Should the need arise to perform an emergency maneuver on the highway, take comfort in the Epica's ability to competently cling to the road. During GM's press launch, journalists were encouraged to test their mettle on a track that had been laid out with the use of innocuous traffic cones. You know, the ones that don't damage the merchandise when a group of power hungry journalists are trying to impress each other with their driving prowess, or lack there of.
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| Thanks to its sophisticated suspension and steering, the Epica is easy to keep under control during extreme cornering and panic braking. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
It was very "tossable" on the track and easy to keep under control during extreme cornering and panic braking thanks to its sophisticated, four-wheel independent suspension and speed-sensitive rack and pinion steering.
The four-wheel disc brakes, standard on all Epicas, did a commendable job of freezing the motion. Unfortunately anti-lock is an option on the base LS model, although an option well worth the few extra beans - ABS comes standard on the LT derivative. All Epica anti-lock systems are paired with traction control, which takes vehicle stability up a notch.
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| The Epica is targeted at those who like the finer things in life, but also know that you don't always have to pay top dollar to get them. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
In addition to anti-lock brakes, passenger
safety is enhanced by the use of dual-stage driver and front-seat passenger airbags as standard equipment on all Epicas.
So in whose driveway is Chevy hoping to place an Epica? Well according to marketing manager Ms. Debbie Hawe, the target group is comprised of hard working, practical individuals (age 44 to 55) who like the finer things in life but are savvy enough to know you don't have to pay luxury prices to get them.
