A Hybrid Equinox?

[MikesZ]

Some Saturn Vue hybrid test mules have been spotted around MI lately. I do hope GM applies EA technology to the Equinox/Terrain 2.4L models.

http://blogs.insideline.com/straight...chevrolet.html

[comiskeybum]

seeing as how the Vue will no longer exist. Im sure GM will apply it to the Equinox. can you imagine a CUV that gets 40mpg highway?

The downside is that it would cost over $30k to get one.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by comiskeybum

seeing as how the Vue will no longer exist. Im sure GM will apply it to the Equinox. can you imagine a CUV that gets 40mpg highway?

The downside is that it would cost over $30k to get one.

There was talk of converting it to a 'Vuick' but thats been scraped as well. Hybrid tech doesn't really help highway economy much. The gains are from getting near equal highway and city numbers. I'd expect a hybrid Equinox to get say 35/33 city/highway.

[comiskeybum]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

There was talk of converting it to a 'Vuick' but thats been scraped as well. Hybrid tech doesn't really help highway economy much. The gains are from getting near equal highway and city numbers. I'd expect a hybrid Equinox to get say 35/33 city/highway.

True but look at the Ford fusion hybrid. it gets 41 highway. the regular engine i believe gets 34.......? ?????????

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by comiskeybum

True but look at the Ford fusion hybrid. it gets 41 highway. the regular engine i believe gets 34.......? ?????????

Not completely true....

The Fusion sedan is rated at 23/34, and the hybrid is rated at 41/36.
Escape Hybrid is the same deal, 34/31. So...an equinox hybrid, imo, should be able to get upwards of 40/33...given that it's a plug-in with extended range, rather than your typical off-on hybrid system.

I only hope this is true, and that they can keep the premium for the system below $6k. Chevy desperately needs a main-stream hybrid vehicle that will make them money.

[comiskeybum]

bottom line is that any hybrid equinox would be priced out of range of most people looking to buy a CUV for less than 25k. such as myself

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by comiskeybum

bottom line is that any hybrid equinox would be priced out of range of most people looking to buy a CUV for less than 25k. such as myself

True. And that's a good point. If you drove 30,000 miles a year...you might decide to spend a little extra, I imagine -- but that's besides the point.

The good bit of all this is...and the real reason I'd like to see it done right...is that it won't cost you $50,000 purchase a hybrid/fuel-efficient people-mover (see: Tahoe).

[comiskeybum]

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

True. And that's a good point. If you drove 30,000 miles a year...you might decide to spend a little extra, I imagine -- but that's besides the point.

The good bit of all this is...and the real reason I'd like to see it done right...is that it won't cost you $50,000 purchase a hybrid/fuel-efficient people-mover (see: Tahoe).

exactly. to me.........in order for a hybrid to make sense as a purchase. the "added cost" of a hybrid should pay for itself within 2-3 years. in my opinion.

so car makers should do the math with the equation and price accordingly.

its just like the silverado and tahoe make NO SENSE WHAT SO EVER.

[DGthe3]

Originally Posted by comiskeybum

exactly. to me.........in order for a hybrid to make sense as a purchase. the "added cost" of a hybrid should pay for itself within 2-3 years. in my opinion.

so car makers should do the math with the equation and price accordingly.

its just like the silverado and tahoe make NO SENSE WHAT SO EVER.

In order for the math to work out, gas prices need to go up. Powerful electric motors are not free. Neither are any of the other components that get added to make a hybrid a hybrid. Adding $6000 worth of stuff, then pricing it at only $3000 more just isn't a smart business move.

[Brokinarrow]

Originally Posted by DGthe3

In order for the math to work out, gas prices need to go up. Powerful electric motors are not free. Neither are any of the other components that get added to make a hybrid a hybrid. Adding $6000 worth of stuff, then pricing it at only $3000 more just isn't a smart business move.

what we REALLY need is a new break through in battery technology: shorter charge time, cheaper build costs, better longevity. I know a number of US companies and universities are putting some serious research power into this. First company that produces something along these lines will be getting some investment money from me

[DGthe3]

They've been saying that for the last hundred years. But even if there is a breakthrough that allows for batteries to be 10x more powerful, pound for pound they still won't hold a candle to gasoline

[2000v6]

Originally Posted by comiskeybum

exactly. to me.........in order for a hybrid to make sense as a purchase. the "added cost" of a hybrid should pay for itself within 2-3 years. in my opinion.

so car makers should do the math with the equation and price accordingly.

its just like the silverado and tahoe make NO SENSE WHAT SO EVER.

They do, there's no real reason to have a crossover anymore. lol

It get's similar mileage (equinox gets 23-26, tahoe hybrid gets 20-21)

The TMV at edmunds of a 2008 black 4wd tahoe with 20,000 miles in outstanding condition is valued at $42,212.

And 20,000 miles is basically a "new" car, it usually isn't ruined yet and is in very good condition.

The TMV of a brand new 2010 ltz, black granite metallic equinox with audio system w/ navigation and rear entertainment, 3.0L v6, 19" chrome clad wheels, power sunroof, front license plate bracket and the destination fee is valued at $37,560.

Both are the dealer retail prices.

So this proves my point. No real need for a crossover

[2000v6]

The traverse gets 19 mpg

And the TMV of a 2009 ltz, black traverse with a power glass sunroof, engine block heater, dvd entertainment system, AM/FM/CD/DVD/MP3 audio system, running boards and rear cargo cover with 10,000 miles in outstanding condition is valued as dealer retail for $38,219. So, yeh

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by 2000v6

They do, there's no real reason to have a crossover anymore. lol

It get's similar mileage (equinox gets 23-26, tahoe hybrid gets 20-21)

The TMV at edmunds of a 2008 black 4wd tahoe with 20,000 miles in outstanding condition is valued at $42,212.

And 20,000 miles is basically a "new" car, it usually isn't ruined yet and is in very good condition.

The TMV of a brand new 2010 ltz, black granite metallic equinox with audio system w/ navigation and rear entertainment, 3.0L v6, 19" chrome clad wheels, power sunroof, front license plate bracket and the destination fee is valued at $37,560.

Both are the dealer retail prices.

So this proves my point. No real need for a crossover

What point? This argument makes no sense whatsoever.