2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer Revealed, No Plans for American Release
The all new 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer was released today at a special event in Bangkok, Thailand preceding its auto show debut at the 2012 Bangkok Motor Show.
The new Trailblazer shares its platform with the re-designed Chevy Colorado, and shares much the same look as the new Colorado. Using the underpinnings from a truck, the Trailblazer is marketed as a capable off road vehicle as well as a passenger hauler with seating for seven.
Under the hood, the Trailblazer will receive two choices sourced from GM’s family of Duramax diesels. The larger option, a 2.8L turbocharged four cylinder will deliver 180 hp and 346 lb.-ft. of torque to the Trailblazer, and the smaller option, a 2.5L four cylinder will put out 150 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. A five speed manual will be available with both motors as well as a six-speed automatic. GM says that more engines will be announced for specific markets, and odds are we won’t be getting the diesels if the Trailblazer comes to America.
Independent rear suspension, two or four wheel drive and the use of coil springs throughout will help the Trailblazer achieve some of the off road prowess its looking for. “The Trailblazer will cater to a wide range of driving styles and requirements. It is car-like responsive and premium in its ride quality while offering the off-road capability that our customers demand. That makes it the complete SUV package,” said Brad Merkel, GM’s Global Vehicle Line Executive for Midsize Trucks and SUVs.
When asked about the Trailblazers designs on the U.S. market, GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson said, “There are currently no plans to introduce the Trailblazer here in the US. Customers here have moved from body-on-frame midsize SUVs to a broad variety of crossovers, and are well represented there with Traverse and Equinox.”
The Trailblazer will go on sale in Thailand and around the world in June of this year. But of course, not in America.
Do you want a Trailblazer? Let us know if you think this vehicle should come to the States in the comments section below.
GALLERY: 2013 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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I also wish they would bring the Trailblazer back. I love my 2005 and will be handing it over to my niece in 3 years when she turns 16. I won't be buying any crossover to take it's place. If Trailblazers weren't good and didn't sell, then why are they everywhere you look?
Bring back the Trailblazer... Why should the rest of the world enjoy this great car and not Americans??