We just caught a new prototype for the 2010 Chevy Equinox, undisguised to the point that it looks darn near showroom-ready. An earlier Equinox prototype—photographed in mid-August—dropped the heavy vinyl camouflage, but still had mismatched body panels and a decent dose of graphic tape to partially muddy the waters. With the appearance of this squeaky-clean, unobscured white prototype, we're about as close as we'll get to the 100% finished product until it makes its official bow.

Although a single semi-official image has been released of the 2010 Chevy Equinox, GM test teams have continued to run heavily camouflaged prototypes on public roads and even within GM test tracks. That changed today, when a fully uncovered prototype hit one of General Motors' internal test loops—allowing us to get the first spy shots of an unclad Equinox from multiple angles.

We can now confirm the accuracy of the original low-res "release" photo, along with our first uncovered look at the crossover's rear 3/4 view. We can now get a much better feel for the interplay of the C- and D-pillars, and the pleasing chiseled nature of the rear hatch. The tail-lights have some interesting surface development, although from the the side they look a bit like the rear lamps on the Dodge Durango.

On the rear bumper, the dual exhaust tips flank what appears to be a chrome inset to match the similar bit of brightwork visible on the front air-dam of the Equinox in the leaked image.

GM is putting high technology in the hands of the government's most notoriously dangerous agency. While deep undercover, we're certain the "mail carriers" will use the Equinox to quickly develop the necessary network of hydrogen depots, drop stations, and the intel needed for the larger plan, whatever that is. We don't know what the "targets" are, but the plan falls under GM's false flag "Project Driveway" operation. So far they've placed a hundred of these "fuel cell vehicles" with "test subjects" around the country. We don't like where this is going. Not one bit. Now where are our meds? [Edmunds

Probably because it's the same distribution plan GM's using for their own Chevy Equinox hydrogen fuel cell-powered game-changer. But while the General got a six-month head start on the hype-building, Honda's got one thing they don't have — an attractive vehicle. Yeah, it's the little things. Don't cry GM — there, there — you'll win one of these days. Hey, look on the bright side — when's the Chevy Volt coming out again? 2010? Oh. Well, keep trying. [NYtimes]

CHEVROLET EQUINOX SPORT BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO THE SUV SEGMENT

DETROIT - Chevrolet announced the new 2008 Equinox Sport, a performance-oriented variant of the popular compact SUV.

It has an aggressive stance and a sporting nature, thanks to a lowered suspension, bold 18-inch wheels, a powerful, 263-horsepower (196 kW) DOHC engine - backed up with a six-speed automatic transmission with manual tap up/tap down control - a tuned exhaust and unique exterior appointments. Details such as body color fascias and the elimination of the roof rack contribute to the sleek design, making the Equinox Sport an uncompromising performance vehicle.

"The Equinox Sport embodies all of the value-driven performance ingredients that have made Chevrolet the brand for performance enthusiasts of all walks of life," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Better still, customers don't have to sacrifice the versatility they expect from the Equinox - they simply get an SUV that hauls their friends and cargo with head-turning style."

The 2008 Equinox Sport is scheduled to arrive at Chevrolet dealerships in the third quarter of 2007. Front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models are available.

Design details
Using Chevrolet's popular Equinox SUV as the foundation, the Equinox Sport delivers a performance-inspired appearance, with body colored front and rear fascias and a body color grille cross bar. The front and rear fascias have trapezoidal design cues; the front fascia uses silver-painted trapezoidal air inlets, while the rear fascia features dual chrome trapezoidal-shaped exhaust outlets.

The Equinox Sport's performance-oriented look is enhanced by eliminating the roof rack, although it is offered as an option. Also, 18-inch flangeless, high-polished forged aluminum five-spoke wheels, mounted on P235/50R18 tires, complement an aggressive stance.

Inside, the Equinox Sport has standard all-Ebony trim and appointments all its own. New seats with bolsters that enhance lateral support during quick cornering maneuvers are standard, with perforated leather-covered versions available. It also has a leather-wrapped, four-spoke steering wheel and specific instruments, including a 140-mph speedometer. The shifter also is unique to the Equinox Sport, as it is a J-gate design that enables precise control of the six-speed transmission's fully automatic or manual tap-up/tap-down features.

Standard features also include those for which the Equinox is already known and appreciated: five-passenger seating with a Multi-Flex, split-folding rear seat, flat-folding front passenger seat, power door locks with remote keyless entry, power windows, air conditioning, tilt steering, rear liftgate with defogger and washer/wiper, and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six-speaker audio system. XM Satellite Radio and remote vehicle starting also are standard. Available options include a power sunroof, Pioneer seven-speaker audio system and OnStar with Turn-by-Turn Navigation.

Performance
GM's high-feature 3.6L V-6 powers the Equinox Sport. It is a DOHC engine with variable valve timing that delivers 263 horsepower (196 kW)* and 250 lb.-ft of torque (342 Nm)* - a 42-percent power increase over the Equinox LT. The 3.6L engine is paired with a new Hydra-Matic 6T70 six-speed automatic that provides an excellent balance between performance and fuel economy. This powertrain combination delivers performance that would be the envy of many sports cars, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of less than seven seconds.

