"philaDLJ" (philadlj)
09/20/2013 at 13:37 • Filed to: chevrolet, traverse, equinox, cuvs, horsepower
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"philaDLJ" (philadlj)
09/20/2013 at 13:37 • Filed to: chevrolet, traverse, equinox, cuvs, horsepower | 0
| 4 |
I just learned that the Chevy Equinox's optional 3.6L V6 pumps out 301 horsepower, yet the Traverse makes do with just 288 from the same 3.6L engine. Any guesses as to why the larger, heavier, more expensive CUV has 13 less horsepower?
Party-vi
> philaDLJ
09/20/2013 at 13:42 |
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I'd guess CAFE or some other emissions/MPG requirements. Choking the engine with intake and exhaust modifications would most likely improve gas mileage or emissions for the larger vehicle which has to meet more stringent requirements because it's larger/hold more people/weighs more.
carcrasher88
> philaDLJ
09/20/2013 at 13:47 |
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That's probably because the Traverse still has the older LLT version of the High Feature V6, while the Equinox now has the updated LFX version.
20 pounds lighter, redesigned cylinder head and integrated exhaust manifold, composite intake manifold, along with updates to the fuel injectors, intake valves, and fuel pump...among other things.
Along with an enhanced compression ratio of 11.5:1, as opposed to the LLT's 11.4:1.
I get the feeling GM is waiting for the next generation of the Lambda CUVs to upgrade the engine.
Especially considering the Traverse has been around since 2008 (2009 model year), while the current Equinox is about a year or so newer, it makes more sense to update a model with at least another year or 2 left on it's model life, as the Traverse will likely get a complete redesign before the Equinox.
...then again, stuff like that didn't stop GM from sticking a 5.3L V8 in the Colorado/Canyon late in their model life...but that's another story.
DasWauto
> Party-vi
09/20/2013 at 13:56 |
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I was going to suggest something similar. I would also add that they may have tuned the engine in the traverse for more torque (to deal with the increased mass) at the cost of some top end power.
Also what about the drivetrain backing up those engines, does the Traverse have a heftier [and perhaps more inefficient] awd system? If that Equinox FWD only?
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Party-vi
> DasWauto
09/20/2013 at 14:03 |
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Good call on the torque delivery theory. Also, manufacturers advertise flywheel horsepower instead of WHP, so the delivery system wouldn't play any affect on the posted power figures IMO.