2014 Trailblazer sets new benchmark

Chevrolet Philippines recently launched the 2014 Trailblazer SUV, which now comes in several new powertrain choices as well as equipped with MyLink in-car infotainment system.

“The 2014 Trailblazer perfectly fits Chevrolet’s ‘Find New Roads’ brand promise,” said Alberto Arcilla, president and managing director of Chevrolet Philippines. “Chevrolet always strives to look for ways to let the Filipino market enjoy an enhanced car ownership experience. The Trailblazer is an SUV that combines looks and utility by offering more space, seven-seater comfort, better performance as well as the ability to explore smartphone features with its MyLink infotainment system.”

Cognizant of the fact that demand for an automatic transmission in the 4×2 variant has been consistently high—accounts for 62 percent of the midsize SUV segment—Arcilla said Chevrolet Philippines has just launched Trailblazer 4×2 automatic model that sports a new 2.8-liter Duramax engine (P1.488 million) that has been made stronger to handle the increased outputs (the 2.8-liter 4×4 automatic variant costs P1.733 million).

More powerful

With the new Duramax engine, the 2.8-liter Trailblazer now has 197.2 horsepower and 500 Newton-meters of torque, making the Trailblazer the most powerful in its class. Equivalent to 178 Nm-per-liter, the new engine will not only improve the Trailblazer’s acceleration and straight-line performance, but also the vehicle’s towing and payload capacity. Output for the 2.5-liter variant (the P 1.378-million manual 4×2) has also increased to 160.7 HP and now produces 380 Nm of torque.

The new Duramax 2.8-diesel engine has 11 percent more power, 6 percent more torque, while consuming 4.3 percent less fuel. The new 2.5-liter Duramax diesel engine, on the other hand, has 8.6 percent more power, 9 percent more torque, while burning 5.17 percent less. Both the 2.8- and 2.5-liter variants are capable of a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour.

Included in the engine’s improvements are a higher pressure Commonrail System, a water-cooling system for the Variable Geometry Turbocharger, a new Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve and the addition of an EGR cooler, an enhanced Intake Manifold, redesigned Cylinder Head and Block, and a Balance Shaft Unit. GM’s powertrain engineers also developed a new Engine Control Module hardware and software for quicker response and added accuracy to keep the engine operating in peak form.

New 6-speed gearbox

The Trailblazer’s 2.5-liter manual transmission variant will get a new six-speed transmission, an upgrade from the previous model’s five-speeds. The new six-speed automatic transmission features retuned ratios to take advantage of the new Duramax’s characteristics (better performance and fuel economy). The Trailblazer is the first in its segment to offer six-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The Trailblazer’s LTZ variant will have a MyLink infotainment system with all the appointed audio unit features and will include smartphone connectivity, pictures, videos and audio streaming.

Once connected, options such as Audio, Pictures and Movies, Telephone, Smartphone Link and Settings are projected onto the Trailblazer’s touch screen. Users can now access personal playlists and make hands-free voice calls, among other functions.

Recalibrated

The new Trailblazer’s suspension and braking systems have been recalibrated to match the additional power and torque from the engine. The use of four coil springs and a multilink rear suspension system found in more up-market SUVs balances out the typical characteristics of conventional body-on-frame SUVs, and results in comfortable ride and passenger car-like handling dynamics. The Trailblazer is the first midsize SUV in its segment to offer disc brakes on all four wheels.

One of the primary concerns in developing the Trailblazer is the safety of all the occupants. It is because of this reason that Chevrolet included a host of active safety features in the SUV. Aside from the usual ABS and EBD tandem, the Trailblazer features Traction Control and Electronic Stability Control for traction loss, Hydraulic Brake Assist and Panic Brake Assist for emergency braking situations, and Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control for negotiating steep terrain.