The Importance of Tire Maintenance

To get the most out of your tires—maximum mileage, safety and wear—you’ll need to properly maintain them. But don’t worry. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and we’re here to help.

Reading A Tire Sidewall

A tire’s sidewall is simply the outer and inner “walls” on the sides of a tire, if facing a tire on its side. Every sidewall has its own unique information that is divided into three main sections:

1. Tire Specs

This describes the fundamental characteristics of your tire. Size, construction, speed rating and more.

 

Tire Type: P

Tire Width: 225

Tire Aspect Ratio: 55%

Tire Construction: Radial

Wheel Diameter: 18

Load Index: 97

Speed Rating: T

• Tire Type
• Tire Width
• Aspect Ratio
• Construction
• Wheel Diameter
• Load Index
• Speed Rating

 

 

2. Department of Transportation Safety Code

This assures that your tire complies with all Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. After the DOT insignia is your tire’s identification number, which begins with the tire’s manufacturer and plant code where the tire was manufactured (two numbers or letters). The ninth and tenth characters tell the week the tire was manufactured. The final number(s) signifies the year the tire was manufactured.

3. UTQG Code

The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) was established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to test tires following government prescribed test methods and then grade each tire on three main components:

Treadwear: This is the wear rate of the tire, comparable only to other tires within a tire manufacturer’s line. 100 is the baseline grade. Therefore a tire with 200 would theoretically last twice as long on the government’s course compared to a tire with 100.

Traction: Traction grades are AA, A, B and C (with AA being the highest grade). They represent the tire’s ability to stop straight on wet pavement as measure on a specified government track. Any tire rated under C is considered unacceptable for road travel.

Temperature: The temperature grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B and C. These represent the tire’s ability to dissipate heat under controlled indoor test conditions. Any tire rated below C is considered unacceptable.

4. Icons

Some tires have unique benefits, as showcased with specific icons. For example, the MICHELIN® Green X® Marking is a guarantee that the tire provides a level of energy efficiency among the highest in the market for its category without compromising traction and treadwear. The letters M and S (M +S) indicate that the tire meets the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s standards for a mud and snow tire. The letters can be found in the following combinations: M+S, M/S, and M&S. All-season tires carry this mark.

 

How to Check Tire Pressure

Tires have been known to lose up to 1psi (pounds per square inch) every month, so check all tires, including your spare, once a month (or before a long trip). It’s easy. Here’s how:

1. Purchase a trusted pressure gauge.
2. Check your tires “cold” – before you’ve driven or at least three hours after you’ve driven.
3. Insert pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. (The gauge will “pop” out and show a measured number. When you hear a “pssst” sound, that’s air escaping the tire. The escaping air shouldn’t affect pressure substantially, unless you hold down the air pressure gauge too long.)
4. Compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver’s door of your vehicle or in owner’s manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire’s sidewall.
5. If your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air (or have a Michelin retailer help you) until it reaches the proper number.

Nitrogen Versus Compressed Air

Most tires are filled with compressed air. But some tire retailers have started to put nitrogen into their customers’ tires. (Nitrogen is simply dry air with the oxygen removed. Air contains nearly 79% nitrogen already.) Because nitrogen replaces oxygen, less air can escape your tires, and your inflation pressure stays higher longer. Unfortunately, there are other possible sources of leaks (tire/rim interface, valve, valve/rim interface and the wheel) which prevent the guarantee of pressure maintenance for individuals using air or nitrogen inflation.

Nitrogen and compressed air CAN be mixed, if needed. Tires manufactured by Michelin are designed to deliver their expected performance when inflated with air or nitrogen, as long as the user respects the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle’s placard or by the tire manufacturer.

 

How To Inspect a Tire

Once every month, or before you embark upon long road trips, check your tires for wear and damage problems. One easy way to check for wear is by using the penny test. All you have to do is grab your spare change and follow 3 easy steps.

1. Take a penny and hold Abe’s body between your thumb and forefinger.
2. Select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest and place Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves.
3. If any part of Abe Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the legal and safe amount of tread. If your tread gets below that (approximately 2/32 of an inch), your car’s ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.

