2002 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

THE ALL-NEW MIDSIZE 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER OFFERS UNEQUALED POWER, STRENGTH

The all-new 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer sport utility vehicle (SÚV) offers an unequaled combination of strength, power and high-tech precision, wrapped in a design that evokes patented Chevy Truck toughness. Bigger than a Blazer and smaller than a Tahoe, the TrailBlazer completes the Chevy Truck SÚV family, giving Chevy the most competitive SÚV lineup in the industry, from Tracker to Suburban.

Later in 2002 Chevy will introduce an extended TrailBlazer with a third row seat.

Powered by the all-new Vortec 4200, an inline-six configured engine, the TrailBlazer offers the power of a V8 engine with the fuel efficiency of a six-cylinder. It is the most technologically advanced engine in its class and delivers the most horsepower in its segment, at 270 hp with 275 lb-ft of torque.

'The 2002 TrailBlazer is designed to deliver a new level of strength, power, security, ride and handling, and true SÚV toughness,' said Russ Clark, TrailBlazer brand manager. 'It starts with the Vortec 4200 engine, which combines new technology with the proven balance of an inline-six engine to challenge the best of the best. The TrailBlazer will offer unequaled power and smoothness, while providing excellent fuel efficiency.'

Yet the TrailBlazer doesn't sacrifice refined ride and handling, ample cargo and passenger space, or long-lasting dependability. It offers a complete package of performance, features and attributes specially tuned for the unique demands of SÚV customers.

Engine and transmission smoothness

The Vortec 4200 is mated to a next-generation four-speed automatic transmission (4L60-E), and is expected to set industry benchmarks for smoothness and quietness while providing a strong, flat torque curve. And TrailBlazer provides that power with good fuel economy, strong trailer towing capacity and an inherently balanced inline-six engine.

The engine meets or exceeds all sound requirements while providing outstanding horsepower, 0 to 60-mph performance, and 50 to 70 mph performance. Its naturally balanced configuration virtually eliminates shake and idle roll.

A racing version of the powerful inline-six has won both the Baja 500 and the Nevada 2000 'best of the desert' races, competing against V8 engines.

Superior ride and handling

TrailBlazer's world-class ride and handling attributes combine Chevy-Truck toughness and unprecedented precision. Its hydroformed steel frame side rails form a strong foundation for the truck's overall strength and ride quality. The frame dramatically increases torsional stiffness, an important enabler in the performance of suspension components.

A five-link rear suspension — similar to the system pioneered by Chevy's award winning Tahoe and Suburban — combines with a double-A arm front suspension and one of the SÚV-market's first applications of rack-and-pinion steering for superior responsiveness, quietness and performance.

The hydraulically assisted rack-and-pinion steering system provides a precise steering response and tight turning radius. Braking also is at world-class levels in terms of noise, wear and brake feel. An advanced system of 12 specially tuned body mounts use hydraulics and rubber pads to isolate road inputs and noise, limiting vibration and harshness dramatically on any kind of road or trail.

All-new platform

TrailBlazer is built on an all-new GM vehicle platform that establishes a new standard for technology in the midsize SÚV world. With features such as next-generation OnStar, the industry's first fully hydroformed frame, dual-stage air bags and a five-link rear suspension, TrailBlazer brings a host of innovative technologies to the midsize truck arena. TrailBlazer also has all-new sheet metal and a body-on-frame architecture. It will only be offered in a four-door configuration. TrailBlazer is one of a new generation of midsize SÚVs that is part of GM's strategy to be the industry's truck leader.

'This vehicle defines what Chevy Trucks are all about,' added Clark. 'The TrailBlazer is bigger, quieter and more powerful than the Blazer, and will match up against any competition on the market.'

Safe driver environment

TrailBlazer provides a strong safety package. It comes equipped with standard dual-stage air bags, side impact air bags for front seating positions, and three-point restraint systems for all seating positions (including the middle rear). New four-wheel vented disc anti-lock brakes (ABS) are also standard.

The vehicle's styling offers dramatically improved visibility and a commanding view of the road. TrailBlazer's enhanced driver information center (DIC) has a 22-character message display, giving drivers feedback on dozens of vehicle systems and conditions. The next-generation OnStar system provides hands-free calling, information services, and many other features.

Chassis

The chassis system was designed to achieve new levels of comfort, safety and performance in a midsize SÚV. TrailBlazer has a stiffer frame, which achieves an optimum structural feel for precise ride and handling. Responsive steering from a hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion system provides precise steering response and a world-class tight turning radius. A five-link rear suspension system provides the ride and handling more like a European sport sedan than a traditional truck.

Four-wheel vented disc brakes with standard ABS achieve high levels of wear resistance, noise reduction and brake feel. Traction control is available as an option for two-wheel drive models.

Technology

Technologies such as electronic throttle control, variable valve timing (cam phasing), OnStar, a hydroformed frame, a five-link rear suspension, and many others make TrailBlazer a true competitor in the growing midsize SÚV segment.

The vehicle also has an all-new heating/ventilation/air conditioning system (HVAC) which has been rated one of the best against 'Best in Class' competitors, both car and truck. It is the first system in a GM truck to offer dual zones and its high-airflow system warms up and cools down faster than virtually any other system in the segment or price range.

To keep all these technologies running, the TrailBlazer incorporates the most advanced electrical system ever used in a truck. The electrical architecture is a major enabler of the advanced segment-defining features of the vehicle — most notably the next-generation OnStar — and will set the standard for all GM truck electrical systems. The system is highly integrated with distributed computing and 17 zone modules, all connected by a serial data network.

Source - GM Corporation