New 2009 Chevrolet TrailBlazer :
The 2009 TrailBlazer is a 4-door, 5-passenger sport-utility, available in 8 trims, ranging from the LT1 2WD to the SS3 AWD.
Upon introduction, the LT1 2WD is equipped with a standard 4.2-liter, I6, 285-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. The SS3 AWD is equipped with a standard 6.0-liter, V8, 390-horsepower engine that achieves 12-mpg in the city and 16-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.
TrailBlazer SS has unique exterior styling and specific interior appointments, including prominent 20-inch flangeless wheels. Power comes from the LS2 6.0L V-8 that produces 390 horsepower (290 kW) and 400 lb.-ft. of torque (542 Nm) – enabling the powerful SUV to reach 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The TrailBlazer SS is available in two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.
TrailBlazer SS is a serious performer and a capable midsize SUV. Riding on a one-inch-lower suspension, the TrailBlazer SS’s suspension was tuned and tested on the racetrack to deliver responsive, balanced handling. The lower ride height reduces the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving overall handling. The springs are up to 25 percent stiffer than the LT model, complementing the lowered ride height with a firmer feel and reduced body roll. Corner control and body roll control also are improved with front stabilizer bars that are approximately 10 percent larger in diameter than other TrailBlazer models. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard.
The four-wheel-disc with ABS brake system uses large, 12.8-inch (325 mm) front disc brake rotors and iron, twin-piston calipers. The heavy-duty iron calipers are stiff and retain their shape under high pressure/high heat braking conditions, providing a more linear feel and reduced pedal travel in high-energy stops. There also is an accessory front brake cooling package available for optimized track performance. With TrailBlazer SS’s brakes, tires and revised ABS algorithm, 62-mph-to-0 (100-kp/h-to-0) stopping distance is approximately 135 feet.
Under the hood, the LS2 6.0L V-8 delivers satisfying down-low torque, for strong off-the-line performance. Torque is inherent to the engine’s cam-in-block design, large 4.00-inch-diameter (101.6 mm) bores and 3.62-inch (92 mm) stroke. Response is crisp and immediate, thanks to the electronically controlled throttle. There also is a stylish SS-specific engine cover, radiator support cover and coordinated air induction box.
Backing the 6.0L V-8 is a new Hydra-Matic 4L70 electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission. It was developed to handle the high horsepower and high torque loads of performance-oriented light-duty vehicles. Special high-strength and heat-treated materials are used in the 4L70 to ensure it delivers smooth, dependable shifting.
A performance-oriented all-wheel drive system is available, giving the TrailBlazer SS impressive on-road grip and enhanced “launch” feel. The always-engaged system uses a Torsen center differential to split torque between the front and rear wheels. It is a torque-bias system that detects low traction at one axle and directs more torque to the other when needed – it is capable of changing the normal 67-percent rear-axle torque bias up to 45/55 (front/rear) or 25/75 (front/rear), depending on the road conditions.
