CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

The 'Chevrolet TrailBlazer' is a mid-size SUV produced by the Chevrolet division of American automaker General Motors. It was introduced in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer. In 2002, the TrailBlazer was upgraded to a new platform (GMT360 for 5 passenger models, GMT370 for 7 passenger, and GMT305 for the Envoy XUV). Production of the Blazer overlapped with the TrailBlazer until 2005, when the 2-door was sold at dealers while the 4-door was fleet only.
The TrailBlazer won the ''North American Truck of the Year'' award in 2002. The 4.2L I6 Atlas LL8 won Ward's Best Engine from 2002-2004 with innovative features such as DOHC, Variable Valve Timing (VVT) on the exhaust camshaft, and GM's Patented "Lost-Foam" casting process.
The TrailBlazer is built on a truck platform, with all models having four-wheel drive as an option with both automatic engagement and the more traditional "4 High" and "4 Low" gearings. The vehicle has enough ground clearance to allow for moderate to heavy off-road usage. Its main disadvantage is its increased width (as compared to a Jeep Wrangler) and lack of suspension travel, causing it to ''high side'' when it encounters high-camber-variance terrain or large rocks. Additionally, it lacks either locking hubs or a limited slip differential. Instead a G80 locking rear differential is available as an option on all models except for the SS which has a G86 LSD standard.
The TrailBlazer was facelifted for 2006. A new front fascia and interior trim were included with the refresh, but only apply to the upper-level LT models. The LS trim still has the 02-05 front and rear fascias. The SS gets trim-specific front and rear fascias plus colormatched side skirts.
The TrailBlazer comes with a 291 hp/277 ft·lbf all-aluminum 4.2 L "Atlas" LL8 inline-six engine standard and an optional 302 hp/330 ft·lbf aluminum small-block 5.3 L V8 with Active Fuel Management. The inline-six makes the TrailBlazer the most powerful six-cylinder SUV in its class. The Active Fuel Management system on the V8 engine shuts off 4 of the 8 cylinders during highway travel and idle to save fuel. The 6-cylinder versions of the TrailBlazer get up to 20 miles per gallon highway, according to refreshed EPA estimates. The TrailBlazer can tow up to 6,800 lb, which gives it a huge advantage over unibody crossover SUVs.
For 2005, the TrailBlazer overtook the Ford Explorer to become the best-selling SUV by a small margin in the North American market. The TrailBlazer is sold in some countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

Contents

Engines

EXT

SS

Future

References

External links

Engines

★ 2002-present LL8 4.2 L I6

★ 2003-2004 LM4 5.3 L V8

★ 2005-present LH6 5.3 L V8

★ 2006-present LS2 6.0 L V8

EXT

One unique element of the TrailBlazer line was the availability of a 3-row, 7-passenger EXT version. This vehicle was 16 in (406 mm) longer and had a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof was disguised by standard roof racks. The TrailBlazer EXT was more of a full-size SUV than a mid-size SUV, and was longer than a Chevrolet Tahoe.
Production of the EXT model was handled by the Oklahoma City Assembly plant in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The last TrailBlazer EXT rolled off the assembly line on February 20, 2006, because GM had reportedly closed that plant, making 2006 the final year for the TrailBlazer EXT.
Many reasons why the TrailBlazer EXT failed is because of the redesigned 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe growing in size.

SS

An SS model was introduced for the 2006 model year. This was the first time a production SUV wore the Super Sport badge.^[1] This new TrailBlazer comes standard with a 6.0 L ''LS2'' V8 based off the same engine that comes standard in the Chevrolet Corvette. The ''LS2'' is rated at 395 hp with 400 ft·lbf of torque and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.8 seconds with quarter mile times around 13.5 seconds at 100.0 mph. Other differences entail the use of a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission, a cold air intake package, a 4.10 ratio limited slip rear differential, a ZQ8 sport suspension, specially designed front brakes with brake pads similar to those found on the Corvette, and optional all-wheel drive (via a Torsen T-3 center differential). Along with these performance upgrades, the SS received many minor exterior changes including a redesigned front and rear bumper, color-matched grille, factory installed 20 inch wheels, and the absence of a roof rack. Inside the SS is an exclusive black cloth or leather interior with SS specific embroidery on the seats. A DVD navigation system and XM Satellite Radio are also available on the SS model. As with most GM vehicles, OnStar is standard with a free one year subscription included.^[2]

Future

The next generation TrailBlazer was to be built on an upgraded version of the current GMT360 platform called the GMT361. It was scheduled to be launched in spring 2007, but in January 2006, GM decided to just refresh the current platform and call the vehicle a GMT360NG. However, in June 2006, GM announced that the GMT360NG program was also canceled due to the large investment. GM has recently decided to extend the current TrailBlazer until at least the 2010 model year. If a new TrailBlazer is released, it will be a modified version of the SUV currently on sale.
Responding to criticism of rebadging, GM will only build the TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy in the future. Buick will instead get the Enclave, a GM Lambda platform-based crossover SUV to replace the Rainier, while Saab will replace the 9-7X with the Theta-based 9-4X.
General Motors is expected to introduce a new crossover SUV based off the new pavement-oriented Lambda chassis. Because of this, the TrailBlazer is expected to be refreshed in a manner similar in size and price to the Nissan Xterra, creating a niche off-road vehicle that will slot under the Tahoe in price range. It is likely to retain the GMT360 platform and continue production at its Moraine, Ohio assembly facility.

References

1. "Tuning News.net article on the Trailblazer SS", Chevrolet Trailblazer SS 9/23/05. Retrieved September 29, 2006.
2. "Chevrolet's Trailblazer Features Web Site Retrieved September 29, 2006.

External links

★ Chevrolet.com's Official TrailBlazer Site