The Equinox Sport's underhood acumen is complemented with a performance-tuned suspension. A long, 112.5-inch (2,857 mm) wheelbase and wide, 61.8-inch (1,569 mm) track give the Equinox a stable, confident road feel, while the Sport's lowered ride height, specific shock tuning, control arms and larger, solid stabilizer bars add to its more responsive, sporting driving experience. The overall ride height is reduced by about 1 inch (25 mm).

The front suspension has a MacPherson strut design with new control arms and stiffer, hydraulic bushings and slightly stiffer springs. The rear suspension features a four-link independent layout with stiffer bushings.

GM's innovative StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, front and rear disc brakes with four-channel ABS and tire pressure monitoring system all are standard on the Equinox Sport - as they are on all Equinox models for 2007. On AWD models, the automatic all-wheel drive system has no buttons to push. It engages automatically when wheel slip is detected.

Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States, Chevrolet is the leader in full-size trucks and the leader in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevrolet delivers more-than-expected value in every vehicle category, offering cars and trucks priced from $9,995 to $78,175. Chevrolet delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value with standard features usually found only on more expensive vehicles.

General Motors Corp. (NYSE: GM), the world's largest automaker, has been the global industry sales leader for 75 years. Founded in 1908, GM today employs about 327,000 people around the world. With global headquarters in Detroit, GM manufactures its cars and trucks in 33 countries. In 2005, 9.17 million GM cars and trucks were sold globally under the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, HUMMER, Opel, Pontiac, Saab, Saturn and Vauxhall. GM operates one of the world's leading finance companies, GMAC Financial Services, which offers automotive, residential and commercial financing and insurance. GM's OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. More information on GM can be found at www.gm.com.

*Pending SAE certification.

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Chevrolet Equinox SS [internal]

The General answered BMW's media win last week with a hydrogen-car announcement of its own, yesterday. Chevrolet is launching a fleet of 100 Equinox fuel cell vehicles in 2007, creating what the company says is the world's largest hydrogen-powered fuel cell fleet. The SUVs will find homes with customers in California, the New York metro area and Washington, DC. It's all part of something GM calls "project driveway," which may or may not refer to the place such SUVs will be parked as their drivers search for somewhere to fuel up. Click through for press materials.

Press Release:

Chevrolet To Launch World's Largest Fuel Cell Vehicle Fleet

More Than 100 to Debut in 2007 in First Meaningful Market Test of Fuel Cell Vehicles

SAN DIEGO - General Motors committed to building the world's largest fuel cell vehicle fleet today by announcing its next-generation fuel cell vehicle - the Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell.

GM will build more than 100 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and will begin placing them with customers in the fall of 2007, as part of a comprehensive deployment plan dubbed "Project Driveway." Designed to gain comprehensive learnings on all aspects of the customer experience, Project Driveway constitutes the first meaningful market test of fuel cell vehicles anywhere. A variety of drivers - in differing driving environments - will operate these vehicles and refuel with hydrogen in three geographic areas: California, the New York metropolitan area and Washington D.C.

"General Motors is demonstrating its commitment to hydrogen fuel cells as the answer for taking the automobile out of the environmental debate and reducing our dependence on petroleum," said Larry Burns, GM vice president, research & development and strategic planning. "The Equinox Fuel Cell is powered by GM's most advanced fuel cell propulsion system to date, and demonstrates an important milestone on our pathway to automotive-competitive fuel cell propulsion technology development."

Enabled by GM's fourth-generation fuel cell propulsion system, the Equinox Fuel Cell is a fully-functional crossover vehicle, engineered for 50,000 miles of life. Importantly, the Equinox Fuel Cell is able to start and operate in sub-freezing temperatures during its 50,000-mile life. It is expected to meet all applicable 2007 U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and is equipped with a long list of standard safety features including driver and passenger frontal air bags and roof rail side-impact air bags; anti-lock braking system (ABS); StabiliTrak stability enhancement technology and OnStar, while providing all of the environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

"The Equinox Fuel Cell is a real-world vehicle with real-world performance," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The fuel cell technology is seamlessly integrated into a uniquely styled crossover vehicle that is distinctively Chevrolet. The Equinox Fuel Cell joins Chevrolet's family of advanced gas-saving and alternative fuel vehicles."

The Project Driveway market test will provide comprehensive insight into all aspects of the customer experience, including reaction to the exciting, smooth and quiet performance of a fuel cell vehicle, and refueling with clean hydrogen gas. "These learnings will directly influence future fuel cell vehicle generations and ultimate market acceptance," Peper said. "With Chevrolet being GM's global volume brand, it makes sense that Chevy will lead GM's fuel cell vehicle commercialization charge."

Related:
A Whole Different Kind of Fuelie: GM's Sequel to Be a Chevrolet [internal]

HB Ride Spotting: Chevrolet Equinox SS [How Bourgeois]

Related:
Spy Photos: 2007 Suzuki SUV, More Theta Badge Engineering [internal]