HIGH-PERFORMANCE TRAILBLAZER SS LEADS CHEVY'S MIDSIZE SUV LINEUP IN '09
06/09/2008
Chevrolet
In the face of a challenging and evolving SUV market, the Chevy TrailBlazer continues to appeal to customers who seek a midsize package with the capabilities of larger truck. In 2007, Chevrolet sold nearly 135,000 TrailBlazers, making it one of the industry's most popular SUVs.
Along with its unique capabilities, the TrailBlazer continues to offer a value-driven combination of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. The lineup is headed by the performance-bred TrailBlazer SS that offers sports car performance combined with the functionality expected of a utility vehicle. The stable also includes the well-equipped LT model that is powered by the strong and efficient 4.2L six-cylinder.
F irst and foremost, the TrailBlazer is a Chevy Truck with the capability and credentials to support that legacy. It offers generous cargo room, including 80 cubic feet (2,265 L) with the rear seat folded, and great towing power - 5,900 pounds (2,676 kg) with the six-cylinder and 6,800 pounds (3,084 kg) with the SS's 6.0L V-8 (2WD).
New for '09
Across the model range, the lineup includes a long list of standard equipment, including XM Satellite Radio and head curtain side air bags on all models. New features for 2009 include OnStar 8.0 with available Bluetooth connectivity for safer, hands-free phone calls, and a trio of new exterior colors: Silver Ice Metallic, Silver Moss Metallic and Sand Beige Metallic.
The popular chrome that was introduced in 2008 returns for 2LT models; it includes a chrome luggage rack, chrome door handles and 18-inch chrome aluminum wheels. The package also includes perforated leather seating with heated, power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats with memory feature.
TrailBlazer comfort and convenience
TrailBlazer models are well equipped with a long list of popular comfort and convenience features, including air conditioning, dual-zone climate control, XM Satellite Radio, power locks and windows, and remote keyless entry.
Available options on TrailBlazer include a power sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and Bose premium speaker system. Also available are adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, rearview mirror with temperature gauge and compass, leather seating surfaces with eight-way-power driver and passenger seats, sunroof, and both factory- and dealer-installed running boards.
Available entertainment and information features also include a navigation radio that incorporates a dash-mounted GPS system and display with the vehicle's sound system.
Powertrains
The class-leading standard engine in TrailBlazer LT models continues to be the award-winning Vortec 4.2L I-6 that produces 285 horsepower (213 kW)* and 276 lb.-ft. of torque (374 Nm).* Regulated voltage control enhances fuel economy by reducing the load on the engine generated by the alternator. The engine is matched with the Hydra-Matic 4L60 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission.
Powering the TrailBlazer SS is a 6.0L V-8 LS2 engine; it is rated at 390 horsepower (290 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm). It is backed by a heavy-duty Hydra-Matic 4L70 four-speed transmission.
Autotrac all-wheel-drive is available on both LT and SS models. All TrailBlazer models are covered by GM's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and three-year/36,000-mile warranty for non-powertrain components - the best coverage in America.
Chassis, suspension and brakes
TrailBlazer uses hydroformed steel frame side rails, which form a strong foundation for the truck's overall strength and solid feel, even on unpaved surfaces. A double A-arm suspension is used in the front work with a system of 12 specially tuned body mounts using hydraulics and rubber pads to dramatically reduce vibration and harshness on any kind of road or trail. A thick stabilizer bar minimizes body roll.
The rear suspension features a solid axle with five-link location, with a stabilizer bar. A long, 113-inch (2,869 mm) wheelbase stretches between the wheels, enabling a smooth ride, particularly over choppy pavement or unpaved roads. A rack-and-pinion steering system responds quickly to driver inputs and delivers good feedback.
StabiliTrak electronic stability control system and GM's tire pressure monitoring system are also standard on all models. StabiliTrak helps drivers maintain control during sudden maneuvers or low-traction conditions by using a comprehensive series of sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, steering angle and yaw rate. By monitoring these inputs, the system automatically controls the vehicle to help maintain the driver's intended path when a measurable deviation from the intended course is detected. The system maintains control by regulating vehicle acceleration or applying the brakes at any wheel.
