Today the Equinox first appeared in the Static Consumer Acceptability.  The judges had some tough evaluations to make determining the fit and finish of the vehicle and the features.  The Equinox offers a full touch screen interface, XM radio, and GPS navigation, which showed the judges OSU's devotion to making the vehicle pleasing to the consumer.  Added features like an ammonia free exhaust after-treatment and fully automatic engine start/stop let the judges see what the other teams needed to bring to the table for a consumer ready vehicle.

Next the weather brought on an event change.  The Autocross was moved forward and all the teams competed for the shortest time through a parking lot cone course.  With Mississippi and Tennessee setting a high standard at 45.031 seconds Ohio State's equinox proved there is some serious horsepower and a much easier drive.  Maybe my driving won it, but the first run out taking the new lowest time of 44.789 was not simply driver it required an excellent car!!  Tomorrow will reveal just how much power has been squeezed out of OSU's Equinox hybrid power system!