Rumorpile: Volkwagen Plans To Triple Its SUV Lineup, CUV Gets Delayed

The diesel emission scandal has left Volkswagen battered and bruised. In an effort to try and salvage their image and business, the company is going all in on electric vehicles. Before the start of the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen revealed the I.D. concept. Volkswagen says this concept when it goes into production in 2020 will be as groundbreaking as the Beetle.
We don't know much about the I.D. except for some details,
About the size of a Golf Uses Volkswagen's new Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) Electric motor produces 125kW Total range between 400 to 600 Kilometers (about 249 to 373 Miles) Not sure if this means the vehicle will feature different battery options Fully autonomous mode for the model coming in 2025 We'll have more details when the I.D. makes its auto show debut tomorrow. 
Source: Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2


I.D. – THE WORLD PREMIERE
Sep 28, 2016
Paris Motor Show - Mondial de l'Automobile 2016
World premiere of the I.D. starts the countdown to a new era for Volkswagen Volkswagen plans for the visionary I.D. to hit the road in 2020 An ambassador: the I.D. is the first Volkswagen of a new fleet of electric cars It runs and runs: the I.D. has a range of 400 to 600 kilometres Ready for the future: the I.D. concept car demonstrates a fully automated mode for the year 2025 Key facts – the I.D. in keywords
1. I.D. is the first Volkswagen in a completely new fleet of highly innovative electric vehicles.
2. I.D. is immediately recognisable as a zero-emission vehicle thanks to a newly developed design DNA for electric cars.
3. I.D. is driven by an electric motor with an output of 125 kW and has a range of between 400 and 600 kilometres on a single battery charge.
4. I.D. has an interior that offers an entirely new spatial experience with the Open Space.
5. I.D. will be launched as a compact electric car in 2020 parallel to the Golf.
6. As a concept car, I.D. gives us a first tangible glimpse of fully automated driving – this mode will be offered from 2025 onwards.
7. I.D. retracts its multifunction steering wheel into the dashpad when in fully automated mode ("I.D. Pilot").
8. I.D. can receive parcels using a new delivery service, if its owner isn't at home.
9. I.D. is the first compact Volkswagen based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB).
10. Volkswagen has set itself the goal of selling a million electric cars a year by 2025.

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The diesel emission scandal has left Volkswagen battered and bruised. In an effort to try and salvage their image and business, the company is going all in on electric vehicles. Before the start of the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen revealed the I.D. concept. Volkswagen says this concept when it goes into production in 2020 will be as groundbreaking as the Beetle.
We don't know much about the I.D. except for some details,
About the size of a Golf Uses Volkswagen's new Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) Electric motor produces 125kW Total range between 400 to 600 Kilometers (about 249 to 373 Miles) Not sure if this means the vehicle will feature different battery options Fully autonomous mode for the model coming in 2025 We'll have more details when the I.D. makes its auto show debut tomorrow. 
Source: Volkswagen
Press Release is on Page 2


I.D. – THE WORLD PREMIERE
Sep 28, 2016
Paris Motor Show - Mondial de l'Automobile 2016
World premiere of the I.D. starts the countdown to a new era for Volkswagen Volkswagen plans for the visionary I.D. to hit the road in 2020 An ambassador: the I.D. is the first Volkswagen of a new fleet of electric cars It runs and runs: the I.D. has a range of 400 to 600 kilometres Ready for the future: the I.D. concept car demonstrates a fully automated mode for the year 2025 Key facts – the I.D. in keywords
1. I.D. is the first Volkswagen in a completely new fleet of highly innovative electric vehicles.
2. I.D. is immediately recognisable as a zero-emission vehicle thanks to a newly developed design DNA for electric cars.
3. I.D. is driven by an electric motor with an output of 125 kW and has a range of between 400 and 600 kilometres on a single battery charge.
4. I.D. has an interior that offers an entirely new spatial experience with the Open Space.
5. I.D. will be launched as a compact electric car in 2020 parallel to the Golf.
6. As a concept car, I.D. gives us a first tangible glimpse of fully automated driving – this mode will be offered from 2025 onwards.
7. I.D. retracts its multifunction steering wheel into the dashpad when in fully automated mode ("I.D. Pilot").
8. I.D. can receive parcels using a new delivery service, if its owner isn't at home.
9. I.D. is the first compact Volkswagen based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB).
10. Volkswagen has set itself the goal of selling a million electric cars a year by 2025.

