Update: Equinox, Terrain NOT Getting eAssist

[nsap]

GM VIN cards confirm what GMI reported over a year ago.
www.GMInsideNews.com
December 21, 2012
By: Nick Saporito

GMI has spoken with GM public relations, who confirmed that the Equinox and Terrain will NOT be receiving eAssist in the 2014 model-year. According to GMC communications manager Joe LaMuraglia GM has no plans to offer any type of a mild hybrid on the 2014 Terrain or Equinox. It is unclear if this is a recent change of plans or a case of false information being spread over several years.

LaMuraglia also stated that the figures on the recently released 2014 GM VIN cards were placeholders not intended to be seen by the public.

Over a year ago GMI reported that the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain would receive General Motors' eAssist light electrification system for the 2014 model year. Earlier this week GM published their 2014 VIN cards which have confirmed that both crossovers will indeed receive the company's 2.4-liter engine and eAssist system next year.

According to the VIN cards the 2014 Equinox and Terrain will both retain their current engines, the Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter V-6. Additionally, the eAssist system will allegedly be optional on both Equinox and Terrain, with the Equinox likely to be named Equinox Eco.

GM's eAssist system is currently found in the Chevrolet Malibu, Buick LaCrosse and Regal. It utilizes a small lithium ion battery in the trunk coupled with a small electric motor to assist in powering the vehicle during light loads or when the vehicle is stopped.

Today the Equinox and Terrain both carry a class-leading 32 miles per-gallon highway rating on the 2.4-liter when equipped with front-wheel drive. GMI has not been told what to expect in the way of fuel economy figures for their eAssist variants, but it is likely safe to say that they will see a sizable bump from today's 32 mpg, otherwise GM would not waste their time adding this system to the crossovers.

Expect the 2014 Equinox and Terrain to arrive later in 2013. No other significant changes are anticipated on either crossover at this time. Production will continue at GM's Ingresol, Ontario plant and eventually begin at the company's revived Spring Hill assembly plant in Tennessee.

[bballr4567]

I hope they put it somewhere that doesnt take up cargo room.

Very, very interested in the eAssist though.

[Nelson Kyle K]

When is the 2.5lt I4 going into the Terrain and Equinox I thought GM was going to drop that engine under the hood?

[Ed753]

I hope they put it somewhere that doesnt take up cargo room.

The Roof?

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I do not understand why GM continues to "eAssist" the less-efficient 2.4L.

[bballr4567]

When is the 2.5lt I4 going into the Terrain and Equinox I thought GM was going to drop that engine under the hood?

Probably not going to go in this generation. The 2.5 uses a different ECM from what I've been reading and its only compatible with cars designed for it.

The Roof?

They could stick it where the spare tire goes. Its a trade off but that area is quite large and with the 5 year road side I wouldnt be worried about anything.

[DirtyMoney]

The Roof?

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I do not understand why GM continues to "eAssist" the less-efficient 2.4L.

You have to get with configuration management.

[hydrogen]

I'm a huge supporter of the eAssist system. This cost effective and fuel efficient technology will lead GM to a profitable future.

[chevypowa670]

I too wish GM would speed up the process of getting the 2.5 involved in e-assist, but it is what it is...

anywho...I think this is a great move. A 35 mpg Nox/Terrian would be a helluva package and IMO will sell pretty well.

Also, does anyone know when the Nox/Terrian are set for a refresh? I know they are still selling well but a small exterior refresh within the next year wouldnt hurt anyone. Anyone got any info?

[10shelby]

I'm a huge supporter of the eAssist system. This cost effective and fuel efficient technology will lead GM to a profitable future.

I have a 2011 Equinox now with the 2.4 AWD drivetrain. I get 20mpg around town and at best 24 mpg on a trip............better than the GMC Envoy that I traded. I like my Equinox, however all my friends and my wife always ask me if I'm driving with my foot on the brake..............LOL!...........they also ask if the mouse on the wheel screaming under the hood is hungry.
Will the e-assist cost much more? How much fuel can I buy for the difference in price?
I was hoping for the 2.5............I guess not. I know the 3.6 V-6 is a 16-18mpg around town.....ouch!
So, they better give me a 25mpg around town vehicle..........or I'll look elsewhere.

[mjd1001]

I was hoping for the 2.5 also....oh well.

[BerettaZ]

The Vue has the eAssist under the floor, instead of a spare. I'm sure it will be the same in this application.

[nsap]

Everyone always thinks eAssist will move to the 2.5. I've said it before: it never will.

[Pisswilly]

3k is way to much money for a battery and electric motor. eAssist should cost no more then 1k.

[TechnoAura]

I am happy to learn that the eAssist technology will be optional for the 2014 Equinox and Terrain, unlike the current Regal. Although I am all for better fuel economy and improved emissions in an automobile/CUV, I don't know if I personally want a hybrid, albeit a mild hybrid, automobile/CUV at this time. If I really want to save on fuel economy and help the environment, I will go all in and lease a Chevrolet Volt. Yes, I know the increased demand for electricity equates to more burning of coal. Sorry, not in the mood to debate.

I like that GM offers automobiles and CUVs with this type of relatively inexpensive (subjective) technology for saving fuel. For those who are a still a bit nervous about hybrid technology, eAssist sounds not so intimidating.

[Ed753]

Also, does anyone know when the Nox/Terrian are set for a refresh? I know they are still selling well but a small exterior refresh within the next year wouldnt hurt anyone. Anyone got any info?

Q3 2014 is when the platform is scheduled to change. GM had said we were going to see more frequent mild-refreshes, but only hearing, haven't saw anything yet......

I have a 2011 Equinox now with the 2.4 AWD drivetrain. I get 20mpg around town and at best 24 mpg on a trip............better than the GMC Envoy that I traded. I like my Equinox, however all my friends and my wife always ask me if I'm driving with my foot on the brake..............LOL!...........they also ask if the mouse on the wheel screaming under the hood is hungry.
Will the e-assist cost much more? How much fuel can I buy for the difference in price?
I was hoping for the 2.5............I guess not. I know the 3.6 V-6 is a 16-18mpg around town.....ouch!
So, they better give me a 25mpg around town vehicle..........or I'll look elsewhere.

Thanks for your "real-world" mileage, if the current Equinox really got 32 and the eAssist upped it to 34 ~ 36, that would be great, but from everything I've ever saw, the majority are in the mid-20's.