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Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size SUV from the Chevrolet division of General Motors. Introduced in 2002, the TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award. The TrailBlazer replaced the Blazer as the company's mid-size SUV, though production of the 2-door Blazer overlapped with the new 4-door TrailBlazer for some years (the 4-door Blazer was only produced for fleet orders).
This SUV 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 certain off-road usage. Its main disadvantage is its increased width (as compared to a Suzuki Samurai or 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, though the latter is available as an option.
Engines
EXT
One unique element of the TrailBlazer line was the availability of a 3-row 7-passenger EXT version. This vehicle is 16 in (406 mm) longer and has a higher roofline to allow easier access to the third row of seats. This roof is disguised by standard roof racks.
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.
SS
An SS model was introduced for 2006 with the Chevrolet Corvette's LS2 V8. This new Trailblazer is equipped with a 6.0 L LS2 V8 with 395 hp and 400 ft·lb of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 sec (est), and can do the quarter mile in about 13.5 sec. at 100.0 mph (est).
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. In June 2006 GM announced that the GMT360ng program was also cancelled due to the large investment. The current Trailblazer/Envoy is slated to continue with only minor changes until at least the 2010MY.
Responding to criticism of rebadging, GM will only build the TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy SUVs off of this upgraded platform. Buick will instead get a GM Lambda platform-based crossover SUV, while Saab will replace the 9-7X with the Theta-based 9-4X.
External links
{{Chevrolet}} GM has recently decided to extend the current Trailblazer until at least the '09MY. The next generation 361 platform has been officially cancelled. It is felt that the next mid-sized GM SUV will be based off of the new Lamda platform being build at the new GM Delta Township Assy plant.
