TrailBlazer SS from SEMA

[rjsnyder2k]

Autoweek states its slated for production in 18 months.  Thoughts/Opinions?

 

 

Dressed in Ceramic Silver Metalure paint and powered by a Vortec 6000

6.0-liter V-8 producing 345 horsepower and 380 lbs.-ft. of torque, the

Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS concept vehicle makes a modern performance

statement, while acknowledging Chevy's performance past.

 

TrailBlazer SS joins concept versions of the Tahoe SS and Silverado SS

(Regular Cab), along with production versions of Silverado Extended Cab SS

and SSR roadster, at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)

show to showcase interpretations of the new family of Chevrolet SS

performance vehicles.

 

With a wheelbase of 113 inches and an overall length of 191.8 inches, the

Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS compares in dimension to another venerable member

of the SS family, the 1967 Chevelle SS 396. In fact, with a wheelbase of

115 inches and an overall length of 197 inches, the '67 Chevelle SS 396 was

actually 5.2 inches longer than Chevrolet's mid-size SUV of today.

 

"Mid-size cars started the muscle car revolution in the '60s," said

Chevrolet General Manager Kurt Ritter. "Vehicles like the Chevelle SS 396

not only had plenty of power, but the room and comfort for everyday living.

 

Because of that, mid-size vehicles were seen as very personal ? the same

reasons customers have made the TrailBlazer such a success since its debut

last year. In fact, customers are telling us how sporty TrailBlazer is to

drive.

 

TrailBlazer's sporting characteristics are drawn from its robust and agile

chassis. Hydroformed frame side rails provide the foundation for responsive

suspension systems, consisting of double A-arms in the front and a

sophisticated five-link rear suspension.

 

 

TrailBlazer SS builds on that foundation to turn a sporty ride into a

downright exhilarating experience. Progressive-rate performance springs

lower TrailBlazer SS by 2 inches, enhancing cornering and giving the

vehicle a more aggressive stance. Additional handling and appearance

enhancements come from 20-inch Budnik aluminum wheels and Goodyear Eagle GT

II tires. Behind the wheels, large four-piston brake calipers clamp down on

the brake rotors.

 

As for its engine, a 345-horsepower small block V-8 from a GM full-size SUV

was transplanted into the TrailBlazer SS ? another nod to early muscle cars

that featured engines from larger vehicles. A heavy-duty four-speed

automatic transmission backs the engine, and a Corsa 2.5-inch-diameter

stainless steel performance exhaust system provides a

muscle-car-appropriate exhaust note.

 

The exterior appearance of TrailBlazer is unique, thanks to new front and

rear fascias, lower rocker panels, elimination of the roof rack, tinted

crystal-look taillamps, and SS badging. The vehicle's Graphite leather

interior says "SS," too, with embroidered seats and floor mats, an

SS-specific instrument panel, Chevy "bowtie" leather-wrapped steering wheel

and drilled aluminum sport pedals.

 

 

"Besides being a terrific performer whether accelerating or cornering,

TrailBlazer SS is comfortable and easy to drive every day," said Ritter.

"It's the philosophy we're building into every new Chevrolet SS model."

 

 

Although a concept vehicle, TrailBlazer SS provides a unique interpretation

of the new family of Chevy SS production vehicles. The 2003 Silverado

Extended Cab SS is the first production SS vehicle. Chevrolet will announce

additional SS production models in the coming months and model years.

 

 

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SS VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

 

·     Vortec 6000 6.0-liter small block V-8 from GM full-size SUV producing

345 hp and 380 lbs.-ft. of torque

·     BASF Ceramic Silver Metalure exterior color

·     Graphite leather interior

·     Corsa 2.5-inch stainless steel exhaust system (rearward of catalyst system)

·     Heavy-duty 4L80-E automatic transmission

·     Two-inch lowered suspension with progressive rate springs

·     Four-piston brake calipers

·     Budnik 20 x 9-inch polished aluminum wheels

·     Goodyear 275/45/20 Eagle GT II tires

·     SS-logo floor mats

·     Embroidered seat headrests

·     SS-specific instrument panel

·     Chevy "bowtie" leather-wrapped steering wheel

·     Drilled aluminum sport pedals

·     Unique SS front and rear fascias and lower rocker covers

·     Body-color outside mirrors with clear lenses

·     SS badging on door and tailgate

·     Roof cargo rack removed

·     Tinted crystal-look taillamps.

[02EnvoySLT]

It pisses me off when GM teases us like this!

 

GM comes up with nice concepts and then screws them up for production.

 

They'll probably be like, well the 6.0L was just for show, here you guys go, the 5.3L from the XL versions, enjoy.  

 

If they made a 6.0L TB or Envoy, I'd trade up my current Envoy immediately.

[mcali17]

I thought they were going with the 4.2L twin turbo that put out 400 hp?? What happened to that concept?

[Burner]

If that engine makes it into production I hope they make the vehicle AWD or 4WD...........

[pacodiablo]

Another SS?  Good lord!  GM is going to town with that name plate!

[02EnvoySLT]

I thought they were going with the 4.2L twin turbo that put out 400 hp?? What happened to that concept?

6.0L is more viable since it's already in production.

 

Interesting to see "IF" it does happen if it will be an aluminum block.

 

Is GM ready for a SyTy type truck???

 

Don't know, but they sure do need to drop some weight first in these things...

[LarryE]

I really wouldn't put the 6L in the tb ss, that would probably be asking for trouble and some major work.

 

the 5.3 would be amazing in the tb, #### the inline 6 is a  beauty of an engine,  I love driving ours every time I get the chance.

[mcali17]

They are going to offer the 5.3L Vortec V-8 in the short wheelbase, 5 passanger, Buick Rainer (replacement of the Olds Bravada) next fall. It will be the only Short Wheel Base, not like Envoy XL or Trailblazer EXT, with the V-8 available. I drive one when my Dad gets them in and let you know how it is. But it is still like a year away.   :thumb:

[bowtie_pasta]

Very nice, that would be like my dream luxury SUV!!   :thumb:

[BDBWTE]

to nice don't figure on it coming out anytime soon...or if it does it will be an anemic version.