't know if they sell the Chrysler Pacifica in the UK/Scotland, but that has been it's main compeditor in the US Market.