GM is addressing the growing demand for compact crossovers by introducing the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport which will become available to customers in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2011.
The 2012 Chevrolet Captiva Sport will be available in three trim levels – LS, LT and LTZ – with two different powertrain choices. The base engine is GM's Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder, while the uplevel powerplant is The General's 3.0-liter direct-injected V6. Having experienced both of these units in the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain crossovers, we found the four to be far smoother and more refined than the anemic V6. In any case, both engines are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is optional on LTZ models.
All models feature 17-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker sound system, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, air conditioning, power locks and windows (with driver’s express down) and remote keyless entry. For fleets opting for the LT and LTZ, those crossovers will gain duel exhaust along with the V6 engine, OnStar and Bluetooth as standard. LTZ models also come with a standard 10-speaker sound system and a sunroof.
Press Release
Chevrolet Captiva Sport to Help Meet Fleet Customer Demand for Compact Crossovers
DETROIT - Chevrolet will introduce the Captiva Sport, a new entry to the U.S market, later this year to help satisfy growing demand for compact crossovers by fleet customers. The Captiva Sport is a variant of the globally successful Chevrolet Captiva compact crossover.
Variants of the compact crossover are sold in more than 50 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, the Middle East and South America. The U.S.-specific version will give fleet customers a contemporary five-seat crossover with a comprehensive range of features and amenities, and will also address their need for roominess, utility and fuel efficiency.
"It says a lot about our ability to draw on international programs and proven, quality crossovers that we were able to identify and federalize a strong new entrant such as Captiva Sport for the U.S. market," said Alan Batey, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Sales and Service. "We turned to our global network for a solution to quickly meet the rising demand from local fleet customers and continue to meet strong retail demand for the Equinox."
The Captiva Sport will be available for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2011, as a 2012 model.
The Chevrolet Equinox continues to show strong retail sales growth, with retail sales up 98 percent in February compared with the same month last year. Chevrolet expects sales retail sales to remain strong, in part due to its 32 mpg highway fuel economy rating, higher than the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, or Ford Escape.
The Captiva Sport features either an Ecotec 2.4L direct-injected four-cylinder or 3.0L direct-injected V-6 engine - each matched with a fuel-saving six-speed automatic transmission. Because the crossover is based on a proven GM global architecture, only minor revisions are required to meet federal standards, allowing Chevrolet to fast-track the Captiva Sport for the United States.
The Captiva Sport will be offered in LS and LT models, with four trim packages, including an all-wheel-drive model (LTZ). All models feature 17-inch aluminum wheels, XM Satellite Radio, six-speaker sound system, four-wheel disc brakes with antilock, traction control, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, air conditioning, power locks and windows (with driver's express down) and remote keyless entry.
Uplevel LT and LTZ models include the V-6 engine (with dual exhaust), along with OnStar and Bluetooth phone connectivity. A rear-view camera and leather trim package - including leather-trimmed and heated front seats - are standard on LTZ and available on other trims. The LTZ trim also includes a 10-speaker sound system and a sunroof.
"The range of features offered by the Captiva Sport is as rich as any Chevrolet vehicle," said Batey. "Our fleet customers will find it to be a versatile vehicle that gives them the cargo capacity they need, in a fuel efficient package that will help keep their ownership costs in check."
Under the skin
At the core of the Captiva Sport is a European-inspired driving character, with a stiff, steel body-frame integral structure complemented by a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and independent multi-link rear suspension. An isolated engine cradle enhances quietness and contributes to a smooth ride.
Standard on all models are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control and StabiliTrak electronic stability control - systems that work together to provide outstanding vehicle control
In addition to handling features such as StabiliTrak that help drivers avoid crashes, the Captiva Sport helps protect occupants with its high-strength steel structure and a long list of standard occupant-protection safety features. Dual-stage front-seat air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and rollover capable head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows are standard on all models.