 

Tire Rotation

To obtain maximum tread life, it is necessary to rotate your tires. Michelin
recommends rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10,000 to
12,000 km), or as specified by your vehicle manufacturer, whichever
rotation period is less. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for any
recommendations by your vehicle manufacturer. Monthly inspection for
tire wear is recommended. Your tires should be rotated at the first sign of
irregular wear, even if it occurs before 6,000 miles (10,000 km). This is true
for all vehicles. When rotating tires with a directional tread pattern, observe
the arrows molded on the sidewall which show the direction the tire
should turn. Care must be taken to maintain the proper turning direction.
Some Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) may not recognize
that a tire has been moved to a different position on your vehicle.
Make certain that your TPMS system is reset, if necessary, so as to
correctly identify the location of each tire on your vehicle. Refer
to your vehicle owner’s manual or your vehicle dealer. Determine
whether rotated tires require tire inflation adjustment as front and rear
position tire pressure may vary according to the vehicle manufacturer’s
specification due to the actual load on that wheel position. Some vehicles
may have tires of different size mounted on the front versus the rear
axles, and these different tires have rotation restrictions. Always check the
vehicle owner’s manual for the proper rotation recommendations.

 

Tire Balance

Tire balancing compensates for the weight of the tire and wheel assembly after the tire is mounted. A wheel is out of balance when one area is heavier or lighter than the rest. The result? Bouncing or wobbling, which can decrease treadwear, increase vibration and cause stress on your vehicle. The cure? Correction weights are added to counterbalance the tires.

 

When to Balance

• A tire is replaced
• A balance weight is moved or removed
• You purchase new tires

How Wheels are Balanced

To balance a wheel, your mechanic uses a balancing machine to determine where the heavy spots are. Weights are then attached to the exterior or interior of the wheel to counteract centrifugal forces acting on the heavy areas when the wheel is turning. This will eliminate vertical bouncing and side-to-side wobble.

 

Tire Alignment

Alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s front and rear suspension parts. If your alignment is off, your vehicle isn’t safe to drive. View the animation below to understand the three main adjustments made during alignment:

• Caster
• Camber
• Toe

 

Caster

Caster is a bit tough to define. If you’re viewing the side of a vehicle, the caster angle identifies the forward or backward slope of a line drawn through the upper and lower steering pivot points. Think of a motorcycle and its front steering forks and front tire. Its angle is towards the rear of the motorcycle, so it has positive caster. Negative is just the opposite. Long story short, positive caster helps your vehicle go straight, much like the motorcycle.

 

 

Camber

Camber is the angle of the wheel, in degrees, when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Positive camber is when the top of the wheel is leaning out from the center of the car. Negative camber is when the top of the wheel is leaning into the car. If the wheel leans too far from the center, uneven wear will occur. (However, negative camber helps racing cars improve cornering.)

 

 

Toe

Toe is the difference in the distance between the front of the tires and the back of the tires. Usually, tires are set so that they are parallel with each other. If the fronts of the tires are closer, the wheels are toe-in. If the rears of the tires are closer, the wheels are toe-out.

 

When to Check Alignment

 

Daily impacts such as potholes and railroad crossings, as well as more severe circumstances like a car accident, can knock your vehicle out of alignment. You should have the alignment checked if:

 

• You’ve hit something substantial
• You see a wear pattern developing on the shoulders (outer edges) of the tires
• You notice a difference in your vehicle’s handling

 

Tire Care Products

Nothing makes a car look sweeter than a shiny set of tires. But don’t put your investment at risk by using just any cleaner. Make sure to only use non-petroleum based products to clean the tires. A number of wheel cleaners may contain harsh acids, alkalis and/or detergents that can damage wheels and paint. However, there are products out there that are safe for all brands of tires as well as environmentally responsible. You can find them at an auto parts dealer near you

 

 

…..from Michelin

GM Foundation Grants $2.9 Million to Higher Education

General Motors Executive Vice President and North America President Mark Reuss presented a 250K GM Foundation grant check to Alison Davis-Blake, Edward J. Frey Dean, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, on Thursday, November 7, 2013 at the Ross School of Business Victors for Michigan Campaign Kickoff event.

 

DETROIT – The General Motors Foundation today announced grants totaling $2.9 million to support 26 leading universities and partnering organizations across the country this year through its University/Organization Partner Program.

The initiative provides funding to advance secondary education curricula in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, information technology and other fields important to the automotive industry.

“Working with leaders in education to strengthen curricula, foster a diverse learning environment and challenge young minds is a top priority for us,” said GM Foundation President Vivian Pickard. “By supporting higher education programs, we are ensuring that the next generation of leaders and innovators receive the necessary knowledge and skills to compete in a global marketplace.”

Over the last decade, the GM Foundation has awarded nearly $31.3 million in grants through the University/Organization Partner Program. Through this annual program, the GM Foundation helps prepare more students to graduate with STEM-related degrees. The funds also support design and manufacturing degree programs, diversity initiatives, student organizations, and career development resources.

