Las Vegas, Nevada -- November 4, 2002.

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

 

Great.

Another truck.

 

I hope this isn't the future of GM performance, though from the message, it sure sounds like they are trying to justify it as such.

Hey, GM, Count me out!

You'll be lucky to get me to purchase a 4 door car. I will never purchase an SUV, I don't car how fast it is.

PS:

Sounds like the same strategy that got GM, Ford and Chrysler in trouble to start with -> Avoiding their competion. When they couldn't compete in cars - they focused on trucks and gave up the car market. When the imports moved into the truck market, it was bad news. Now, while the rest of the world is participating in a booming performance car market, GM is making performance SUVs, giving away another segment to the competition.

 

It sounds nice. But i'd prefer a light weight 2 door sports coupe with a small block v8.

Performance and Suv just don't add up.

 

Trucks it is!

Except for the odd Cavalier....the Chevy booth at SEMA will be chock full of trucks.

My favorite part of the press release however, is the tie in with the Trailblazer SS and the '67 Chevelle 396SS.....

 

I've said it before. I'll say it again.

NO TRUCKS!
NO SUVS!
NO 4-DOORS!

These are not performance vehicles. Come on, GM, you can do better.

 

nice but ENOUGH with the friken SUVs and trucks ok.It's getting to be a P.I.T.A. to get out of parking spots.Also it's a P.I.T.A. coming up to stoplights trying to see if the lights will stay green before you go through an intersection.

 

uhgggggggg......
Scott better not be selling out....... is this the crap that he's been working on with Jon Moss's group since the Camaro team was dispersed? I don’t want a SUV Scott, I want a CAMARO

 

I woulda have rather seen the tubo I6, and it just doesnt look all that sporty with 4 drs. It looks good, but not sporty.

Guys, GM has performance cars comming out! GTO, CTSv, XLR, C6 - enough to touch all bases (except compact, but the Ion could fill that void).

 

Looks like they're trying to kill two birds with one stone.

For GM trucks & SUV's have been the best sellers. So why not win back the performance minded GM enthusiast with a performance SUV? Plus, they'll get a few SUV buyers along the way, which should more than make up for GM Performance Buyers that don't fall into line.

GM, if you idiots are actually reading this...

I already have a new Tahoe! What I really need (want) is a new swoopy 2+2 RWD V8/6speed performance car... aka CAMARO.

Wake up!

 

Maybe you can use your regular Tahoe to tow your Tahoe SS to the race track and car (er..truck) shows.

 

LOL!

That just put a hilarious picture in my head!! That was great!!

 

AGREED! What's another run-of-the-mill 6.0 V8 doing in it? Drum up some real interest from the tuner-type crown and use that twin turbo I6 that was developed. The Trailblazer is the best looking SUV on the road for my money but it's still an SUV...it may capture the Syclone/Typhoon crowd if they're still around but an overload of performance trucks is an incredibly stupid way to go. Did anyone know that they are planning to show a supercharged Escalade EXT as well? Just what the world needed, a 500+ HP Cadillac pickup.

 

Good idea, except that my Tahoe LS only has the 4.8L V8.

 

Why would Scott give this message to us?

Who the **** cares about a Trailblazer SS!

If the Camaro team has been dispersed. THAT's IT!

GAME OVER,MAN!!!