Other standard safety features include front-row safety belt pretensioners, Pedal Release System that decouples the brake pedal in a crash to avoid injuries, active head restraints, tire pressure monitoring system, automatic power door locks and side turn signal lamps.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
Overview
| Model: | Captiva Sport (LS and LT) |
| Body style / driveline: | 5-door, 5-passenger front engine transaxle, FWD, AWD compact sport-utility vehicle |
| Construction: | steel body-frame integral |
| EPA vehicle class: | sport utility vehicle |
| Manufacturing location: | Ramos Arizpe, Mexico |
Engines
| Type: | 2.4L DOHC I-4 DI | 3.0L DOHC V-6 DI |
| Displacement (cu in / cc): | 145 / 2384 | 183 / 2994 |
| Bore & stroke (in / mm): | 3.46 x 3.85 / 88 x 98 | 3.50 x 3.15 / 89 x 80.2 |
| Block material: | cast aluminum | sand-cast aluminum with cast-in bore liners |
| Cylinder head material: | cast aluminum | cast aluminum |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing | DOHC, four valves per cylinder; variable valve timing |
| Fuel delivery: | direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control | direct sequential fuel injection with electronic throttle control |
| Compression ratio: | 11.4:1 | 11.7:1 |
| Horsepower | 182 / 136 @ 6700 | 264 / 197 @ 6950 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm): | 172 / 233 @ 4900 | 222 / 301 @ 5100 |
| Recommended fuel: | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Emissions controls: | close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O 2 sensor | close-coupled catalytic converters; Quick-Sync 24x ignition system; returnless fuel rail; fast-response O2 sensor |
| Estimated fuel economy | TBD | TBD |
Transmissions
| Type: | Hydra-Matic 6T45 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select | Hydra-Matic 6T50 six-speed automatic electronically controlled with electronic range select |
| Application: | 2.4L | 3.0L |
| Gear ratios: (:1): |
|
|
| First: | 4.58 | 4.58 |
| Second: | 2.96 | 2.96 |
| Third: | 1.91 | 1.91 |
| Fourth: | 1.45 | 1.45 |
| Fifth: | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Sixth: | 0.75 | 0.75 |
| Reverse: | 2.94 | 2.94 |
| Final drive ratio: | 3.23 | 3.23 |
Chassis/Suspension
| Front: | independent, strut-type with specifically tuned coil springs, direct-acting stabilizer bar (27-mm with all engines) |
| Rear: | independent, trailing arm with three lateral locating links and one trailing link, indirect-acting stabilizer bar, specifically tuned coil springs |
| Traction control: | all-speed using engine torque reduction and brake intervention |
| Steering type: | 2.4L: specifically calibrated hydraulic-power-assisted (HPS) rack-and-pinion |
| Steering ratio: | 2.4L: 17.2:1 |
| Steering wheel turns, lock-to-lock: | 2.4L: 2.7 |
| Turning circle, curb-to-curb (ft / m): | 40 / 12.2 |
Brakes
| Type: | front and rear vented disc with power assist and ABS; traction control and stability control; dual piston caliper front/single piston caliper rear |
| Rotor diameter x thickness (in / mm): | front: 11.7 x 1.14 / 296 x 29 |
| Total swept area | front: 67 |
Wheels/Tires
| Wheel size and type: | 17 x 7-inch aluminum alloy |
| Tires: | P235/60R17 |
Dimensions
Exterior
| Wheelbase (in / mm): | 106.6 / 2707 |
| Overall length (in / mm): | 180.1 / 4576 |
| Overall width (in / mm): | 72.8 / 1850 |
| Overall height (in / mm): | 67 / 1704 |
| Track (in / mm): | front: 61.4 / 1562 |
| Minimum ground clearance | 7.8 / 200 |
| Step-in height (in / mm): | front: 17.8 / 453 |
| Approach angle (degrees): | 18.2 |
| Departure angle (degrees): | 22.7 |
| Curb weight (lb / kg): | 2.4L: TBD |
| Weight distribution (% front / rear): | 58 / 42 |
Interior
|
| Front | Rear |
| Seating capacity: | 2 | 3 |
| Headroom (in / mm): | 40.2 / 1023 | 39.3 / 1000 |
| Legroom (in / mm): | 40.7 / 1036 | 36.9 / 939 |
| Hip room | 52.6 / 1338 | 52.9 / 1344 |
| Shoulder room (in / mm): | 56.0 / 1424 | 55.9 / 1422 |
Capacities
| EPA interior volume: (cu ft / L): | 126.9 / 3596 |
| Cargo volume (cu ft / L): | 56.4 / 1598 (behind front seat) |
| Passenger volume (cu ft / L): | 97.7 / 2769 (est.) |
| Trailer towing maximum (lb / kg): | 2.4L: 1500 / 680 |
| Fuel tank (gal / L): | FWD: 19.2 / 73 |
| Engine oil (qt / L): | 2.4L: 5.0 / 4.7 |
| Cooling system (qt / L):
| 2.4L: 9.0 / 8.5 |