Here is this year’s list of GM Foundation grant recipients: Art Center College of Design, Brigham Young University, University of California-Berkeley, Cleveland Institute of Arts, University of Cincinnati, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kettering University, Lawrence Technological University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan, National Black MBA Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Stanford University, University of Texas-Austin, United Negro College Fund (Howard University), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Additional support for collegiate programming includes the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, which is funded by the GM Foundation and is one of the largest scholarship programs in the country. Since its inception in 2011, Buick Achievers has awarded roughly $16 million to students entering or attending college to study STEM and fields related to the auto industry. The program places a strong focus on recognizing women, minorities, military veterans and military dependents, as well as students known for excelling in the classroom and giving back to their communities.

 

 

…………from GM News

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Interior Design

Check out this video detailing the concepts behind the design of the all-new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban interiors!

Silverado’s Pick-up Box Makes Tough Jobs Easier

 

 

DETROIT – When it comes to pickup trucks, the usability of the back end is just as important as the power under the hood. Customer-focused innovations to the cargo box of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado were designed to make it easier to see, secure and access what’s back there.

“Silverado owners are the doers of the world,” said Lloyd Biermann, Silverado marketing manager. “Our goal when designing the Silverado’s pickup box was to create something that was stronger, more durable and versatile to help our owners get their toughest jobs done.”

Owners says they most frequently use their trucks for everyday projects. Two out of three use their truck for hauling. Seasoned truck owners want a pickup that makes loading and securing cargo as simple as possible. Making it easier to climb into the truck bed and retrieve items is a bonus.

“For the real truck buyer, they want a pickup that puts up with their abuse without making any compromises from the back end of the truck,” said Mark Williams of PickupTrucks.com. “The whole point of having a pickup is about solving problems, not creating them.”

From design to functionality, the Silverado pickup box is engineered to be the most innovative cargo box in its segment with these features:

• LED Box Lights – Located in the cargo box, under the side rails, the available lights turn on with the standard overhead box lamp and make it easier to find cargo in the bed, even under a tonneau cover.
• EZ Lift & Lower Tailgate – An internal torsion bar reduces the effort to raise the tailgate while a rotary damper allows for a controlled and more gradual lowering motion when opening it.
• CornerStep Bumper – Unique steps incorporated into the corners of the rear bumper are designed to accommodate work boots and can be used with the tailgate up or down.
  
• Hand Grip Pockets – Located within the rails, at the rear of the cargo box, they provide easier access into the cargo box and work in tandem with the CornerStep Bumper.
  
• Removable Upper Tie-Down Hooks – Allow maximum flexibility to secure cargo of varying shapes and sizes and can be placed in several locations around the cargo box.
  

“Every time we get into a new Silverado and fill the bed with payload, we’re reminded just how much thought their truck engineers put into, what we believe is, the most important part of a pickup – the bed,” said Williams.

 

Read more here ……… 

http://media.gm.com/content/media/us/en/gm/news.detail.html/content/Pages/news/us/en/2013/Nov/1115-pickup-box.html

 

2015 Chevrolet Colorado REVEALED!

General Motors is betting that an eye-catching, fuel efficient mid-sized pickup can draw buyers with active lifestyles and inject life into a segment that its Detroit 3 rivals have abandoned. The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado introduced at the Los Angeles Auto Show is, in many respects, a smaller version of the full-sized 2014 Silverado. It goes on sale in fall 2014.

Read more: http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=CA&Date=20131120&Category=LA_AUTO_SHOW&ArtNo=112009998&Ref=PH&Params=Itemnr=1&Profile=1261#ixzz2lCays87h
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Automobile of the Year: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

 

 

Yes, the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette is the Automobile of the Year. No, this was not a foregone conclusion. The Corvette may have a special place in the American automotive pantheon, but not every new Corvette has been a big deal. The C6, for example, was a conservative effort, a safe play that didn’t reach. The new C7, though, is something else. This is a thorough redesign, and it starts with a new frame. Switching from steel to aluminum (previously only Z06 and ZR1 models used an aluminum frame), the C7’s frame structure is nearly 100 pounds lighter than the C6’s and considerably stiffer. The front and rear cradles — both aluminum — are also lighter and stiffer. The lift-off top remains, but it’s carbon fiber (as is the hood). The V-8’s 6.2-liter displacement is the same as before, but this is an all-new engine, backed by a new seven-speed manual transmission. There’s newfound sophistication in the chassis and an interior that makes no excuses to anyone.

