The Chevrolet TrailBlazer is a mid-size SUV from the Chevrolet division of General Motors. It was introduced in 1999 as an upscale trim line of the Blazer, and became a model in itself for 2002. The rest of the Blazer line continued, but because of the new TrailBlazer, the TrailBlazer trim was discontinued. The TrailBlazer won the North American Truck of the Year award in 2002. The TrailBlazer replaced the Blazer as the company's mid-size SUV, though production of the old Blazer overlapped with the TrailBlazer for some years until 2005 when in their last year, the 2-door was sold at retail while the 4-door was fleet only.
The TrailBlazer 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 for moderate to heavy off-road usage. Its main disadvantage is its increased width (as compared to 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.
2006 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS
An SS model was introduced for the 2006 model year. This was the first time a production SUV wore the Super Sport badge.This new TrailBlazer comes standard with a 6.0 L LS2 V8 based off the same engine that comes standard in the Chevrolet Corvette. The LS2 is rated at 395 hp with 400 ft·lbf of torque and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in an estimated 5.8 seconds with quarter mile times around 13.5 seconds at 100.0 mph. Other differences entail the use of a heavy-duty 4-speed automatic transmission, a cold air intake package, a 4.10 ratio limited slip rear differential, a ZQ8 sport suspension, specially designed front brakes with brake pads similar to those found on the Corvette, and optional all-wheel drive.
Along with these performance upgrades, the SS received many minor exterior changes including a redesigned front and rear bumper, color-matched grille, factory installed 20 inch wheels, and the absence of a roof rack. Inside the SS is an exclusive black cloth or leather interior with SS specific embroidery on the seats. A DVD navigation system and XM Satellite Radio are also available on the SS model. As with most GM vehicles, OnStar is standard with a free one year subscription included.
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