Posted on Wednesday 6 February 2008
To fill the void left by the departure of the long-running Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUV GM will be launching its new 2009 Traverse crossover, which is set to arrive later this year. The new Chevy is the fourth model to be based on the existing Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave line of cars and it’s claimed to offer best-in-class fuel economy thanks to its direct-injection 3.6L V6 powerplant.
The 3.6L engine’s direct-injection technology helps it develop a peak output of 286hp (213kW) and 345Nm (255lb-ft) of torque. Power is slightly down on the Cadillac version of the same engine but there’s still plenty of punch as 90% of peak torque is available from approximately 2,500 rpm to more than 6,000 rpm.
The Traverse will arrive in LS, LT and LTZ models, in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Features include 17, 18 and 20in wheels, third-row seating, four-wheel independent suspension and StabiliTrak stability control. Some of the vehicle’s options include a rear-view camera, power liftgate, a DVD player and XM Satellite Radio, plus heated and cooled front seats. Range topping models can also be fitted with a rear spoiler, 20in aluminum wheels, dual exhaust tips and a panoramic sunroof. Inside, there’s space for eight occupants, with the seats divided into two front buckets and two 60/40-split benches. Perforated leather seats and second-row captain’s chairs are also available but carrying capacity is then reduced to just seven.
Although the Traverse is being displayed at this month’s Chicago Auto Show, it won’t start production until the third quarter where it will be assembled at GM’s Spring Hill plant in Tennessee.
Not bad. Turn off the DRLs and put individual turn signals in the back (don’t use the brake lights) and I might consider buying one.
once again, i ask, what the heck is the problem with all in one light units? would you prefer your cars to look like christmas trees?
as for the car, all i can say is wow. i mean… no more than a couple weeks ago i was trashing the idea of a 4th variant but… allow me to insert my foot into my mouth. call me insane but i like whats going on with chevy… i really do. the designs are nice, clean, stylish, but still rather subdued. this thing looks plenty better than any other 7/8 seater out there. i mean, im a ford guy and id take this over the taurus x or the flex. or the MKT for that matter. it even looks slimmer than the enclave which is a very welcomed thing.
Damn, it’s sooo sexy! It is a very stylish Cross-over Utility Vehicle and a reflection of elegance! By the way, gentlemen, have you seen the new Toyota crossover that looks the Edge on the front? (BOO !) I like Toyota but I was really dissapointed! Chevy is becoming very popular in my country and will certainly surpass the legendary Toyota in sales & reputation especially now when GM starts producing Chevrolet cars in Uzbekistan.
Best regards, John!
say hello to the Holden Captiva that has been here in Oz for near on a year now. It is infact a rebadged and remodled Daewoo. And is already on sale in the middle east, asia and sth Africa
Actuall, in reference to the post above this, the Traverse is not the Captiva, and in fact isn’t even on the same platform or designed by the same GM design team. It is closer related to the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, and Saturn Outlook, which share this vehicle’s architecture.
It’s ugly, I’m so tired of this design; the same design Subaru has cranked out for 30+ years.