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The car’s performance is simply awesome. In today’s era of horsepower inflation, the big V-8’s 455 hp, or 460 hp with the performance exhaust, may not be numbers made for bar boasts — we’ll have to wait for the Z06 for that — but you get the impression that reaching some marketing-driven power figure was not the point. The point was to smoke tires, roar out of turns, and storm down the straights — oh, and do all that without quaffing unleaded. As it turns out, this new 6.2-liter proves to be highly effective at all those things. With 460 lb-ft of torque (again, add 5 with the performance exhaust), the ability to fry the Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber is always there, just a push of the traction control button away. When you’re more interested in go than in show, the Corvette gets down and boogies. We clocked an 11.9-second quarter mile at 118 mph; 60 mph ticks by in less than four seconds. Launch control is available should you want to clock yourself, and there’s a function that will record your time so you can amaze your friends. Full-throttle blasts are accompanied by a race-car-worthy soundtrack trumpeting from the quad exhaust pipes, but under mellower circumstances the engine emits a muted yet purposeful rumble. Even in a Corvette, you’re not always stomping on the gas, and this powertrain is just as rewarding in less aggressive driving. The new, seven-speed manual features creamy clutch action and a slick shifter. Without turbochargers to manage, the V-8’s throttle response is precisely predictable, and the long-travel accelerator pedal lets you easily mete out the exact amount of power. Despite the normally aspirated engine’s large displacement and potent output, a tall top gear and the ability to run on four cylinders (in Eco mode) help this muscular beast post EPA numbers that you won’t be ashamed to mention in polite company: 17/29 mpg city/highway for the manual, 16/28 mpg for the automatic.

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The Stingray is a great car for going fast, but it’s also great for going slow. It’s great for going fast not because it goes faster, but because it’s now easier to drive it faster. The excellent steering comes by way of a system that Chevrolet says is five times stiffer and a wheel that’s smaller than before; the result is newfound precision that makes this big machine much more wieldy. The chassis incorporates the expected suite of computer-managed traction and handling aids, but what’s remarkable is how customizable they are and how deftly they perform their bacon-saving functions while still leaving so much of the car control in the hands (and feet) of the driver. There are five main modes, topping out in Track, into which you can delve further until you get to the level where stability and traction control are completely off. The optional and highly worthwhile Z51 package supplements all that with an electronically locking rear differential that constantly apportions torque from side to side, which allowed even the less skilled among us to power out of corners at GingerMan Raceway with confidence. This Corvette is not going to break away suddenly or snap around on you. There’s grace and fluidity here. Accessibility is a theme running through the C7. Despite the sophisticated technology, this is not a cold, technocratic machine. It is a democratic sports car — and what could be more American than that? From the moment you press the hidden pad releasing the familiar electronic door latch and slip inside, the C7 presents a friendlier countenance. The driver’s relationship with his surroundings has changed. You’re no longer buried in the car, lost in a sea of undulating fiberglass, surrounded by cheap-looking plastics. Forget all that. Your interaction with the C7 is as straightforward as a handshake. The ergonomics feel right; the switchgear is clear and functional; you can see out of the cabin; and the seats hold you comfortably in place. Yes, the Corvette really does have decent seats — and we haven’t even tried the optional competition buckets. It also has an interior worthy of a $50,000-plus sports car. The materials look and feel good, and the interfaces manage to be modern yet not gimmicky, a concept that more and more carmakers are finding elusive these days.

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The interior design may actually be more successful than that of the exterior, which is the new car’s most subjective aspect and its most controversial. The styling is very busy, and the essential Z51 package adds even more in the form of spoilers and brake-cooling ducts. Against that, the new design does move the Corvette’s look forward at last, after three generations of stasis. And based on the reactions of our younger staffers and of the cell-phone-wielding paparazzi, the design also seems to resonate with a new generation. If the Stingray really can capture their imagination, then the Corvette might once again be seen on the coasts, not just in the middle of the country. It is interesting that, in our days of driving and discussions, it emerged that the Corvette’s major rival for this award was the Cadillac CTS. Of all the new cars introduced this year — from brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, and many others — the top two contenders for Automobile of the Year were both from General Motors. General Motors, the bumbling giant, tied up in knots of bureaucracy and legacy costs, recipient of a much-vilified loan from Uncle Sam. Although many will never admit it, today’s GM is putting out some excellent products. We can’t help but marvel at the fact that they were developed under the darkest possible skies. Given the circumstances, we might not have expected a great new Corvette, but that’s exactly what we got. The Corvette has long been a tremendous performance value wrapped in an all-American package. Now, however, with newfound sophistication and user-friendliness, the C7 should melt the barriers that have kept away so many driving enthusiasts. This is not just a car for the Corvette faithful but instead spreads the gospel to a new, wider audience. The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a world-class car with no apologies to make, an expression of greatness from a town and a car company that have been dismissed as losers. It is also the Automobile of the Year. Tadge Juechter, chief engineer of the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, is Automobile Magazine’s 2014 Man of the Year. Click here to read the full story.

