Dressed in Ceramic Silver Metalure paint and powered by a 6.0 liter V8 that produces 345 horsepower and 380 lb ft of torque, the Chevy Trailblazer SS concept vehicle makes a modern performance statement, while acknowledging Chevy's midsize performance past.
Trailblazer SS joined concept versions of the Tahoe SS and Sillverado SS Regular Cab along with production versions of Silverado SS Extended Cab and SSR Roadster at the 2002 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 Chevy Trailblazer SS is comparable 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 is actually over 5 inches longer than Chevrolet's midsize SUV of today.
"Midsize cars started the muscle car revolution in the sixties" said Kurt Ritter, Chevrolet General Manager. "Vehicles like the Chevelle SS 396 not only had plenty of power, but the room and comfort for everyday living. Because of that, midsize vehicles were seen as very personal -- not unlike the 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, thereby enhancing cornering and giving the vehicle a more aggressive stance. Additional handling and appearance enhancements come from 20 inch Budnick aluminum wheels and Goodyear Eagle GT II tires. Behind the wheels, large four piston brake calipers clamp down on enlarged brake rotors.
As for its engine, a 345 horsepower V8 from a GM full-size pickup was transplanted intto the TrailBlazer SS -- another nod to early muscle cars that featured engines from larger vehicles. A heavy duty 4-speed automatic transmission backs the engine and a Corsa 2.5 inch diameter stainless steel performance exhaust system provides a muscle-car exhaust note.
The exterior appearance of Trailblazer SS 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 vehicles graphite leather interior says SS too with embroidered seats and floor mats, and SS specific instrument panel, Chevy bowtie leather wrapped steering wheel, and drilled aluminum sport pedals.
"Besides a terrific performer, whether accelerating or cornering, TrailBlazer SS is comfortable and fun 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 unique interpretation of the family of Chevy SS production vehicles. The 2003 Silverado Extended Cab pickup is the FIRST production vehicle and Chevrolet will announce additional SS production models in the coming months and years.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS:
6.0 Liter Vortech V8 producing 345 horsepower and 380 lbs ft torque BASF Ceramic Silver Metalure exterior Graphite Leather Interior Corsa 2.5 inch stainless steel performance exhaust system Heavy Duty 4L80 E automatic transmission Two INch lowered suspension Budnik 20 X 9 inch polished aluminum wheels Goodyear 275/45/20 Eagle GT II tires
Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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I guess I'm too set in my ways. I still can't get excited over a fast truck, as an alternative to a fast car. The Trailblazer is nice, but I'd rather spend my money on a high performance, V8 powered, two door, muscle/pony car. Posts: 2359 | From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2001
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quote:Originally posted by JohnS: I guess I'm too set in my ways. I still can't get excited over a fast truck, as an alternative to a fast car. The Trailblazer is nice, but I'd rather spend my money on a high performance, V8 powered, two door, muscle/pony car.
But as a replacement for the JEEP ?!? Posts: 4222 | From: Winnipeg MB CA | Registered: Feb 2000
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quote:Originally posted by poSSum: But as a replacement for the JEEP ?!?
Could be! I'm in the market to replace the Jeep. Do you think Scott would let me try out the concept truck over the winter? I wonder how the Trailbrazer SS would be in the snow? Posts: 2359 | From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2001
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Oh joy another SUV just what we need. Posts: 556 | From: Warren, MI | Registered: Jan 2001
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Fbodfather
They don't make songs about Volvos.
Member # 1119
posted
keep in mind that this is NOT a replacement for performance cars....it is one of many new SSs coming in the next months and years --both car and truck. SS will NOT be just a badge...it has to have performance, handling, and appearance specifications to earn the right to wear the SS badge.
(and my initials!)
Do we need another SUV? The public at large sure seems to think so....and as a stockholder in GM, I would want to make sure we offer the best SUVS out there.....
I still prefer to drive my CamaroSS!
SScott
Posts: 749 | From: Detroit | Registered: Aug 2001
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quote: Do we need another SUV? The public at large sure seems to think so....and as a stockholder in GM, I would want to make sure we offer the best SUVS out there.....
I still prefer to drive my CamaroSS
I couldn't agree more..... at least on the concepts they are using stuff a customer could go down to their dealer and buy. I got a Corsa exhaust installed on my company avalanche and it sounds great.... SUV's do have one good purpose.... for pulling your car to shows. One of my personal "favorites" is the Performance Parts Chevelle with a vette LS6 and 4L65E......
quote:Originally posted by JohnS: I guess I'm too set in my ways. I still can't get excited over a fast truck, as an alternative to a fast car. The Trailblazer is nice, but I'd rather spend my money on a high performance, V8 powered, two door, muscle/pony car.
But as a replacement for the JEEP ?!?
Only a JEEP can replace a JEEP. A truck is a truck How much firewood can I haul in this thing?
Posts: 1632 | From: Rindge NH, formerly Boylston MA | Registered: Feb 2000
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posted
It is a bit sad when I drive home from work past 2 Chevy dealers and they have mostly trucks and suv's. I guess people can't drive these days without 4x4. Posts: 5682 | From: Dearborn,Mi. | Registered: Feb 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Thom Mackesy: Only a JEEP can replace a JEEP.
You've got that right, Thom.
I've had three Grand Cherokees, and you either love 'em or hate 'em.
But like SScott (alias Fbodfather) said, I still prefer to drive my CamaroSS, too! Posts: 2359 | From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jul 2001
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quote:Originally posted by Fbodfather: Do we need another SUV? The public at large sure seems to think so....and as a stockholder in GM, I would want to make sure we offer the best SUVS out there.....
I still prefer to drive my CamaroSS!
SScott
I couldn't agree more. Each type of vehicle has it's place - that's why I've got both in my stable, and if you need to have an SUV on tap all the better if it's got some extra zip! This is exactly the kind of thing I'd like to replace my Bravada with in a couple of years!
Please, though, make sure that you can order a fully optioned out version WITHOUT the OnStar cr*p in it. That's one of the big things that's been keeping me from buying recently...
Posts: 64 | From: Houston, Tx USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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quote: Please, though, make sure that you can order a fully optioned out version WITHOUT the OnStar cr*p in it. That's one of the big things that's been keeping me from buying recently...
Have you ever used it? You don't have to activate if you don't want but.... it does have some good value. Car stolen? Simply call onstar and they can track it and send the police in. Have a heart attack and can't get to your cell, just press the medic button. Onstar will send help to your exact location. These are true "storeis" that happen each day. My current company ride doesn't have it and I miss it. Its expically nice for road warriors like myself that need to find things when you travel to different cities.
Posts: 1045 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Nov 2001
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I have evaluated it and those examples define many (but not all) of the reasons I *don't* want it - and it's not as simple as "not activating" it either. The system is still alive if you buy the service or not. Posts: 64 | From: Houston, Tx USA | Registered: Aug 2000
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quote:Originally posted by Quasar99SS: I have evaluated it and those examples define many (but not all) of the reasons I *don't* want it - and it's not as simple as "not activating" it either. The system is still alive if you buy the service or not.
Guess you must be a bank robber or one paranoid person....
Posts: 1045 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Nov 2001
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posted
Very nice...for an SUV. They can do better with the wheels...holy TBird wheels batman! Posts: 3403 | From: Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA | Registered: Dec 2000
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The Trailblazer is nice, but I'd rather spend my money on a high performance, V8 powered, two door, muscle/pony car. ![[eek13]](graemlins/eek13.gif)
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That's one of the big things that's been keeping me from buying recently...