If there is one bright spot in Volkswagen, it has to be their commercial division. Through August, the division has seen sales increase 8.2 percent to 308,500 models. With their success, it should come as no surprise they are considering moving into other markets such as the U.S.
Eckhard Scholz, Volkswagen's commercial vehicles division CEO tells Reuters that the United States "are still a highly interesting market." A lot of this comes from many commercial vehicle manufacturers operating in the U.S. are taking ideas from their European counterparts. But when asked about possibly selling vehicles in the U.S., Scholz said,
"A lot of things come to mind but at the moment I have nothing concrete to say."
Volkswagen's commercial division handles the Caddy, Transporter, and Crafter vans, along with the Amarok pickup. 
This isn't the first time that Volkswagen has considered bringing over some of their commercial vehicles. Last year, then CEO of Volkswagen of America, Michael Horn said the automaker was looking at possibly bringing over one of their vans into the U.S.
But there is a big elephant in the room; the diesel emission scandal. A fair number of commercial vehicle buyers like diesel engines for fuel economy and the ability to handle heavy loads. But Volkswagen may have a very difficult time trying to get diesel engines certified in the U.S. They might have to go with gas engines for the time being which could limit their appeal. 
Source: Reuters

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If there is one bright spot in Volkswagen, it has to be their commercial division. Through August, the division has seen sales increase 8.2 percent to 308,500 models. With their success, it should come as no surprise they are considering moving into other markets such as the U.S.
Eckhard Scholz, Volkswagen's commercial vehicles division CEO tells Reuters that the United States "are still a highly interesting market." A lot of this comes from many commercial vehicle manufacturers operating in the U.S. are taking ideas from their European counterparts. But when asked about possibly selling vehicles in the U.S., Scholz said,
"A lot of things come to mind but at the moment I have nothing concrete to say."
Volkswagen's commercial division handles the Caddy, Transporter, and Crafter vans, along with the Amarok pickup. 
This isn't the first time that Volkswagen has considered bringing over some of their commercial vehicles. Last year, then CEO of Volkswagen of America, Michael Horn said the automaker was looking at possibly bringing over one of their vans into the U.S.
But there is a big elephant in the room; the diesel emission scandal. A fair number of commercial vehicle buyers like diesel engines for fuel economy and the ability to handle heavy loads. But Volkswagen may have a very difficult time trying to get diesel engines certified in the U.S. They might have to go with gas engines for the time being which could limit their appeal. 
Source: Reuters

