2006 Chevrolet Malibu SS, Malibu Maxx SS and TrailBlazer SS Preview

Chevrolet's other addition to the SS lineup will come in the form of a tarted- up Trailblazer, which without doubt emphasizes the

Chevrolet's other addition to the SS lineup will come in the form of a tarted-up Trailblazer. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

sport in sport utility vehicle. While enthusiasts may question how this large and heavy midsize SUV could be a true SS vehicle, it certainly deserves it more than the Malibu as it packs a retuned version of the Corvette's LS2 V8 engine. On that note the announcement of the Trailblazer SS is not surprising, being that the reworked Chevrolet SSR, which also utilizes this engine for 2006, is based on the Trailblazer platform, making the tie-up a match made in heaven.

With 390 horsepower, 395 lb-ft of torque and optional road-tuned all-wheel drive, the Trailblazer SS is capable of rushing from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, which is fairly impressive for a vehicle of this size. What's even more impressive is that this SS has a suspension

With 390-horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque the Trailblazer SS is capable of rushing from standstill to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

system that was tuned on one of the world's best performance proving grounds, Germany's famed Nurburgring racetrack.

It won't be as nimble as the racy Cobalt SS, but with a ride height that's been lowered by 25 mm (1.0 inches) up front and 45 mm (1.8 inches) in back, twin-piston calipers clamping 325-mm (12.8-inch) front discs, and GM's StabiliTrak stability control system, this Trailblazer will make light work of any road.

The Trailblazer SS loses none of the regular model's practicality, retaining a 2,722-kilo (6,000-lb) payload, and the ability to comfortably transport five in style.