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Base Price:	$51,995
Powertrain
Engine:	16-valve OHV V-8
Displacement:	16-valve OHV V-8
Horsepower:	455-460 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:	460-465 lb-ft @ 4600 rpm
Transmission:	7-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Drive:	Rear-wheel
Chassis
Steering:	Electrically assisted
Front Suspension:	Control arms, transverse leaf spring
Rear Suspension:	Control arms, transverse leaf spring
Brakes:	Vented discs
Tires:	Michelin Pilot Super Sport ZP
Tire sizes F, R:	245/40R-18 (93Y), 285/35R-19 (99Y)
Measurements
L x W x H:	177.0 x 73.9 x 48.6 in
Wheelbase:	106.7 in
Track F/R:	62.8/61.6 in
Weight:	3436 lb
Weight dist.:	49/51%
0-60 mph:	3.7 sec
Top speed:	185 mph (est.)
EPA mileage:	17/29 mpg, 16/28 mpg (manual, automatic)

Read more: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/1401_automobile_of_the_year_2014_chevrolet_corvette_stingray/#ixzz2l6IqPN2K

 

…..- by Joe Lorio | Photographs by: A. J. Mueller

2014 Chevrolet Equinox Review

The second-generation Equinox is a huge sales it for Chevrolet, notching up well over 200,000 sales per year in the United States alone. This five-passenger crossover focuses on technology, value and space, and comes in four-cylinder or V-6 engines with optional AWD for about $30,000.

A leader in the fast-growing small crossover segment, Chevrolet has seen Equinox sales rise of over 14 percent in 2013 even in the face of competition.

In a way, that somewhat reflects the Chevy lineup in general, the Equinox is a tale of two cars. On the base side, this is functional transport with great backseat legroom and a versatile cargo area. The base LS delivers value with a low purchase price and great fuel economy – up to 32 mpg on the highway for the Equinox FWD.

On the other side of the coin are the LT and LTZ trim levels that include dozens of desirable features missing from the LS trim. The FWD V-6 Equinox makes over 300 horsepower and has a deep interior tech list that includes MyLink touchscreen infotainment. These options future-proof the car very nicely and help make the Equinox’s interior as much of a selling point as its fashionable exterior design.

EXTERIOR

The Equinox is a handsome crossover with long-wheelbase proportions and a striking interpretation of the Chevy full-frame grille with central badge bar. The Equinox’s styling themes are modern with a soft, semi-retro surfacing flair that recalls 1950s Chevy trucks,as well as the discontinued HHR wagon model.

The effect of the swooping and curved hood flows nicely into oversized fender flares and handsome, chrome-trimmed window surrounds. The back glass is heavily tinted and features a steeply angled C-pillar that gives the Equinox some of the sporty stance from the BMW X5 .

The raked C-pillar and back glass don’t hurt passenger entry – the Equinox has huge rear doors that extend beyond the glass line to give more access. This is in stark comparison to the Toyota RAV4 and Jeep Patriot, both of which have very narrow rear entry points and high floor edges.

The main style upgrade for the LTZ model comes from standard 18-inch wheels that now come standard in chrome for 2014. There is also additional LTZ brightwork in the front/rear skidplate areas that are grey plastic on less-equipped models.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase (In.)	112.5
Length (In.)	187.8
Width (In.)	72.5
Height (In.)	66.3
Track – Front (In.)	62.9
Track – Rear (In.)	62.1
Weight (Pounds)	3777 LS, 3922 LT
Drag Coefficient	0.36

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Exterior Features:

• 17-inch Aluminum Wheels
• Tire, compact spare with steel wheel
• Luggage rack side rails, roof-mounted, Charcoal (Charcoal with bright chrome insert)
• Headlamps, halogen, uplevel projector style with automatic exterior lamp control; Fog lamps, front halogen
• Mirrors, outside heated power-adjustable, chrome, manual folding and integral spotter mirror
• Liftgate, power programmable rear with fixed glass
• Door handles, bright chrome

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Optional Exterior Features:

• 19-inch chrome wheels and tires (Dealer-installed $3,600)
• Power sunroof ($900)
• Black roof rack cross bars (Dealer-installed $190)

GALLERY:EXTERIOR

 

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INTERIOR

The interior of the Equinox is one of the best from a value-oriented Chevy crossover. It shares some of the Camaro -inspired shapes like the twin squircle gauge shrouds and deep-set air vents dressed in light-colored matte silver. The color accents continue with a fabric-wrapped dashboard on LT models that feels fantastic and looks fresher than even the LTZ’s fancy leather and interior color themes.