Previous Page Next Page We weren't expecting this, but Chevrolet has revealed the all-new 2018 Equinox tonight in Chicago. 
The exterior borrows heavily from the Cruze and Malibu designs. Up front is a revised grille (similar to the one seen on the Cruze) with new headlights and LED daytime running lights. Around the side is a character line that swoops down and 'Equinox' name on the front doors. The back features a restyled tailgate, blacked-out pillars to give the impression of wrap-around glass, and horizontal taillights. The interior matches up with newer Chevrolet models with a floating screen (either seven or eight-inches) and either cloth or leather covering bits of the dash. One key item Chevrolet is quick to point is the dashboard is lower to provide better visibility.
There will be three turbocharged four-cylinders on offer; a 1.5L, 2.0L, and a 1.6L diesel. The 2.0L turbo will come paired with GM's new nine-speed automatic. We're guessing the 1.5 and 1.6 will get a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive will come standard and an all-wheel drive system with a disconnecting rear axle when not in use will be optional. One item we're glad to see is Chevrolet dropping 400 pounds out of the Equinox.
On the safety front, the Equinox will feature the options of surround-view camera system, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. Two new features will be Teen Driver (can set limits on speed and volume for your young driver) and Rear Seat Reminder (reminds you to check the back seat to prevent kids from overheating on a hot day).
No word on pricing, but Chevrolet says the 2018 Equinox will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2017.
Source: Chevrolet
Press Release is on Page 2
CHEVROLET INTRODUCES ALL-NEW 2018 EQUINOX
The perfect balance of design and technology DETROIT — Call it the right balance. On the autumnal equinox today, Chevrolet introduced the all-new 2018 Equinox, a fresh and modern SUV sized and designed to meet the needs of the compact SUV customer.
“We’ve got the strongest truck business in the industry and we’ve reinvigorated our car lineup with Volt, Cruze and Malibu,” said Alan Batey, Global Chevrolet president. “We’re applying the same customer focus to grow our crossover/SUV business — starting with the Chevrolet Equinox.”
Today’s compact SUV customers want a vehicle that meets all of their needs, from design, connectivity and safety perspectives. The Equinox delivers on all fronts, starting with its fresh new design and all-new propulsion systems.
Fresh, new design
The new Equinox’s expressive exterior has a lean, muscular skin echoing the global Chevrolet design cues and sculpted shapes seen in the Volt, Malibu and Cruze. Extensive aero development in the wind tunnel influenced the sleek shape.
It is a richer, more detailed design featuring chrome trim on all models and Malibu-inspired styling. Projector-beam headlamps are standard, along with LED daytime running lamps. At the rear, horizontal taillamps emphasize the Equinox’s wide stance, while uplevel models feature LED taillamps. 
“Customers who previewed the vehicle early on had a strong emotional response to the sleek and sophisticated exterior design,” said John Cafaro, executive director, GM Design. “Those same themes are carried through to the interior, making the space beautifully intuitive.”
The interior takes advantage of the Equinox’s all-new architecture to offer a down-and-away instrument panel, while a low windshield base provides a commanding outward view. New elements such as available denim-style seat fabric blend high style with high durability, while a new “kneeling” rear seat enhances functionality. With it, the bottom cushions tilt forward when the split-folding seatbacks are lowered, allowing a flat floor for easier loading.
Connectivity
The 2018 Equinox offers purposeful technology that helps keep passengers safe, comfortable and connected.
Chevrolet’s latest connectivity technologies are front and center, including 7- and 8-inch-diagonal MyLink infotainment systems designed to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as an available OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is subject to their terms, privacy statements and data plan rates, as well as a compatible smartphone.)
Safety
The Equinox offers a comprehensive suite of available active safety technologies and adaptive crash-avoidance features that provide ease of use and peace of mind on the road.
Teen Driver is also offered, allowing parents to set controls and review an in-vehicle report card in order to encourage safer driving habits, even when they are not in the vehicle.  
Available advanced active safety features to enhance driver awareness on the road include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to avoid them, including:
New Safety Alert Seat New Surround Vision New Forward Collision Alert with Following Distance Indicator New Low-Speed Forward Automatic Braking New Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning New Rear Seat Reminder Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert  Rear Cross Traffic Alert Turbocharged engines and more 
A range of three turbocharged engines — including the compact SUV segment’s first turbo-diesel in North America — provides customers more choices when it comes to performance, efficiency and capability in the all-new 2018 Chevrolet Equinox.
They include a 1.5L turbo, a 2.0L turbo — matched with GM’s new nine-speed automatic transmission — and a 1.6L turbo-diesel.
“With three choices, customers can select an engine that offers more of the attributes that are important to them: efficiency, performance and capability,” said Dan Nicholson, vice president, Global Propulsion Systems. “The advantage for each is the power of a larger engine and the efficiency of a smaller engine.”
The new Equinox is the first Chevrolet model in North America to use an all-turbocharged, multi-engine powertrain lineup. That includes the expected segment-exclusive 1.6L turbo-diesel that will offer customers excellent efficiency and capability.
“It is an all-new SUV from the ground up and one that takes on the industry’s biggest competitors with a stronger architecture, greater efficiency and more technology,” said Rick Spina, executive chief engineer. “And it looks great doing it.”
Additional vehicle highlights:
Approximately 400 pounds (180 kg) lighter than the current model — a 10 percent weight reduction Switchable AWD system that enhances efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed  Unique kneeling rear seat that enables a flat rear load floor and up to 63.5 cubic feet (1,798 liters) of maximum cargo space Equinox sales have reached more than 2 million since its launch and it is Chevrolet’s second-best retail selling vehicle, after the Silverado.
The 2018 Equinox goes on sale in the first quarter of 2017 in North America. It rolls out to approximately 115 additional global markets later in the year.
2018 CHEVROLET EQUINOX PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS 
(NORTH AMERICA)
Overview

