The automotive world will be getting a new Chevy Equinox bestowed upon it for the 2009 model year, and news from General Motors now places a 2.3L direct-injected four-cylinder engine underhood. Currently, the Equinox comes equipped with a boat-anchor of a base engine in the form of a 185-horsepower 3.4L V6 engine. Of course, there is nothing wrong with a pushrod engine, as long as its been suitably updated along the way -- which this one hasn't. The only way to get a more modern powerplant is to step up to the Sport version with its 3.6L V6 with 263 HP, mated to a nice six-speed automatic tranny. A nice combo to be sure, but a little heavy on the 'go' side for fans of fuel savings.

The Equinox will be joined in 2009 by the GMC Terrain, which replaces the Pontiac Torrent as the non-bowtie branded small CUV from GM. It likely goes without saying that the Terrain will also get the new four-cylinder engine. So far, we don't have specific details on the new engine from the General, but considering how good its 2.0 turbocharged DI engine is, we have high hopes that the 2.3 will be a worthy powerplant as well.

[Source: GM]

General Motor's Project Driveway campaign began late last year and is expected to continue on for a total of three years. A few of the participants have spoken about their experiences with the hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles, and now one of them will be blogging on Popular Mechanics regarding his ongoing experience. Fortunately for Daniel Krach, he lives close enough to a hydrogen fueling station that the hydrogen-powered vehicle's 160 mile range should not pose a problem. He says that he was selected after a rigorous few months of questioning due to his penchant for being an early-adopter when it comes to new technology. Indeed, his family considers him a nerd. We can truly feel his pain. Considering that it has gotten him the keys to a brand new high-tech vehicle, which he didn't even need to pay for, we'd imagine that nobody's laughing at him now.

So far, his journey is just beginning, and of course, we wish Daniel the best with his new ride and we look forward to reading more about the experiences he gains as he drives the new-fangled vehicle all around.

[Source: Popular Mechanics]

Shell Hydrogen LLC and the City of White Plains, New York, have installed a hydrogen vehicle fueling station in the city's department of public works. The nice part of this station is that it generates hydrogen with electricity obtained from renewable sources.

Production of hydrogen is expected to be 30 kg per day, which will make unnecessary the installation of pipes or other kind of transport network. According to White Plains Mayor Joseph Delfino, "The station enables White Plains to continue our research and demonstration programming for alternate fuels for which we are recognized throughout the Northeastern region."

The station is part of a U. S. Dept. of Energy program in which Shell provides hydrogen and General Motors the fuel cell vehicles. GM will supply more than 30 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell SUVs to private and commercial customers in Westchester County who will take part in the "Project Driveway" test drive.

Related:

• LA 2007: Honda shows 4th generation Home Energy Station
• LA 2007: Disney to participate in Chevrolet's Project Driveway
• Ottawa's first permanent hydrogen fuelling station now open

[Source: Shell]

The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology crashed a tailgate party in their class-built hybrid before the Indianapolis Colts first playoff game. Competing in the Challenge X, the team showed off its Chevy Equinox that has a biofuel diesel engine and two electric motors. The team has been working on the car for nearly three years and welcomed the opportunity to visit with interested fans. Team members estimate that the crossover SUV will get about 35 mpg and improve the passing acceleration time; all without hurting emissions. Challenge X competition against other schools begins in May. Last year the team finished 10th in the second of the 3-year program.

[Source: Tribune Star]