Chevy’s well-designed and feature-rich MyLink touchscreen infotainment is standard on all but the lowest LS trims and brings a 7-inch color touchscreen with Bluetooth audio streaming.

MyLink also supports navigation and mapping but this is a separate $795 option on all trims. MyLink’s touchscreen is mounted deep in a covered bin to ensure it can be seen even in bright sunlight. The position makes it tricky for some drivers to comfortably reach the controls, but luckily there are button and knob-controlled climate and audio presets.

Overall, the center stack is better resolved than the Ford Escape that also has a bulging console and vertical central air vents. The Equinox’s buttons are nicely sized with a high-quality and high-tech appearance.

In back, space is plentiful in the sliding and split-folding seat. Twin flip-up DVD monitors are available as part of a rear seat entertainment package for $1,300 extra. Backseat passengers will appreciate the four total 12V outlets in the car: one in the dash base, one in the center armrest, one in the rear seat and the last one in the cargo hold.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Interior Dimensions:

Front Seating Capacity	2
Rear Seating Capacity	3
Headroom – Front (In.)	40.9
Headroom – Rear (In.)	39.2
Legroom – Front (In.)	41.2
Legroom – Rear (In.)	39.9
Shoulder Room – Front (In.)	55.8
Shoulder Room – Rear (In.)	55.3
Hip Room – Front (In.)	54.6
Hip Room – Rear (In.)	51.3
EPA Cargo Volume – Rear Seat Up (Cubic-Feet)	31.4
EPA Cargo Volume – Rear Seat Folded (Cubic-Feet)	63.7
EPA Cargo Volume – Rear Seats Down (Cubic-Feet)	141.5

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Interior Features:

• Audio system, Color Touch AM/FM/SiriusXM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback includes 7-inch diagonal color touch-screen display, USB and AUX port and iPod support (standard on LT and above)
• Audio system feature, Pioneer premium 250-watt 8-speaker system includes mid-range speakers in each door, tweeters in A-pillars, a center channel speaker in upper IP and sub-woofer on the rear shelf; Audio system feature, auxiliary input jack; Audio system feature, USB port
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio trial
• Antenna, roof-mounted
• Seats, heated driver and front passenger
• Memory settings for the driver seat and exterior mirrors
• Steering wheel, leather-wrapped with audio and cruise controls; Steering wheel controls, mounted audio controls; Steering column, tilt and telescopic
• Remote vehicle starter system; Cruise control, electronic with set and resume speed; Universal Home Remote
• Rear Vision Camera
• Air conditioning, automatic climate control
• Defogger, rear-window electric
• Cupholders, 2 front in center console and 2 rear in center armrest with 1 bottle holder in each door
• Power outlets, 4 auxiliary with covers, 12-volt includes 1 front of console, 1 in console, 1 in back of console and 1 in cargo area.
• Mirror, inside rearview self-dimming; Visors, driver and front passenger illuminated vanity mirrors; Assist handles, front passenger and rear outboards; Map pocket, front seatback, driver and front passenger
• Lighting, interior with theatre dimming, center-mounted dome, rear cargo area, dual front map lights, ambient lighting on center stack surround, and center console cupholders (Includes ambient lighting on instrument panel, center console, door handle recess, door storage and footwell.)
• Cargo cover, rear security cover; Cargo net, full-across rear

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Optional Interior Features:

• Chevrolet MyLink with Navigation ($795)
• Dual Rear seat entertainment system ($1,295)

Interior

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DRIVETRAIN, SUSPENSION AND BRAKES

The most popular Equinox by far is the FWD, four-cylinder configuration that offers a good balance of economy, price and performance. All Equinox models have a standard six-speed automatic and optional AWD, but the on-demand system really sucks the life out of the car’s sprint times.

The four-cylinder makes 182 horsepower for an 8.7-second run to 60 mph, up to 9.6 seconds for the AWD four-banger. The V-6 is much quicker with 301 horsepower and a 7.2-second sprint in FWD and 7.9 seconds for the heavier AWD model.

