Shortly after the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's vehicle declaration information was exposed, Chevrolet America officially released a new generation of Equinox, which is expected to go on sale later.
As Chevrolet's best-selling model, the Explorer is second only to the Silverado 1500 pickup truck in the U.S. market in 2023.
Next, we bring you a brief introduction to the new generation of Explorer models (product information from North America).
In terms of styling, the new generation of the Explorer is similar to the larger Trailblazer, including a square main grille and split light cluster design. The LED daytime running lights and the upper part of the split main grille form a through-type design, which has a better visual aesthetic. To better differentiate the model versions, the new generation of Explorer is available in three versions: LT, RS and Active (first seen on the Explorer model), each with a different design approach.
In a nutshell: the LT version is enhanced by the extensive use of chrome trim (optional black grille), the RS is sporty with blacked-out elements (logo, mirror caps and Equinox logos on the side skirts), and the Active is hardcore. Chevrolet mentioned that the new generation of the Equinox is based on an upgraded version of the platform used in the current model, which is 2.3 inches (58mm) wider than the old model, and has square wheel arch trim to give it a more muscular look.
As a new generation model, the new Explorer has added a two-tone paint design, such as the RS version's unique black and red two-tone paint, and the contrast between the floating roof and the body-colored C-pillar "shark fin" will be more obvious, emphasizing the toughness.
Phil Zak, executive design director at Chevrolet, said: "The new generation of Equinox features a wide-shouldered, sporty exterior design that conveys a sense of confidence and versatility. "We designed different exterior designs for the LT, RS and Activ so that everyone could see themselves in Equinox. ”
The Activ is positioned as an 'urban off-roader' with a distinctive white contrasting roof, all-terrain tyres, body-coloured bumper trim and an exclusive 'Active' embroidered logo on the headrests of the interior seats.
In terms of wheel size, the LT version is equipped with R17 wheels, and the RS series comes with R19 wheels as standard, with R20 specifications optional, of which 20-inch wheels are the first to appear on the Explorer model.
In terms of interior design, the design of the new generation Chevrolet Equinox is inspired by the Equinox EV, and the interior is enhanced by the application of better materials to enhance the sense of technology and luxury in the interior. The 11-inch LCD instrument cluster and 11.3-inch touch center display do not use the current popular all-in-one design, and the car system has built-in Google apps to enhance the experience. Chevrolet says the screen is 30 percent larger than the largest screen on the current Explorer.
In addition, the new generation model uses a pocket gear design instead of the current model's gear knob design. Functions such as the air conditioning control system and seat heating adjustment retain the physical buttons, making it more convenient to operate.
Interior materials are also a priority, with the new generation of models replacing the plastic parts found in the old models with new fabrics in the interior door panels, dashboards and storage spaces to reduce the "cheapness". The interior of the Activ version uses the more premium Evotex material and "sueded microfiber seating surfaces".
In terms of equipment, the new car is equipped with a number of active safety features, including lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian/bicycle recognition, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear intersection traffic warning with braking, lane change assist, etc.
In terms of power, the new generation of American-spec Explorer is equipped with a 1.5T four-cylinder engine with a maximum power of 175 horsepower. The front-wheel drive model is mated to a CVT transmission with a maximum torque of 184 lb-ft (250 Nm), while the all-wheel drive model is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a maximum torque of 203 lb-ft (275 Nm). The front-wheel drive model offers two driving modes, Normal and Snow, while the four-wheel drive model adds an Off-Road mode.
According to previous news, SAIC-GM Chevrolet Explorer will introduce a plug-in hybrid system, and the specific power specifications are not yet known.
Chevrolet, which has been silent in China for a long time, will usher in both the Explorer pure electric and the new generation of Explorer in 2024.