A needed addition to GM's SUV lineup, or an unnecessary duplication of models?
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV made its world debut in production trim ahead of The Bangkok International Motor Show in Thailand. The mid-size sport utility vehicle was first shown as a thinly disguised concept at the Dubai International Motor Show last November. The seven-seat truck is Chevrolet’s latest SUV model, and TrailBlazer will be sold around the world, beginning in Thailand later this year.
In the U.S., the TrailBlazer was discontinued after 2009, and replaced by the unit-body Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook. A Chevrolet spokesperson told AutoInformed that no U.S. sales are planned at this time.
Launch and engineering costs are core issues facing GM as it tries to improve earnings and decrease debt. This year is challenging since a complete revision of GM’s full-size pickup trucks and the SUVs derived from them will debut along with a continuing rollout of slightly smaller mid-size trucks in the U.S.
Towing capacity - key in this segment - was not released. Interior packaging is world class.
Martin Apfel, president, GM Southeast Asia and Chevrolet Sales Thailand, said the introduction of the new TrailBlazer, which will be built at GM Thailand’s manufacturing facility in Rayong, will increase Chevrolet’s presence in the world’s fast-growing SUV markets.
This next generation TrailBlazer combines the hauling and towing capability of a body-on-frame SUV with what is claimed to be the ride comfort and efficiency of a crossover. In other words, it is a traditional American truck although it was developed along with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup by GM do Brazil, in a setback to U.S. workers. GM did not release the towing capacity.
While GM has announced the return of the Colorado to the U.S, but the potentially cannibalizing addition of TrailBlazer to the showrooms alongside the Traverse unit-body SUV means it will likely remain an offshore offering. TrailBlazer’s exterior styling was created by the GM South America Design Center in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil. Not surprisingly, TrailBlazer shares a number of design cues with its sister vehicle, the Chevrolet Colorado.
In Thailand, the Trailblazer will be powered by GM’s all-new family of Duramax four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines, at 2.5-liter and 2.8 liter displacements. Both engines are designed to last for 240,000 kilometers, according to GM. A five-speed manual transmission and a six-speed automatic with electronic shift-control are available.
The 2.8-liter engine is rated at 180 horsepower (132 kW) and 346 lb.-ft. of torque (470 Nm) with an available six-speed automatic transmission (324 lb.-ft. / 440 Nm with a five-speed manual). The 2.5-liter engine is rated at 150 horsepower (110 kW) and 258 lb.-ft. of torque (350 Nm).
See also:
- New Ford Ranger Debuts in Bangkok – U.S. Bound?
- Chevrolet Colorado Show Truck Unveiled in Bangkok
- New Chevrolet Colorado Concept Begs the Fuel Economy Question: Where oh where is Ford’s Small U.S. Pickup?
- UAW has Deal at Ford Pending Local Approvals. 5750 Jobs Added or Retained During Contract. Shared Prosperity Claimed
