A prototype of the facelifted Chevrolet Equinox has
been spied testing in Death Valley under camouflage and thick body cladding. It
seems apparent that the company’s engineers took a break and parked up the
prototypes near a road. They were clearly eager to keep the facelifted Equinox
hidden and bathed it in a car cover to avoid any prying eyes from catching a
glimpse of it. However, they had to remove the cover in order to drive off and
continue testing of the prototype.
We understand that the new Chevrolet Equinox will be
adorned with headlights similar to those of the Chevrolet Blazer with thin
horizontal daytime running lights and larger primary headlight units further
down on the front bumper. This split-headlight design is becoming increasingly
common and is perhaps most recognizable on Hyundai models such as the Santa Fe,
Kona, and Venue.
While other exterior details of the vehicle are hard
to analyze due to the camouflage, we know that there will be a new front grille
and an overhauled rear that incorporates re-designed taillights. Sitting beneath the new bodywork
of the facelifted Equinox will be GM’s Delta platform.
Chevrolet sells the
current model with a 1.5-liter petrol engine with 170 hp and a 2.0-liter petrol
delivering 252 hp. There is also a 1.6-liter diesel four-cylinder with 136 hp.
It is not yet clear which of these engines will be retained for the new model.
One exciting new model said to be in the works is an Equinox SS. It is claimed
that this model could receive a number of performance-oriented modifications
including larger brakes and larger wheels.
