General Motors has announced that it will introduce a front center airbag in the 2013 Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Chevrolet Traverse crossover models. The airbag deploys between the two front seats in the event of a side impact to prevent the driver and front passenger from colliding laterally and better protects occupants on the non-impacted side of a vehicle. GM’s front center bag is mounted in the right bolster of the driver’s seat, and basically looks like a side airbag when inflated. The new safety feature will be standard kit on Acadia and Traverse models with power front seats, and all Enclaves will have it.
According to GM, the bag not only acts as a cushion between the driver and the passenger in the event of a side collision, but also works to decelerate the passenger’s body and keep it properly restrained. With Ford debuting an inflatable seatbelt on the 2012 Explorer, it seems like the two companies are ready to extend their historic rivalry to an airbag race.
Left: Side impact with no front center airbag and two passengers; Right: Impact with a front center airbag
Left: Side impact with no front center airbag and a driver only; Right: Impact with a front center airbag
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