Models: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox
Body style / driveline:
five-passenger, four-door SUV, front-engine, front- or all-wheel drive
EPA vehicle class:
compact SUV
Powertrains

Engine / Type: 1.5L turbo DOHC DI
2.0L turbo DOHC DI
1.6L turbo-diesel
Block material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum
cast aluminum
Cylinder head material:
cast aluminum
cast aluminum
cast aluminum
Fuel delivery:
direct injection
direct injection
direct injection
Horsepower (hp / kW):
170 / 127 (GM-estimated)
252 / 188 (GM-estimated)
136 / 101 (GM-estimated)
Torque (lb.-ft. / Nm):
203 / 275 (GM-estimated)
260 / 353 (GM-estimated)
236 / 320 (GM-estimated)
GM-est. fuel economy:
31 hwy
28 hwy
40 hwy
Transmission:
Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic
Hydra-Matic 9T50 nine-speed automatic
Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic
Chassis / Suspension

Suspension (front): MacPherson strut with side-loaded modules, specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar
Suspension (rear): 
4 Link Independent Rear Suspension
Steering type:
Dual Rack and Pinion Electric Power Steering
Turning circle (ft / m):
37.4 / 11.4 (17-inch wheels)
Brakes & Wheels

Brake type: four-wheel disc with ABS and ESC; Duralife rotors and low-drag calipers (US)
Wheel size and type:
17-, 18- and 19-inch aluminum
Exterior Dimensions

Wheelbase (in / mm): 107.3 / 2725
Overall length (in / mm):
183.1 / 4652
Overall width (in / mm):
72.6 / 1843
Overall height (in / mm):
65.4 / 1661
Track (in / mm):
front: 62.2 / 1580
rear: 62.2 / 1581
Interior Dimensions

Seating capacity: 2 / 3
Headroom (in / mm):
Front - 40.0/1015 (w/o SR), 38.2/970 (w/ Sunroof)
Rear - 38.5/977 (w/o SR), 36.9/936 (w/ Sunroof)
Legroom (in / mm):
40.9 / 1040 (front)
39.7 / 1008 (rear)
Shoulder room (in / mm):
57.2 / 1452 (front)
55.5 / 1410 (rear)
Hip room (in / mm):
54.2 / 1377 (front)
51.7 / 1314 (rear)
Weights & Capacities

Base curb weight (lb / kg): 3327 / 1509 (1.5L w/ FWD)
Fuel capacity (gal / L):
14.7 / 55 (FWD)
TBD (AWD)
15.5 / 58 (1.6L diesel)
Max cargo room (cu ft / L):
29.9 / 846 (behind rear seat)
63.5 / 1798 (rear seat folded)
Max trailering (lb / kg):
3500 / 1585 (2.0L turbo)
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