TRAILBLAZER BREAKS COVER IN DUBAI

Chevrolet’s toughest, most- refined midsize sport utility vehicle, the TrailBlazer, made its globaldebut at the Dubai International Motor Show.

The robust seven-seat show vehicle previews Chevrolet’s latest SUV offering, which will be sold around the world, beginning with Thailand in early 2012, where it will be manufactured too. Developed in tandem with the all-new Chevrolet Colorado pickup, it shares the same architecture as its truck sibling, with a chassis tuned to combine heavy-duty off-road capability with refined city driving.

The show vehicle features an all-wheel-drive system and is powered by GM’s new 2.8-liter Duramax turbo-diesel engine, which features a variable-geometry turbocharger for an optimal combination of performance and fuel economy.

Although this is a show vehicle, the overall design is faithful to the production version that will arrive in Chevrolet showrooms next year. It was created by the GM South America Design Center in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil, and shares a number of design cues with its sister vehicle, the Chevrolet Colorado.

Exterior highlights include a “body in-wheels out” design that delivers high approach and departure angles. Higher-mounted dual projector headlamps are positioned beneath the power dome. Also prominent is the contemporary dual-port grille while the integrated LED front and rear fog lamps provide a premium appearance.  

With a flowing instrument panel, integrated center stack, and signature Chevrolet dual cockpit design, the interior of the all-new TrailBlazer combines car-like characteristics with the boldness expected of a SUV. The seven-passenger interior offers intuitive three-row tumble and/or fold-flat seat versatility and best-in-class spaciousness in the third row. Contrasting trim used with the light-colored leather seating, mat dark wood trim accented with chrome, and dual-grained surfaces used on the upper and lower IP provide a premium feel. A number of storage compartments are located throughout the interior, including a covered center bin and a large, dual glovebox. Other features include a dual-zone, digital climate control system and the latest in infotainment technology.