Large, low-drag front disc/rear drum brakes with standard ABS provide confident stopping power.
Safety details
Head curtain side air bags are standard on all models.They inflate from the roof rail between the A-pillar and side window header; the air bag is designed to deploy in certain moderate to severe side impacts, to help provide protection for front- and second-row outboard passengers.
The head curtain side air bags feature an integral rollover protection sensing system that helps protect occupants in a rollover event by triggering both the side curtain air bags and safety belt pretensioners. The rollover-sensing module, located on the center tunnel under the rear seat, uses a complex algorithm based on lateral and vertical accelerations, roll rate and vehicle speed to determine whether to deploy the safety systems.
Also standard are pretensioners in the outboard front safety belt system that deploy at the same time as the frontal air bags to take up slack in the safety belt webbing. Pretensioners also help reduce the amount of occupant movement in the event of a crash to help reduce the risk of injury.
Additional TrailBlazer safety features include:
Three-point safety belts in all seating positions
Dual-stage frontal air bags
GM's Passenger Sensing System (PSS)
Push-pull power window switches
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system for child safety seats
Enhanced passenger seat belt reminder system
All TrailBlazer models come with OnStar 8.0 (with one-year Safe & Sound service). The service includes the Advanced Crash Response System Crash system, making crash data available to the participating 911 centers to help them dispatch the appropriate life-saving personnel and equipment to crash scenes faster.
TrailBlazer SS details
TrailBlazer SS has unique exterior styling and specific interior appointments, including prominent 20-inch flangeless wheels. Power comes from the LS2 6.0L V-8 that produces 390 horsepower (290 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm) - enabling the powerful SUV to reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The TrailBlazer SS is available in two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
TrailBlazer SS is a serious performer and a capable midsize SUV. Riding on a one-inch-lower suspension, the TrailBlazer SS's suspension was tuned and tested on the racetrack to deliver responsive, balanced handling. The lower ride height reduces the vehicle's center of gravity, improving overall handling. The springs are up to 25 percent stiffer than the LT model, complementing the lowered ride height with a firmer feel and reduced body roll. Corner control and body roll control also are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter than other TrailBlazer models. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.
The four-wheel-disc with ABS brake system uses large, 12.8-inch (325 mm) front disc brake rotors and iron, twin-piston calipers. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high pressure/high heat braking conditions, providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. There also is an accessory front brake cooling package available for optimized track performance. With TrailBlazer SS's brakes, tires and revised ABS algorithm, 62-mph-to-0 (100-kp/h-to-0) stopping distance is approximately 135 feet.
Under the hood, the LS2 6.0L V-8 delivers satisfying down-low torque, for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine's cam-in-block design, large 4.00-inch-diameter (101.6 mm) bores and 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle. There also is a stylish SS-specific engine cover, radiator support cover and coordinated air induction box.
Backing the 6.0L V-8 is a new Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. It was developed to handle the high horsepower and high torque loads of performance-oriented light-duty vehicles. Special high-strength and heat-treated materials are used in the 4L70 to ensure it delivers smooth, dependable shifting.
A performance-oriented all-wheel drive system is available, giving the TrailBlazer SS impressive on-road grip and enhanced "launch" feel. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed - it is capable of changing the normal 67-percent rear-axle torque bias up to 45/55 (front/rear) or 25/75 (front/rear), depending on the road conditions.
Inside, a driver-oriented "cockpit" features a SS-signature instrument cluster, including a prominent tachometer. The silver-faced tachometer has black numerals, a signature SS item. Other SS-specific cues include embroidered seat backs and the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Performance-style front bucket seats are standard and feature firm "wing" bolsters to help keep the driver and front passenger planted during spirited driving. Leather seating is standard. And because SS means style as much as performance, the TrailBlazer SS's refinements include French seam stitching on the console armrests, aluminum sill plates and numerous chrome accents. A T-shape shifter with a satin nickel accent also distinguishes the vehicle's cabin.
*SAE certified.