ALL-NEW TRAILBAZER MAKES WORLD DEBUT IN THAILAND

4x4magazine | 22/03/2012 | 0 Comments

The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV made its world debut yesterday at a special event ahead of The 33^rd Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand.

First previewed in concept form at last year’s Dubai International Motor Show in the Middle East, the Trailblazer will go on sale around the world, beginning with Thailand in June.
Based on General Motors’ new global body-on-frame midsize truck architecture, the Trailblazer was designed to feature premium ride comfort and handling dynamics for urban and highway driving, matched by superior off-road capabilities. With the support of an independent five-link rear suspension, the Trailblazer displays none of the typical characteristics of conventional body-on-frame SUVs. The use of coil springs throughout also provides the Trailblazer with better suspension articulation, a useful trait in off-road conditions, in addition to providing passenger car-like handling dynamics on the road.
Exterior highlights include a “body in-wheels out” design that delivers high approach and departure angles. From every angle, the Trailblazer looks agile and athletic.
Inside, the seven-passenger Trailblazer features leading interior space and intuitive three-row tumble and fold-flat seat versatility. With a flowing instrument panel, integrated center stack and signature Chevrolet dual cockpit design, the interior combines car-like characteristics with the boldness expected of a true SUV.
Available in two- and four-wheel-drive configurations, the Trailblazer is powered by GM’s new four-cylinder Duramax turbo-diesel engines featuring 2.5L and 2.8L displacements. A choice of two drivetrains will be offered – a five-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic featuring electronic shift-control with clutch-to-clutch capability and an electro-hydraulic control module.
The range-topping 2.8L variant features a variable-geometry turbocharger for optimal power and, and a balancer-shaft for greater smoothness. Both engines feature components designed to last for 240,000 kilometers, enhancing durability and reliability while contributing to lower cost of ownership. The 2.8-liter engine is rated at 180 horsepower (132kW) and 470Nm of torque with an available six-speed automatic transmission (440Nm with a five-speed manual). The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 150 horsepower (110kW) and 350Nm of torque.
The Trailblazer was developed in tandem with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup truck by a highly skilled team of GM engineers, who used their expertise to add passenger vehicle attributes to the midsize truck architecture. Team members lived in Thailand during the development of both vehicles, immersing themselves in the highly competitive truck and SUV market and observing how Thais use their vehicles and the driving conditions they experience. The insights gathered led to the development of Trailblazer models covering two specification levels: the mid-level LT and the range-topping LTZ. The new Chevrolet SUV will be built at GM Thailand’s manufacturing facility in Rayong.