All have a fully independent suspension and electronic power steering. The FWD four dominates the EPA stats with a 20/32 rating for city/highway driving. This compares especially well with the 16/23 for the AWD V-6.

Towing is an area that needs the V-6. With the larger engine, the tow rating increases to 3,500 pounds versus just 1,500 for the four-cylinder model.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Mechanical Details:

Engine Size And Type	2.4-Liter 16-Valve I-4 With DOHC, Direct Injection And CVVT	3.6-Liter 24-Valve V-6 With DOHC, Direct Injection And CVVT
Peak Power (Horsepower)	182 @ 6700	301 @ 5600
Peak Torque (Pound-Feet)	172 @ 4900	272 @ 4800
Transmission	6-Speed Auto	6-Speed Auto
0-To-60 Mph – FWD	8.7 Seconds	7.2 Seconds
0-To-60 Mph – AWD	9.6 Seconds	7.8 Seconds
Top Speed	117 Mph, Est	130 Mph, Est
Fuel Economy Estimates (City/Combined/Highway)	20/NA/32 FWD, 20/NA/29 AWD	17/NA/24 FWD, 16/NA/23 AWD

SAFETY

The Equinox is a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and with a comprehensive safety equipment list, with six airbags and the full suite of brake assist, ABS and stability controls.

The major new additions are a Safety Package that bundles forward collision alert, lane departure warning and rear parking assistance into one option. These systems will alert you of potential dangers but cannot brake or turn by themselves.

The Equinox safety package is like a half-way point between no active safety tech and the full Cadillac XTS setup with city braking, adaptive cruise and lane-keep assist.

2014 Chevrolet Equinox – Standard Safety Features:

• Daytime Running Lamps
• Air bags, dual-stage, frontal, driver and right front passenger with passenger sensing system, Thorax side-impact, seat mounted, driver and right front passenger, head curtain, side front and rear outboard seating positions; Air bag Passenger Sensing System
• OnStar Turn-by-Turn Navigation; OnStar, 6 months of Directions and Connections plan; Automatic Crash Response; Stolen Vehicle Assistance
• Rear Park Assist
• Safety Package includes (UEU) Forward Collision Alert and Lane Departure Warning and (UD7) Rear Park Assist
• Door locks, power operated rear child security; LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Top tethers for CHildren), for child safety seats
• Tire Pressure Monitor System (Does not monitor spare.)
• Brakes, brake assist
• Brakes, Hill Start-Assist (HAS)
• Traction control
• StabiliTrak, electronic stability control system

PRICING

Pricing for the 2014 models is expected to rise about $400 over the 2013 pricing shown below.

Chevrolet Equinox	2013 MSRP
Equinox LS FWD	$24,225
Equinox LS AWD	$25,975
Equinox 1LT FWD	$25,870
Equinox 1LT AWD	$27,620
Equinox 2LT FWD	$27,740
Equinox 2LT AWD	$28,620
Equinox LTZ FWD	$30,985
Equinox LTZ AWD	$32,735

 

 

 

 

• CONCLUSION

What shoppers would say “no” to a frugal crossover that’s affordable, offers huge rear legroom and brings the latest must-have interior technology? Add a dash of style, a good view in traffic and the optional AWD V-6… and the Equinox’s rising popularity is easy to understand.

For many buyers, even a low-spec Equinox LS represents a big step up from traditional economy sedans. Compact cars are not popular for many reasons, but a big one is that there just isn’t enough room for passengers in the low and nerdy shapes.

As the low end, the Equinox is a mid-size or compact sedan replacement. The higher trims are actually very competitive with the competition and bring numerous luxury features for the modest loaded prices.

The interior seals the deal. It has some of Chevy’s Transformers techno styling themes but they are subtle and look much more upmarket than those in the Camaro.

Among buyers seeking a value-priced crossover with good technology, big space in all seats and a versatile trunk, the Equinox hits the target.

Category	Rating	Details
Driving	B	Comfortable Ride Quality
Performance	B+	The AWD Models’ Extra Weight Slows 0-To-60
Look	B	Interesting And Unique Design
Value	B+	LT Trim In FWD V-6 Is Best Of Group
Overall	B+	A Chrome-Tastic Crossover With Tons Of Space

 Looks great in white 
 Nice interior style and technology 
 Frugal in FWD Four-cylinder configuration

 

 

….excerpts from Top Speed

 

Chevrolet Colorado to Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show

DETROIT – In less than a year, Chevrolet has reengineered its entire full-sized truck portfolio with an all-new Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500. On November 20 during media days at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the final piece of Chevrolet’s pickup truck portfolio will be revealed.

