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March 16, 2009
2010 Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet recently unveiled the all-new 2010 Equinox, a compact crossover that blends distinctive design with outstanding efficiency. A new, 2.4L direct injection engine helps the Equinox deliver expected best-in-segment estimated highway fuel economy of 30 mpg (EPA certification pending) – a 25-percent improvement over the previous model. Chevrolet expects nearly two-thirds of customers will choose the efficient 2.4L engine.
The new Equinox draws its exterior design inspiration from the Chevrolet Malibu sedan and Traverse crossover and like those vehicles, the new Equinox complements its styling with attention to detail and unexpected features.
The Equinox made its world debut at the North American Auto Show in Detroit.
The 2010 Equinox goes on sale in mid-2009. It is available in LS, LT and LTZ trim, with available all-wheel-drive. Two new engines are offered, each with fuel-saving direct injection and variable valve timing technology. Vehicle highlights include:
New 2.4L Ecotec direct injected I-4 engine estimated at 182 horsepower which delivers an estimated 30 mpg highway, 21 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
New 3.0L DOHC direct injected V-6 engine estimated at 255 horsepower which delivers an estimated 25 mpg highway, 18 mpg city (EPA certification pending)
Driving range of more than 500 miles (800 km) with both engines, for less-frequent fill-ups
Six standard air bags: dual frontal air bags; head curtain side air bags and pelvic/thorax seat-mounted side air bags
Standard four-wheel disc brakes with StabiliTrak electronic stability control and traction control
Standard OnStar and XM Satellite Radio
“Smart” remote starting system that also activates the HVAC system and optional heated seats depending on the outside temperature
Production of the all-new Equinox begins in early May.
America's Top 10 Car Colors
Color is serious business for Dupont Automotive Systems. The results of their 2008 study attempts to analyze the mood of our country and how car color preference plays a role. The L.A. Times reports that this year, once again, white has dominated the car color world. According to DuPont, white car preference signals the transition time needed for truly "chromatic" colors like blue and green to surface. This is the second year in a row for white's domination in the U.S., unseating Silver's 7-year reign. On the rise for those who choose white are the selection of special "effects or pigments that lend pearl or iridescent appearance to the coatings. Black came in second on the list, but a trend that started in Europe and is not prominent in the U.S. is the addition of "metallic effects" to black cars.
Fleeting Tidbits
Ford Motor Company will discontinue the Ford Low Cab Forward (LCF). Production of the LCF will end 5/29/09. Final orders need to be placed the week of 3/30/09.
For the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan and 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, Melbourne Green Pearlcoat (PPL) and Modern Blue Pearlcoat (PBL) will be built out early (production ends mid-April).
We have updated our 2009 MY Final Fleet Order Date page with the latest final order dates from the manufacturers. For some manufacturers this has been a moving target with changes made almost weekly. I would suggest that you check the page regularly to determine final order dates for each model.
Our 2010 Start of Production page lists the initial date you may place orders for each 2010 model and the Job #1 date for that model.
Taillights
Forget about E85, biodiesel and hydrogen—tomorrow’s fuel may be Acapulco Gold. That’s what one driver in Sandy, UT, discovered when he took his newly purchased, used Nissan Armada to his local mechanic to see why his gas gauge never fell below half-full.
When the mechanic took the fuel tank off the vehicle and cut into it, he discovered 35 pounds of marijuana in plastic-wrapped packages tucked inside, taking up half of the tank space. Surprisingly, police do not plan to charge the owner with possession because the Armada in question has had several owners and was a rental car. Somewhere a pot dealer is yelling, “Dude! That’s where I left it!”
3/17/09
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