The all-new Chevrolet Colorado will reinvent what a midsized pickup should be.  The Colorado is engineered to be the most capable, most versatile and technologically advanced midsized truck in the market.  Watch it revealed live from Los Angeles on November 20 here: http://youtu.be/-XkUGs-OEE4.

 

From GM News….

Science Bolsters 2014 Chevrolet Impala’s Seat Comfort

“DETROIT – Crafting comfortable car seats takes more than high-tech tools like seat pressure mapping systems and a multi-part mannequin that feeds data into a comfort dimensioning system.

As helpful as they are, there is no substitute for an element of human fine-tuning, or putting butts in seats.

General Motors’ human factors engineers who understand biomechanics, psychology, quantitative research and ergonomics, applied all these disciplines to help make the seats comfortable in the 2014 Chevrolet Impala.

GM seat comfort lab manager Jill Green uses a robot to test the comfort and integrity of the Chevrolet Malibu seat cushions and frames, a process used for the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Impala as well. The robots simulate a variety of body types entering, sitting and exiting the vehicle.

Customers for each car segment want more or less support and rigidity in their car seats. What the car will be used for – such as commuting, city driving or track racing – helps engineers establish precise parameters of comfort. Finding the “sweet spot” for each vehicle doesn’t come easy.

For the new Impala, volunteer seat testers ranging from 5^th percentile females (5 feet tall, 110 lbs.) to 95^th percentile males (6 feet tall or taller, 223 lbs.) spent hundreds of hours and logged thousands of miles in prototypes of the redesigned flagship sedan to evaluate seat comfort.

Seat testers typically drive or ride in prototype vehicles for several 60-minute intervals at a time recording initial feedback after the first 10 minutes. At each 60-minute interval, they numerically rate every aspect of the seat: cushion, backrest, lumbar support, headrest and side bolsters.

But tester feedback is subjective and design changes are often subtle because seat designs evolve from past programs and reams of data collected with precision instruments.

“Developing comfortable seats is both an art and a science,” said Jill Green, GM seat comfort lab manager. “Knowing how to translate a physiological impression into tangible design elements is the art, and knowing how to execute the design is the science.”

Seat tester evaluations alone would have been insufficient to achieve such results. That’s where tools like Oscar come in hand. The mannequin-like tool made of steel, plastic and aluminum is assembled in 18 removable parts weighing up to 170 pounds. Early in the Impala’s development, Oscar helped determine the overall dimensional layout of the interior, allowing engineers to make the best use of space.

GM seat comfort engineers, including Jill Green pictured in the driver’s seat of a Chevrolet Malibu, use state-of-the-art digital pressure-mapping technology to scan the rear-end impressions of people of all shapes and sizes over the seat surface, creating a map with more than 4,600 data points

State-of-the-art digital pressure-mapping technology was used to scan the rear-end impressions of people of all shapes and sizes over the seat surface, creating a map with more than 4,600 data points. A laptop computer used the data to generate graphics illustrating how occupants sit in the seat statically or while driving.

The Impala’s front seats are heated and ventilated, and bolstered for greater support. The seat cushions are designed to provide a firm, premium feel. LS models feature cloth seats, while LT comes standard with cloth/vinyl seats. Sueded microfiber-trimmed seats are available on LT and LTZ models, which feature standard perforated leather seating. Standard on LT and LTZ models, rear-seat headrests fold to improve rear visibility when there are no back-seat passengers.

Car reviewers have noticed the attention paid to Impala’s seats.

“After hours in the driver seat, we found ourselves just as fresh as we were before we set out,” wrote Mark Takahashi, automotive editor, Edmunds.com. “The outboard rear seats have enough head- and legroom for the average adult male to remain comfortable for extended trips as well.”

From GM News….

TONY STEWART SILVERADO CONCEPT

“It takes a strong truck to live up to the speed, energy and passion of Tony Stewart. This Silverado LTZ Z71 concept was designed in conjunction with Stewart, with personal touches and Smoke® graphics that symbolize his racing spirit. The exterior also features a Dark Tarnished Silver color, tinted headlamps and tail lamps, and several Chevrolet Accessories components available through Chevy dealers, including a tonneau cover, four-inch chrome assist steps and 22-inch wheels (with a custom finish). “

© General Motors.

From SEMA Show, 2013….